Coronavirus: Latest updates
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Last updated 23rd May 2022
We're keeping you updated with the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. Throughout the day on MFR we'll have our Coronavirus Reality Check where we'll filter through the fake news, and give you the latest at 9.20am, 11.20am, 1.20pm, and 3.20pm.
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Your latest Coronavirus reality check
Top Government officials will meet to discuss lockdown measures, three weeks after they were first imposed by Boris Johnson.
The COBRA meeting, Chaired by First Secretary Dominic Raab, will take place before this evening's press briefing.
Lockdown measures are unlikely to change for at least another three weeks.
Health Minister Nadine Dorries suggested the lockdown would continue in some form until a vaccine is ready, which experts say is twelve to eighteen months away.
A 99-year-old army veteran has now raised more than £13 million in donations for the NHS.
Captain Tom Moore set out to raise just £1,000.
The Prime Minister praised his 'heroic efforts'.
Stay Home, Stay Safe
We're being told to stay inside unless we're:
- Buying food or medicine
- Going to and from essential work
- Doing one form of daily exercise
- Any medical need or to provide care to a vulnerable person
Boris Johnson says the new rules will be under constant review, and they will look at them again every three weeks.
Police will have the powers to enforce the rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings. The Government says anyone breaking the rules will get an initial fine of £60.
All non-essential shops will now be closed, as well as libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship. Supermarkets, petrol stations and banks will remain open.
Social events like weddings and baptisms will no longer go ahead, with the exception of funerals.
Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.
What are the Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms?
The main symptoms of Coronavirus are a cough and fever (more than 37.8 degrees). According to the NHS website, Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is, 'a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.'
Even if your symptoms are mild, you are being ask to self-isolate for seven days, more information can be found nhs.uk/coronavirus
What should I do if I think I have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
If you think you have Coronavirus, the advice from the NHS is stay at home for seven days, you should not visit your GP, walk-in clinic or hospital. For full up-to-date details please visit the NHS website.
What is the number to call to seek medical attention?
If you are struggling to cope with the symptoms at home, then you are advised to use the 111 online service before calling the 111 service. The online service will take you through an online assessment which has been updated with information from the Chief Medical Officer.
You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation
You should only call 111 if you can't get help online, if it is a medical emergency then call 999.
What does self-isolation involve?
Self-isolation involves staying at home and making sure that if you live with someone, you always keep at least two metres away from them.
In order to self-isolate you will need to make sure that you stay at home and do not leave for any reason, including shopping or going for a walk. If you need food or medical supplies to be delivered, you should arrange for them to be left outside your house, making sure no delivery drivers enter your home.
For those who live with someone else, you need to make sure you take steps to be as separate as possible, that includes using your own cooking and eating utensils, towels, and sleeping in a separate bed. If you share a bathroom, steps should be taken to clean the bathroom after every use. This includes wiping down all surfaces.
If you have a garden you may still use that.
If you feel well enough to work from home here are some tips on how to be more productive.
Don't forget that you may have elderly neighbours who are self-isolating. A university lecturer from Cornwall came up with a great way to let your elderly neighbours know you're able to help if they need it.
Full information about self-isolation can be found on the government website.
Where can I find the latest Government advice?
The best place to find all the latest information regarding Coronavirus is the government website which is updated regularly.
Ideas for keeping the family entertained indoors:
Treasure hunt
If you're stuck at home for a while, then make it fun for your kids by hiding things around the house, and garden.
Whether it's eggs in the run up to Easter, or a total surprise, you can find plenty of ideas for clues on the Internet and we're sure you'll find some tricky places to hide the prizes.
Why not try out this Treasure Hunt Game from Amazon for £25.95?
I Spy
Normally saved for travelling in the car, why not try I Spy at home? Don't feel restricted to items in the house, if the weather is good get outside and choose something there. "I spy with my little eye…"
Science experiment
We're not recommending you turn your kitchen into a chemistry lab, but there are plenty of child-friendly science experiments available online or in the shops.
Whether you want to grow crystals, or make slime there will be something to occupy your kids. Just beware, it could get a bit messy!
Why not try out this Science Kit for Kids from Amazon for £15.99?
Painting
Painting, whether it's finger painting, or something more refined, it's a great way to spend a few hours (or even longer). If think your artistic skills are a limited then why not try painting by numbers instead?
Why not try out this Crayola Washable Kids Paint from Amazon for £4.99?
Learn a new language or improve one you already know
Always wanted to get your family learning a new language, or had to cancel a holiday recently? It doesn't matter that you aren't in the country that speaks the language. There are plenty of online language classes from free videos on YouTube to full courses that you pay for.
Why not try out this French Audio Course from Amazon for £14.72?
Computer games
There are so many computer games available, the list is endless, but there are plenty of party games suitable for kids and families to play, for the older kids, there are many games that will occupy them for hours or even days!
Pizza making
Make cooking a fun part of the day by getting your kids to make their own pizzas. If you're feeling adventurous you can make the dough yourself, otherwise just get the pizza bases and cover them with toppings of your choice.
Baking
If savoury cooking isn't your thing, try baking. Making a cake or cupcakes can be a great way to have fun in the kitchen with your little ones, for the younger ones they can help you decorate the cake. Meanwhile, older ones can help you make the mixture from scratch.
Den-making
It's time to take all of the cushions off the sofa and get the spare sheets out of the cupboard. There's nothing better than making a den for big and little kids, it might even take you back to your childhood.
In the garden
Even if the weather isn't great you can get your kids' green fingers started inside. Now is a great time to pick up some seedlings and sort out your greenhouse.
If the weather is good, get out and explore the garden. Grab a magnifying glass and have a look at the insects and plants a bit closer!
Board games
Don't discredit the good old board games. Although you might be tempted to bring out some of the family favourites like Monopoly or Scrabble, why not push the boat out and try something a bit different. It can be fun to learn a new board game as a family, some games that are easy to pick up include Carcassonne or Port Royal.
Why not try out Carcassonne from Amazon for £25.95?
Puzzles
Whatever their age, you'll be able to find a suitable puzzle, from the simple 10-piece ones for the younger kids, to the 1000 piece puzzles for the old kids, puzzles are a great way to occupy kids for a few hours over the week.
If you can set aside some space for it, then even better so they can go back to it when they have a moment. Finishing a puzzle can be a great sense of achievement and you can even buy some puzzles suitable for framing.
Why not try out this Impossible Puzzle from Amazon for £7.50?
Have a go at Origami
You don't have to visit Japan, to have a go at Origami and you don't even have to have fancy paper to do it, you can start off with some plain square paper (just fold an A4 piece into a diagonal).
Step-by-step directions on how to create everything from the crane to dinosaur can be found online for free, so if you have plenty of time on your hands this is a great skill to hone.
Why not try out this Origami Kit from Amazon for £13.99?
Don't forget to listen out for our Coronavirus Reality Check on MFR.