What Covid alert ‘level 3’ means as UK is downgraded ahead of next lockdown phase

What Covid alert ‘level 3’ means as UK is downgraded ahead of next lockdown phase The Covid alert level in the UK has been downgraded following the success of the vaccination programme and lockdown restrictions.

The four chief medical officers of the UK have said the threat level should be lowered from “level 4” to “level 3”, after a “consistent” fall in coronavirus cases, hospital admissions and deaths. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Free lateral flow Covid tests may not be approved for green list countries Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Hugs with family and friends and indoor pints to return in England next week Northamptonshire Telegraph

Cardiac care advances a 'modern miracle' says GP, as KGH develops pioneering clinic

Cardiac care advances a 'modern miracle' says GP, as KGH develops pioneering clinic A GP who suffered a heart attack at his Oundle home has described the way cardiac care has advanced as a 'modern miracle', as KGH develops a pioneering new clinic to help patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The state of end of life care: building back better after Covid-19

The state of end of life care: building back better after Covid-19 This report warns that the ‘traumatic’ final days experienced by patients sent home or to care homes to die without adequate support and resources could become the ‘new normal’ without significant reform to England’s end of life care services. The analysis found that annual deaths are projected to overtake rates seen during the 2020 pandemic year spike by 2031 - potentially exposing end of life services to the same pressures faced last year, every year from 2030 onwards. Policy recommendations focus on 'providing everyone the right care, from the right person, at the right time'. Institute for Public Policy Research

Homelessness and rough sleeping in the time of Covid-19

Homelessness and rough sleeping in the time of Covid-19 This report (funded by Trust for London) reviews how Covid-19 has impacted on the problems of homelessness and rough sleeping; clarifies how policies, implementation and funding have changed; and makes recommendations on policy and practice. LSE London

COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers (10 May 2021)

COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers (10 May 2021) Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director agree that the UK alert level should move from level 4 to level 3. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• More restrictions eased for care homes Department of Health and Social Care
• COVID-19 vaccines: further evidence of success Public Health England

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern' The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the coronavirus variant first found in India last year as a "variant of global concern".

It said preliminary studies show the B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and requires further study.

The variant has already spread to more than 30 countries, the WHO says. BBC News

See also:

• UK Covid alert level reduced to 3 BBC News
• Coronavirus: PM urges people to live responsibly with Covid as England's lockdown eases BBC News
• Data from UK's roll-out shows first dose of AstraZeneca's jab cuts risk of dying from virus by 80% The Daily Mail
• 80% of those who won't get Covid vaccine claim there is NOTHING that could change their minds The Daily Mail
• Don't hug too much, keep them short and wear a MASK, cautious SAGE scientist warns The Daily Mail
• EU will not renew AstraZeneca contract as it pivots towards Pfizer's vaccine The Daily Telegraph
• Covid’s cruellest blow? Keeping the dying from their loved ones | Rachel Clarke The Guardian

Conversion therapy: Public to be consulted before ban

Conversion therapy: Public to be consulted before ban A public consultation will be opened before a ban on so-called conversion therapy, the BBC understands.

"Conversion therapy" attempts to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, according to NHS England.

The consultation will consider religious freedom and how to protect professionals, including therapists, say government sources. BBC News

Alder Hey children's mental health team see rise in calls for help

Alder Hey children's mental health team see rise in calls for help The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns have had an effect on many people's mental health.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, BBC North West Tonight has been given access to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Right at the start of the pandemic, the mental health crisis team began covering their helpline 24 hours a day - and they have seen a huge rise in the number of calls they are receiving. BBC News

'A slap in the face': Hundreds of frontline Covid doctors told they won't have jobs from August

'A slap in the face': Hundreds of frontline Covid doctors told they won't have jobs from August Hundreds of doctors working on the front line during the Covid pandemic have been told they won’t have jobs in the NHS training scheme from August, despite the health service being dependent on them to tackle surgical backlogs.

Almost 700 anaesthetists – who had key roles caring for critically ill patients struggling to breathe during the Covid surges – have been dropped from the NHS training scheme and are unable to progress in their careers because of a shortage in places. The Independent

Tax dodging concerns over small firms used to pay NHS test-and-trace workers

Tax dodging concerns over small firms used to pay NHS test-and-trace workers Many workers employed across the £37bn NHS test-and-trace service are being paid through networks of opaque small companies that experts fear could be defrauding the Treasury via a notorious tax scheme.

The Guardian investigated after sources working at Covid-19 call centres, testing sites, mobile testing units and laboratories raised concerns about their payslips and employment terms.