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Wednesday 30 June 2021

Foul Play Family Murder Mystery Card Games Review: Age 8+ (Sent for review)

Foul Play are in the business of creating experiences to remember, and with COVID putting a pause on a lot of in-person fun, they've come up with card-based murder mystery games that can be played again and again. Suitable for 2-5 players aged around 8+, each pack also has 2 ways to play, so in essence you have 2 different games - Good Cop or Bad Cop. 

Foul Play sent us both of their current games for review - Manor House Murder and Once Upon A Crime (released 1st July!)... 

Foul Play Murder Mystery Card Game Review Age 8+ Sent for review

There is nothing unusual in the box, just a pack of really nicely decorated game cards, and 4 Instruction Cards. The images are great. Everything is bold and brightly coloured, and the characters are excellent. It's very modern and the drawings are actually a lot of fun.

Each game has a scenario, or backstory. Once Upon A Crime is set in Storybook Land, and Manor House Murder is more of your traditional Agatha Christie - but will the Butler do it? 

playing card with background story text

The instructions are a little clunky - sorry guys. Foul Play is in some ways like Cluedo, but in many ways more like Rummy, and you need to know the aim, which we didn't find clear in the instructions:
Bad Cop - The aim of the game is to collect in your hand 4 cards which go together. 3 evidence cards (A, B and C) and a suspect who can be adequately framed as the murderer...
God Cop - The aim of the game is to have seen all 3 pieces of evidence and then locate the suspect who matches. You need the suspect in hand to solve the murder.

Tuesday 29 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th / 29th June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th / 29th June 2021.

The UK added 20,479 cases today (up from 11,625 a week earlier: 7,673 two weeks earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,775,301 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,095,973 tests yesterday.

The counter says 44,581,771 people (84.6% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 32,721,762 people (62.1%) had received 2 doses.

1,585 people were in hospital on Sunday 27th (up from 1,378 a week earlier: 1,136 two weeks earlier), with 297 using a ventilator yesterday, 28th June (up from 227 a week earlier: 188 two weeks earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 23 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,126 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 271,589 cases and 4,989 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 182,333,954 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,948,238. Already 166,874,107 people have recovered.

Check in if you are heading off to the match Photo of people cheering in a [pub, taken from behind

"New analysis suggests the vaccination programme has prevented between 6.4 and 7.9 million infections and 26,000 and 28,000 deaths in England alone."
Public Health England.
Yes - really. Excellent stuff. 

Monday 28 June 2021

Loungefly Star Wars Lands Naboo Full Size Backpack Review (Sent for review by Very Neko)

If you follow me on Instagram then you may have noticed that we were sent a gorgeous Loungefly Star Wars Lands Naboo Backpack for my 11 year old to review. This is a full size backpack, which will fit an A4 folder and writing pad, and it's also incredibly good to look at... 

Loungefly Naboo Star Wars back pack review close up metal label excellent quality

My 11 year old is off to high school in September, so he needs a cool bag that will carry his schoolwork, plus the books, pencil cases and other essentials any secondary pupil needs. He also needs it to be reliable and strong, and fairly weatherproof (this is Manchester).

Loungefly have a huge range of bags and backpacks featuring Disney characters, including all-time popular favourite here - Star Wars. 

Naboo Loungefly backpack being examined by young Star Wars fan

Sunday 27 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 26th / 27th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 26th / 27th June 2021.

The UK added 14,876 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,732,434 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,068,088 tests yesterday.

The counter says 44,314,799 people (84.1% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 32,460,191 people (61.6%) had received 2 doses.

1,505 people were in hospital on Thursday 24th June, with 259 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 11 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,100 losses of life in all settings.

Nation: Cases in the last 7 days / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 1,642  / 52.1
Scotland: 12,530 / 229.3
Northern Ireland: 1,178 / 62.2
England: 67,252 / 119.5

Rep. Of Ireland 271,260 (+340) cases and 4,989 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 181,732,183 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,936,217. Already 166,239,200 people have recovered.

Download the UK NHS COVID app for a COVID passport

"Half of adults under 30 have already received the NHS COVID Vaccine — that is more than 4.2 million people aged 18 to 29 in just three weeks!
Thank you to everyone involved in the vaccine rollout. Thank You NHS."
NHS England

Friday 25 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update Friday 25th June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update Friday 25th June 2021.

The UK added 15,810 today and now has reported a total of 4,699,868 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,068,088 tests yesterday.

The counter says 43,877,861 people (83.3% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 32,085,916 people (60.9%) had received 2 doses.

1,485 people were in hospital on Wednesday 23rd, with 259 using a ventilator yesterday, 24th June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 18 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,066 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 270,477 (+380) cases and 4,989 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 180,910,091 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,919,082. Already 165,531,010 people have recovered.

WHO GET vaccinated even if you've had COVID

"The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.4 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +5% per day as of 25 June 2021."
What this means is that, although cases are going up, the rate in which they're going up is staying fairly steady. It could be worse.

Thursday 24 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 23rd / 24th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 23rd / 24th June 2021.

The UK added 16,703 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,684,572 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,150,834 tests yesterday.

The counter says 43,656,327 people (82.9%) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 31,908,103 people (60.6%) had received 2 doses and will be fully vaccinated from 2 weeks after their 2nd dose.

1,533 people were in hospital on Tuesday 22nd, with 246 using a ventilator yesterday, 23rd June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 21 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,048 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 270,097 (+304) cases and 4,989 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 180,555,472 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,911,136. Already 165,251,093 people have recovered.

240621 UK test and trace stats to date

"The COVID19 situation in Africa is worrisome. Both the number of cases & deaths are almost 40% higher than the week before.
Vaccines donated next year will be too late for those who are dying, infected, or at risk today. VaccinEquity - if not now, when?"
Dr Tedros, Head of WHO, reminding us that fortune often depends entirely on where you were born.
In Europe 25% of people are fully vaccinated and 14% are partly vaccinated.
In Africa 1% of people are fully vaccinated and 2% partly vaccinated.
Most of the cases sequenced from Congo (DRC) and Uganda over the last month have been Delta Variant. 

(Sent for review) 20 Dreams Family Card Game Review - Recognise And Express Your Emotions...

20 Dreams is a really unique card game, so when I was contacted by the developer and asked if I wanted to review, I was very excited to accept. Suitable for 2-6 players, you have to tell a story using picture cards, but also have an Emotion Card, which you keep to yourself, and have to convey through the story for the other players to guess.

Before I even played, I really liked the fact you are showing your emotions. It might sound a bit twee, but everyone is just expected to hide our emotions a lot of the time. It can be incredibly frustrating, and make it hard to actually let our feelings out when we want to. Playing 20 Dreams you are letting go and behaving freely. It's a rare thing these days. 

20 Dreams Family card game boxed. Plain dark box with large 20 in figures

20 Dreams is a card-based game, and it's entirely plastic-free (yeeay!). Everything is stored in a really neat little box with a magnetic closure. I love it when games pack away so small, because they're better for storage and ideal for visiting and travelling. You could pop 20 Dreams in any bag. 

Wednesday 23 June 2021

UK COVID Briefing 23rd June 2021 - NOT with Boris...

UK COVID Briefing 23rd June 2021 - NOT with Boris...

UK Cases: 4,667,870 (+16,135)
Losses of Life: 128,027 (+19)
In Hospital: 1,508 (Monday 21st June)
Using a Ventilator: 227 (Monday 21st June)
At least 1 vaccine dose: 43,448,680 (82.5% of UK adults)
Two vaccine doses: 31,740,115 (60.3% of UK adults)

3 out of every 5 UK adults have now had both doses of a COVID vaccine.

Some extra surge testing Bingo winners today, and they're over the border from me, in Yorkshire. From 24 June, all adults living in these areas should take a PCR test:
Wakefield North, South & East
Pontefract North & South

3out of every 5 adults have had 2 doses of a vaccine text only


Tuesday 22 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 21st / 22nd June 2021.

The UK added 11,625 cases today (up from 7,673 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,651,988 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,019,739 tests yesterday.

There's an I.T. issue, so England's vaccination figures haven't been updated today: At least 43,148,843 people in the UK (81.9% of adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 31,489,240 people (59.8% of adults) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,378 people were in hospital on Sunday 20th (up from 1,136 a week earlier), with 227 using a ventilator yesterday, Monday 21st June (up from 188 a week earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 27 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,008 losses of life in all settings.

Nation / Cases last 7 days / Cases total
Wales 1,091 / 215,380
Scotland 7,302 / 257,742
Northern Ireland 928 / 125,084
England 53,242 / 4,053,782

Rep. Of Ireland 269,321 cases and 4,979 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 179,693,775 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,891,246. Already 164,383,401 people have recovered.

Health workers - stress is not a sign that you are weak or can't do your job

Couple of deliberate mistakes in the post on Sunday - well done to everyone who spotted that it was in fact Ascot, not Cheltenham, which took place last weekend (can't think why I had Cheltenham on my mind...) and the young maskless person asked to sit at the back of a theme park ride was apparently a young lady. (Apologies if that was you!)
I blame it all on the kids, and father's day, and the weather probably. 

Monday 21 June 2021

Ad| PerfectAir Sense Home / Office Air Purifier Review (sent for review by AquaPerfecta)

Aqua Perfecta are well known and respected for their water filtration, but they also make air purifiers, and we've been sent the freestanding air purifier, the PerfectAir Sense, to review. I've had a full 5 weeks to get to know my air filter. We've tested it properly and seen performance under different conditions. We've tried it in different rooms and positions, and at different times of the day and night... I love a proper review, so it's really a pleasure to have that luxury. 

Photo of PerfectAir Sense Freestanding Air Purifier

Air purifiers filter out airborne particles such as pollen and pollutants, and they also actively clean the air, killing many different bacteria, and viruses - including the Coronavirus. The PerfectAir Sense is recommended for rooms up to 50m2, and the average UK home has rooms around 25m2, so this purifier would also do the trick for smaller offices. (The full technical specs are at the bottom of this post.)

EDIT: 19/07/21 - after using the Air Purifier during the recent UK heatwave, I have to add that this is brilliant for cooling too. I'll explain more below.

I also have a 10% Discount Code on all Air Purification from AquaPerfecta for all of my readers: thebrickcastle10

Sunday 20 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th / 20th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th / 20th June 2021.

The UK added 9,284 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,630,040 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,034,415 tests yesterday.

The counter says 42,964,013 people (81.6% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 31,340,507 people (59.5% of UK adults) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,316 people were in hospital on Thursday 17th, with 210 people using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 6 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,976 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 269,048 (+288) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 179,127,503 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,879,122. Already 163,675,395 people have recovered.

All adults in England can order COVID Lateral flow tests. Beardy man grinning while combing young girl's hair

"Fantastic news that over 700,000 jabs were booked on Friday, when we opened vaccinations up to ages 18-20.
It’s great to see young people stepping up and playing their part in the national effort.
When you get the call, get the jab."
Matt Hancock, UK Health Secretary.
(Young people have been stepping up and playing their part since March 2020 Matt, and I for one appreciate how hard its been for them, so choose your words more carefully - but hurrah on the vaccination bookings!)

Friday 18 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 18th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 18th June 2021.

The UK added 10,476 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,610,893 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,034,415 tests yesterday.

The counter says 42,460,632 people (80.6% of the adult population) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 30,898,467 people  (58.7%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,251 people were in hospital on Weds 16th, with 210 using a ventilator yesterday, 17th June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 11 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,956 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 4th June, the ONS report that 152,397 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 268,046 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

3,861,742 people have now officially lost their lives to COVID worldwide, although we know the real total is likely to be several times this number. There have now been a total of 178,386,378 reported cases worldwide. Already 162,909,621 people have recovered.

48 percent of men who were off work because of COVID reported mental health related illness

I had an internet failure disaster this afternoon, so I apologise now if there are any errors. I managed to lose about half my post, which I've attempted to swiftly re-write. I've no doubt missed at least one of the big stories, so feel free to laugh, and point - and mention anything interesting you spotted in the comments.

Wales is delaying relaxation of lockdown restrictions by 4 weeks, due to concerns about the Delta Variant. Wales are doing loads better than England (get a fence up, quick!).

"As we open up vaccinations to everyone 18+, I want to take a moment to thank our young people.
You’ve acted selflessly and sacrificed so much to save others in this pandemic.
Now the end is in sight. Please get your jabs as soon as you can."
Joris Bonson, UK Mime Sinister.
He isn't wrong - the younger you are, the more of your life COVID has taken up. The older you are, the more it's taken away.

ALL ADULTS aged 18+ in England can now book your COVID vaccinations. Second jabs for people who are more vulnerable or over age 50 can be booked or re-booked 8 weeks after the second, and will be offered to you by 19th July. If you live in a surge area or somewhere they're doing particularly fabulously, you may also have the option of no appointment walk-in clinics. 

Thursday 17 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th / 17th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 16th / 17th June 2021.

The UK added 11,007 cases today (up from 7,393 a week earlier/ 5,274 a fortnight earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,600,623 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,101,741 tests yesterday.

The counter says 42,216,654 people (80.1% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 30,675,207 people (58.2%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,227 people were in hospital on Tuesday 15th (up from 1,048 a week earlier / 919 a fortnight earlier), with 208 using a ventilator yesterday, 16th June (up from 158 a week earlier / 129 a fortnight earlier).
(That does imply quite a high percentage of 'severe' ICU patients, which could simply mean that more moderate cases feel well enough to cope at home, or there are less moderate cases, or as we are still in fairly low numbers, it could mean nothing. Delta Variant is still a new thing.)

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 19 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,945 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 267,673 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 177,966,027 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,851,742. Already 162,486,764 people have recovered.

170621 80% of UK adults have received vaccination single dose

"Four in five adults in the UK have now had their first dose of the COVID19 vaccine.
Thank you to everyone who has come forward for the vaccination so far."
UK Dept. for Health & Social Care

Wales is expected to delay to their lockdown relaxation plans due to concerns about the Delta variant. The announcement will be in tomorrow's briefing, but no major restrictions are likely to change before July, including rules around meeting indoors. Sorry guys.

Scotland is also considering delaying their lockdown relaxation, in fact Nicola Sturgeon said it would "in all probability" be paused. That is likely to also be until July. 

Tuesday 15 June 2021

June 2021 82 Months... #TBCSmiles

It's Summer! It certainly feels like it (on and off) and the warmer weather and sunshine is good food for the soul. It's also full of immunity-boosting Vitamin D and virus-killing UV light. Going outside and catching some sunshine is genuinely great for your health - you've got every excuse. 

Of course, you might have to battle the pollen. But let's glance over that... 

Photo of huge tree with masses of bright golden strings of flowers

The sunshine and the relaxing of restrictions have had you all out and about over the last month, and you've shared lots of photos of people doing normal stuff that they simply haven't been able to do for ages - it's great to see. Lets hope there are plenty more, because the smiles are second to none. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 14th / 15th June 2021.

The UK added 7,673 cases today (up from 6,048 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,581,006 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 930,123 tests yesterday.

The counter says 41,831,056 people (79.4% of adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 30,209,707 people (57.4% of adults) have received 2 doses and will be considered fully vaccinated in 2 weeks time.

1,136 people were in hospital on Sunday (up from 957 a week earlier), with 188 using a ventilator yesterday (up from 148 a week earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 10 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,917 losses of life in all settings.

Nation / Cases Total / Cases Last 7 Days / Cases per 100k population in the last 7 days:
Wales 214,102 / 698 / 22.1
Scotland 248,515 / 6,215 / 113.8
Northern Ireland 123,981 / 633 / 33.4
England 3,994,408 / 39,321 / 69.9

Rep. Of Ireland 267,061 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 177,191,169 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,832,150. Already 161,485,802 people have recovered.

Matt Hancock says all adults will be offered a dose by 19th July

"More than 10,000 people are dying every day. During this press conference alone, more than 420 people will die. These communities need vaccines, and they need them now, not next year"
Dr Tedros, Head of WHO. 

Monday 14 June 2021

14th June 2021 COVID UK 'not easing restrictions' briefing with Boris

14th June 2021 COVID UK 'not easing restrictions' briefing with Boris.

Cases: 4,573,419 (+7,742)
Losses of life: 127,907 (+3)
In hospital: not updated since Thursday 10th = 1,089
Using a ventilator: not updated since Friday 11th = 161
Vaccinated 1 dose: 41,698,429 (79.2%)
Fully vaccinated: 29,973,779 (56.9%)

There was a protest today in London, with crowds of people charging on Downing Street in a big melee together, to shout and chant at the top of their voices without any masks, and prove that they really haven't got a clue how to actually be sensible during a pandemic, thereby giving the government more ammunition to treat you like babies.

140621 UK Government Briefing weekly hospital admissions the North West

There were more formal protests inside Parliament, where MP's yet again complained that they were finding out important Government decisions via the UK media. The Speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, was pretty furious to be honest. He said he will be meeting with the Prime Minister, and looking into other avenues if they won't sort it out.
(It's previously been suggested that the leaky part of the sieve was Dominic Cummings, but they can't use that excuse now.)
So, erm, yeah. If you read one of the incumbent Government's preferred papers, you'll have had 2 or 3 days notice about what Boris is going to say. (I'm really only here to see if he gives us updated hospital numbers...) 

Sunday 13 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 12th / 13th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 12th / 13th June 2021.

The UK added 7,490 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,565,813 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 945,090 tests yesterday.

The counter says 41,551,201 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 29,792,658 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,089 people were in hospital on Thursday 10th, with 158 using a ventilator. As this information isn't updated over the weekend, we really can't gauge how it's going. Admissions have been rising steadily by around 10 per day average, to 187 on 8th June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 8 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,904 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 266,819 (+315) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 176,590,986 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,816,480. Already 160,607,442 people have recovered.

130621 Total vaccinations in the UK to date

"Thank you, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for inviting me to join the G7 UK Summit. We're in the race of our lives, but it’s not a fair race, & most countries have barely left the starting line. We look to the G7 and G20 to ACTogether & lead the way towards VaccinEquity.
To truly end the COVID19 pandemic, our goal must be to vaccinate at least 70% of the world’s population by the time the G7 meets in Germany next year. To do that, we need 11 billion doses. We welcome the generous announcements made about donations of vaccines, but we need more & now."
Dr Tedros, Head of WHO, special guest at the G7 in Cornwall.

Friday 11 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 11th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 11th June 2021.

The UK added 8,125 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,550,944 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 945,090 tests yesterday.

The counter says 41,088,485 people (78% of all UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 29,165,140 people (55.4%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,058 people were in hospital with COVID on Wednesday 11th, with 158 people using a ventilator yesterday, 10th June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 17 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,884 official losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 265,754 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 175,817,936 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,795,075. Already 159,395,196 people have recovered.

110621 over 70m vaccine doses delivered across the uk

"The United States will purchase a half a billion doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to donate to nearly 100 nations that are in dire need in the fight against this pandemic."
US President Joe Biden
It's the first day of the G7 and jointly 7 of the world's richest nations have committed to globally distributing one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of 2022. The initial 5 million UK doses will ship in the coming weeks. Joe has said that half the total, 500 million US-manufactured vaccines, will be ready to go in August.

"The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.4 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 11 June 2021."
Ouch. 

Thursday 10 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th / 10th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th / 10th June 2021.

The UK added 7,393 cases today (up from 5,274 a week earlier) and now has reported a total of 4,542,986 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,085,999 tests yesterday.

The counter says 40,886,878 people (77.6%) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 28,857,102 people (54.8%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

1,048 people were in hospital on Tuesday 8th (up from 919 a week earlier), with 158 using a ventilator yesterday, 9th June (up from 129 a week earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 7 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,867 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 28th May, 152,289 people from across the UK have had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.
Wales 7,863
Scotland 10,106
Northern Ireland 2,973
England 130,297

Rep. Of Ireland 265,356 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 175,356,048 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,782,452. Already 158,913,018 people have recovered.

Regular rapid testing is great 3 smiling people with text banner between them

"The United Kingdom and the United States have agreed a new landmark partnership to fight future pandemics & emerging health threats.
The new Centre for Pandemic Preparedness will lead the UK’s work to develop a global early warning system to detect new infectious disease threats."
The partnership also reaffirms their joint commitment to tackling health inequalities as part of levelling up agenda.
And the G7 hasn't even officially started yet... 

Hospitalisations in the UK are beginning to go up, which was inevitable with the rise in cases. It's a bit of a jump over the last few days (particularly in London and the North West) and really we still don't know how it's going to go, but there's every expectation vaccinations should keep severe COVID levels far, far lower than previously. In another week, we will have a far better idea, but really it would take a little longer to feel secure.
A decision on whether to reopen England further is due in 4 days. The sensible and cautious move is to delay until we can see that vaccines are definitely doing the trick. Sorry. If they weren't working as well as hoped, or the Delta Variant really does streak through the UK, then ultimately a week or two delay would save a huge amount of lives. 

Tuesday 8 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th June 2021.

The UK added 6,048 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,528,442 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 928,425 tests yesterday.

The counter says 40,573,517 people (77%) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 28,227,362 people (53.6%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

957 people were in hospital on Sunday 6th June, with 148 using a ventilator yesterday, 7th June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 13 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,854 official losses of life in all settings.
Up until Friday 28th May, 152,289 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 264,826 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 174,567,089 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,756,585. Already 157,901,736 people have recovered.

080621 6 months of the COVID vaccination programme

"6 months.
68,800,879 doses given.
40,573,517 first jabs.
28,227,362 second jabs.
1000s of volunteers.
1 United Kingdom.
Let’s finish the job. Please keep coming forward to get vaccinated when it’s your turn."
Boris Johnson. UK PM. (My partner thinks he's having a dig at Scottish independence at every opportunity. As if.)

From today in England if you're aged 25 or over, or if you turn 25 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.

Congratulations to the residents of Calderdale, specifically Todmorden, Park and Warley wards. You are today's winners of some extra surge testing and a doorstep visit from Test & Trace, along with the entire populations of Greater Manchester AND Lancashire.
If you're particularly lucky, members of the armed forces on surprise visits bearing gifts will ring your bell.

Surge Testing PLUS bonuses to try and protect against Delta Variant:
Bedford, Leicester (some areas), Hounslow, North Tyneside, Greater Manchester (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan), Lancashire (Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre), Blackburn with Darwen, Yorkshire and the Humber, Kirklees

Regular Surge Testing Boroughs:
Brent (targeted areas), Ealing (targeted areas), Harrow (targeted areas), Hillingdon (targeted areas), Redbridge (targeted areas within IG1, IG6 , IG5 and IG7), Sefton (targeted in Formby, Sefton), Hampshire (targeted areas across Hart District, Rushmoor Borough and Surrey border), Reading (targeted areas), Wokingham (targeted areas), Nuneaton, Derbyshire (Gamesley Ward, High Peak), Yorkshire and the Humber, City of Bradford (targeted areas), Calderdale (targeted areas across Todmorden, Park and Warley)

080621 UK NHS COVID vaccines 25 or over

Yesterday Matt Hancock said that out of 12,383 people confirmed to have Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in the UK up until June 3rd:
- 464 people went to emergency care.
- 126 have been admitted to hospital.
Out of the people hospitalised:
- 83 were unvaccinated
- 28 have had 1 dose of a vaccine
- 3 have had 2 doses
On the face of it, that's a low number of people going to A&E (just over 1 in 30), and a low number of people admitted to hospital (just under 1%).
These numbers are a bit skewed, because some Delta variant people without symptoms won't ever be spotted, and everyone going into hospital is far more likely to have their sample sequenced to see which variant it is - so the reality is actually better than those figures (although on the other side, some more of those people could still be admitted to hospital now, but it's likely to be a very small number). 
1/2 the UK population have had 2 vaccinations and 3/4 have had at least 1, so the vaccines are looking really good so far. That comes out at well over 90% effective. 

The Welsh Government have a really interesting report on Long COVID.
"‘Long-COVID’ is commonly used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID‑19. It includes both ‘ongoing symptomatic COVID‑19’ (from 4 to 12 weeks) and ‘post‑COVID‑19 syndrome’ (12 weeks or more)."
They found that "prevalence of at least one symptom for 12 weeks or more ranges from around 2% to 10% in community samples, to over 70% in people who have been hospitalised".
'Suspected COVID' can be listed as the cause, because so many people either weren't tested when they were ill, or didn't realise they actually had COVID.
They make the point that we really REALLY need to make sure we have facilities in place for children who are suffering. Long COVID occurs much less often in children, but because of the sheer volume, it's definitely not rare. Currently facilities and clinics are really aimed at adults. 

My local authority never dropped masks for secondary school pupils, due to our proximity to plague central, and all of Greater Manchester have just reintroduced twice weekly in-school lateral flow testing.
Delta Variant COVID loves a classroom, and quite frankly it's the least we can do for the staff - many of whom will have only had 1 vaccination (or none) at this point.
Overall the twice-weekly lateral-flow-testing-at-home had dropped to around half the level it was at originally, and this is a point indieSAGE made last Friday. We really need to keep on top of it, or complacency will catch us out.

its normal to feel a bit unwell after a jab sad looking lady with head down

UK singles will soon notice Government messaging on dating apps. as lots of the big names have partnered up to offer vaccinated people special stickers, super-likes and other bonuses.
A recent YouGov poll found that actually a lot of people have strong feelings about this, with 28% of people saying they wouldn't date someone unless they were vaccinated, and another 31% saying they'd prefer it. 

Last week a not-yet-peer-reviewed study was released regarding a South African woman with HIV, who had a very lengthy battle with COVID. She tested positive for a massive 216 days. During this time the virus mutated more than 30 times, including 13 mutations on the spike protein (these are the vaccine/antibody escape mutations).
COVID really isn't very stable, it is a bit rubbish at making copies of itself and has tons of errors and missing parts (mutations). This has generally not been in our favour. 

The UK's RECOVERY Trial has found that aspirin is not useful as a treatment to prevent blood clotting in hospitalised COVID patients. Darn shame. It was definitely worth the test because it does help prevent blood clots with some other conditions, but sadly not with COVID.
"For every 1000 patients treated with aspirin, approximately 6 more patients experienced a major bleeding event and approximately 6 fewer experienced a thromboembolic (clotting) event."
Scratch that one off the list. 

UK Gov over 40m people vaccinated Pretty text

India has opened up vaccinations to anyone over 18, free of charge.
Although it's good in theory, you do need to be able to actually get a vaccination, and there are only so many they can do in a day. If you live in an area of India which is less affected, you may have to wait a few weeks or months before your turn.

The situation in India really does seem to have improved massively, with 86,498 cases reported yesterday, and any Oxygen shortages far less visible than before.
They are encountering some real issues with the Delta variant though, it seems to trigger a much wider range of symptoms than original wild COVID, and shortness of breath or a cough are less of a feature.
I've talked before about the Black Fungus affecting a number of people who are recovering. Some reports say over 28,000 people have been been diagnosed with it already. Now Indian medics are warning that they are finding more people with severe stomach pain, stomach upset, hearing loss, swollen necks, severe tonsillitis,  joint pain, and micro blood clots which cut off circulation, causing pain and even killing tiny parts of the patient. Sometimes amputation of a finger or toe is necessary, and a small number of patients have clots in the intestines, with a rare few of them developing 'gastric gangrene' (I can't word this nicely. Turning rotten inside). 

Going back to the Black Fungus, or Mucormycosis, problem in India. It appears during recovery from COVID, and first impressions were that it seemed to be linked to unnecessary use of steroids, and possibly high blood sugar levels was a feature, as it seemed to happen mostly to diabetic people who aren't in full control of their condition. A not-yet-peer-reviewed study has looked at 187 cases and they found this to be true.
Yesterday India revised their health guidance, and issued some fantastic easily understood advice sheets, stressing that antibiotics, anti-parasitics and others shouldn't be used, and there should only be CAREFUL use of steroids & Oxygen.
In any country where healthcare can be a bit of "nurse them yourselves" situation, when you are worried for someone's life, it's understandable people have been buying whatever they can and overdoing it. They just want to be able to help. 

080621 Government Of India signs and symptoms

The EU have agreed a common COVID travel pass, and several European countries have begun issuing them to residents already.
The 'EU Digital COVID Certificate', unlike the name suggests, can be either paper or digital, and will allow members restriction free travel across all 27 EU member states, plus some other countries. The certificate has information on if and when the bearer has been vaccinated, tested or has recovered from COVID-19.
EU residents can still travel without a certificate, it's not mandatory, it's there to speed things up. Likewise, having a certificate won't guarantee anyone entry anywhere. Any country can independently decide to change their entry rules at any time. And some no doubt will. 

The UK government has delayed the new NHS data-sharing scheme. They were going to share lots more of the data held by your GP with Public Health England, but it included a lot of things which are very private - sexual orientation, test results, mental health etc. You are allowed to 'opt out', but there were a lot of concerns that it hasn't been widely publicised, there isn't enough consultation with the public, and that it will erode patient trust, and also GP trust.
The project has been delayed for 2 months at the moment - so you've still time to make your own thoughts known. 

Armel hoch! Or "Arm up!" is the slogan in Germany, and they've brought out the big stars to promote it. None other than David Hasselhoff himself is in their latest government video - looking pretty much the same as he did in the early 80's, when his co-star was a talking car, or in the 90's when his co-star was Pamela Anderson.
Standing outside in the sunshine and with far too much energy for an early morning, he says:
"Arm up! That's right. I, David Hasselhoff, am supposedly a hero because of Knight Rider and Baywatch and the Berlin Wall, but I've found freedom with vaccination. You can too. Hoff off."
If that doesn't convince people, clearly nothing will... 

mRNA vaccines factsheet US CDC 080621

It was world food safety day yesterday. Almost half a million people in the world are killed by their dinner each year. Summer is coming, barbecues will be super popular. Don't take risks.
Keep food cool and fridge food in the fridge, until you are ready to eat or cook it.
Make sure it's cooked through to the middle. It's okay to start the cooking in the oven, and then transfer to the barbecue to cremate the outside.
Don't leave the coleslaw or mayonnaise in the sun all afternoon.
Help drunk you out, and clear the table before you hit the shandies. Midnight snacking on fresh food that's been sat out for hours won't help that morning tummy.
Just because we have COVID, doesn't mean everything else has taken a break. Make it a time to remember for the right reasons.

Margaret Keenan First patient vaccinated against COVID Smiling, wearing a cardi and a mask, double thumbs up

Today it is exactly 6 months since the world began vaccinating people against Covid-19. The first vaccination (that was not part of a trial) was the lovely Margaret Keenan in Coventry Hospital, England (and look at what she was wearing!).
Over 2 billion vaccine doses have now been administered around the world. As Matt Hancock said yesterday:
"Thank you to everyone involved in this mammoth effort."

Some numbers. All of them represent people:

Countries / Cases / Losses of life (since midnight GMT. In larger countries some states /provinces have yet to report today):

USA 34,228,559 (+1,322) 612,761 (+60) 

India 29,084,518 (+87,569) 353,380 (+2,036)

Brazil 16,985,812 not yet reported today 474,614

France 5,713,917 not yet reported today 110,062

Turkey 5,300,236 (+6,609) 48,341 (+86)

Russia 5,145,843 (+9,977) 124,496 (+379) 

UK 4,528,442 (+6,049) 127,854 (+13)

Italy 4,235,592 (+1,896) 126,690 (+102) 

Germany 3,710,931 (+590) 89,994 (+29)

Spain 3,707,523 not yet reported today 80,236

Iran 2,980,116 (+8,846) 81,362 (+179)

Poland 2,875,729 (+400)74,255 (+95)

Mexico 2,434,562 (+881) 228,838 (+34) 

Ukraine 2,216,654 (+1,602) 51,333 (+118)

.

.Edited to amend the maths regarding A&E visitd by people with Delta Variant in the UK

Sources:

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3136487/hearing-loss-organ-failure-fungus-gangrene-indias

https://twitter.com/tjt4002/status/1402165979807850497

Food safety: https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1401963607156461574?s=19

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-07/gangrene-hearing-loss-point-to-delta-variant-being-more-severe

https://www.recoverytrial.net/news/recovery-trial-finds-aspirin-does-not-improve-survival-for-patients-hospitalised-with-covid-19

https://www.krisp.org.za/publications.php?pubid=336

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leading-dating-apps-partner-with-government-to-boost-vaccine-uptake

https://t.co/EaKUETUXVl

https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/1401959006504034343?s=19

https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-03/technical-advisory-group-long-covid-what-do-we-know-and-what-do-we-need-to-know.pdf

https://twitter.com/i/events/1401873165626839040

https://twitter.com/BMG_Bund/status/1401932276598988809?s=19

"Everything you need to know about the EU's COVID travel pass" https://twitter.com/i/events/1401873165626839040?s=09

https://twitter.com/SebastianEPayne/status/1401914804512735234

https://twitter.com/ncarding/status/1402229770180562951

https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/ministers-bow-to-nhs-pressure-to-delay-gp-data-scheme/7030250.article

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/surge-testing-for-new-coronavirus-covid-19-variants

https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1402293853982449664

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/9/21-0934_article

Indian Gov new advice sheets - https://dghs.gov.in/WriteReadData/Orders/202105270435011364109ComprehensiveGuidelinesforManagementofCOVID-1927May2021DteGHS.pdf



Sunday 6 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 5th / 6th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 5th / 6th June 2021.

The UK added 5,341 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,518,892 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 806,272 tests yesterday.

The counter says 40,333,231 (76.6%) people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 27,661,353 (52.5%) people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

932 people were in hospital on Thursday 3rd June, which is the latest day reported. We have a rise in cases, but hospitalisations and losses of life, as we know, follow 3-5 weeks behind. We really are a little early to be able to assess how effectively vaccinations are protecting people from severe illness just yet - but we should begin to see it over the next week or so. Fingers crossed.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 4 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,840 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 264,449 (+313) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 173,913,062 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,740,587. Already 156,852,847 people have recovered.

060621 Large proud text says 40m people vaccinated in the UK

"In just six months 40 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Thank you to everyone who has been instrumental in getting us here. Please keep coming forward for both doses."
Boris Johnson, UK PM

We've got a lot of Bingo winners today. Congratulations to the following residents:
Extra surge testing:
Canterbury - CT1 and CT2
Maidstone - ME14 1
Targeted areas in Bradford
Extra surge testing for everyone over 12:
Reading - RG1  3, RG1  5, RG1  6, RG1  7
Wokingham - Bulmershe & Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys, Wescott

Friday 4 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 4th June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 4th June 2021.

The UK added 6,238 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,506,018 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 806,272 tests yesterday.

The counter says 39,949,694 people (75.8%) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 26,799,944 people (50.9%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

954 people were in hospital on Wednesday 2nd, with 134 using a ventilator yesterday, 3rd June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 11 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,823 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 263,720 (+529) cases and 4,941 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 173,114,912 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,721,371. Already 155,865,907 people have recovered.

percentage vaccinated all different age groups in the UK

"It's not fine if kids get covid. Firstly, it isn't. Secondly, it can spread to other people, and thirdly it disrupts their education when they need to go home."
Christina Pagel, IndependentSAGE

“We’re certainly getting more data. Unfortunately, the news is not as positive as I would like in any respect about the Delta variant. The best estimate at the moment is this variant maybe 60% more transmissible than the Alpha (B.1.1.7 UK/Kent) Variant."
Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College on Radio 4 today.
If I tell you that's the best Delta Variant news of the day, you get the picture. 

Thursday 3 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 2nd / 3rd June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 2nd / 3rd June 2021.

The UK added 5,274 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,499,878 positive cases of COVID-19. (Yes, that is high. It will maybe have some added on figures from the bank holiday, but it's high.)
We completed 854,697 tests yesterday.

The counter says 39,758,428 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 26,422,303 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

919 people were in hospital on Tuesday 1st June, with 129 people using a ventilator yesterday, 2nd June.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 18 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 127,812 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 21st May 2021, the ONS report that 152,183 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate. 

Rep. Of Ireland 262,726 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 172,671,166 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,711,679. Already 155,411,508 people have recovered.

020521 500 community pharmacies have delivered over 5m doses

"I know young people have sacrificed so much over the last year.
 The 100 million hours of extra tuition we are providing should give parents confidence we are doing everything we can to ensure no child is left behind by the pandemic."
Boris Johnson,  UK PM.

"Over 500 community pharmacies have delivered over 5 million vaccines in England - including my own vaccination at Avicenna pharmacy in Lewisham.
Thank you to the staff and volunteers at community pharmacy local vaccination sites for their fantastic efforts."
Not me!! That's Nadhim Zahawi, UK Vaccines Minister. 

Tuesday 1 June 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 30th & 31st May / 1st June 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 30th & 31st May / 1st June 2021.

Some of today's figures will not be very precise at all, as the previous 2 days were a Sunday and a Bank Holiday, and so reported numbers will be artificially low. That said, any zero day is a good day.

The UK added 3,165 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,490,438 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 602,019 tests yesterday.

The counter says 39,477,158 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 25,734,719 people had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, for the first time since a pandemic was declared, the UK officially reported the loss of no-one who had tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days.  The current official total is 127,782 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 261,982 cases and 4,941 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 171,613,606 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 3,567,937. Already 153,958,530 people have recovered.

If meeting indoors, open a window. Drawing of 4 people sitting apart on a long sofa, with drinks, and windows open

"One day the COVID19 pandemic will be behind us, but the psychological scars will remain for those who have lost loved ones, and we will still face the same vulnerabilities that allowed a small outbreak to become a global pandemic."
Dr Tedros, Head of WHO, during closing remarks at the 74th World Health Assembly.