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The SARS-CoV-2 virus that first appeared in January in Wuhan, China, has spread to Germany, along with over 150 other countries. The virus causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19, which causes flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, fever, runny nose and fatigue. There have also been reports of difficulties breathing, an itchy throat, headaches, joint pains, nausea, diarrhea, and shivering.
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person through infected respiratory droplets, such as saliva or mucus. Transmission can take place indirectly through contact between hands and the mucous membranes of the mouth, the nose or the conjunctiva of the eyes.
There are many things we still don’t know about this infection, but it seems to be highly contagious and much more dangerous than a normal flu, particularly to people suffering from preexisting health conditions or in advanced age. This is still a rapidly unfolding situation.
March 26, 2020
- The EU has launched a continent-wide impetus for obtaining more ventilators, but the UK won’t be a part of it because of Brexit.
- UK becomes biggest donor in the search for a vaccine, donating the equivalent of $254 million.
- Still too early to tell when the coronavirus will peak in the UK.
- At the moment, cases seem to be doubling ~every 3 days.
March 25, 2020
- Prince Charles tests positive for novel coronavirus. He is working from home and currently displaying mild symptoms.
- Thousands volunteer to help the NHS and the vulnerable. At the time of this writing, 170,000 volunteers have signed up.
- Vulnerable children and low-income families at most risk from economic effects of the pandemic.
- Opinion article: I Followed the U.K.’s Advice. Did I Spread Coronavirus?
- Parlament to shut for at least four weeks.
- Learn more about the NHS volunteering scheme and how to sign up.
- How to claim 80% wages through the government scheme.
March 24, 2020
- BBC is freeing up as much as 20% of its advertising inventory for use by international health and government organizations wanting to promote public-health messages around Covid-19.
- UK app aims to help researchers track spread of coronavirus.
- The BBC’s Norman Smith said there was “no way” that coronavirus restrictions would be lifted within three weeks as the UK heads towards a rise in cases.
- Trials for coronavirus vaccine could start next month in the UK.
23.03.2020
- More than 6,650 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, but the actual number of cases is estimated to be much higher, according to the BBC.
- Boris Johnson has announced a raft of tough new measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The measures require people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes Close non-essential shops and community spaces. Stop all gatherings of more than two people in public.
- Full list of shops that will stay open.
- The Boris Johnson speech.
22.03.2020
- Stay isolated or face tougher coronavirus measures, Boris Johnson warns.
- Primark to close all shops for now.
- UK urged to waive alcohol duty for companies stepping up to make hand sanitiser.
- 12% of Britain’s critical beds already occupied by coronavirus patients.
- UK airlines await government rescue package.
- Cases seem to surge at Italy’s pace, or even faster.
- Boris Johnson is addressing the nation now.
21.03.2020
- NHS chief: People should be ashamed of panic buying.
- People even panic buy alcohol — many shops report empty shelves after pubs closed.
- Vaccine researcher: ‘Everything is so new’ about the coronavirus.
- Queue for online grocery delivery lasts well into April for most retailers.
- GOVERNMENT RESOURCE: What you need to do.
- An extra 8,000 beds, nearly 1,200 ventilators, and almost 20,000 fully qualified staff will be available from next week.
- UK government to pay wages of virus-hit workers.
- Pressure to delay Brexit talks as coronavirus crisis looms nearer and nearer.
20.03.2020
- Pubs and bars ordered to close.
- UK health minister (who has coronavirus) says the infection made her lose all sense of smell and taste. Here’s why that might happen.
- UK government pledges to pay salaries over coronavirus closures.
- Tesco announces plans to hire 20,000 people over coronavirus crisis.
- Every major UK car producer has halted production.
- Are more light is shed on the country’s initial strategy, criticism continues to mount.
- British authorities urge people to stop irresponsible behavior, as many go out drinking on the night before pubs close.
19.03.2020
- Boris Johnson says the UK can turn the tide in 12 weeks. His advisor’s models suggest otherwise.
- UK reportedly close to immunity test — this would allow doctors to see who has had the disease and is ready to exit social isolation.
- There is a serious impetus to develop a UK vaccine, sources report.
- Some pubs close across the country, as confusion still looms about what should stay open and what not.
- UK has one of the fastest coronavirus growth curves in the world.
- Boris Johnson promises over three hundred billion pounds to ease the shock of the outbreak on businesses.
- UK interest levels slashed to lowest rate ever.
- The country is also working on buying antibody tests, in addition to developing its own.
- Criticism continues to mount regarding the country’s initial outbreak approach. Editor-in-Chief of the Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical scientific journals publishes a scorching article, criticizing initial lack of action.
- Scottish exams canceled for the first time in history.
