Live coronavirus updates as Liverpool City Region counts down to new lockdown rules

Adults coronavirus worries at highest levels for five months

The proportion of adults worried about the impact of coronavirus has risen to its highest level for five months, a survey suggests.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of adults were very or somewhat worried about the impact of Covid-19 on their lives at the end of September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

This is the highest level since the lockdown, when 75% said they were worried between April 24 and May 3.

50 Universites across UK have coronavirus cases

More than 50 universities in the UK have confirmed cases of coronavirus as thousands of students return to campus.

Nearly 1,800 Covid-19 cases have been identified among university students and staff, a survey suggests.

A surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks has led to thousands of students having to self-isolate in their halls at some universities.

There have been more than 200 cases at the University of Sheffield and 177 University of Liverpool staff and students have tested positive, according to a PA news agency survey which contacted 140 institutions.

Pubs could close and 290,000 people could lose their jobs

More than 290,000 jobs could be lost in pubs and the brewing industry as a result of the virus crisis, a new report warns.

Research for the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) suggested that a third of the industry's jobs could disappear.

Workers under the age of 25 are likely to be most affected by the loss of employment opportunities, said Oxford Economics.

One in four pubs could close without more Government support and of those that do remain, most will only break even at best, with a significant decline in beer sales, said the report.

47 more people died in hospital with coronavirus

A further 47 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 30,096, NHS England said on Friday.

Patients were aged between 51 and 97 and all except two, aged 59 and 92, had known underlying health conditions.

The deaths were between September 26 and October 1.

Four other deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.

Blood plea

People who have recovered from coronavirus are being urged to donate blood in order to increase stocks of "convalescent plasma".

Their blood could contain antibodies which can help treat current patients of the virus.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) says "time is of the essence" when it comes to such donations as antibodies can fade after four months.

Scotland's national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch spoke about the importance of giving blood at the daily coronavirus briefing on Friday.

Prof Leitch said: "It is vital there are (blood) supplies for patients in Scotland at any time, but it is particularly important right now.

"As health services restart, the demand for blood across Scotland is also increasing.

"Blood donations are needed, especially as we move towards winter.

"So if you have never donated, or if you haven't recently donated, I would urge you to contact the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and make an appointment to donate."

He stressed safety measures and strict social distancing are in place at donation centres, and sessions are running by appointment only.

"The blood transfusion service is also working to advance the fight against Covid-19 by collecting convalescent plasma at the donor sessions," Prof Leitch added.

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Enter your postcode below to find the latest covid figures where you live or visit InYourArea

"Research is showing that the blood of someone who has recently recovered from Covid-19 may contain antibodies which we can use for treating people in hospital who are seriously unwell with the virus.

"The blood transfusion service is looking for new donors of convalescent plasma, so if you've had Covid-19 - either a confirmed positive test, or you've self-isolated because you've had symptoms, and if you are now symptom-free for 28 days - the blood transfusion service would like to hear from you."

The SNBTS guidance says those who meet the usual eligibility criteria can donate convalescent plasma.

SNBTS associate director Lynne Willdigg said: "Time is of the essence. These antibodies reduce rapidly after four months so it's critical to get in touch sooner rather than later."

Margaret Ferrier told to quit

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said she has made it "crystal clear" to Margaret Ferrier she should quit as an MP after breaking coronavirus rules by travelling between Glasgow and Westminster having tested positive for Covid-19.

The Scottish First Minister said she has spoken to the MP, who had the SNP whip withdrawn after the incident emerged, but she was unable to get a "cogent explanation" for her actions.

Ms Ferrier was tested for coronavirus on Saturday after developing symptoms but took a train to Parliament on Monday when she should have been self-isolating.

She gave a four-minute speech in the House of Commons at 7.15pm on Monday during a debate on coronavirus.

The same evening, Ms Ferrier said she received her positive test result - although it is not known if this was before or after speaking in Parliament. She then took the train back to Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon has now joined mounting calls for Ms Ferrier to resign as an MP over her "reckless, dangerous and completely indefensible" actions.

She told the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing on Friday: "I've also spoken to her directly and made crystal clear to her that I think she should now resign as an MP.

"I don't have the power to force an MP to sit down, no party leader has that power.

"But I can make my views known and - difficult though it is - I have done so, and I hope she will come to the right decision in the interest of the overall integrity of the vital public health messages."

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Ms Ferrier's position as an MP is untenable following the "tremendous error of judgment".

8,400 new infections per day in households

There were an average of 8,400 new infections per day of Covid-19 in private households in England between September 18 and 24, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This is down from an estimated 9,600 new infections per day for the period from September 13 to 19.

The ONS said there is some "limited evidence" that the incidence rate "may be levelling off following steep increases during August and September", but uncertainty around the figures means it is too early to say.

The figures do not include people staying in hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings.

Support bubbles implications

People in support bubbles can continue to meet anywhere - new restrictions explained here.

Find the number of coronavirus cases where you live by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Enter your postcode below to find the latest covid figures where you live or visit InYourArea

Fines issued

Merseyside Police issued 37 fines last weekend for illegal house parties and other breaches of coronavirus restrictions.

With new stricter measures coming into force for our region tonight, the force has delivered a strong warning that it will continue to take action against those breaking the rules and those organising illegal events.

From midnight, new laws will be in place across the whole Liverpool City Region that will make it illegal for people to mix with other households (apart from those in a support bubble) in any indoor setting- including in pubs, bars and restaurants.

The police also warned hospitality businesses that fines will be handed out for opening after the 10pm curfew, with a premises in Knowsley recently punished.

Turkey and Poland removed from travel list

The government have removed Turkey and Poland from the travel corridor list this week, as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba have also been removed from the government 'safe' travel list.

It means that people arriving from these destinations will have to self isolate for 14 days, from 4am, Saturday 3 October.

Strictly star urges people to wear masks after testing positive for Covid-19

HRVY has urged people to wear masks after revealing he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The 21-year-old singer and YouTube star, who is part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup, revealed on Thursday night that he tested positive for the virus.

On Friday he warned his followers that being young does not mean you cannot be affected by Covid-19.

He tweeted: "Morning guys, just a little thought.

"I'm only 21 and in good health so it just shows that being young doesn't make you invincible, so make sure you wear a mask please, have a good day."

House parties warning

Merseyside Police have given a fines warning as new measures come into force across Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens and Sefton in Merseyside, as well as Halton and Warrington from midnight.

Chief Inspector Karl Baldwin said: “We recognise that these new restrictions mean still more sacrifices to be made for all of our residents and businesses, and we understand that they will affect everyone’s daily lives. But the sooner we all come together and follow these rules, the briefer this undoubtedly difficult period will be. The rate of infections is rising and this action can and will change things for the better. The more responsibly we act, the more effectively we can drive the rates down and the less likely that more severe restrictions will be introduced."

He added: "Everyone has a part to play to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and all the most vulnerable people in our communities, and we’re so thankful for the vast majority of those who are making such efforts on a daily basis, from individuals, household and businesses.

“This weekend, just like last weekend, we will have additional policing resources in the city and across all of our local policing areas. Our officers will be out and about to engage with the public, encourage people to adhere to the restrictions, and explain why it continues to be so important.

“We will however continue to take enforcement action when necessary. If you do not follow the instructions of officers, you risk being given a £200 fine, going up to a maximum of £3,200 if it is not paid. And organisers of gatherings can be fined as much as £10,000.

“Last weekend, a total of 37 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for breach of Coronavirus legislation, which were predominantly at house parties.

“We also saw action taken in Knowsley, where one location was reported and will be subject of a fine after being found to be open after 10pm. The overwhelming majority of establishments we visited have recognised the importance of adhering to legislation, and have put in measures to keep their patrons safe. If everyone does their bit, we will come through this as safely as possible.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “Tighter restrictions such as these have been rumoured to be necessary for some time and unfortunately we are now at a critical stage of this epidemic. The steep increase in cases locally over recent days has caused deep concern and demonstrates why we must all be cautious, act with common sense and follow the new rules.

“Merseyside’s police officers and staff continue to serve the public and I fully support their approach to engage, explain, encourage and if necessary, enforce the regulations.

“There will be an extra strain on resources over the coming weeks and months but the force is well prepared to work with our partners to respond. However, their work will be easier if we all play our part.

“Alongside Merseyside Police I thank the vast majority of people who have been following the guidance and I continue to urge everyone to please be responsible and observe the new regulations.

“We must all take personal responsibility to halt the impact of this virus, to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. By following the regulations, we are all making a difference.”

If you have information on criminality, anti-social behaviour or events and gatherings, please contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bar closures rationale

Pressed on early closures of bars, Robert Jenrick told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The advice that I received, along with other ministers, was that, because the virus thrives on close contact between individuals, the longer one stays in pubs and restaurants and cafes, inevitably, the more likely it is that the virus will spread.

"And, the later that you stay and the more drinks that you have, the more likely you are to have close contact with other individuals and the less likely you are to comply."

Worry cases could surge out of control

Liverpool 's coronavirus cases are at risk of surging out of control and the city is facing the very real prospect of having further lockdown restrictions imposed, just days after new measures came into force.

New restrictions for the city - and the wider Merseyside region - came into force on Tuesday, and mean people can no longer mix with others in homes and gardens.

It also means that all pubs, bars and restaurants must now close at 10pm and only use table service - measures that are now also in place across the rest of the country.

But the situation in Liverpool is now so concerning,that a further tightening of restrictions may come into force.

The ECHO understands that these matters are likely to be discussed soon, with real worries about the surging infection rate in the city.

Find the number of coronavirus cases where you live by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Enter your postcode below to find the latest covid figures where you live or visit InYourArea

Data extracted covering testing up to September 22 show that the total number of confirmed cases for the last 7 days is 982, an increase of 362 cases on the previous week.

The latest weekly rate of Covid-19 in Liverpool is 197.2 per 100,000 population and the latest positivity testing rate is 10.9%.

The ECHO also understands that the number of covid patients in intensive care in Liverpool hospitals has started to rise.

To give a sense of the speed at which cases have exploded in Liverpool, there were just 94 cases per week across the city at the start of the month.

Back in July it was just 14 cases per week.

Trump Covid-19 latest

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has said Donald and Melania Trump's Covid-19 diagnosis is a reminder that everyone is susceptible to the disease and urged the public to follow the rules.

But he refused to condemn SNP politician Margaret Ferrier's decision to travel to London with coronavirus symptoms and then return to Glasgow after a positive test result.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: "I'm not going to comment on individual cases, it's not a question for Margaret Ferrier how she chooses to respond."

He added: "For the rest of us we know we clearly need to follow the rules and indeed follow the law and the national restrictions are very clear, and of all the national health advice one, if not the most important piece, is that if you do test positive, you must self-isolate."

Mr Jenrick refused to comment on whether he regretted supporting Dominic Cummings when he travelled to Durham with Covid-19 symptoms, saying only: "I'm not in the business of speaking about individual cases."

Our new rules from MIDNIGHT

Matt Hancock announced the new measures, affecting Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Halton and Warrington (as well as Hartlepool and Middlesbrough) in the House of Commons on Thursday.

As expected, the Health Secretary brought our region into line with the additional measures imposed on the North East earlier this week.

What are the new rules?

The new rules mean that from midnight tomorrow (00:01am on Saturday morning), people in our region will not be allowed to mix with other households in any indoor setting.

This mixing was already banned for private homes and gardens, but now this has been extended to all indoor settings, including pubs, bars and restaurants.

So you can only now mix indoors with your own household or the people in your support bubble.

You cannot go for a meal or a drink indoors with someone you don't live with (or who isn't in your bubble) in a pub, restaurant or cafe.

Schools and 'covid-secure' workplaces are not affected.

But Mr Hancock's statement left a lot of questions unanswered and only now have the government's official new rules for our region been published.

Here we attempt to answer any other questions you may have about what you now can or cannot do.

What happens if I break the new rules?

Anyone found breaking the new rules could be dispersed by police.

If you are over 18 you could be fined and face a £200 charge if it is your first offence.

Second offences would incur a £400 fine, which would then double for each subsequent offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Can I go for a drink or food with another household if it is outside?

Legally yes, Matt Hancock said household mixing ban does not extend to outdoor hospitality.

However the Department of Health does advise against doing this.

What about meeting people in other outdoor locations like a park?

Again this is not illegal, but the DHSC says it is "advised" that people "should not meet with anyone outside their household or support bubble in any outdoor setting".

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Find the number of coronavirus cases where you live by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Enter your postcode below to find the latest covid figures where you live or visit InYourArea

Who can I meet up with indoors?

Obviously the people you live with are okay. You can also mix indoors with people in your support bubble.

You can also meet with official support groups, including those helping people with addictions, helping crime victims, helping new parents, those suffering bereavements, sexuality and identity support groups and people caring for others.

What about public transport?

While there is no law against using public transport in our region, today's guidance makes clear this should only be done for 'essential trips.'

Mr Hancock said that work and school were classed as essential trips.

Anyone who must use it must wear a mask or face a fine.

Can I give someone else a lift?

The government says you should not share a vehicle with anyone outside your household or support bubble.

Can weddings and funerals still take place?

Yes.

These events remain under the national guidance which says funerals of up to 30 people and weddings and civil partnerships of up to 15 people can take place.

Can I leave Merseyside (or any affected areas) to go on holiday?

Yes, you can go on holiday in England or abroad as long as you follow current restrictions and only travel with people you live with or who are in your support bubble.

But you must follow any additional restrictions in areas you travel to and follow quarantine rules for affected countries.

What about travelling to Merseyside or the affected areas?

Yes as long as you follow current restrictions and only travel with people you live with or who are in your support bubble.

Can close family or grandparents look after my kids while I'm at work?

Yes, mainly.

Childcare bubbles can be formed to allow families to share caring responsibilities with another household - but these need to be consistent and not change.

This includes formal and informal arrangements.

As mentioned, people in support bubbles can continue to meet anywhere.

Can the builder come round?

Registered tradespeople are allowed to go to people's homes in Merseyside and affected areas, providing they follow national guidance on how to work safely.

This includes social distancing, hand washing and other measures.

* Tell us your reaction to the new coronavirus measures in our quick survey

How long will this go on for?

We have no idea at this stage, extra restrictions have now been in place in some parts of Greater Manchester for nine weeks.

While Mr Hancock said today he hoped the measures would not be needed for long, there will have to be a significant drop in the region's infection numbers for that to happen.

What about even further measures?

This is a very real possibility.

In fact, leaders from across the region have said they do not think today's measures will go far enough when it comes to stopping the spread of the virus.

It is understood that Ministers are now monitoring the situation here closely and could decide to go further if things do not change.

Find the number of coronavirus cases where you live by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Enter your postcode below to find the latest covid figures where you live or visit InYourArea

Donald and Melania Trump test positive for coronavirus

US President Donald Trump and his wife First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus,

Confirming the Covid-19 news on Twitter, Donald Trump tweeted in the last few minutes: "Tonight @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19.

"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!"

The news came after it was announced on Thursday that senior Trump aide Hope Hicks had tested positive.

The stunning development comes a month before the US election on November 3.

Mr Trump is now expected to be in quarantine for some two weeks while facing treatment for the disease.

The president is 74 years old, putting him at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.

Still, The Associated Press quoted an unidentified White House doctor as saying Mr Trump would continue carrying out his duties 'without disruption' despite the diagnosis.

The positive tests for the Trumps come as stark reminders that the coronavirus continues to spread, even as Mr Trump has tried desperately to suggest it no longer poses a danger.

Since it emerged earlier this year, Mr Trump, the White House and his campaign have played down the threat and refused to abide by basic public health guidelines -- including those issued by his own administration -- such as wearing masks in public and practicing social distancing.

Instead, Mr Trump has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of supporters.

On Thursday, he tweeted: "Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible!

"The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!"

Ms Hicks who serves as counsellor to the president and travelled with him to a rally on Wednesday, tested positive on Thursday.