So who is this update for? If there was a tech issue, why couldn't they just stop it and sort it.

A few days ago, the update was late and while it was still going on just before six the BBC switched to the weather forecast! Beggars belief. One minute they are shelving all programmes for these updates. Then when they come on on two counts now they have cocked up.

He kept a low profile whilst the floods were going on. He’s probably doing the same now...Maybe!

Gavin do you know if that’s an increase 

👍

Standing around in a group, sitting down or laying on the grass isn't exercise. As you say, it's really not that difficult.

I see the couple who decided to have a barbecue on the beach yesterday are being prosecuted. 

On another note.  Have just had a text from my mum, who’s  friends have a daughter and son in law who are both doctors. They are having to share masks WITH ANOTHER DOCTOR while on shift. She is also moving to the Nightingale. 

Yeah sure! Geez! Yawn...!

Today's UK data looks utterly horrendous. I sincerely hope it isn't repeated tomorrow.

Been speaking to a consultant pal of mine at one of the Leeds hospitals and they’re expecting the peak in a week which is expected to be a 4 fold increase in admissions.

Indeed. Also, why should parents lose a child and children lose a parent around the rest of the world because of something that started in their country.

For me, the days when the UK and many other western countries cosy up to the Chinese, at least in economic terms, need to be a thing of the past. We can't decide for them who forms their government and we can't decide for them how the country is run, but we can take action in other ways, starting with hitting them economically.

Agreed Brian. We have taken a number of steps back today.

Daily breakdown of the data from PHE

UK data 

• Daily confirmed Cases - 5,903 - 11 cases previously confirmed in Wales have been removed 


• Total UK deaths - 4,934 (+621)

English data

Top 10 Local Authorities with the highest confirmed cases

1. Birmingham: 1,246


2. Hampshire: 876


3. Sheffield: 833


4. Hertfordshire: 833


5. Surrey: 811


6. Essex: 792


7. Kent: 755


8. Brent: 728


9. Lancashire: 726


10. Cumbria: 698

Local Authorities with the fewest confirmed cases

• Rutland: 6 (No change)


• Hartlepool: 29


• Kingston upon Hull, City of: 31


• Isle of Wight: 32


• North East Lincolnshire: 43


• Darlington: 45


• Peterborough: 48 (No change)


• Swindon: 50


• North Lincolnshire: 51


• Torbay: 54

Regional data

• London - 10,247 (+1,731)          


• Midlands - 5,537 (+1,376) 


• North East and Yorkshire - 4,029 (+940) 


• North West - 4,826 (+733) 


• South East - 4,579 (+402) 


• East of England - 3,150 (+537) 


• South West - 1,827 (+291) 

All changes with yesterday. Data based up to 9am today for new cases and up to 5pm yesterday for new confirmed coronavirus deaths. Not all deaths occurred in the 24hr period.

You're absolutely right that it doesn't matter where it broke out - although I don't know why you singled out Tanzania when there are other African countries with a far greater risk of hosting a pandemic of a novel virus.

But the issue is the initial cover-up by the Chinese authorities, which at the very least exacerbated the problem, and their failure to stamp out the illegal market in wild animals.

It seems that his fiance also had the virus; she was seemingly confined to bed for a few days with it, but seems to be getting better now from what I have read.

If Boris is still unwell, I believe he should step aside temporarily and ask whoever is second in command in the government to take charge of things until he is well enough to return to work fully.

Breaking: Italy have reported 4,316 new cases and 525 new deaths

ICU patients 3,977 down by 17 from yesterday.

The death rate increase from today's update to 5pm yesterday is 14%

• Monday - 27%


• Tuesday - 31%


• Wednesday - 24%


• Thursday - 23%


• Friday - 20%


• Saturday - 14%

There are rumours that #BorisJohnson has had to go into hospital.Have you heard anything about this ? Obvs extremely worrying if true ! #COVID2019 #coronavirus

— Cecilia Bartholemew (@CeciliaBTory) April 5, 2020

Downing Street do need to get a handle of this. Apparently aides have been saying he is still coughing.

At a time of crisis we should not be ruderless. The nation need to know who is currently in charge. 

I saw someone had posted a photo of it on FB. 

A void of information usually indicates bad news for the government.

It has  been going on rather too long now.

As has been noticed before., if you don't get rid of the cursed thing after a week or so, then the outlook gets progressively worse.  It wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's been carted into hospital.

Not I