Coronavirus: Health Secretary Matt Hancock won't rule out second national lockdown - Sky News

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has not ruled out a second national lockdown, telling Sky News: "We'll do what is necessary to keep people safe."

It has been reported that scientists advising the government have proposed a two-week national lockdown in October to try to tackle the rising number of coronavirus cases.

Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates

Image: Scientists advising the government are reported to be proposing a two-week national lockdown in October

Asked about those reports and the possibility of a second national lockdown, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley: "The last line of defence is full national action and I don't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic."

He added: "It isn't something that we ever take off the table but it isn't something that we want to see either, it is the last line of defence.

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"But what I would say this morning is the country once again needs to come together and recognise there is a serious challenge.

"The virus is accelerating. Unfortunately it isn't just cases increasing, it's also the number of people ending up in hospital increasing."

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According to the Financial Times, experts on the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) have suggested a new national lockdown.

This could coincide with the October school half-term in order to limit the impact on children's education, the newspaper added.

On Thursday, localised restrictions were introduced in northeast England, which means more than 10 million people across the UK are now in some form of local lockdown.

New restrictions covering the whole of Lancashire, with the exception of two thirds of the seaside resort of Blackpool, are expected to be announced on Friday.

Mr Hancock confirmed the government would be "making further announcements" on localised action later in the day.

"We do have to recognise that the number of cases is rising and we do have to act because we know, especially from looking at other countries, that inexorably leads to more hospitalisations and sadly more deaths," he said.

"And that is what we want to minimise and we want to protect people's livelihoods at the same time."

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2020-09-18 06:56:15Z
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Coronavirus: New lockdown restrictions begin in North East as Lancashire expected to follow - Sky News

People in northeast England will not be able to meet others outside their household from today - as Lancashire is also expected to be placed under tighter restrictions. 

More than 10 million people across the UK are now in lockdown, after new restrictions in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham began at midnight.

Residents in these areas are banned from socialising with others outside their household or bubble, food and drink venues are restricted to table service only and all leisure and entertainment venues must close at 10pm.

Other areas under tighter lockdown restrictions include parts of Scotland, south Wales, the northwest of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Drastic new measures could also be announced in Lancashire, northwest England, Sky News understands.

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to make an announcement this morning which will outlaw socialising with different households in homes, private gardens, public parks, restaurants, and pub beer gardens.

People will be urged to only use public transport for essential trips - but the rules are not expected to include a complete ban on mixing with other households or a 10pm curfew for bars and pubs.

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This will apply in the boroughs of Preston, Lancaster, Wyre, Fylde, Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Ribble Valley, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, and Rossendale.

However, two-thirds of the seaside resort of Blackpool will not face the tougher restrictions.

The county has just seen its largest daily rise in new cases so far, recording 250 further infections on Thursday.

Meanwhile, there are also reports Merseyside and Leeds could be the next to be placed under similar restrictions.

Coronavirus cases have been rising across the UK, with a further 3,395 confirmed infections and 21 deaths reported on Thursday.

Addressing the further restrictions in the North East, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there had been "concerning rates of infection".

"We agree with the local councils that we must follow the data and act and the data says that we must act now so that we can control the virus and keep people safe," he said.

"And I know that the people of the North East will come together to beat this virus, as defeat it we must."

Image: Newcastle is among the areas where pubs will have to operate with a curfew

According to Sky News data, the two-week coronavirus infection rate per 100,000 in the seven local authority areas facing new restrictions are:

• Sunderland: 155.7
• South Tyneside: 155.1
• Gateshead: 139.7
• Newcastle 116.3
• North Tyneside: 85
• County Durham: 70.2
• Northumberland: 47.1

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On Thursday morning, health minister Edward Argar told Sky News: "In the North East we are seeing a spike in infections. It is exactly what we have seen in the North West.

"We monitor that rate. Where we need to, we step in and take action."

Mr Argar said, in northwest England, the rise in infections was due to people not adhering to social distancing rules with different households meeting up in close proximity.

He added: "Obviously a night-time economy can fuel that when people have been to the pub, people have been out late into the evening.

"That's one of the ways in which that transmission can increase."

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2020-09-18 02:02:27Z
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Coronavirus: North-east England local lockdown begins - BBC News

New restrictions to halt a rise in coronavirus cases have come into force in north-east England, affecting almost two million people.

The temporary measures, which started at midnight, are to tackle "concerning rates of infection" in the region.

The rules affect Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and the County Durham council area.

Pubs and restaurants must shut early and household-mixing has been limited.

Responding to the rise in infections, Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: "The evidence we've found from local testing is that it's spreading in three main areas - in pubs, in people's homes and in grassroots sports."

Meanwhile, the BBC understands new local lockdown restrictions are to be introduced in most of Lancashire, with the exception of Blackpool.

An announcement on measures in parts of north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told the Liverpool Echo "we fully expect" additional restrictions as infection rates in the city have risen above 100 per 100,000 of population.

The new measures for north-east England include:

• Meeting people outside your household or support bubble in private homes and gardens is banned (exemptions include attending a birth, visiting someone who is dying, work, education, registered childcare, emergencies or care issues, moving house and child contact arrangements)
• People are advised not to socialise outside their household in public venues
• Residents should only use public transport for essential purposes, such as going to school or work
• Pubs, restaurants, cafes must be table service only and all leisure venues must shut at 22:00
• Holidays are permitted but only with members of your household or support bubble
• Travel outside the area is permitted but visiting another home or garden is not
• People should not spectate at any grassroots sport or play sport in the restricted areas
• Schools, colleges and universities remain open
• Care homes are closed to non-essential visitors except in end-of-life circumstances
• There are no local changes to funerals, weddings or religious ceremonies

Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The data says that we must act now."

He said Sunderland currently had an infection rate of 103 cases per 100,000 people. In South Tyneside and Gateshead the latest published rates were 93.4 and 83.6 respectively.

Concern has been raised about increased waiting times for coronavirus test results for people using community testing centres.

In Sunderland, drivers queued outside a Covid test centre, only to later find out it was empty.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

There remains confusion over some of the measures.

Discussions between the council and the government were still continuing over whether to exclude grandparents helping with childcare from the restrictions.

Mr Forbes tweeted that Newcastle City Council had "specifically" asked for this to be allowed and was "hoping" for government confirmation.

Council leaders have also requested additional funding for policing, as well as extra testing facilities.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth echoed the need for more testing capacity to be available in areas where there were tightened restrictions.

He said it was urgent the government "fixes testing, fixes tracing" or we face a "very bleak winter indeed".

County Durham's director of public health Amanda Healy said: "If we do want to be able to continue to go to work, to schools, to keep in contact with relatives but stop an increase in the cases we have seen, we are really urging people to adhere to the guidance coming out today."

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said: "Nobody welcomes these things but I would think the vast majority of people recognise these are extremely difficult times and we all need to act and pull together."

Small businesses broadly welcomed the lockdown but called for more support to adapt to the new measures.

Simon Hanson, North East development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said it was "absolutely critical" that small and micro businesses were given grant support quickly to help them adapt and provide cashflow.

It is estimated than 10 million people in the UK currently face additional coronavirus restrictions, with local lockdowns covering parts of Scotland, south Wales, the north west and north east of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

Do you live in one of the areas where restrictions are being reintroduced? How will you be affected? Share your views and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
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2020-09-18 00:57:30Z
52781066749526

Coronavirus: North-east England local lockdown begins - BBC News

New restrictions to halt a rise in coronavirus cases have come into force in north-east England, affecting almost two million people.

The temporary measures, which started at midnight, are to tackle "concerning rates of infection" in the region.

The rules affect Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and the County Durham council area.

Pubs and restaurants must shut early and household-mixing has been limited.

Responding to the rise in infections, Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: "The evidence we've found from local testing is that it's spreading in three main areas - in pubs, in people's homes and in grassroots sports."

Meanwhile, the BBC understands new local lockdown restrictions are to be introduced in most of Lancashire, with the exception of Blackpool.

An announcement on measures in parts of north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told the Liverpool Echo "we fully expect" additional restrictions as infection rates in the city have risen above 100 per 100,000 of population.

The new measures for north-east England include:

• Meeting people outside your household or support bubble in private homes and gardens is banned (exemptions include attending a birth, visiting someone who is dying, work, education, registered childcare, emergencies or care issues, moving house and child contact arrangements)
• People are advised not to socialise outside their household in public venues
• Residents should only use public transport for essential purposes, such as going to school or work
• Pubs, restaurants, cafes must be table service only and all leisure venues must shut at 22:00
• Holidays are permitted but only with members of your household or support bubble
• Travel outside the area is permitted but visiting another home or garden is not
• People should not spectate at any grassroots sport or play sport in the restricted areas
• Schools, colleges and universities remain open
• Care homes are closed to non-essential visitors except in end-of-life circumstances
• There are no local changes to funerals, weddings or religious ceremonies

Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The data says that we must act now."

He said Sunderland currently had an infection rate of 103 cases per 100,000 people. In South Tyneside and Gateshead the latest published rates were 93.4 and 83.6 respectively.

Concern has been raised about increased waiting times for coronavirus test results for people using community testing centres.

In Sunderland, drivers queued outside a Covid test centre, only to later find out it was empty.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

There remains confusion over some of the measures.

Discussions between the council and the government were still continuing over whether to exclude grandparents helping with childcare from the restrictions.

Mr Forbes tweeted that Newcastle City Council had "specifically" asked for this to be allowed and was "hoping" for government confirmation.

Council leaders have also requested additional funding for policing, as well as extra testing facilities.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth echoed the need for more testing capacity to be available in areas where there were tightened restrictions.

He said it was urgent the government "fixes testing, fixes tracing" or we face a "very bleak winter indeed".

County Durham's director of public health Amanda Healy said: "If we do want to be able to continue to go to work, to schools, to keep in contact with relatives but stop an increase in the cases we have seen, we are really urging people to adhere to the guidance coming out today."

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said: "Nobody welcomes these things but I would think the vast majority of people recognise these are extremely difficult times and we all need to act and pull together."

Small businesses broadly welcomed the lockdown but called for more support to adapt to the new measures.

Simon Hanson, North East development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said it was "absolutely critical" that small and micro businesses were given grant support quickly to help them adapt and provide cashflow.

It is estimated than 10 million people in the UK currently face additional coronavirus restrictions, with local lockdowns covering parts of Scotland, south Wales, the north west and north east of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

Do you live in one of the areas where restrictions are being reintroduced? How will you be affected? Share your views and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-09-18 00:13:38Z
52781066749526

Brussels fury: EU plans to RAMP UP Brexit demands after Boris's threats sparks panic - Daily Express

Brussels sources said the bloc is now closely examining its “governance” position to ensure any future relationship pact with the UK is unbreakable. Michel Barnier is said to be assessing a much stricter framework to enforce the terms of any agreement struck before the end of the year. The move comes after the Prime Minister published legislation that would hand ministers the power to ignore EU customs checks and state aid rules in Northern Ireland.

Despite the provocation from London, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen still believes a deal is possible.

EU diplomats have hinted the bloc could even accept less stringent level-playing field regulations if a stronger enforcement measure is found.

One diplomatic source said: “If we want to make progress, we might need less content on a level-playing field but then you absolutely need a rocksolid governance system.

“I think the developments of the last week have actually shown its importance, and there is a broad feeling among member states that it is even more important.”

The final governance structure will likely hold a series of mini deals, on trade in goods, security and fisheries, in one framework.

The bloc wants a cross-cutting mechanism to allow infringements to be punishable in different areas of the treaty from where any breach may happen.

Mrs von der Leyen today said the bloc’s legal dispute with Britain over a breach of the divorce deal will stay separate from the trade negotiations.

She said: “I am still convinced it can be done."

European sources have welcomed suggestions by Downing Street that its Internal Market Bill could be watered down to quash a Tory rebellion over plans to break international law.

One EU diplomat said: “We should not overreact.

“We will continue negotiations because there are two separate tracks: one is the one which the UK has decided to violate, and the other is the future relationship.”

No 10 published a policy paper suggesting ministers would first exhaust dispute mechanisms within the Withdrawal Agreement before opting to overrule the treaty.

MUST READ: EU can’t talk! Brexit has exposed EU’s double standards

But Brussels is confident as breakthroughs are made in the talks over the future relationship, the impact of the controversial legislation will become less apparent.

An EU diplomat said: “It’s quite striking that in the middle of an unprecedented health and economic crisis, the UK Government has got everyone talking about VAT and customs declarations in the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“If the negotiations on the future arrangements can be concluded fruitfully the issues with the Protocol will also collapse into place.”

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2020-09-17 23:31:26Z
52781066034773

Coronavirus: North-east England local lockdown begins - BBC News

New restrictions to halt a rise in coronavirus cases have come into force in north-east England, affecting almost two million people.

The temporary measures, which started at midnight, are to tackle "concerning rates of infection" in the region.

The rules affect Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and the County Durham council area.

Pubs and restaurants must shut early and household-mixing has been limited.

Responding to the rise in infections, Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: "The evidence we've found from local testing is that it's spreading in three main areas - in pubs, in people's homes and in grassroots sports."

Meanwhile, the BBC understands new local lockdown restrictions are to be introduced in most of Lancashire, with the exception of Blackpool.

An announcement on measures in parts of north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told the Liverpool Echo "we fully expect" additional restrictions as infection rates in the city have risen above 100 per 100,000 of population.

The new measures for north-east England include:

• Meeting people outside your household or support bubble in private homes and gardens is banned (exemptions include attending a birth, visiting someone who is dying, work, education, registered childcare, emergencies or care issues, moving house and child contact arrangements)
• People are advised not to socialise outside their household in public venues
• Residents should only use public transport for essential purposes, such as going to school or work
• Pubs, restaurants, cafes must be table service only and all leisure venues must shut at 22:00
• Holidays are permitted but only with members of your household or support bubble
• Travel outside the area is permitted but visiting another home or garden is not
• People should not spectate at any grassroots sport or play sport in the restricted areas
• Schools, colleges and universities remain open
• Care homes are closed to non-essential visitors except in end-of-life circumstances
• There are no local changes to funerals, weddings or religious ceremonies

Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The data says that we must act now."

He said Sunderland currently had an infection rate of 103 cases per 100,000 people. In South Tyneside and Gateshead the latest published rates were 93.4 and 83.6 respectively.

Concern has been raised about increased waiting times for coronavirus test results for people using community testing centres.

In Sunderland, drivers queued outside a Covid test centre, only to later find out it was empty.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

There remains confusion over some of the measures.

Discussions between the council and the government were still continuing over whether to exclude grandparents helping with childcare from the restrictions.

Mr Forbes tweeted that Newcastle City Council had "specifically" asked for this to be allowed and was "hoping" for government confirmation.

Council leaders have also requested additional funding for policing, as well as extra testing facilities.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth echoed the need for more testing capacity to be available in areas where there were tightened restrictions.

He said it was urgent the government "fixes testing, fixes tracing" or we face a "very bleak winter indeed".

County Durham's director of public health Amanda Healy said: "If we do want to be able to continue to go to work, to schools, to keep in contact with relatives but stop an increase in the cases we have seen, we are really urging people to adhere to the guidance coming out today."

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said: "Nobody welcomes these things but I would think the vast majority of people recognise these are extremely difficult times and we all need to act and pull together."

Small businesses broadly welcomed the lockdown but called for more support to adapt to the new measures.

Simon Hanson, North East development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said it was "absolutely critical" that small and micro businesses were given grant support quickly to help them adapt and provide cashflow.

It is estimated than 10 million people in the UK currently face additional coronavirus restrictions, with local lockdowns covering parts of Scotland, south Wales, the north west and north east of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

Do you live in one of the areas where restrictions are being reintroduced? How will you be affected? Share your views and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-09-17 23:02:47Z
52781066749526

Head of NHS testing programme admits huge rise in demand came as surprise - BBC News - BBC News

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1. Head of NHS testing programme admits huge rise in demand came as surprise - BBC News  BBC News
2. Coronavirus: Test demand 'significantly outstripping' capacity  BBC News
3. Demand for Covid checks 'is up to FOUR TIMES the system's capacity'  Daily Mail
4. Covid-19: UK test and trace 'barely functional' as 11 million face lockdown  The Guardian
5. Coronavirus: Test turnaround times getting longer in England  BBC News
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2020-09-17 21:35:41Z
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