Coronavirus: Live updates on COVID-19 in the West Country
Welcome to the ITV News West Country coronavirus live blog for the week beginning 14 April.
Here you will find the latest information and updates regarding the pandemic, including case numbers, event cancellations and venue closures.
We will also be highlighting some of the positive efforts being made by our local communities to support one another during the crisis.
Sunday 17th April
2.15pm - There have been 22 COVID-19 related deaths in the past 24 hours in the West Country's hospitals.
Taking the total to 672 coronavirus related deaths in the region.
7.44am - Children from disadvantaged backgrounds across England are to receive free laptops and tablets to help them learn from home during the lockdown.
The move is part of a push to make remote education accessible for pupils while their schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday 18th April
14.23pm - NHS England has announced there have been 42 new COVID-19 related deaths in the West Country.
650 people in total have now died from coronavirus in the region.
12.00pm - A programme to free prisoners early to help prevent the spread of coronavirus has been put on hold after six inmates were released by mistake.
Inmates were let out of two open Category D prisons in Gloucestershire and other prisons and young offenders institutes across the country.
The low-risk offenders were candidates for early release but were let out too soon after an 'administrative error', the Ministry of Justice said.
After the flaw was spotted, they all "returned compliantly to prison", a spokeswoman added.
Friday 17th April
5:58pm - Government's fishing lifeline thrown after industry is damaged by lockdown
Today the Government has announced £10 million worth of grants for the industry. Ministers say 1000 companies will receive direct grants to support them.
Read more here.
5:40pm - Government announces taskforce in race for coronavirus vaccine
The hunt for a coronavirus vaccine has been given a boost by the launch of a government task force announced by Business Secretary Alok Sharma.
Led by chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan van Tam, it will support efforts to rapidly develop a vaccine as soon as possible.
Read more here.
4:40pm - Countdown is on to ‘International Stay at Home and Make a Pasty Day’
Pasty lovers across the world are being urged to unite in a mass pasty bake at 5pm on Saturday April 18th.
It’s the idea of Cornish comedian and actor Edward Rowe AKA Kernow King, who recently starred in the BAFTA Award winning Cornish film 'Bait'.
4:25pm - South Western Ambulance says attacks on staff during pandemic won't be tolerated
South Western Ambulance paramedics and bosses have condemned ongoing violence and aggression towards the service's teams during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more here.
3:30pm - West Country survivors share heartfelt messages of thanks for life-saving NHS
West Country coronavirus survivors have shared their heartfelt messages of thanks to the life-saving NHS as they recover from the virus.
After allowing ITV West Country to follow their frightening experiences of Covid-19, we asked our local survivors to update us on their progress.
Check how they're getting on here.
2:45pm - Bristol Port’s herogram for the NHS
An NHS herogram visible from space via satellite imagery has been carved into the waters of the Bristol Channel.
A crew at Bristol Port paid their own special tribute to healthcare workers, using a satellite tracker to expertly spell out ‘♡NHS’ across the entrances of Royal Portbury and Avonmouth Docks yesterday.
By plotting an intricate course on the GPS system of the Port’s work boat, the Graham Robertson, the crew was able to craft a message which it knew would be captured by satellites tracking the vessel on a live global ship tracking website.
2:25pm - A further 23 people have died from the Coronavirus in the West Country
We're sad to report that 608 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have passed away as a result of coronavirus in our hospitals.
That figure is an increase of 23 from yesterday's total of 585.
Read in more detail here.
2:00pm - Sandbanks Ferry to withdraw service from Tuesday 21st April until further notice
The Sandbanks Ferry Company, which runs the chain ferry service between Studland and Poole, has announced that it will be withdrawing the service from Tuesday 21st April until further notice.
After the Government announced that ‘lockdown’ would continue the company have decided it is no longer economically or environmentally viable to continue to run the ferry service.
The final crossing will be the 19.10 from Studland on Monday 20th April. Timings on the return of the ferry service will be provided in due course.
1:50pm - Cornish sewing group's challenge to make 5000 PPE masks
A team of 10 sewing enthusiasts from a Cornish village have launched a campaign to make 5000 protective masks for key workers.
The group from Stithians, near Truro, are making the masks using vacuum filters.
So far the Stithians Mask Makers have given out over 300 masks, and have raised more than £1300 of their £2000 target.
12:59pm - Postman wears different costume every day to help overcome Coronavirus lockdown isolation and depression
A postman has been brightening Bruton residents' days by dressing up in a different costume each day.
Mark, who has suffered with depression, said that the first day he made his deliveries in fancy dress many residents told him that he had brightened their day and made them smile.
Read more here.
12:25pm - Bristol City legend Norman Hunter dies aged 76 after contracting coronavirus
One of Bristol City's finest ever players has died aged 76 after contracting Covid-19.
Norman Hunter was admitted to hospital last week and passed away on Friday morning (17 April).
Read more here.
12:00pm - Plymouth leisure bosses take pay cut to help shop workers
Bosses at the company which owns Drake Circus and the Barcode leisure complex in Plymouth have taken a 20% pay cut to help shop workers that are struggling because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Read more on this story here
11:45am - Doctors and nurses share their experiences of dealing with coronavirus inside West Country hospitals
The NHS has never known a time like this - it is history in the making.
Staff are working tirelessly to save lives while risking their own and putting themselves in harm's way.
But what is the reality for doctors and nurses on the hospital frontlines across the south west?
Here from them in their own words here
10:00am - Exclusive poll shows true extent of coronavirus crisis in care homes
More than 40% of carers surveyed in an exclusive poll for ITV News say they are dealing with suspected cases of Covid-19 in care homes.
Providing the largest snapshot yet of the crisis in our care sector, the survey of over 2,800 carers found 42% were looking after residents who had suspected Covid-19.
Read more on this story here
7:30am - Second Bristol First Bus driver dies with coronavirus
A second Bristol-based First Bus driver has died with coronavirus.Operations director Ian Coyle confirmed the death of part-time driver Hussen Mudei.
It comes after First driver Martin Egan, who was also based at the Lawrence Hill depot, died on March 28, having fallen ill with Covid-19.
Mr Coyle said 'robust protocols' were in place to mitigate the spread of the virus across First Bus' business and services.
Earlier this week Unite, the union covering Bristol's First employees, said the operator has introduced stringent safety measures in the city's buses.
6:00am - Here are your headlines this morning
Friday 17th April
19:00 - That's it from us.
That's it from us on today's live blog regarding coronavirus in the West Country.
Thank you to those who have been following our live updates, and to those who watched our programme earlier this evening.
For more on coronavirus from ITV News, click here.
18:55pm - Police crackdown on 'vigilantes' targeting second home owners
Police in the West Country have vowed to crackdown on vigilantes targeting second home owners.
Tensions have risen in some regional communities where holiday home owners are believed to be staying during the coronavirus lockdown.
Read more here.
18:30 - Meet the NHS support workers who are helping to keep our hospitals running
NHS cleaners, porters, chefs, admin staff and many more are working alongside our doctors and nurses to make sure we're safe and well during these difficult times.
Find out more here.
17:28 - Coronavirus lockdown restrictions extended for 'at least' three more weeks
Lockdown measures to slow the spread of coronavirus in the UK will be extended for at least three more weeks, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said.
He said "any change to our social distancing measures" would risk a "significant increase" in the spread of coronavirus.
Read more here.
16:10 - The first of the region's Nightingale Hospitals will open in Bristol in a few days
In an exclusive interview, Kylie has been speaking to the nurse in charge of the new unit at the University of the West of England.
She told Kylie she doesn't believe we are through the worst of the outbreak yet.
15:20 - Family from Cornwall praise ‘incredible’ NHS for saving their baby and thank the people of Bristol for their kindness amid the Coronavirus crisis
A family from Truro have praised the NHS staff who they say went above and beyond to save their daughter’s life.
Ophelia Rose’s parents Daisy Starr and Sam Hain also needed a place to stay in Bristol so they could visit their daughter in hospital but due to the pandemic, their hotel stay was cancelled.
The pair reached out on social media and hundreds of people offered them free accommodation on the Covid-19 Bristol support group.
Read more here.
14:55 - Coronavirus death toll in the West Country rises to 585.
We're sad to report that 585 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have passed away as a result of coronavirus in our hospitals.
That figure is an increase of 29 from yesterday's total of 556.
Read in more detail here.
12:52pm - 98-year-old veteran and 73-year old granny set the pace for charity in Coronavirus lockdown
A couple of inspirational pensioners from Somerset are setting the pace and an example with their respective fundraising efforts.
98 year-old Owen Hillier is walking 100 metres every day until the end of the lockdown for Dorothy House hospice care.
And Joanna Stevens has completed a marathon in her own back garden to raise funds for Save the Children's coronavirus appeal.
Find out more here.
11:25am - Bristol nurses launch ‘Heart to Heart’ campaign to connect families with their loved ones
Intensive care nurses at Bristol Royal Infirmary have launched a new campaign to connect patients and their loved ones who are unable to be together, due to coronavirus restrictions.
Read more on this story here
10:35am - Burger King announces it's to re-open two restaurants in Bristol and one in Swindon
Two Burger King restaurants in Bristol and one in Swindon have re-opened today for delivery services only.
It's part of a phased re-opening of more restaurants in the coming weeks after they closed when the lockdown started in March.
Read full story: https://bit.ly/3coAL48
7:55am - Woman's car vandalised after being wrongly mistaken for a second home owner
A woman's car has been vandalised near St Austell in Cornwall after she was wrongly targeted as a second home owner or holiday maker.
Sue Skyba had a tin of gloss point poured over her yellow VW Beetle on Tuesday (14 April), causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage and potentially writing off the car.
Read more on this storyhere
7:00am - Living with cancer during Covid-19
A father from Cornwall who was diagnosed with cancer four years ago has been told he may have just months to live.Roland Monger spoke to ITV News about living with cancer during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3bbvaOt
6:00am - Here are your headlines this morning
Thursday 16 April
4:30 - Police give tickets to four people in Bourton-on-the-Water for ignoring lockdown guidance.
4:00 - Multiple deaths reported at Cornwall care home
Multiple residents have died following a coronavirus “outbreak” at a care home in Cornwall.
A “number” of residents at the Roseland Court care home in Tregony have died, though the exact figure is unknown.
2:45 - Government fails to meet coronavirus testing target
In the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday, 14,982 tests were carried out according to Boris Johnson's spokesman.
He claimed that the 100,000-tests-a-day target by the end of the month remained in place.
At the start of April, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick set a target of 25,000 a day by the middle of the month.
2:15 - 14 new emergency dental surgeries open across West Country
A network of 14 emergency dental centres have opened across the region for people who need urgent dental treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
2:00 - Jail for lockdown drink driver arrested after Devon M5 caravan crash
A drink driver has been jailed after being involved in a caravan crash on the M5 during the coronavirus lockdown.
Dennis Michael Ryan was travelling in breach of the current restrictions when the pile-up happened on the motorway near Sampford Peverell on April 8.
The 34-year-old was jailed for 17 weeks.
1:20 - Crash closes M5 near Tiverton
A crash has closed all lanes of the M5 near Tiverton.
The incident involved multiple vehicles and occurred northbound at junction 27.
A section of the motorway has been blocked by the collision.
It means traffic has been diverted off the motorway slip road.
1:00 - Dyson provides update on ventilator project
Dyson says it is now producing ventilator units "for final regulatory approval".
The Government has said companies bidding to make coronavirus ventilators must pass safety tests.
Click here to see footage from the firm's Hullavington Airfield site.
12:30 - Temporary mortuary being constructed in Bristol
The facility has been put up on Sandy Park Road in the Brislington area of the city.
12:00 - Wiltshire Council and Police issue 'a huge thank you' to businesses and public for PPE donations
Following a joint appeal for PPE donations by Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police, the organisations say stocks have been provided "in just a matter of days".
They have thanked local businesses and members of the public for their donations.
11:20 - More than 20,000 people attend virtual lockdown gigs hosted by Cornwall pubs
A number of pubs in Cornwall streamed a live music gig to more than 20,000 homes on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Bowgie Inn, Crantock, near Newquay, was one of the pubs making sure it is keeping spirits high at home.
9:30 - Police in Wells issue rainbow challenge to fellow stations...
With the rainbow established as a symbol of hope through the Covid-19 pandemic, police in Wells have become the latest of our emergency services to create their own colourful display.
They have challenged other stations across the area to try and top their effort...
7:30 - 14 new emergency dental surgeries open across South West
14 new emergency dental surgeries have opened across the south west after normal practices were shut by the lockdown.
Some patients have travelled to Birmingham for urgent treatment because they couldn't get help locally.
Health bosses are keeping the precise locations secret because they don't want people turning up without appointments, but some of the centres are in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, Bath and Bodmin.
6:30 - 'Lifeline' meals on wheels service sees increased demand during coronavirus lockdown
The lockdown has left the elderly and many other 'vulnerable' groups unable to leave their homes, until restrictions are lifted.
For those who are house-bound, going about day-to-day tasks like food shopping suddenly becomes a challenge.
Services like Forest Mobile Meals Ltd that produce and deliver hot meals for the elderly have seen an increase in demand.
Read more on this story here
6:00am - Here are your headlines this morning
Wednesday 14th April
Here are some of our top stories from Tuesday, 14 April
Coronavirus: Care regulator to record care home deaths from Covid-19
‘UK missed three chances to join EU scheme to bulk-buy protective equipment’
Scroll down for live updates regarding coronavirus in the West Country on Tuesday, 14 April:
6.50pm - That's it from us
That's it from us on today's live blog regarding coronavirus in the West Country.
Thank you to those who have been following our live updates, and to those who watched our programme earlier this evening.
For more on coronavirus from ITV News, click here.
6.27pm - Frome woman stranded in India as lockdown restrictions are extended
Lockdown restrictions in India have today been extended for another three weeks until at least May 3rd, with thousands of UK citizens still stranded there.
The Government has increased the number of flights it's chartering to bring people home, but one woman from Somerset has told ITV News West Country she still has no idea when she might be able to return.
Janet Pang from Frome went on holiday to Goa on March 8th with her partner Nick Mumford.
Her flight back on March 23rd was cancelled, along with two further scheduled flights for which she bought tickets.
Click here to read Janet's story in full.
6.19pm - Wiltshire family build crazy golf course in garden
A West Country family came up with a unique way to fight boredom at home over the bank holiday weekend.
The Higgins' built a crazy golf course in their back garden in Wiltshire, using all sorts of household items.
Click here for the full story.
6pm - Watch our Facebook live stream of tonight's programme
Don't forget - you can now watch our 6pm programme live on Facebook!
Click here to watch.
5.35pm - 'These are tough times and there'll be more to come'
The coronavirus crisis is having a "significant" impact on the UK economy, the chancellor has admitted, after a new report claimed Covid-19 is causing the worst economic shock in 100 years.
Rishi Sunak conceded the government "can’t protect every business and every household" and warned "these are tough times and there will be more to come".
Click here for more on today's briefing.
5pm - Chancellor Rishi Sunak gives today's press briefing
4.15pm - Drivers in Dorset face 42-mile diversion route during lockdown
Drivers face a 42-mile diversion route to make a 600 metre journey when a stretch of the A3066 through Dorset closes amid lockdown next week.
Hogshill Street in Beaminster is to shut between Monday 20 April and Friday 24 April while resurfacing work is carried out by Dorset County Council.
As a result, a journey which would usually take minutes, will now take motorists more than an hour.
It means that drivers could face significantly longer journeys to carry out essential travel amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Click here to read more on this.
3.46pm - Thousands raised to rebuild torched adventure playground in Bristol
A crowdfunding campaign to rebuild an adventure playground in Bristol has raised nearly £14,000 - doubling its original target.
Most of the community-run playground in St Paul's was destroyed after it was set alight on Easter Saturday.
The organisation, St Pauls Adventure Playground, runs parties, workshops and other events for the surrounding area.
More here.
3.21pm - Ten people arrested in Wiltshire for breaching lockdown restrictions over bank holiday weekend
3.15pm - Don't buy sky lanterns, fire service warn
2.45pm - Coronavirus death toll in UK increases by 778
A total of 12,107 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, up by 778 from 11,329 the day before.
The Department of Health said as of 9am on Tuesday 14 April, a total of 382,650 coronavirus tests had been carried out, with 93,873 testing positive.
NHS England has announced 744 new deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 11,005.
For a full breakdown of the latest figures, click here.
2.02pm - Public thanked for staying in over Easter bank holiday weekend
Wiltshire Police have thanked people who stayed at home over this long Easter Bank Holiday weekend as the region's motorways remained quiet.
For more on this, click here.
1.38pm - 'We cannot say if COVID-19 still exists in the home or not'
A senior doctor at a South Gloucestershire nursing home where patients have died after testing positive for coronavirus says they cannot be sure if anyone else has the virus.
Edgemont View in Oldland Common, near Bristol, is currently closed to visitors after at least three patients contracted COVID-19.
Dr Stephen Illingworth, who is a senior doctor at the home, confirmed two of those patients had since died.
He said he was unable to say if COVID-19 "still exists" within the home because only a small number patients had been tested.
He did stress, however, that all staff at Edgemont View are complying with the national guidelines surrounding the virus.
Click here for more on this story.
1.13pm - Coronavirus lockdown sees huge rise in fly-tipping across UK
There has been a huge spike in fly-tipping in some parts of the UK during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Countryside Alliance reports a 300% rise in fly-tipping in some areas after local authorities closed recycling centres amid the Covid-19 crisis.
The rural communities campaign group blame people using the lockdown to have a "clear-out of homes and gardens" and dumping the resulting rubbish illegally.
12.49pm - Basking shark spotted off Cornish coast
A crab fisherman has captured extraordinarily close-up footage of a basking shark just outside St Mawes Harbour in Cornwall.
Barney Rosewall, who has been fishing commercially in the area for 15 years, said he was out hauling crab pots on Easter Sunday when the shark appeared alongside his boat.
Click here to read Barney's account in full.
12.35pm - Wiltshire Police warning to residents following recent burglaries
Wiltshire Police are urging homeowners across the county to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries.
Officers believe criminals may be targeting empty premises including those currently undergoing repairs and renovations, or holiday homes which are currently sitting empty.
Between 8pm on April 11 and 1.30pm on April 13, a window of an empty property in Highworth Road, Swindon, was smashed and an untidy search was carried out inside.
In a similar incident, an address in Savernake Street, Old Town, Swindon, was broken into - the lock on the front door was smashed off and the door was left wide open.
12.01pm - World War II veteran fundraises more than £1.5m for NHS
A 99-year-old World War II veteran has raised more than £1.5m for the NHS in his fundraiser bid to fight against coronavirus.
With the help of his walking frame, Captain Tom Moore is aiming to complete 100 lengths of his 25m-long back garden before he turns 100 at the end of April.
He had hoped to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together but has since smashed his original target.
Click here to read the full story.
11.37am - 'Arsonists' start huge blaze at disused seaside hotel
More than 40 firefighters were needed to tackle a suspected arson attack at a disused seaside hotel during the coronavirus lockdown.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service said scene investigators believe the blaze in Weston-super-Mare was started 'deliberately'.
Crews from across Bristol and north Somerset were called to the former hotel on Birnbeck Road at 9:30pm on Easter Sunday.
More on this story here.
11.02am - Weston General Hospital worker dies after contracting coronavirus
Tributes have been paid to a North Somerset hospital worker who died after contracting coronavirus.
Amarante Dias, who worked at the Weston General Hospital in north Somerset, was described as a "valued and much-loved colleague" who would be "greatly missed".
Click here for more on this story.
10.35am - Police investigate spate of deer poaching incidents in Gloucestershire
Police in Gloucestershire have reported a recent spate of poaching incidents in the Cotswolds.
The Rural Crime Team released a series of graphic images on Twitter of dead deer which had been found on land close to Sapperton, Calmsden, and Cheerington.
You can read more on this shocking story here.
8:13am - Plymouth Argyle pay tribute to NHS
Plymouth Argyle's home pitch has been shaped into a tribute honouring the men and women working on the frontlines.
The club's Twitter account unveiled pictures of the new-look pitch in a post praising the NHS.
The Pilgrims also posted a still from a drone of the tribute upon request for aerial footage from a fan.
READ MORE:
7:40am - Police fine families for non-essential journeys
Yesterday police in Plymouth and Devon issued fines to three members ofthe same family after they travelled from the capital for a "holiday" to see acousin.
The family were followed by a police escort to the A38 after being given a"strong" talking to, the city's D Section Response emergency unit said.
Officers patrolled routes using ANPR number plate recognition technology totrack motorists from out of town.
Another family from London were caught by Devon and Cornwall officersafter making a 200-mile overnight trip to Torquay for a fishing trip.
6:55am - Number of recorded West Country deaths reaches 500
The number of recorded coronavirus deaths across all our NHS trusts has reached 500. Every county has seen an increase apart from Somerset, where the total number of fatalities remains 62.
Here are your headlines this morning:
Tuesday 14th April
You can find the live blog from the week of 6 April here.
Coronavirus: Everything you need to know
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