Coronavirus: Live updates on COVID-19 in the West Country
Welcome to the ITV News West Country coronavirus live blog for the week beginning 27 April.
Here you will find the latest information and updates regarding the pandemic.
We will also be highlighting some of the positive efforts being made by our local communities to support one another during the crisis.
19:05pm - That's it from us
We will be back with the latest tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, for updates from the national ITV News team, click here.
18:55pm - Your West Country headlines this evening
18:45pm - Devon holiday let owner's 'Treat our NHS' giveaway goes national
A campaign to reward NHS workers with holiday breaks is now being supported by major hotel chains across the country. From cabins to castles, more than 800 getaways are now being donated by the hospitality industry when the coronavirus crisis eases.
Read morehere
18:40pm - The Royal Cornwall Hospital tells agency staff they aren't needed because of a lack of patients
Agency nurses and healthcare staff at Cornwall's biggest hospital have been told there is no work for them as there aren't enough patients.
Staff were initially informed by text they weren't needed at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, although the chief executive later apologised for not thanking them properly.
Full story here
17:20pm - "We are restoring the NHS" announces Health Secretary as NHS fertility services are set to reopen
17:15pm - "Everybody worked together with grit and determination" says Matt Hancock of the effort to meet the 100,000 testing target
Read more here
17:10pm - Matt Hancock says Government has met its goal to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April
16:40pm - Cornwall's Roger Taylor unites with Queen band members to celebrate front line workers
Queen and Adam Lambert have released an updated version of We Are The Champions to honour the frontline workers of the coronavirus pandemic.
The band have adjusted the main lyric to "you are the champions" in reference to the world's "brave warrior" healthcare workers.
Read the full story here
16:15pm - Daughter describes 'heartbreaking' experience with her father battling coronavirus
A man with coronavirus who was given a 'fifty-fifty' chance of survival is making a slow recovery, says his daughter who described the ordeal as 'heartbreaking'.
Stacey Gregory's father, Mark, has been in intensive care at Weston General Hospital for more for more than three weeks after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Full story here
15:50pm - Public Health England release latest numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the West Country
We're sad to report that 927 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 19 from yesterday's total of 908.
For more information click here
15:45pm - 10-year-old from Camborne takes on Lands End to John O'Groats to fundraise for local care home
Mia Richardson, from Camborne, will be covering the length of the country on the cross-trainer in her house to raise money for local care home, Blackwood House.
Mia hopes to reach her Scottish goal by Tuesday, 30th June.
Get the full story here
15:40 pm - Cornwall sisters celebrate arrival of babies during lockdown after 'emotional rollercoaster'
Cornwall sisters Jade and Georgia have welcomed newborns during the lockdown after what Jade described as an 'emotional rollercoaster'.
The pair had planned to go through the birthing process together by attending antenatal classes together and taking part in a 'sisters' bump photoshoot'.
Read the full story here
15:35 pm - More than 500 fines issued for breaking lockdown rules across Devon and Cornwall
More than 500 fines have been issued by Devon and Cornwall Police for alleged breaches of the new coronavirus lockdown laws over the past month.
Across the two counties 510 fines were issued between March 27 and April 27.
Read more on this story here
13:45 - Covid-19 death rate 'more than double' in most deprived areas
"Coronavirus does not discriminate" - but new analysis from the ONS reveals it does affect some areas far more than others.
People living in the most deprived areas of England have experienced coronavirus mortality rates more than double those living in the least deprived areas, new analysis shows.
Get the full storyhere
12:55pm - Shop staff see rise of abuse during coronavirus pandemic
Shop workers are facing twice the amount of abuse they might normally receive from customers during the pandemic.
A survey by retail union, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) found 62% of its members had been verbally abused and 4% had been physically assaulted.
Read the full storyhere
12:00pm - Royal Bath & West Show cancelled
This year's Royal Bath & West Show has been cancelled, organisers have announced.
The event which had already been pushed back this year will now return in early June next year.
The event is one of the biggest to take place in Somerset during the year.
Organisers say they will contact all ticket holders with details of what to do next, and will also contact all exhibitors, sponsors and competition entrants by the end of May.
11:30pm - Ryanair announces up to 3,000 job losses across pilots and cabin crew
Ryanair said it expects to cut 3,000 jobs, including pilots and cabin crew, from its workforce.
The budget airline announced a restructuring programme which could involve unpaid leave and pay for workers cut by up to 20 per cent.
It says it will stop operating at a "number of aircraft bases across Europe" until demand for air travel recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more on this here
11:20pm - West Country education leaders call for clarity on the reopening of schools
Education leaders in the West Country are calling for clarity around the reopening of schools following the Government announcement it is likely there will be a 'phased return' for children.
Schools have remained open for the children of key workers to make sure their parents can keep going to work.
But while most have got used to their new school days there still remains a desire to know what the future holds.
Full story here
Today's headlines
Second virus wave may be more severe than first, England’s chief medical officer warns
Boris Johnson promises ‘comprehensive plan’ on easing lockdown
Britain 'over the peak of coronavirus pandemic' leads Friday's front pages
Friday 1 May
19:00pm - That's it from us
We will be back with the very latest tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, for updates from the national ITV News team, click here.
18:55pm - Your headlines this evening in the West Country
The West Country wishes Colonel Tom Moore Happy 100th Birthday during the Covid-19 crisis
Daughters of man who died of coronavirus in Cheltenham care home wish he was tested before he died
Wetherspoons plans to reopen in June amid coronavirus pandemic
18:49pm - Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry service could be under threat
Cornwall Council says the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint ferry service could be under threat without government support.
It says the crossings between Cornwall and Plymouth have suffered financial losses due to there being no toll charge income during the pandemic.
The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint ferry Committee is asking for urgent funding from the Department for Transport to avoid what it calls a 'real threat to the viability of the whole operation'.
18:16pm - Warning after phone scammers pose as police in Gloucestershire
Residents in Gloucestershire have been told to stay vigilant after a phone scammer posed as a police officer.
Gloucestershire Police said it received two calls on Wednesday (April 29) from residents in Stroud, who both said they had been contacted by someone posing as an officer.
Full storyhere
17:40pm - Porlock woman says she 'wouldn't exist' without her Exmoor village nieghbours' support
A resident of Porlock in Somerset has said she “wouldn’t be existing” without the support and help which she has received from people in the village since the outbreak of coronavirus.
Helen McKay is shielding at home after receiving palliative chemotherapy, which has now stopped, and she is reliant on others for supplies.
Full story here
17:29pm - Dorset police issue 255 fines to those breaching lockdown restrictions
Dorset Police has issued 255 fines to those who have allegedly breached coronavirus restrictions in the past month.
Several of the fines have been given to people who have travelled from other parts of the country and into Dorset for non-essential travel.
Read more on this here
17:05pm - Watch today's coronavirus press conference
16:40pm - Public Health England release latest numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the West Country
We're sad to report that 908 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 12 from yesterday's total of 896.
For more information click here
16:35pm - Boris Johnson suggests no lockdown ease ahead of return to daily coronavirus update
Boris Johnson has sought to play down expectations that a lockdown relaxation may be announced during Thursday's coronavirus update from the government.
The prime minister's return to action this week caused many to speculate about an easing of restrictions, but ahead of leading his first briefing in weeks, Mr Johnson urged the public to “keep going” with social distancing.
Full Story here
16:29pm - Daughters of man who died of coronavirus in care home wish he was tested before he died
The daughters of a man who died at a care home in Cheltenham say the lack of contact he had with his family contributed towards his rapid decline.
Rob Prole, better known as 'Rodders' was 88-years-old when he died on April 16.
Read the full story here
16:01pm - Great Dorset Steam Fair postponed
This year's Great Dorset Steam Fair has been postponed until August 2021, with the managing director stating it would have been "irresponsible and unfeasible" for the event to go ahead.
The festival, which plays host to more than 200,000 people each year, was due to take place in late August but will now be pushed back until August 2021.
Organisers have confirmed that all tickets purchased for this year's event will remain valid for next year.
15:45pm - Dartmoor Folk Festival Cancelled
This year's Dartmoor Folk Festival has been cancelled due to coronavirus, organisers have announced.
The festival will now return in August next year with steps being taken to move artists bookings to 2021, the details of which will be confirmed later this year.
Those who have booked tickets for this year's event will be automatically roll over to 2021, or if requested, refunds will be made.
15:25pm - Tourism businesses fear for survival
Tourism bosses across North Somerset fear some businesses may never recover if seaside towns and tourist attractions remain closed for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
Currently attractions such as Weston and Clevedon Piers have closed due to the lockdown. While guest houses, hotels, beach cafes and gift shops also remain closed.
Concerns have been raised after Cabinet Officer Michael Gove told MP’s that holidaymakers will not be able to visit traditional seaside towns or tourists hotpots for "some time to come".
13:19pm - What are the drugs that signal hope in the fight against coronavirus?
Drugs are being developed to alleviate symptoms in the most severe cases of coronavirus.
Although they are not vaccines or a cure against Covid-19, some drugs have shown “very promising” early results to help treat coronavirus patients.
Read morehere
13:09pm - Exeter Chiefs donate spare stock to key workers
Exeter Chiefs have donated spare stock that would have been sold during the rugby season and special events to key workers.
With fixtures and events postponed for the foreseeable future Chiefs have distributed the stock across facilities at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and the Estuary League of Friends in Topsham.
Items which have been donated include cans of soft drink, fruit juice, small cans of beers, chocolate bars and packets of crisps.
Read more:
12:45pm - Bath and North East Somerset council to suffer big losses due to impact of Covid-19 outbreak
Bath and North East Somerset Council say it predicts it will suffer big losses in income due to the impact of coronavirus.
The closure of attractions such as the Roman Baths and extra spending in areas such as adult social care and community support , means the local authority may face a £50 million pound funding shortfall for council services this year.
According to MHCLG (Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government) figures, compared to neighbouring authorities Bath & North East Somerset has the highest proportion of its budget funded through income from heritage services.
12:25pm - South West councils to receive additional government funding
Councils across the South West are to receive additional funding following the announcement of £1.6billion in additional government support to deal with the immediate impacts of coronavirus.
This means authorities across the South West are now set receive more than £160million in total in additional funds.
Devon - just under £70million total
Cornwall/Isles of Scilly – more than £34million total
Somerset – More than £53million total
Dorset – More than £43million total
Bristol – More than £26million total
South Gloucestershire – More than £14million total
Gloucestershire – More than £34million total
Wiltshire – More than £36million total
Fire authorities – just under £4million total
12:04pm - Wetherspoons plans to reopen in June
Pub chain Wetherspoons said it plans to reopen its bars and hotels in June, as founder Tim Martin revealed the carnage caused to the business due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Plans have started and bosses said they hope to benefit from the chain having typically larger pubs than its rivals.
Read more on this story here
11:30am - Yate cafe owner providing 'lifesaving' lunch for the vulnerable warns donations are running out
The owner of The Vintage Birdcage Cakery in Yate has warned a 'lifesaving' lunch during Covid-19 could come to an end if donations stop.
Staff are used to working under pressure at the Cakery but they have never known anything quite like this.
Read the full story here
11:20am - South West GP patients recruited to COVID-19 clinical trial
Volunteer patients from across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset are being enrolled in the first clinical trial of potential Covid-19 treatments to take place in GP practices.
Read the full story here
10:45am - Captain Tom Moore wished a happy 100th birthday with Great Western Railway train horns
Captain Tom Moore, the World War Two veteran who has raised nearly £30m for NHS charities, is celebrating his 100th birthday and Great Western Railway has come up with a unique way of wishing him well.
They've recorded a special video wishing him happy birthday using the sound of train horns.
Watch it here
Today's headlines
Boris Johnson chairs Cabinet on deadline date for 100,000 coronavirus tests
Captain Tom: The war veteran who captured the heart of the nation
UK coronavirus deaths and Johnson's newborn baby lead today's front pages
Thursday 30 April
19:00pm - That's it from us
We will be back with the very latest tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, for updates from the national ITV News team, click here.
18:55pm - Your West Country headlines this evening
Tributes paid to twin sisters from Yeovil who died with coronavirus just three days apart
Staff at SEN school in Cheltenham explain challenges looking after pupils during lockdown
17:48pm - Staff at SEN school in Cheltenham explain challenges looking after pupils during lockdown
Staff at a school for children with special educational needs in Cheltenham have been explaining the challenges they face looking after pupils during the lockdown.
Bettridge School remained open through the Easter holidays to a limited number of children, including those whose parents are key workers.
Full story here
17:05pm - WATCH today's coronavirus press conference
16:40pm - Historic England asks people in the South West to share their experience of coronavirus lockdown
Historic England is calling on people across the South West to share images that document their experience of seven days in “lockdown”.
Ten contemporary artists, including Bristol's Malaika Kegode, have also been chosen to produce special images over one week.
Read more on this story here
16:15pm - Work to preserve SS Great Britain continues remotely during lockdown
The SS Great Britain's curators and engineers are managing to preserve Bristol's iconic attraction remotely during the lockdown with the help of modern technology.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel's ship is widely acknowledged to have changed history, and is unquestionably unique, but it now needs to be looked after in exactly the same way as other national treasures and museums during the pandemic.
Full storyhere
16:02pm - Public Health England release latest numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the West Country
We're sad to report that 896 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 13 from yesterday's total of 883.
For more information click here
15:50pm - Exeter’s Great West Run cancelled
This year's Exeter's great west run has been cancelled due to coronavirus, organisers have announced.
The Great West Run, 10km and Community Mile events will now take place on Sunday 23 May next year.
Organisers say those who have already registered for this year's event will be automatically transferred to the new date.
But for those who are already registered and cannot participate next May. They can transfer their place to a friend or family member, or receive a refund less booking fee.
15:32pm - Nursing staff at a Chippenham surgery sing their version of 'Angels' to say thank you during Covid-19
The nursing team at Rowden Medical Practice in Chippenham has come up with a special version of Robbie Williams' hit 'Angels' to make people smile during the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch it here
15:20pm - Plane flies over Plymouth in funeral tribute to grandmother who died of coronavirus
A family in Plymouth who are mourning the loss of their grandmother arranged a special tribute for those unable to attend her funeral.
Maureen Body, better known as Mo died on April 8, 2020, at the age of 79 after testing positive for Covid-19.
Full story here
15:10pm - Cornwall youngster with cerebral palsy takes on epic challenge inspired by Captain Tom Moore
A courageous eight year old, who underwent life-changing surgery in America, will be doing something nobody ever thought possible – carrying out a charity walk.
Jaydon Mitchell Tomlinson was born prematurely at just 26 weeks. He has cerebral palsy, an incurable condition which affects movement and co-ordination.
For the full story click here
13:28pm - Schools will reopen in 'phased manner' after lockdown, says Education Secretary Gavin Wililamson
Schools across England are set to reopen to children in a "phased manner" after the Covid-19 lockdown, the Education Secretary has said.
Gavin Williamson said the Government did not have a fixed date for reopening schools but ruled out the prospect of them opening over the summer holidays.
Get the full story here
13:05pm - 'Don't wait to get checked out' urges doctors as cancer referrals fall by 75 per cent during pandemic
NHS bosses are warning that people are putting their lives at risk by not seeking help for symptoms that could be the early signs of cancer.
The number of referrals from GPs to hospitals in the West Country has fallen sharply since the outbreak of the coronavirus, and doctors are worried that thousands of new cancer cases could be missed as the pandemic means people are failing to get checked out.
Read more on this here
12:30pm - Tributes paid to twin sisters from Yeovil who died with coronavirus just three days apart
Tributes are being paid to twin sisters who grew up in Yeovil but died with coronavirus just three days apart.
Katy Davis, 37, worked as a nurse but passed away last Tuesday (April 21).
Her identical twin Emma had worked as a nurse at the same hospital in Southampton before she was forced to retire on medical grounds.
Full story here
12:04pm - Finding happiness during the coronavirus crisis
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the devastation it has been causing, many people are rediscovering that elusive quality, happiness.
Our presenter Kylie Pentelow caught up with Sir Anthony Seldon, the founder of Action for Happiness, and asked him what was the secret to a happy life during Covid-19.
Click here for the full interview
11:57am - Driver towing speedboat defies lockdown by travelling on holiday to Gloucestershire
A driver has defied the stay at home message by travelling on holiday to Gloucestershire.
Police officers patrolling the A417 and A419 - a major route linking the M4 and M5 - pulled over the vehicle yesterday (April 28).
Read more on this here
11:49am - Police being spat and coughed at says Exeter officer
Police officers are being spat and coughed at by members of the public.
Devon and Cornwall Police has warned the behaviour is unacceptable.
Full story here
11:39am - Great Western Railway name train in honour of NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore
Train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) is to name a train in honour of the veteran who has raised more than £29 million for the NHS to mark his 100th birthday.
GWR Intercity Express Train 800025 will pay tribute to Captain Tom Moore and his remarkable fundraising achievements during the Covid-19 crisis.
Get the full story here
11:29am - RSPCA deals with almost 2,000 incidents since coronavirus lockdown
The RSPCA has dealt with almost 2,000 incidents across the West Country since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
The animal welfare charity has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to help it continue rescuing and caring for animals suffering cruelty and neglect.
Full story here
Today's headlines
Coronavirus outbreak could lead to ‘huge delays’ in court cases, report warns
Patel to be quizzed by MPs over Home Office response to coronavirus
Care home deaths and easing of coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday's front pages
Wednesday 29 April
19:00pm - That's it from us
We will be back with the very latest tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, for updates from the national ITV News team, click here.
18:55pm - Your West Country headlines this evening
18:40pm - Watch as across the West Country people fell silent in remembrance of key workers who have died during the pandemic
17:40pm - Coronavirus lockdown-easing smartphone app could be ready in three weeks, MPs told
A smartphone app designed to help contain the spread of Covid-19 when lockdown measures are eased is “two to three weeks” away from being rolled out, MPs have heard.
Full story here
17:15pm - Watch as Saltash businessman takes support for NHS onto the road
A Saltash businessman has taken his support for the NHS onto the road, by displaying special messages on each of his lorries.
The Thank You NHS Heroes message is displayed on ten of Brunel Recycling's lorries, which can be seen from Exeter to Redruth.
Businessman Bryan Venables said he'd made the supportive gesture because his lorries are on the road every day and he wanted the key workers to know how much they are appreciated.
17:05pm - WATCH today's coronavirus press conference
16:45pm - Public Health England release latest numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the West Country
We're sad to report that 883 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have passed away as a result of the virus in our hospitals.
That figure is an increase of 26 from yesterday's total of 857.
For more information click here
16:00pm - Latest figures show 3,000 people have died in care homes in England and Wales with Covid-19
A total of 3,000 people have died in care homes in England and Wales with Covid-19 by the middle of April.
Looking at the trend and taking in the other home nations, ITV News is able to estimate that the total UK death toll is now more than 6,000.
And the number is rising.
Get the full story here
15:45pm - Surfers in Cornwall defy warnings to stay indoors for lockdown
15:35pm - Plymouth tower block residents locked down without a view
Tenants living in three tower blocks in Plymouth have been told their flats could be covered in scaffolding for months to come as coronavirus hits the construction industry.
The Mount Wise buildings are undergoing renovation work, but the pandemic means the repairs have been indefinitely paused.
Read more on this here
13:30pm - A and E doctor thanks public for 'amazing support'
A doctor helping to save lives at the Bristol Royal Infirmary has thanked the city's residents for their "amazing support" during lockdown.
Joe Ralley is among those working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic, as a junior doctor in the A&E department at the hospital.
Read the full story here
12:50pm - Domestic abuse charities report surge in calls and online referrals
Several domestic abuse charities in the West Country say calls to helplines - and online referrals - have risen since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
Julian House, a charity based in Bath, said numbers have virtually "tripled" in recent weeks.
It's a similar picture in other parts of the region, too.
Read the full storyhere
12:40pm - Country falls silent in remembrance of key workers who have died during pandemic
12:10pm - Somerset trust first in the country to recognise BAME health workers as 'vulnerable' to coronavirus
Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) health workers in Somerset have been warned they are "vulnerable and at risk" of contracting coronavirus.
In a letter to staff, bosses from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust - which looks after Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton - set out how they will support BAME workers as the pandemic continues.
Read more on this story here
11:30am - Plymouth Argyle boss says the probability of finishing Leagues on the pitch is low
Plymouth Argyle, like most clubs, would prefer to finish the current season on the pitch.
But the practicalities 'mean that the probability is low', according to club chairman and owner Simon Hallett.
Watch the full interview here
11:20am - Giant NHS tribute appears on Ilfracombe hillside
A giant 50-foot high NHS logo has appeared on a hillside in North Devon.
Read more on this story here
Today's headlines
‘Sombre, grateful’ nation to hold silent tribute to key workers who have died
More than 40% of employees working longer hours from home, survey finds
Tuesday 28 April
19:00pm - That it's from us
We'll be back again tomorrow with updates throughout the day
18:55pm - Your headlines here in the West Country this evening
Bristol's Nightingale hospital to fight against coronavirus opens at UWE campus
Owners of holiday lets in Cornwall claim £50m of government coronavirus grants
Lyme Bay divers fined for breaking coronavirus lockdown restrictions after major rescue
17:35pm - WATCH today's coronavirus press conference
17:15pm - Government's daily coronavirus press conference to include questions from the public
17:00pm - Staff at Airbus's Filton told it must 'act urgently' to survive lockdown
Staff at Airbus's Filton site have been told the company must 'act urgently' in order to survive the coronavirus lockdown.
It's been widely reported that job cuts may be necessary to help save Airbus.
Read the full storyhere
16:05pm - Public Health England release latest numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the West Country
We're sad to report that 857 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have passed away as a result of the virus in our hospitals.
That figure is an increase of 19 from yesterday's total of 838.
For more information click here
15:55pm - New kangaroo joey at Bristol Zoo demonstrates ‘staying at home’
A tree kangaroo called joey at Bristol Zoo Gardens has emerged from its mother’s pouch for the first time.
Keepers spotted the tiny marsupial popping its head out of mum Kitawa’s pouch and managed to catch the rare moment on camera
Read more on this story here
15:15pm - Owners of Cornwall holiday lets claim £50m of government grants
Holiday let owners have claimed £50 million of grants made available for Cornish businesses to survive the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been revealed.
Figures show 5,000 holiday lets, which are eligible for the money provided by the Government to keep small businesses afloat, have each claimed £10,000 from the scheme, the Local Democracy Service reports.
Read the full story here
13:55pm - Divers fined for breaking lockdown restrictions after major rescue
Two divers have been fined for breaking coronavirus lockdown restrictions after sparking a major search and rescue mission off the Dorset and Devon coast.
A Royal Navy ship, lifeboats, helicopters, fishing vessels and coastguards joined the search for one of the divers off Lyme Bay on Saturday 25 April.
Read the full story here
13:30pm - Authorities launch #QuitforCovid campaign
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire council are leading the #QuitforCovid campaign.
Its aim is to highlight how quitting smoking can reduce the likelihood of complications for someone who smokes if they were to contract coronavirus.
A Twitter account @QuitforCovidhas been set up to support people to stop smoking during the lockdown.
Every evening between 7.30 and 8.30pm an online ‘quit clinic’ is expected to take place, hosted by a health expert providing advice and support for people who’d like to quit.
12:50pm - Trading Standards warn of PPE telephone scam
Trading Standards say a number of Bath and North East Somerset residents have been called on their landline from a fake 01225 number, claiming to be from the Government.
The automated voice said that the Government is instructing them to wear a facemask and to press a number on the keypad to make a purchase. Fortunately the residents have recognised this as a scam.
People in Saltford, Corston and the Odd Down have all reported fake calls and it is likely that the scammers will continue to make calls in other areas.
You can get information about how to protect yourself from scams during Covid-19 on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
12:35pm - Somerset Carnival Circuit cancelled because of coronavirus
Somerset’s hugely popular Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit, which includes parades in Bridgwater, Weston-super- Mare and Glastonbury, has been cancelled this year because of coronavirus.
The events attract tens of thousands of people to towns across the county and are world-famous for the spectacular illuminated carts, which are built by participating clubs.
Read more on this story here
12:05pm - Staff move into Plymouth care home to protect residents in lockdown
Staff at a Plymouth care home are moving into the home in an effort to protect residents from coronavirus.
The manager and 12 volunteers will be isolating alongside the 34 residents at Higher Park Lodge in Stoke from today (Monday 27 April).
Read more on this story here
11:35am - Gloucester rugby boss Lance Bradley says the Premiership season will be finished on the pitch
Playing the rest of the Premiership season on the pitch is still a realistic prospect says Gloucester Rugby Chief Executive Officer Lance Bradley.
He believes no matter how long we have to wait for rugby to return, finishing the 2019/2020 campaign remains a priority and playing games behind closed doors is a reasonable solution.
Read the full story here
11:25am - Bristol's Nightingale hospital opens at UWE Campus
A hospital built in Bristol to look after critically ill coronavirus patients officially opens today.
The temporary Nightingale hospital has been built at a conference centre at the University of the West of England (UWE).
Read more on this story here
Here are today's headlines
Monday 27 April
You can find our live blog from the week of 20 April here
Coronavirus: Everything you need to know
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How to protect yourself against the virus
The most Googled questions - answered
How to self isolate
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