Coronavirus news LIVE updates – UK sends aid to pandemic hit India as Brits over-30 to be ‘offered Covid vaccine by May’
THE UK is sending ventilators and vital aid to Covid-ravaged India after harrowing images showed people dying in the street.
The outbreak in world's second most populous nation has been described as "hell on earth" as a mutant strain spreads like wildfire.
India set a new global record for daily Covid infections on Sunday with another 349,691 cases, bringing the total to 17million.
Experts warn there could be 5,700 deaths a day at the predicted peak next month, and 750,000 more deaths by August.
Dominic Raab tweeted: “Today we have sent the first of several urgent deliveries of surplus medical equipment to our friends in India to help provide life-saving care for vulnerable Covid patients.
"No one is safe until we are all safe.”
Meanwhile pubs reopened today in Wales and Scotland in the next phase of lockdown easing.
And Brits in their 30s are set to be offered Covid jabs by early May.
People aged 44 will be formally invited this morning to get vaccinated — with a new TV ad campaign also encouraging uptake among young people.
Insiders say it is likely all over-40s will get an invite by the end of this week.
It was also possible that those in their 30s will get one as soon as next week — depending on supplies.
In a further sign of life returning to ";nornal", Wembley Stadium last night hosted 8,000 football fans in the biggest Covid test event yet.
All those watching Manchester City beat Spurs in the Carabao Cup final had to take a lateral flow coronavirus test at a designated site – not at home – 24 hours beforehand.
They were also required to send off for a PCR Covid-19 test to take again within five days.
Read our coronavirus live blog below for the latest updates...
'UNPRECEDENTED' DEMAND
Publicans in Scotland are expecting a busy week as they were allowed to open their doors today for the first time in months.
Up to six people from two households can have a meal inside at a cafe or restaurant - but alcohol must be served outdoors.
Rick Houston, landlord of The Carvale pub in Busby, told the BBC demand is "unprecedented" and he is fully booked tonight and over the weekend.
“We're really excited," he said. "It was the October 9 the last time we pulled a pint so we’re looking forward to welcoming our customers back.”
Tourism chiefs are also hoping for a staycation surge as holiday accommodation is also allowed to open from today.
THREE CHEERS
Pubs in Wales celebrated being allowed to open for the first time in months today.
Two weeks after beer gardens opened in England, drinkers over the border can now also get an outdoors tipple.
Up to six people from six households are allowed to meet, with social distancing and hygiene measures in place.
Outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can also reopen under the latest easing of lockdown.
Indoor dining will be allowed from May 17, the same day as in England.
OPEN DOORS IN SCOTLAND
Prinmark shoppers queued up in Edinburgh and Glasgow this morning as non-essential shops were allowed to reopen.
Gyms and pubs can also welcome people back from today in the latest stage of easing lockdown.
It comes two weeks after shops and pubs reopened in England.
Hundreds of people queued up to get into Primark in Glasgow's Argyll St.
One woman told the Glasgow Times she was there 4.30am to be first in line.
A queue of eager shoppers waited to get into Primark in Edinburgh this morningCredit: SWNS
INDIA CRISIS 'UNBEARABLE'
Ben Wallace also described the Covid crisis in India as "unbearable" and said the UK would "do everything we can to alleviate their suffering".
The Defence Secretary told Sky News: "The United Kingdom is going to send to India oxygen compressors and ventilators, things that are really needed in the now.
"The pressure on hospitals in India is getting unbearable and we are going to do our part to make sure our friends in India get all the support they can.
"If you remember, we commissioned a huge number of ventilators to alleviate the pressure on our hospitals - it is only right that we share and help them in their time of need.
"If necessary, we'll put military planes together or charter other planes - we'll do everything we can to alleviate their suffering."
Patients in India have been dying outside hospitals because of a lack of beds and a severe shortage of oxygen.
'LET BODIES PILE UP' COMMENT DENIED
A Cabinet minister today denied a report that Boris Johnson said he would rather bodies piled "high in their thousands" than order a third lockdown.
The Daily Mail cited unidentified sources claiming the PM made the comment shortly after agreeing to a second lockdown in October.
The sources claimed Johnson told a meeting in Downing Street: "No more f***ing lockdowns – let the bodies pile high in their thousands."
But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told Sky News: "It's not true - it's been categorically denied by practically everyone.
"We're getting into the sort of comedy chapter now of these gossip stories. You know - unnamed sources by unnamed advisers talking about unnamed events. None of this is serious."
The PM's alleged comment is similar to one that bitter ex-aide Dominic Cummings was reported to be threatening to reveal.
TRIAL OF 'OLD-FASHIONED' NEW VACCINE
Scientists are recruiting 4,000 volunteers to take part in a study of the new Valneva vaccine, which is manufactured in Scotland.
The trial will gauge whether an "old-fashioned" technology works better than the high-tech Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, .
Volunteers will be randomly given either the Valneva or AstraZeneca jabs, allowing researchers to scientists to compare safety and efficacy.
Most previous trails have only compared the effect of one type of vaccine against a placebo.
Volunteers under 30 will not be given AstraZeneca, which has been linked to an increased risk or rare blood clots.
Regulators say for most people the benefits strongly outweigh the risks.
INDIA TOLL 'FIVE TIMES HIGHER'
India is now the hardest-hit country in the world after a super-mutant strain caused a second wave "tsunami".
It is seeing around 350,000 new confirmed cases a day and almost 3,000 deaths, bring the total to over 195,000.
But experts reckon the true scale is under-reported.
“It’s a complete massacre of data,” said Bhramar Mukherjee, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, .
“From all the modelling we’ve done, we believe the true number of deaths is two to five times what is being reported.”
UNDER 50s URGED TO GET VACCINE
People aged 50 and under are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine so the UK can "continue on the path back to normality".
The push for people to take up jab offers comes as restrictions ease in Wales and Scotland, and as Britain sends more than 600 pieces of urgently-needed medical equipment to India following a devastating surge in coronavirus cases.
A UK Government campaign - called "every vaccination gives us hope" - sees the launch of a TV advert which will showcase the health workers and volunteers involved in the vaccination rollout across the UK.
BORIS 'TO SHELVE COVID PASSPORTS FOR PUBS'
The PM has reportedly shelved much-loathed plans to introduce so-called 'Covid passports' for pubs and restaurants this year.
In a major boost for the hospitality trade, the PM will exempt bars and restaurants from new Covid safety rules, according to Whitehall sources.
Those attending mass gatherings, such as festivals or major sports events, are likely to be required to provide proof of a jab, test or natural immunity.
Read more here.
HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE LAUNCH TRAVEL BUBBLE
Hong Kong and Singapore said they would launch an air travel bubble.
Flights will begin from May 26 and visitors will not have to go through the quarantine as long as they fulfill the conditions of travelling within the air travel bubble.
Hong Kong and Singapore had previously announced the launch of an air travel bubble in November last year but shelved the plan days before it was to start after Hong Kong saw a surge in Covid infections.
DAUGHTER IN UK FEARS FOR MOTHER, 82, IN INDIA AS COVID SPREADS
A woman living in London has said she feels “angry and frustrated” at being unable to help her unvaccinated 82-year-old mother in India as Covid-19 cases soar.
Sumita Singha – an architect, author and non-executive director at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – moved to the UK from India in 1988.
Sumita’s mother Namita Sinha, 82, lives in Delhi with Sumita’s sister in an apartment which she has not left for months.
Mrs Sinha was recently offered the Covishield vaccine, a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced in India.
While the family were discussing whether she should take it however, a new wave of Covid cases in India convinced them it was best for Mrs Sinha to stay in her flat and reduce her risk of exposure.
UNDER-50S URGED TO GET VACCINE SO UK 'CAN CONTINUE ON PATH BACK TO NORMALITY'
People aged 50 and under are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine so the UK can "continue on the path back to normality".
The push for people to take up jab offers comes as restrictions ease in Wales and Scotland, and as Britain sends more than 600 pieces of urgently-needed medical equipment to India following a devastating surge in coronavirus cases.
A UK Government campaign - called "every vaccination gives us hope" - sees the launch of a TV advert which will showcase the health workers and volunteers involved in the vaccination rollout across the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the campaign will predominantly be aimed at people under the age of 50 who will be offered their first dose, as well as the over 50s who are booked in for their second dose, to encourage vaccine uptake.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Vaccines are helping us get back to doing the things we have missed - they protect you and those around you.
"This campaign is a remarkable and poignant reminder of everything we've been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to - as well as the tireless efforts of our volunteers, NHS heroes and the British people. Every vaccination gives us hope and I urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccine when it comes, as we continue on the path back to normality."
TV ADVERT LAUNCHED URGING PUBLIC TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE
A TV advert will form part of a Government campaign urging people aged 50 and under to get their Covid-19 vaccine.
The ad showcases the health workers and volunteers involved in the rollout across the UK, as well as some of the millions of people who have already had their jab.
The campaign - called "every vaccination gives us hope" - will also run across radio, multi-cultural media, social media and on billboards across Manchester, Liverpool and London.
The 60-second advert, which will make its debut during Emmerdale on ITV on Monday at 7.15pm, will feature a cover of Dinah Washington's What a Difference a Day Makes recorded by songwriter and artist Shells.
The song will be released to the public through streaming services on Friday.
GRAPHIC: UK COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS PER DAY
VENTILATORS SENT TO INDIA (CONTINUED...)
Mr Johnson, who had been due to visit India this week but cancelled due to the spike in cases, said: "We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19.
"Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus.
"We will continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time and I'm determined to make sure that the UK does everything it can to support the international community in the global fight against pandemic."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The heart-breaking scenes in India show once again how awful this terrible disease is.
"We are determined to support the people of India through this very difficult time, and I am hugely grateful to those who have worked hard to make this initial delivery happen.
"This first delivery of life saving equipment will provide much needed assistance and we stand ready to do more."
UK SENDS VENTILATORS TO INDIA
Life saving ventilators are being sent to India from the UK after people have been dying in the street in the "world's worst Covid surge".
Over 600 pieces of medical kit will arrive in the pandemic-stricken country after Boris Johnson vowed to "stand side by side" with India.
On Sunday, India set a new global record for daily Covid infections, reporting 349,691 cases - bringing the total to 16.96 million.
Dominic Raab tweeted: "Today we have sent the first of several urgent deliveries of surplus medical equipment to our friends in India to help provide life-saving care for vulnerable Covid patients. No-one is safe until we are all safe."
Nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators - are set to be sent to India this week.
Mr Johnson, who had been due to visit India this week but cancelled due to the spike in cases, said: "We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19."
CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS WRONG, GOVERNMENT ADVISER SAYS
A Government adviser has said calls from scientists and academics to end coronavirus restrictions are "wrong" and "remarkably insular".
In an open letter, the scientists said "a good society cannot be created by obsessive focus on a single cause of ill-health" and that Covid-19 "no longer requires exceptional measures of control in everyday life".
The 22 signatories - who include Professor Carl Heneghan, director of the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine at University of Oxford and Professor Karol Sikora from the medicine school at the University of Buckingham - say mandatory face coverings, physical distancing and mass community testing should end no later than June 21.
The letter states: "It is more than time for citizens to take back control of their own lives."
Step four of the Government's road map for England currently states that all legal limits on social contact will be removed by June 21 at the earliest, when restrictions on large events such as festivals are also expected to ease.
KATE GARRWAY’S HUSBAND BEGGED TO BE PUT TO SLEEP TO ESCAPE ‘MENTAL TORTURE’ OF COVID
Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper begged to be put unconscious to escape the “mental torture” of Covid.
The 53-year-old presenter has shared the devastating last texts she received from seriously ill Derek before he was put in an induced coma, as he told her he feared every breath could be his last.
Writing in her new memoir The Power of Hope, which is being serialised by , Kate explained how the family started fearing the worst in March when Derek was rushed to hospital with very low oxgyen levels.
She writes: “And then I read his next text, just to me this time: ‘OK, not for the kids. I’ve been playing down how really awful it is. It is second after second of being locked in a mask thinking every second you’re going to die.
I think they now may want to put me to sleep.’ He was referring to the induced coma they had told me about. It went on: ‘I know they are trying to do the best for me. But I just can’t breathe – it’s mental torture. I need a break. I want to be put unconscious.’”
DAILY COVID CASES HALVE IN MONTH
UK daily Covid cases have halved in a month with 1,712 new infections and 11 deaths in the past 24 hours.
This time a month ago there were 3,862 new cases in the same time period as the UK’s Covid vaccination blitz continues.
Today’s figures mean there has been 4,404,882 total cases in the UK since the pandemic began, as well as 127,428 deaths.
This time last week there were 1,882 new cases and 10 deaths recorded, while two weeks ago there were 1,730 cases and seven new deaths.
Four weeks ago on Sunday there were 3,862 new cases and 19 deaths.
WATCH: HALF OF ALL BRITS HAVE HAD COVID VACCINE AS 33.4MILLION FIRST JAB MILESTONE SMASHED
Half of all Brits have had Covid vaccine as 33.4million first jab milestone smashedDAUGHTER IN UK FEARS FOR MOTHER, 82, IN INDIA AS COVID SPREADS
A woman living in London has said she feels “angry and frustrated” at being unable to help her unvaccinated 82-year-old mother in India as Covid-19 cases soar.
Sumita Singha – an architect, author and non-executive director at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – moved to the UK from India in 1988.
Sumita’s mother Namita Sinha, 82, lives in Delhi with Sumita’s sister in an apartment which she has not left for months.
Mrs Sinha was recently offered the Covishield vaccine, a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced in India.
While the family were discussing whether she should take it however, a new wave of Covid cases in India convinced them it was best for Mrs Sinha to stay in her flat and reduce her risk of exposure.
PRITI PATEL BLASTS ‘SENSELESS THUGS’ AT ANTI-LOCKDOWN PROTEST
Home Secretary Priti Patel has blasted “senseless thugs” who pelted police with bottles at an anti-lockdown and vaccine passport protest.
Eight police officers were injured and some left with bloody faces after being struck by missiles during yesterday’s London rally.
Two cops were taken to hospital and five people arrested after the violence in Hyde Park following a march through central London.
Demonstrators held placards reading “Do Not Comply”, “We Want Our Freedom”, “Covid-19 Vaccine Holocaust”, and: “No To Vaccine Passports”.
TRAVEL BOSS ‘CONFIDENT’ MED HOTSPOTS WILL OPEN BY SUMMER
Thomas Cook boss Alan French has said he is “confident” Mediterranean hotspots will be open for UK holidaymakers when schools break up in the summer.
He said he backs government plans for a traffic light system, saying it “works well”.
He told Sky News: “I’m confident that we will see travel opening up on 17 May – it was predicated on a number of things happening, most of which have happened.
The chief exec said he was so confident he had booked a holiday to Croatia himself, adding: “I’m pretty confident by the time certainly that the school holidays return, most of the popular destinations in the Med will be open.”
WATCH: UK COVID CASES PLUNGE TO ‘LOWEST LEVEL SINCE PANDEMIC STARTED 13 MONTHS AGO’, NEW DATA SHOWS
UK Covid cases plunge to ‘lowest level since pandemic started 13 months ago’, new data showsGRAPHIC: UK COVID-19 CASES AND DEATHS PER DAY