Cags, I hope you will continue to bring forward msm and reports from the UK. I’ve been meaning to keep up with them, but as you know our situation has been so hectic here.
How is Boris doing? What’s the latest situation in the UK? Tia.
Thanks Mags, I'll try and condense it for you!!
Death rate: English rate being amended due to an over-reporting glitch, there is an inquiry underway and I hope it will bring our overall death toll down because it's terrible.
New deaths: averaging under 100 per day since the beginning of July. On tenterhooks hoping there's not a surge as we ease out of lockdown.
New cases: up and down but averaging about 600 a day. In the last few weeks anyone can have a test at a drive through testing centre (was previously restricted to hospital admissions and keyworkers)
Masks: already mandated on public transport, and in shops from 24th (varies in Scotland/NI/Wales)
Hospitals: under control and increasingly low admissions. The temporary hospitals weren't needed after all. Nursing course applications have sky-rocketed which is excellent to hear.
Schools: have been open throughout the pandemic for keyworkers kids, and to selected year groups in 'bubbles' of 10 since the beginning of June. No major problems or big scary outbreaks. It's now the summer holidays nationwide (7 weeks ish) and schools reopen around 8th September. Earlier, I think, in Scotland.
Economy: generally screwed, like everywhere, for the next million years. Government still paying furlough to employees and bonuses to companies for maintaining staff. Government also helping restaurants out by paying £10 towards each customers meal. I will take advantage of this if it helps local businesses.
Society: in limbo like that weird period between Christmas and New Year. Do I know what day it is? Not always! Are we still in lockdown? Probably not, but maybe a bit, but everything has changed, and people are worried about what is happening across the pond. Even though the shops and pubs are open I don't know anyone who is anywhere near back to "normal" yet.