Coronavirus news: Boris Johnson leads national clap for NHS anniversary, as UK prepares for ‘largest ever’ flu immunisation this winter
The latest updates from Sunday 5 July
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The NHS was honoured on its 72nd anniversary with a nationwide clap on Sunday evening, as politicians, medical professionals and the general public paid tribute to the service.
Prime minister Boris Johnson led the applause from Downing Street and will later meet NHS workers in the Number 10 garden, while public buildings including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower and the Shard have been lit up blue.
Earlier in the day, John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, warned that it is “crystal clear” drunk people can’t – or won’t – socially distance, after scenes showed huge crowds packed into Soho in central London on Saturday evening.
Russia coronavirus cases surpass 680,000
Russia on Sunday reported 6,736 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the nationwide tally to 681,251.
The authorities said that 134 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 10,161.
Indonesia reports highest daily rise in Covid-19 deaths
Indonesia has reported 82 new coronavirus deaths in its highest daily tally, taking the toll to 3,171.
Infections rose 1,607, for a total of 63,749 cases, Health Ministry official AchmaId Yurianto said.
Nigel Farage reported to police for pub visit
Nigel Farage has been reported to police after apparently visiting a pub less than a fortnight after a trip to a Donald Trump rally in the United States.
Anyone returning from overseas is required to self-isolate for 14 days under current quarantine laws, with few exceptions.
On Friday, ministers announced the restrictions would be lifted for some countries, but only from 10 July.
NHS to launch online coronavirus rehab service
The NHS is to launch a new online Covid-19 rehabilitation service as thousands warn they continue to suffer debilitating symptoms months after contracting the disease.
The treatments will help those who have survived the virus but still have problems with their breathing, mental health or other complications.
New rehabilitation centres to help those most seriously affected by the virus are also expected to open across the country.
Britain must solve its social care crisis if “any good” is to come from the coronavirus pandemic, the boss of NHS England has warned.
UK will need 'largest flu immunisation in history this winter'
The largest flu immunisation programme Britain has ever seen will have to be carried out this winter, the boss of NHS England has warned.
As the health service prepares for a possible second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, doctors’ leaders have warned the health service will struggle if high numbers of Covid-19 cases coincide with a bad flu season.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Sir Simon Stevens said the NHS was preparing for the virus to rebound this winter.
'We went to a restaurant for the first time since February'
Going out to eat should feel like a luxury, but it was hard to fully relax after months of lockdown, Sophie Gallagher writes.
'Perfect storm' led to PPE shortages, says health boss
A "perfect storm" of disrupted supply chains and a huge spike in demand led to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), the NHS's chief executive has said.
Sir Simon Stephens told BBC's The Andrew Marr Show: "I think it's undoubtedly the case that there was a perfect storm in respect of PPE, not just in this country but across Europe.
"We had a combination of a huge increase in the need for it at exactly the same time as the Chinese economy was in lockdown, and a very a significant dependence, not just here, but across Europe on Chinese supplies.
"So putting those two things together it clearly created a very difficult situation."
Prince Charles praises ‘remarkably selfless’ NHS workers
Prince Charles has paid tribute to the ”remarkably selfless” healthcare workers who have been taking care of others throughout the coronavirus pandemic to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.
On 5 July 1948, the national health service was launched by then-minister for health Aneurin Bevan.
More than seven decades later, the NHS is facing “the most testing time” in its history, the Prince of Wales said.
On the 72nd anniversary of the NHS, the royal released a video message in support of the health service, stating that it’s “founding principle” is particularly apt at this period of time.
Bali holds mass prayers for reopening from coronavirus lockdown
Bali has conducted mass prayers as the Indonesian resort island prepares to reopen to tourists.
More than a thousand people attended a prayer at Besakih Hindu temple in the town of Karangasem today, expressing gratitude for the handling of the new coronavirus on the island and seeking blessings for the start of a "new normal".
Bali has reported 1,849 coronavirus infections and 20 deaths so far, while Indonesia as a whole has recorded 63,749 cases and 3,171 deaths since early March.
The Southeast Asian island will gradually reopen this month for domestic tourists, while maintaining a "strict health protocol" to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Bali provincial secretary Dewa Made Indra told reporters.
The local government expects to reopen Bali to foreign arrivals in September.
Tourism is Bali's main source of income and travel restrictions due to the pandemic have hammered the local economy.
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