July - 2020

Coronavirus: Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days

People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven. The change, announced by the UK's chief medical officers, comes as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Until now, those showing key symptoms - a new continuous cough, a temperature or loss of taste or smell - have had to self-isolate for at least a week. The new advice is in line with World Health Organization guidance. The chief med

Most people in England to be offered flu vaccine

Most people in England, about 30 million, are to be offered a free flu vaccine this year, the government says. It is to prepare for a winter that could see the annual flu season coincide with a surge in coronavirus. The NHS flu programme will add all over-50s, people shielding and those who live with them and children in their first year of secondary school. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wanted "everyone to have a flu jab in the run up to this winter". He said it was i

Coronavirus: New face covering rules come into force in England

Face coverings are now compulsory for customers in shops in England, after new coronavirus rules came into force within 12 hours of the government issuing guidance on the change. Coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks and takeaways. Police can hand out fines of up to £100 to those who do not comply. But some retailers have insisted they will not enforce the rule. Sainsbury's and Costa Coffee said

Coronavirus: Care home visits to resume in England

Care home residents in England can begin to be reunited with one of their loved ones, the government has said, as it publishes new guidance. Visits will resume in care homes once local authorities and local public health directors say it is safe. Residents will be limited to seeing the same one visitor, where possible, the guidance says. Some providers began allowing outdoor, socially-distanced visits in June, in the absence of government guidelines. Health Secretary Matt Han

Patients will be prescribed walks in the great outdoors on the NHS

Patients may soon be prescribed a walk in the great outdoors on the NHS. In a bid to reduce pressure on the health service, environment secretary George Eustice has said GPs and other medics in the UK will be able to hand out “green prescriptions” over pills from autumn. Under the £4m ($5m) scheme, doctors can encourage people to take up gardening, cycling or even planting trees in their local area. Vulnerable individuals, like care home residents, may even be sent on coach t

Coronavirus: Smokers quit in highest numbers in a decade

More than one million people have given up smoking since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, a survey for charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests. Of those who had quit in the previous four months, 41% said it was in direct response to coronavirus. Separately, University College London (UCL) found more people quit smoking in the year to June 2020 than in any year since its survey began in 2007. Government advice says smokers may be at risk of more severe Covid symptoms. Be

Coronavirus: Face masks and coverings to be compulsory in England's shops

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July. Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100, the government has announced. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it would "give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops". The move will bring England into line with Scotland and other major European nations like Spain, Italy and Germany. Since mid-May, mem

'Broken heart syndrome' on the rise during coronavirus pandemic

“Broken heart syndrome” is on the rise amid the coronavirus outbreak, research suggests. Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic have reported a significant increase in the number of people experiencing stress cardiomyopathy. Known as broken heart syndrome, this can occur when emotional distress triggers dysfunction of the heart muscle. Amid the pandemic, people around the world are mourning the loss of loved ones, with the death toll exceeding 550,000. Others are battling anxie

Sexual health service sees spike in demand as lockdown eases

Demand for sexual health services has reportedly spiked after government officials relaxed the coronavirus lockdown. Boris Johnson announced on 11 June, people who live alone in England could form “support bubbles”, allowing them to visit one other household and even stay the night from 13 June. The government said the move was to help combat loneliness for those who had nothing but their own company for three months. Professor Linda Bauld from the University of Edinburgh cal

Coronavirus: NHS England launches tool to aid long-term recovery

NHS England is launching a new service for people with ongoing health problems after having coronavirus. The government says "tens of thousands" of people have long-term symptoms after catching Covid-19. "Your Covid Recovery" will be an online portal for people in England to access tutorials, contact healthcare workers and track their progress. The project will be rolled out in two phases, with the web portal launching later this month. It will only be accessible via a person

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