Hopefully reliable information that isn’t necessarily strongly security-related. Additional items are put at the top, but that doesn’t mean the links are always in chronological order. As this isn’t getting a lot of attention, I don’t guarantee to keep it maintained regularly or indefinitely.
11th May 2020
- UK government strategy document at first easing of lockdown To be found here.
- Guardian summary: Public advised to wear face masks under lockdown easing plan
- Independent: UK LOCKDOWN: WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES FOR DRIVERS AND HOW FAR CAN PEOPLE TRAVEL?
- Guardian: Scientists concerned that coronavirus is adapting to humans – “Researchers have observed mutations in some strains that may help the virus spread”
David Harley
7th May 2020
- Associated Press:
- Independent:
- Coronavirus: Expert cited by Boris Johnson to defend UK’s death toll tells prime minister to ‘please stop’– ” ‘Of course we should now use other countries to try and learn why our numbers are high’, says statistician
- Italian scientists claim to have developed world’s first coronavirus vaccine
– ‘Human tests are expected after this summer,’ says chief executive of company developing treatment
- Guardian: Revealed: the secret report that gave ministers warning of care home coronavirus crisis – “Care providers say government did not discuss key Exercise Cygnus concerns with them” Includes link to redacted copy of report.
6th May 2020
- Washington Post: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer begins testing coronavirus vaccine in people
- Moneysavingexpert.com:
- Coronavirus Self-Employed & Small Limited Company Help – “Your rights if you’re self employed incl help for limited company directors”
- Coronavirus employees’ help “for the latest on the furloughing scheme.”
- Coronavirus universal credit & benefits “for the latest on universal credit and other help.”
- Coronavirus finance & bills help “for the latest on mortgages, rent, debts and household bills.”
- Coronavirus life in lockdown” for the latest on supermarkets, weddings, MOTs etc.”
- Coronavirus travel rights for the latest on holidays and refunds.”
5th May 2020
- The Lancet: COVID-19: health literacy is an underestimated problem
- Bloomberg: Scientists Create Antibody That Defeats Coronavirus in Lab
- Independent: Coronavirus: UK in talks over rollout of antibody test with near-100% accuracy rate, says Hancock
- Independent: Most coronavirus patients get antibodies but unclear if they become immune, deputy chief medical officer says – “Matt Hancock says UK looking at imminent mass roll-out of ‘very promising’ new tests”
- Independent: Coronavirus: Scientists divided over report recommending widespread use of face maskscientists divided over report recommending widespread use of face masks – “As government advisers call for nationwide use of masks, some scientists contend ‘the negative effects of outweigh the positive’”
- Independent: Coronavirus: Hospitals could be blamed for NHS staff deaths as coroners barred from investigating government failings – “Coroners will be able to investigate deaths of NHS workers who caught Covid-19 and lacked protective equipment but they won’t be allowed to question national policy”
- Anya Verheyen: Non-sewn mask video
- Associated Press: Here come COVID-19 tracing apps – and privacy trade-offs
- Associated Press: UK becomes virus epicenter of Europe; S Korea plays baseball
- Associated Press: Scientists fault UK’s pandemic strategy as deaths rise
- Guardian: WHO says it has no evidence to support ‘speculative’ Covid-19 lab theory – “Health body says any ‘aggressive investigation of wrongdoing’ regarding virus origins makes understanding it harder”
- Guardian: UK government ‘using pandemic to transfer NHS duties to private sector’– “Critics claim Matt Hancock has accelerated dismantling of state healthcare”
1st May 2020
- Washington Post (US-specific): [FAQ] What you need to know about going back to work – “No, your employer can’t make you return if you don’t have child care and other questions answered”
- UK Research & Information: Coronavirus: the science explained
- Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Statement: COVID-19 and the basics of democratic governance – “The UK Government’s communication with the public has been admirably clear and simple: stay home. But it has been one-dimensional and one directional, whilst the challenges presented by COVID-19 are multiple, and they are far from simple.”
- Nuffield Council on Bioethics: “Following the science” in the COVID-19 pandemic – “A mantra of recent government policy reporting in recent weeks is that they are only following the science. The science recommended the lockdown, and the science will let us know when it can be relaxed, apparently. It tells us what tests need to be done for whom and what protective equipment is needed for whom. How exactly can it do this?”
27th April 2020
- Guardian: EU ‘watered down’ report on Chinese disinformation about Covid-19 – “Foreign policy chief urged to explain claims that report was altered under pressure from Beijing”
- EU vs Disinfo: EEAS SPECIAL REPORT UPDATE: SHORT ASSESSMENT OF NARRATIVES AND DISINFORMATION AROUND THE COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC (UPDATED 2 – 22 APRIL)
- Guardian (older article, but relevant): Russian media ‘spreading Covid-19 disinformation’ – “Leaked EU report says pro-Kremlin outlets seeking to aggravate public health crisis”
26th April 2020
- Sunday Times: Coronavirus: keep working despite the risks, pregnant nurses and doctors told and a campaign by Organise.
- Guidance from Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
- Observer: If ministers fail to reveal 2016 flu study they ‘will face court’ – “Doctor’s threat over results of three-day simulation exercise that were ‘too terrifying’ to be made public”
25th April 2020
Science Magazine: How does coronavirus kill? Clinicians trace a ferocious rampage through the body, from brain to toes
24th April 2020
- NPR: No, You Don’t Need To Disinfect Your Groceries. But Here’s How To Shop Safely
- BBC: Coronavirus: Trainee nurses put in virus ‘firing line’
- Guardian: Coronavirus: medical experts denounce Trump’s latest ‘dangerous’ treatment suggestion
- Associated Press: Coronavirus shakes the conceit of ‘American exceptionalism’
- Independent: hospitals are now running out of vital kidney dialysis blood filtering kits
- ITV: Care home residents account for up to half of Covid-19 deaths in Europe – WHO
- Guardian: Hospitals sound alarm over privately run virus test centre at Surrey theme park – “Exclusive: Frontline staff complain over ‘lost Covid-19 test results’ from Chessington drive-in site”
23rd April 2020
- Scottish government: Coronavirus (COVID-19): framework for decision making
- BBC: Coronavirus: Scientists brand 5G claims ‘complete rubbish’
- TechRepublic: How to prevent Zoom bombing
- BBC: Zoom meetings targeted by abuse footage sharers
- BBC: ‘Zoombombing’ targeted with new version of app
22nd April 2020
- Citizens Advice on what to do if You can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter
- Financial Times: Coronavirus death toll in UK twice as high as official figure | Free to read – “FT estimate has been updated to reflect latest mortality trends”
- CNN: England and Wales coronavirus death toll 41% higher than UK government’s daily figures – The true death toll from coronavirus in England and Wales up to April 10 was about 41% higher than the UK government’s daily update, according to data released by the country’s Office of National Statistics (ONS).
- Anadolu Agency: Italy-UK team hopes to have COVID-19 vaccine in Sept – “Researchers of Italian IRBM, Oxford University to start human testing on 550 volunteers late April”
- Guardian: Government misses out on 16m face masks for NHS in four weeks – “Companies say their offers to supply much-needed PPE have been met with silence”
- AP News: Big unknowns about virus complicate getting back to normal
- AP News: Virus misinformation flourishes in online protest groups
- Independent: Coronavirus: Senior civil servant backtracks on claim UK’s failure to join EU ventilator scheme was ‘political decision’ – “Sir Simon McDonald initially contradicted No 10, saying ministers were briefed on ‘what was on offer’ to UK”
- Independent: Coronavirus: WHO warns ‘worst yet to come’ and only tiny minority have developed Covid-19 antibodies – “Risk of second wave as ‘large proportion of the public remains susceptible’”
- Independent: Coronavirus antibody home tests not reliable, study finds – “Finger-prick tests such as those purchased by UK government ‘inadequate for most individual patient applications’, say scientists” Worth reading if you want to know more about testing in general.
- Guardian: All big UK airlines and travel firms denying refunds, Which? finds – “Up to £7bn owed for trips cancelled because of coronavirus – but operators fear bankruptcy if they pay out”
21st April 2020
- The NHS App – a simple (once you’ve jumped the initial hurdles) way of accessing a range of services
- The Guardian: How long should you remain in isolation if you have symptoms of Covid-19? – “The UK government guidelines recommend seven days from the onset of symptoms, whereas the World Health Organization advises 14.”
- University of Southern California: Early antibody testing suggests COVID-19 infections in L.A. County greatly exceed documented cases – “…Public Health officials have released the preliminary results of their antibody tests… a collaborative scientific study that suggests infections from the new coronavirus are far more widespread — and the fatality rate much lower — in L.A. County than previously thought….”
20th April 2020
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Time Magazine: How to Make a DIY Face Mask for Coronavirus
- Independent: Coronavirus: UK may face five or six waves of disease, MPs are told – “Scientific expert says UK response was ‘too slow’ and Britain could face Europe’s worst death toll – with as many as 40,000 victims”
18th April 2020
- Independent: Coronavirus: Nurses turned away from testing centres if they don’t have appointments, MPs told – “Ill staff sometimes driving two hours to be tested, only to be sent away, says nursing leader”
- Yahoo News: People coming into the UK not asked to self-isolate as the virus is already so prevalent, Matt Hancock tells MPs
- Financial Times: Muddled thinking punctures plan for British ventilator – “Non-specialist manufacturers sent off to design new products that clinicians and regulators say were unsuitable for Covid patients”
- BBC: Coronavirus: Facebook alters virus action after damning misinformation report
- Guardian: Government ‘ignores’ UK textiles firms desperate to make PPE – “Too much emphasis placed on brand names to help during coronavirus crisis, say industry sources”
- Action Fraud: Criminals target members of the public with NHS scam emails
- Radio Times: More than £2m stolen in coronavirus-linked scams – “Fraudsters have tricked people into handing over more than £2m in coronavirus-linked scams, according to latest figures from Action Fraud.”
- Radio Times: Your benefits explained – The Covid-19 crisis is causing real hardship. Paul Lewis guides you through the help available
- Sky News: Coronavirus: Currently ‘no evidence’ that COVID-19 survivors have immunity, WHO warns – “Epidemiologists warn there is no proof that antibody tests can show if someone who has been infected cannot be infected again.”
- BBC: Coronavirus: Double warning over antibody tests
- Wales Online: Latest advice on washing food after you go shopping
- Advice from Devon-Cornwall police, but general enough to be useful/interesting to people elsewhere in the UK. COVID-19 FAQs
17th April 2020
- Facecrooks: Facebook Will Start Warning Users Who Interacted With Hoax Coronavirus Content
- The Times: Coronavirus: Flights bring 15,000 people a day to UK without screening
- Guardian: Driving to take a walk is lawful during England lockdown, police told [Not the start of an exit strategy, but clarification that should cut down on unduly heavy-handed police action.]
- BBC: Coronavirus: ‘I need gowns, can I call Burberry?’ NHS trust boss asks [a lot less trivial than it sounds!]
- Edinburgh Evening News: FCO travel advice UK: latest guidance from government as Brits warned to avoid non-essential foreign travel ‘indefinitely’ – here’s how it affects your insurance – “Travel restrictions in the UK have been tightened by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the country”
- Nick FitzGerald for ESET: Scams, lies, and coronavirus
- ITV: Exclusive: ‘Test passengers now!’ Plea from Heathrow Border Control officer who says staff don’t have enough protection
- WJLA: ‘DO NOT click the link’; Police warn of scam COVID-19 text messages
16th April 2020
- BBC: Coronavirus: NHS contact tracing app to target 80% of smartphone users
- Sky News: Coronavirus: Top doctor urges UK government to consider Korean antibody tests
- BBC: Coronavirus: Significant social distancing needed ‘until vaccine found’
- BBC: Eastern Europeans to be flown in to pick fruit and veg
- Guardian podcast: The story behind Trump’s ‘miracle’ drug hydroxychloroquine “there is scant evidence it is effective – and it could actually be harmful”
- The Times: Coronavirus death toll is 50 per cent higher than government figures
“Latest ONS statistics include cases in care homes” [Whole article is only available to subscribers, and I’m never going to be one of those…] - Guardian: Hancock vows to give families ‘right to say goodbye’ to loved ones
“Health secretary says people can visit those with Covid-19, but care sector warns of lack of PPE” - Metro: Docs have to wear bin liners and wash kit in buckets of disinfectant
- Guardian: Warning as UK coronavirus outbreak leads to sharp rise in deaths at home “A&E chiefs believe many people who could be saved are too scared to go to hospital”
April 15th 2020
- CNBC: WHO officials say it’s unclear whether recovered coronavirus patients are immune to second infection
- Horse & Hound: Public urged to avoid ‘misguided’ sky lantern NHS campaign [I have to seriously wonder about the motives of the company quoted here.]
- Bruce Schneier: Cybersecurity During COVID-19
- Bruce Schneier: Contact Tracing COVID-19 Infections via Smartphone Apps
- Ross Anderson: Contact Tracing in the Real World
April 14th 2020
- Ciinical study into the safety/efficacy of chloroquine (CQ) and/or
hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for the treatment of COVID-19: Chloroquine diphosphate in two different dosages as adjunctive therapy of hospitalized patients with severe respiratory syndrome in the context of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection: Preliminary safety results of a randomized, double-blinded, phase IIb clinical trial (CloroCovid-19 Study) “In conclusion, the high CQ dose scheme (12g), given for 10 days, was not sufficiently safe to warrant continuation of that particular study arm. We therefore strongly recommend that this dosage is no longer used anywhere for the treatment of severe COVID-19, especially because in the real world older patients using cardiotoxic drugs should be the rule. No apparent benefit of CQ was seen regarding lethality in our patients so far, but we will still enroll patients in the low CQ dose group to complete the originally planned sample size.” - Scouts: The Great Indoors – Ideas and activities to inspire young minds at home
- The Lullaby Trust: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and caring for your baby – “We have put together the latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) for if you are pregnant or have a young child”
- Guardian: To help stop coronavirus, everyone should be wearing face masks. The science is clear – “Even people without symptoms can infect other just by speaking but a simple cloth covering can stop us spreading harmful droplets”
- Guardian Science Weekly podcast: Covid-19: how vulnerable are people with asthma?
- Metro (and many others): Sky lanterns ‘put lives at risk and shouldn’t be used during Clap for Carers’ [An article from last week, but if people are still seriously doing this, it needs to stop.]
April 13th 2020
- Huffington Post: The Rudest Things You Can Do As A Neighbor During The Coronavirus Pandemic – Etiquette experts share faux pas to avoid in the time of social distancing and COVID-19.
- Government guidance: Get coronavirus support as a clinically extremely vulnerable person
- Petition: Give non-British citizens who are NHS workers automatic citizenship –
“Give NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.”
Cabinet Office document from 2013 ‘Preparing for a Pandemic Influenza’
Cabinet Office Guidance FAQ: Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
- Government Petitions Committee: Committee question Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Ministers on Coronavirus response (From March, but you might still find it of interest.)
- Guardian article from March on the obsession with herd immunity: Scientists have been sounding the alarm on coronavirus for months. Why did Britain fail to act?
- Evening Standard article from March: More than half of UK needs to catch coronavirus to develop ‘herd immunity’, Government’s chief scientist says
April 12th 2020
Guardian: Five months on, what scientists now know about the coronavirus
Johns Hopkins University’s coronavirus dashboard – “maintained in near real time throughout the day through a combination of manual and automated updating.”
Digital Trends: The most reliable coronavirus dashboards [those would probably be my choice, too, FWIW]
Guardian: “Can a face mask protect me from coronavirus? Covid-19 myths busted
The truth about how you can catch coronavirus, who is most vulnerable and what you can do to avoid infection”
- BBC: Coronavirus symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself?
- BBC: Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
- BBC: Coronavirus UK map: How many confirmed cases are there in your area?
- BBC: How to look after your mental health
NHS:
- Advice for Everyone
- Advice for people at higher risk
- Symptoms and what to do
- Self-isolation if you or someone you live with has symptoms
- More information
National Autism Society: general information for a less general audience
The AVIEN Portal 