Coronavirus LIVE: Chief Medical Officer to give Welsh Government update

The coronavirus self-swab guide and how easy it is to do

One man who went this morning said: ‘The hardest part is trying no to redecorate your dashboard as the tonsil bit does make you gag’.

Flytipping warning

PM chairs first cabinet meeting since coming out of hospital

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has chaired his first Cabinet meeting since he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
He chaired the daily coronavirus morning meeting, followed by meetings of his political Cabinet and full Cabinet, the PM’s official spokesman said.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance updated Cabinet on the response to coronavirus so far and the progress made in slowing the spread of the disease.
Secretaries of State then updated colleagues on the work their departments are doing.

Peak of the virus

Dr Atherton says there is no reason to believe there is a different peak of the virus in North Wales to South Wales. It comes as rumours circulate that Anglesey will see a peak in late May.

He says however they cannot say there will not be a second or third peak.

Social distancing is a priority

Dr Atherton says social distancing is far more important than wearing face masks.

Face masks

There are no plans in Wales to introduce the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Lack of knowledge of how virus spreads

Dr Atherton says one of the gaps in knowledge is how the virus spreads from those who have Covid-19 but do not display symptoms.

Could shops re-open?

Dr Atherton says we need to be cautious about some stores re-opening but says social distancing is being practiced in supermarkets. He says in theory this could work in other settings. He says the virus thrives the most in small spaces.

Wales is following science, insists Dr Atherton

Dr Atherton says they are still trying to understand changes made in England and the rationale behind them. He says Wales’ approach is to follow the science.

Care home staff and residents need to be tested, says medical chief

He says we need to do more in care homes. Dr Atherton says we need to think about testing care home staff and residents as part of plans.

Re-opening NHS will be a challenge

Dr Atherton says there are “hidden harms” and says the challenge is re-opening the NHS to make sure essential services are available.

Three things that need to happen before lockdown is lifted

Dr Atherton says there are three things he says we must consider before lifing lockdown.

He says we need a better understanding of how the virus is moving around.

The second thing he says is as numbers come down we need a better way of tracking and tracing to identify cases.

The third thing we need to do In Wales is watch internationally what is happening in other countries as they lift lockdown measures.

Concerns over virus circulating in hospitals and care homes

Dr Atherton says transmission of the virus has reduced but they are worried about it circulating in hospitals and care homes.

Virus 'not finished with us yet'

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton, says we have to remember this virus is “not finished with us yet”. He adds that if lockdown measures are lifted too soon then the virus could spread even more.

Boris Johnson set to extend coronavirus lockdown for weeks as review date approaches

The Prime Minister is expected to signal that lockdown measures will remain in force until June as the coronavirus crisis continues. Reports from Government sources say Boris Johnson is unlikely to ease restrictions as the May 7 review deadline approaches. Mr Johnson will lead today’s UK Government briefing on the pandemic for the first time since he fell ill with the virus and was left in intensive care.

Welsh Government briefing

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton, will hold a press conference to update on the latest coronavirus situation in Wales. at 12.30pm today. We’ll have updates.

Police share pictures of rainbows

Four in 10 key workers worried about safety

Around four in 10 key workers are concerned about their health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic, a survey has revealed.
Some 179 people (59.7%) of key workers questioned by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said their jobs are being affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Of these, 39.6% said they have health and safety fears, while others are also concerned about increased working hours.
The ONS has included estimates of the experiences of key workers for the first time in its weekly analysis of the impact of coronavirus on society and the economy.
Some 298 people in the survey of 1,423 adults said they are key workers, but this was not broken down by occupation or industry.

Pharmacy 'calls police' after English GP surgery asks for medication for patient on holiday

A North Wales pharmacy called the police after an English GP surgery asked them to dispense medication for a patient on holiday. The Gwynedd pharmacist gave out the medication to the second home owner but then called North Wales Police Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts claimed on Twitter. But the pharmacist was told the force had “no powers to act” because the person was already in their second home, Ms Saville Roberts said.

Home testing kit

Home testing kits for Covid-19 that can diagnose the disease with a simple yes or no answer could be ready for use by autumn, scientists have said.
The hand-held device, which looks like a home pregnancy test, is being developed by researchers at the University of Manchester.
Unlike other diagnostic tests being used, which look for traces of the genetic material of the virus, the Manchester prototype examines the “chains of sugars” that coat all human cells.

Government could miss 100,000-a-day testing target

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has admitted the Government may not meet its goal of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests but praised colleague Matt Hancock for being “bold” in setting the target.
Mr Buckland said the Government was “well on its way” to hitting the number but the Health Secretary deserved praise “even if the target isn’t met today”.
It came as NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, described the target as a “red herring” which has distracted attention from failings in the long-term Covid-19 strategy.
NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson added that as many as 120,000 tests would be needed daily for NHS workers once the UK comes out of lockdown, to stave off a second wave of the virus.

Tube could be 'rapidly overwhelmed' when lockdown is lifted

A briefing to emergency planners has warned that London’s transport system could be overwhelmed by demand when the coronavirus lockdown is eased, it has been reported.
The London Strategic Co-ordination Group (SCG) document stated that London Underground services would be “rapidly overwhelmed” if social distancing was maintained, according to the BBC.
It said the capacity of the Tube and buses would be cut to 15% and 12% respectively compared with normal levels if a two-metre space between passengers is enforced.
The briefing, which contained a number of scenarios, also warned that lifting lockdown measures could put more pressure on the police to manage crowds, enforce restrictions and respond to an increase in crime levels.
The lockdown was announced on March 23 and is next due to be reviewed on May 7.

Captain Tom Moore reaches £30m

After reaching £30 million in fundraising, a post from Captain Moore’s Twitter
account read: “£30 Million! THANK YOU everyone you are all magnificent.”

Coleg Cambria donates to hospital patients

Coleg Cambria staff donated hundreds of vital toiletry and health products to hospital patients.

The college’s Work-based Learning team bought shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, hand wash and other items for Mold and Deeside community hospitals.

Patients were running low as their families are self-isolating and unable to visit because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

To mark the generous effort – which saw more than 300 items presented to nurses in past days – 20 work-based assessors and managers from Cambria took part in a short film, which is already proving popular on social media.

In the video, employees at the Mold branch of Iceland – which also donated products - are seen throwing toiletry bottles and tins to each other before they are passed from clip to clip by college tutors and lecturers and eventually received by medical staff at the hospitals.

One bottle of shower gel is even transported using a drone, which added to the fun of the project, according to Work-based Learning Manager, Kate Muddiman.

Welsh doctors say nicotine patches could be used to treat coronavirus

A Welsh doctor has claimed that nicotine patches could be used as a way to help treat coronavirus. Jonathan Davies, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant believes the nicotine could stop the virus from attaching itself to human cells. Davies and his two of his colleagues, Dr Nerys Conway, a consultant respiratory physician, and Dr Robert Davies, a consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital were the first to suggest the use of the nicotine patches as a treatment.

Caravan parks urged to adhere to regulations

Denbighshire County Council’s Public Protection team is working closely with North Wales Police to remind owners of caravan parks and campsites to adhere to national regulations to remain closed and to continue protecting local communities.

Welsh Government’s First Minister Mark Drakeford made the order last month to close all campsites and caravan parks after significant concerns were raised across the country about the number of visitors and holidaymakers that had made their way to these sites during the outbreak of coronavirus, placing extreme added pressure on vital services. They must remain closed until further notice, unless specifically exempt or requested and approved by the Welsh Government or the Council.

Now the Council and Police are issuing a reminder for these sites to remain closed until the order has been lifted.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Safer Communities, said:

We are living in unprecedented times due to Coronavirus Covid-19 and clear guidelines have been issued by the Welsh and UK Governments that people should adhere to social-distancing, self-isolation and only undertake essential journeys.

Welsh Government made the order to close campsite and caravan park accommodation immediately to assist in preventing the spread of the virus, and to limit the impact of visitors on our health and care services locally which are already under considerable pressure. Asking customers to stay at their main home address is helping to protect their safety, that of the people of Denbighshire as well as our vital health and care services.

“We are extremely grateful to those owners or caravan sites and campsites that have shown great co-operation and it is a timely reminder with the current good weather to continue adhering to these regulations until further notice”

Roald Dahl illustrator Sir Quentin Blake steps up to help save struggling owl sanctuary

Roald Dahl illustrator Sir Quentin Blake has come to the rescue of an owl charity struggling for funds as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Owls Trust, based in Llandudno, is home to 65 owls, but since closing to the public staff has been struggling to find the hundreds of pounds needed each week to feed its birds of prey and meet running costs.

Police called after New York funeral home puts bodies in rented trucks

Police have been called to a New York City neighbourhood after a funeral home overwhelmed by coronavirus resorted to storing dozens of bodies on ice in rented trucks, and a passer-by complained about the smell, officials said.
Investigators who responded to a 911 call found that the home had rented four trucks to hold about 50 corpses, according to a law enforcement official.
The Andrew T Cleckley Funeral Home in Brooklyn was cited for failing to control the odours, but no criminal charges were brought.
The home obtained a larger, refrigerated truck later in the day, the official said, and workers in protective gear could be seen in the afternoon transferring bodies into it.

Frontline hospital workers struggling to get to and from work after Arriva cut bus services

Some NHS staff are having to cut short their shifts or otherwise face being left “stranded” after Arriva reduced its bus services. Earlier this week, the firm announced changes to its timetable amid the coronavirus crisis, meaning some hospital staff can’t get home after working gruelling 12-and-a-half hour days. One, who works at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and lives in Llandudno said it is now “impossible” to work her normal 7.30am to 8pm shift or cover weekends and Bank Holidays because of changes to the number 13 service

What Captain Tom has to say as he turns 100

In a message to supporters on his 100th birthday, Captain Tom said: “Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming.
“People keep saying what I have done is remarkable, however it’s actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.
“I felt a little frustrated and disappointed after I broke my hip and it knocked my confidence. However, the past three weeks have put a spring back in my step. I have renewed purpose and have thoroughly enjoyed every second of this exciting adventure, but I can’t keep walking forever.
“The donations page will close at midnight this evening. NHS Charities Together still have their urgent appeal, so people can donate to them that way.
“I am going to spend my birthday with my family, both here in person and with my daughter remotely, and then I am going to have a few days’ rest. My legs may be tired, but my mind is racing and I’m hoping to be back very soon with other ways in which I can help people, help others.
“Please always remember, ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’. With my sincerest gratitude, Captain Tom Moore.”