Coronavirus in Camden: Updates on Covid-19 pandemic
Find out what is going on in the borough during the 'worst public health crisis in a generation'
Wednesday, 1st April 2020 — By Bronwen Weatherby
COVID-19 LATEST:
- QUEEN’S CORONAVIRUS MESSAGE TO BE BROADCAST
- UK DEATH TOLL RISES
- PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER HOSTS VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
OUR PLEDGE: The Camden New Journal will report on the Covid-19 coronavirus to provide, as readers demand, as much local information as possible. We pledge to do this in a responsible method, without lurid, ‘clickbait’ headlines. We will signpost to sources of information where appropriate. We will be including the current medical advice on how to approach the Covid-19 pandemic. You can contact us at 0207 419 9000 or editorial@camdennewjournal.co.uk
Scroll down for more updates:
2.55pm, April 3
QUEEN’S CORONAVIRUS MESSAGE TO BE BROADCAST ON SUNDAY
The Queen has recorded a special message about Covid-19 which will be broadcast on Sunday.
The TV appearance will only be the fourth time in a 68-year reign that Her Majesty has spoken out amid a period of crisis.
The First Gulf War in 1991 was the first, the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 was the second, the third time was following the Queen Mother’s death in 2002.
Queen Elizabeth II has spoken during times of celebration, such as her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and gives and address each year on Christmas Day.
April 3
UK DAILY CORONAVIRUS DEATH TOLL
A total of 3,605 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Thursday, the Department of Health said.
The figure is up by 684 from 2,921 the day before.
As of 9am on Friday, a total of 173,784 people had been tested, according to the Department of Health.
Of those tested, 38,168 were positive for the virus.
2.40pm, April 3
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER AND SONGSTRESS WIFE TO HOST VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Rak Hudson and Lovely wanted to “put smiles on faces during the lockdown” so organised a free online day to evening festival for Saturday.
Artists from the UK, USA and Asia will take part in the music marathon which will be accessible via Facebook Live.
Read the story, here.
3.15pm, April 2
Highest day-on-day death toll recorded
Coronavirus-related hospital deaths in the UK have jumped from 2,352 to 2,921 – an increase of 569 – the highest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.
The patients were aged between 22 and 100 years old, with 44 of those who were aged between 25 and 100 years old, having no known underlying health condition.
3pm, April 2
PROJECT TO CREATE VIDEO ‘THANK YOU’ LETTER TO NHS STAFF FROM CAMDEN
Theatre students Sophie Munden, 25, and Elana Shyong, 24, have turned their talents during the coronavirus crisis to bringing the borough together in a collaborative project to say thank you to NHS staff.
Find out how to take part, here.
11.05am, April 2
YOU CAN’T CATCH CORONAVIRUS FROM NEWSPRINT
Traditionally we’ve eaten fish and chips out of newspapers and because the process newspapers go through they’re pretty sterile.
For anyone who is still concerned, the WHO confirmed that reading newspapers carries no real risk of catching the Covid-19 virus.
It said: “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes Covid-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperate is also low.”
10.50am, April 2
UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME – WOULD IT SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS?
Sian Berry, co-leader of the Green Party and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn give us their thoughts on UBI, a policy which is gaining attention during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read the story, here.
10.10am, April 2
WHERE TO FIND THE CNJ?
As well as in the usual dispensers, the CNJ is being dropped off at a number of locations to make it easier for people out and about doing their essential shops, exercise or care rounds to pick up.
If you have any queries get in touch.
See below:
9.45am, April 2
GOOD MORNING
It is Thursday, which means it is New Journal day!
If you are able to while following the government guidelines, go and grab a copy of this weeks newspaper.
But, if you are isolating and can’t pick up a paper you can still able to read it with our page-turner, HERE.
As always, we at the CNJ really appreciate your support.
6.50pm, April 1
HIGHGATE PRIVATE HOSPITAL OPENS ITS DOORS TO NHS PATIENTS
Highgate Private Hospital’s 43 beds, staff and equipment have been made available to patients who have weakened immune systems, and a reduced ability to fight infections.
The hospital, which is near Highgate School, will mainly provide beds for orthopaedic treatments such as hip and knee surgeries. Life-saving anaesthetic machines have been given to the London Ambulance Service as part of the agreement.
Find out more about this, here.
6.45pm, April 1
GROUNDED PILOTS AND AIRLINE CREWS SERVE UP TEAS TO WHITTINGTON NHS STAFF
Whittington Hospital has launched a scheme which has grounded pilots and airline crews serving teas to NHS staff at the frontline of the battle against coronavirus.
Project Wingman was launched this week with flight deck and cabins crews providing “tea and sympathy” for staff between shifts.
Read this story, here.
5.25pm, April 1
BUSINESS SECRETARY ALOK SHARMA HOLDS UK GOVERNMENT’S DAILY BRIEFING
Business Secretary Alok Sharma held a press briefing in Downing Street today where he said: “The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest threat our country has faced in decades.
“And we are not alone. All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invisible killer.”
152,979 people in the UK have now been tested. Of those 29,474 have tested positive.
The number admitted to hospital in England with symptoms 10,767, with 3,915 of those are in London.
Mr Sharma’s main message was to businesses reassuring them access to funds from today. He also chastised banks who are refusing businesses money.
Professor Yvonne Doyle also spoke and revealed there had been an increase in motor vehicle traffic despite the rapid decline in public transport use. She said it is very concerning and urged people to stay at home.
3.40pm
WEST HAMPSTEAD POST OFFICE CLOSES TODAY
A reminder that the Post Office in The Sherriff Centre in West Hampstead is closing its doors today.
It will close from 4pm, April until further notice.
Find out more about the branch’s closure, here.
3.30pm, April 1
CORONER’S COURT CHANGES
St Pancras Coroner’s Court has said: “Shorter inquests are still going ahead; longer ones (including all juries) are being adjourned.
“Openings are still being conducted in open court.”
3pm, April 1
UK DEATH TOLL INCREASES BY 563
The jump in coronavirus-related deaths in the UK from 1,789 to 2,352 is an increase of 563, the highest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.
3pm, April 1
LAW FIRMS REVOLT AGAINST ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ APPROACH
Camden law firms are leading a revolt against what solicitors have called a “mindless business as usual approach” to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A total of 70 firms have now signed a letter penned by two solicitors’ unions saying they will no longer be conducting face-to-face meetings or attending police stations of Magistrates’ Courts.
Dozens have said conditions are “unsafe” and could lead to the virus spreading further.
Chief Superintendent Raj Kohli said his force was conducting a “business as unusual” approach while trying to provide a quality service to the public.
Read more, here.
2.30pm, April 1
SCHOOLS DONATE SCIENCE GOGGLES TO HOSPITALS IN NEED OF PPE
The Whittington Hospital has received hundreds of science goggles donated by schools for the staff to wear as protection against coronavirus.
Channing School in Highgate and Stoke Newington School in Hackney are among those who gave away the equipment, usually worn in science lessons, after hearing reports of hospitals experiencing a shortage of protective wear.
List of schools and organisations who have donated:
- Highgate School
- London city academy
- London Met Uni science dept
- Hackney schools (coordinated by the head of stoke newington):
- Stoke Newington schools
- Urswick School
- Petchey Academy
- Claptons Girls Academy
- Drayton Park primary
- Berkeley Homes, 250 City road
- Groups of local builders who have donated their personal goggles
2pm, April 1
BROADBAND DRILLING WORKS MAKING ISOLATING RESIDENTS’ LIVES A MISERY
A firm laying new broadband cables has apologised after nearby residents complained the noise was making the hours spent stuck at home a misery.
G.Networks is replacing underground copper cables in dozens of streets across Camden. Work is currently ongoing in West Hampstead, Swiss Cottage and Primrose Hill and is due to last until late April.
The company says it is carrying out an “essential service” and that its workers have the proper protective equipment.
Read more on this story, here.
11.46am, April 1
CAMDEN’S COVID-19 POLICE CHIEF SAYS HE’S AGAINST ‘OVER-POLICING’ THE LOCKDOWN
Superintendent Neil Holyoak is the man in charge of Camden and Islington’s response to the pandemic.
The neighbourhoods chief spoke to the New Journal about his focus over the coming weeks: maintaining public confidence in the force.
He said his teams would not be using the “heavy-handed” approach which other forces around the UK have been reported to be using.
Read what he has to say, here.
