Coronavirus UK news update – Mass testing chaos feared when schools go back on March 8 as Williamson confirms exams axed

GRAPHIC: UK COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS PER DAY

FRANCE RUGBY SUSPENDS TRAINING AFTER NEW COVID CASE IN SIX NATIONS SQUAD

France have suspended training following a new COVID-19 case within their Six Nations squad ahead of Sunday's game against Scotland, the French rugby federation said on Thursday.

The Six Nations on Wednesday said that the game would go ahead as planned, although 11 France players have now been infected in the past week.

CAMP BESTIVAL TO GO AHEAD IN JULY OR AUGUST AS RESTRICTIONS LIFT

Camp Bestival music festival is set go ahead this summer after Covid lockdown is lifted, it has been revealed today.

Thousands of music fans have flocked to Dorset for the family-friendly four-day event in previous summers. All music festivals were put on hold last year as the pandemic ripped across Britain.

But Camp Bestival is due to reopen at Lulworth Castle from the end of July, in a boost to lockdown-weary Brits and the pandemic-ravaged music industry.

The popular festival was co-founded by Josie da Bank and her DJ husband Rob da Bank.

It comes after it was confirmed yesterday that Reading AND Leeds Festival will go ahead this summer.

MODERNA VACCINE THAT TARGETS SOUTH AFRICAN VARIANT TO UNDERGO CLINICAL TRIALS

Moderna has produced a vaccine that works specifically against the South African variant of coronavirus, with trials due to start in the US.

The firm is experimenting with several potential methods of combating new variants of coronavirus, with a view to potentially offering new or booster shots.

It comes after studies suggested that current vaccines offer less protection against the South African variant, which has a key mutation - E484K - that is thought to help the virus evade parts of the immune system.

The mutation has been worrying scientists and is also found in the Brazil variant of the virus as well as some cases of the variant originally identified in Kent. Moderna is looking at whether an additional booster shot targeting the South African variant could be given to people, and is working on a combined jab that mixes its current vaccine with the new one.

The UK has ordered 17 million doses of Moderna's original vaccine, with delivery expected from the spring.

FRANCE AND GERMANY TO INCREASE COVID-19 CONTROLS AT COMMON BORDER

France said on Thursday it would bring in new COVID-19 restrictions for the area around its common border with Germany, as President Emmanuel Macron's government tries to contain a surge of coronavirus variants in the French region of Moselle.

Cross-border workers, who had exemptions until now, will need to present negative PCR tests to get through if travelling for reasons unrelated to their jobs, France's European affairs and health ministers said in a joint statement.

Home working in the area will also be reinforced, they said, after France and Germany said earlier this week they were trying to find ways to prevent a closure of their common border.

Joint France-German police patrols could be stepped up, the ministries said, adding that France's vaccination programme in the region was also being sped up and testing would be boosted.

USING FACEMASKS IN SCHOOL WILL BE 'HIGHLY RECOMMENDED'

Nick Gibb said the wearing of face coverings in secondary schools was not compulsory but instead was being "highly recommended".

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the schools minister said: "We are saying it is not mandatory for schools to have masks in classrooms but it is highly recommended because we want to do everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission in the school.

"So there is twice-a-week testing of students, staff as well.

"We have all those measures in place - hand hygiene, the cleaning of surfaces, the ventilation, staggered lunchbreaks and play times - all those measures designed to minimise the risk of infection and transmission within the school.

"And this is one more measure just to help reduce that where you can't have social distancing in a classroom."

UK HOLIDAY BOOKINGS SURGE BY 300%

UK travel companies have seen a huge surge in searches, enquiries, and bookings for this spring and summer, following the announcement of a "roadmap" out of lockdown.

Campsites.co.uk, which works with more than 3,000 camping and glamping sites across the UK, also reported a big increase in bookings immediately after the roadmap was revealed, the Independent reported.

Website visits were 250 per cent higher than normal for this time of year and bookings and enquiries up by more than 300 per cent.

The surge comes as the news that some domestic holidays may be permitted from 12 April – those in self-contained  such as , apartments and campsites and caravan parks without shared indoor facilities.

All other holiday accommodation is slated to reopen from 17 May, depending on coronavirus infection rates and the efficacy of the vaccine rollout.

PFIZER TWO DOSE BOOST

MORE than 90 per cent of people who have had two doses of the Pfizer vaccine have high levels of Covid antibodies, a major study has found.

New data from Imperial College London also showed that those who have previously had Covid had a strong immune response after a single dose.

Their findings, published today, show that 87.9 per cent of people over the age of 80 tested positive for antibodies after two Pfizer vaccine doses.

MASKS AND TESTS NOT COMPULSORY

FACE masks and Covid tests will not be compulsory in secondary schools when kids return on March 8.

The Government has said both measures are "voluntary" and that teachers should not send pupils home for refusing.

Boris Johnson announced this week that secondary school kids are to be tested twice a week under fresh plans to get children back in the classroom in England next month.

YEARWOOD TESTS POSITIVE

TRISHA Yearwood has tested positive for Covid-19.

The 56-year-old's husband Garth Brooks, 59, confirmed the news as he said "we'll ride this through together."

Both  and Trisha are now quarantining at their home in Tennessee after she tested positive for 

HOW WILL STUDENTS IN ENGLAND RECEIVE EXAM GRADES THIS SUMMER?

Teachers will be able to draw on a range of evidence when determining grades, including mock exams, coursework or other work completed as part of a pupil's course, such as essays or in-class tests.

Exam boards will provide teachers with optional assessment questions for students to answer to also help schools decide which grades to award.

But it is understood that teachers will have the flexibility to choose how long students have to complete the task, and where it will be carried out.

GO SLOW BO

Gavin Williamson insisted tonight that lockdown easing WON'T be sped up despite demands from Tory MPs.

The Education Secretary revealed at tonight's press conference that 18.2million have now got the vaccine across the UK as the rollout continues to go from strength to strength.

And he backed comments from Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and Downing Street that this was the right approach.

Even Professor Neil Ferguson had suggested that the lockdown lifting schedule may be sped up.

Jacob Rees-Mogg had admitted that there may be some "flexibility" in the timetable.

CZECH GOVERNMENT TO WEIGH TIGHTER COVID MEASURES ON THURSDAY

The Czech government will debate possible tighter coronavirus measures at a Thursday evening meeting, a government spokesman said after ministers did not reach a decision on new restrictions at an extraordinary sitting on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis said earlier on Wednesday that tighter measures were needed to prevent a "catastrophe" in hospitals in the coming weeks as the country battles one of the world's highest COVID-19 infection and death rates.

With non-essential shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and most schools already closed, ministers are debating further curbs on people's movement to combat the spread of the virus.

WHEN CAN I GO ON HOLIDAYS TO WALES?

The Welsh government is yet to give an official restart date for holidays, unlike Boris Johnson.

Mark Drakeford said Wales' potential reopening of the tourism industry around Easter would include bed & breakfasts and hotels with room service as long as the accommodation is self-contained.

This is yet to be officially confirmed.

ISOLATION FEAR

Quarantine periods could be extended after studies showed the Kent Covid strain was infectious for longer, the deputy chief medical officer suggested last night.

Jenny Harries said ministers were looking closely at fresh studies which revealed some people were infectious for up to 13 days - compared to eight for the old variant.

At the moment people have to stay inside for 10 days when they come into the UK from a series of 'red list' countries, but there are fears this may no longer be enough to stop the disease from spreading.

Ms Harries said the Government were looking closely at the issue and whether quarantine may need to be changed.

WEEKLY WELLBEING MEETINGS TO HELP EX-FOOTBALLERS WHO ARE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Former players living with dementia will have the opportunity to reminisce about their careers with fellow ex-professionals as part of a new initiative supported by the Professional Footballers' Association Charity.

The players' union is working with the Sporting Memories Foundation to set up weekly clubs, designed to boost the ex-pros' physical and mental health through the power of gentle exercise and sharing memories.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic it is understood the sessions will be virtual for the time being.

Susie Brindley, the chief operating officer of SMF, said: "We hear time and again from those who attend Sporting Memories Clubs that it becomes the highlight of their week, an anchor, and a time when they meet others in a relaxed environment where what they say is valued and given time.

"Likewise, family members and carers of those who attend Sporting Memories Club feel benefits, in terms of the increased wellbeing of their loved one or simply time for themselves."

NEARLY 800,000 HOME-OWNERS 'VULNERABLE TO REPOSSESSION'

Nearly 800,000 households across the UK could be at risk of losing their home if they suffer a loss of income, according to analysis by a think-tank.

The Social Market Foundation said that of the 770,000 it calculates may be at risk of repossession, a quarter (26%) work in retail or manufacturing, sectors badly hit by the pandemic.

SMF research funded by the Building Societies Association (BSA) suggests more than one in 10 owner-occupiers do not have enough savings to cover a single month's mortgage payment.

A ban on home repossessions has been put in place as part of coronavirus support measures and borrowers have also been able to take mortgage payment holidays.

CONTINUED

The video was accompanied by the caption: “Meanwhile in Forest Gate….”

Hairdressers and barbers are currently shut, but Boris Johnson announced earlier this week that they definitely won’t open before April 12.

Most people said they had no issue with the street haircut.

One viewer joked: “Anyone know how much he’s charging?”

Another said: “Not sure I see a problem here. Outdoors so very small risk. Barber should wear a mask and gloves though.”

One Tweeter said: “Hope he doesn’t ask for a back, sack and crack.”

For the video click here.

FRESH AIRCUT

A barber was seen giving a customer a short back and sides haircut in the street in an apparent bid to get around Covid rules.

The video shows the unusual scene in Forest Gate, east London, as a punter gets the shave in full public view.

And many of those who saw it said it should be allowed as it was taking place in the fresh air.

The video was posted to Twitter and shows someone walking past a man sitting on a chair on the pavement as a hairdresser gives him a shave.

EXAMS OFF

School exams will be scrapped this year with the grading system to be confirmed tomorrow, Gavin Williamson announced today.

The Education Secretary this afternoon said trust would be firmly put in the hands of teachers as the Covid lockdown is lifted over the coming months.

Speaking at the press conference this afternoon, Mr Williamson said: "Tomorrow, we'll be setting out the details on how grades will be awarded this summer.

"While I cannot pre-empt that announcement, I'm very pleased to say it will confirm this year we are putting our trust firmly in the hand of teachers."

DEATHS DROP

Covid deaths have dropped 40 per cent in a week with 442 more fatalities - as 18million Brits receive a first dose of the vaccine.

A further 9,938 infections were recorded - meaning 4,144,577 people have tested positive for the disease since the pandemic began.

Deaths have also risen to a total of 121,747.

Yesterday, 548 more fatalities were reported and 8,489 more cases - the lowest rise in infections since October.

COVID SPREAD

Surge testing will be rolled out in Buckinghamshire and Lambeth following the discovery of the South African coronavirus variant.

Increased testing will be introduced to the new Covid hotspots, with people living in those areas being strongly encouraged to be tested.

Additional testing and genomic sequencing is being deployed to targeted areas within the HP10 postcode in Buckinghamshire and SW8 and SW9 postcodes in Lambeth, where the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been found.

Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help understand Covid-19 variants and their spread within these areas.

ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU SETS APRIL TARGET FOR REOPENING ECONOMY

Israel aims to reopen its economy by April 5 after having vaccinated all its eligible population and is in talks with vaccine makers Pfizer and Moderna to open facilities in the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

Israel has been importing Pfizer-BioNTech PFE.N, BNTX.O and Moderna Inc MRNA.O vaccines.

It has administered at least one Pfizer dose to almost 50% of its 9 million population so far in one of the world's swiftest campaigns.

On Sunday, Israel reopened many businesses, including street shops and malls though with some leisure facilities being open only to people immunised by vaccine or by having recovered from COVID-19.

PANDEMIC HAS MADE SPENDING TRANSPARENCY HARDER, AUDITOR GENERAL SAYS

The pandemic has made transparency around public spending more difficult as governments work to rebuild the economy, Scotland's auditor general has said.

In his latest report on the impact of coronavirus, Stephen Boyle said the Scottish Government had received an extra £9.7 billion to its budget of more than £40 billion during the 2020/21 financial year.

While this reduced funding uncertainty for the Scottish Government, he said, it created financial management challenges.

The auditor general noted there had been more than 170 public spending announcements connected to Covid-19 and called on all levels of government to ensure the "pandemic pound" delivered value for money.

WILL FESTIVALS GO AHEAD IN SUMMER 2021?

Boris Johnson outlined his plan for unlocking the nation on Monday, February 22,- which will start in just two weeks' time.

Big events like concerts and sporting events can go ahead after May 17 - with limits on the number of people allowed to attend.

But the key date everyone is waiting for is June 21, when all other restrictions will be lifted.

Lockdown will officially end on this date and restrictions on social contact could be lifted - meaning that mass events are allowed to take place.

From then on, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, along with theatre performances.