Domestic Politics
The House of Commons is deliberating how to prepare for the return of MPs once lockdown restrictions are eased. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle held a rehearsal on Monday, in which ministers met via video conference. Screens have also been installed in the chamber to allow some MPs to attend remotely. Under the “hybrid” system, only 50 MPs will be allowed to be present in the chamber. [BBC]
Health
The Royal College of Anaesthetists has told doctors that they should not treat patients without safe personal protective equipment (PPE) amid reports that there are huge shortages and that hospitals are rewashing equipment to re-use them. [The Independent]
The UK has now had 124,473 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 4,676 deaths. However, Public Health England (PHE) medical director Yvonne Doyle says that around 10% of COVID-19 deaths take place outside of hospitals, and thus the true figures could be as much as 40% higher. [The Independent]
Millions of pieces of PPE continue to be shipped form the UK to Europe despite severe shortages. This includes 5 million surgical masks and 1 million respirators last week, and a further 750,000 surgical masks on Monday. Companies say that their “offers of help” have been “repeatedly ignored” by the UK government. [The Telegraph]
Ireland reported 401 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths overnight, the country’s highest daily increase. This brings its total to 15,652, with 687 deaths. [TheJournal.ie]
Economy
More than a million UK workers have been furloughed. The UK government is paying 80% of their wages up to $3,100 per month. After opening for registration on Monday, the government received 144,000 applications from companies. [The Times]
Environment
Scotland is at ‘extreme risk’ of wildfires after a series of major fires in the Highlands. This has been attributed to the recent warm weather and an increased amount of vegetation at the beginning of spring. [Edinburgh News]
Society
Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Harris, said discussions have been held over opening primary schools for just one day a week and holding morning and afternoon classes to reduce class sizes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. [Buzz.ie]
Image Source: The Economist
Britain and Ireland in Review: April 21, 2020
Read more about the latest events from Britain and Ireland.
April 21, 2020
