Coronavirus live updates: April 24 2020

With the Government’s lockdown measures having been in place for more than a month, businesses and communities are adjusting to the new normal.

However, reports show that the pandemic looks to have a devastating impact on the region’s economy. A survey carried out by Business West suggests that 84 per cent of companies could fold if the lockdown measures go on for six months.

Scroll down for the latest updates:

5.30pm
Thank you for joining us for today’s live blog.

5.20pm
Here’s a roundup of some of the latest developments:

• Community growers across Bristol will receive a share of 3,000 vegetable plants donated by Blaise Estate plant nursery.
• Comedian Mark Olver, the brains behind Belly Laughs, has revealed a special lockdown gig will be taking place.
• A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility is in operation at Bristol Airport.
• The Killers have postponed their show at Ashton Gate Stadium until May 2021.

5.10pm
Community growers across Bristol will receive a share of 3,000 vegetable plants donated by Blaise Estate plant nursery.

The council-owned nursery opened to the public for retail sales in March, but closed again a week later, due to Covid19, leaving the business with a lot of produce that can’t be sold.

The vegetable plant donation project coincides with the launch of the #BristolFoodKind campaign this week, promoting ways of reducing waste, growing food from home and buying food in a considerate way at a time of crisis.

Deputy mayor Asher Craig said: “The response to our call out for food growing groups to take the plants for free has been incredible with all plants allocated in less than 24 hours.

“Our focus has been to reach vulnerable communities and areas in need across the city. We have offered them to existing groups that can plant, care and then give the vegetables to families in need once they are ready this summer.”

4.25pm
From the creative to the downright crazy, breaking news and business updates, Bristol24/7 is working to keep readers connected during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of today’s stories include:

• A music video recorded while social distancing.
• A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility at Bristol Airport.
• Has a seal been spotted in the river?
• A giant rainbow created in the windows of City Hall.

3.39pm
A one minute silence will be held on Tuesday in tribute to all employees who have died as a result of inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus outbreak.

Falling on International Workers’ Memorial Day, the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) is calling on people across the nation to remember these who have lost their lives due to workplace failings.

The silence will take place at 11am on Tuesday, April 28.

Nigel Costley, TUC South West regional secretary said: “Every year we honour workers from around the world whose deaths could have been avoided but for the negligence of bad employers who failed to protect the health and safety of their workforce.

“Today, we want to honour all the workers who have died as a result of Covid-19 and especially those who have died because of failings around the lack of PPE and inadequate social distancing measures at work.”

2.42pm
People in Bristol are invited to take part in the City Nature Challenge.

The global science project offers a chance to discover and record the wildlife in your neighbourhood. Find out more via www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature-type/city-nature-challenge/.

1.40pm
City leaders have wished Bristol’s Muslim community “Ramadan Mubarak” and offer words of support for those observing the holy month.

A short film has been produced by the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group, Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police recognising the challenges of observing Ramadan during the coronavirus pandemic, and offering support.

“We know Ramadan this year will be a real adjustment for many,” says Dr Adeela Shafi from the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group. “Restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic mean that, as responsible citizens, we will be adapting our usual practices.

“Alongside Bristol’s mosques and other community organisations, we encourage families to organise Taraweeh at home as a family, stream Islamic lectures, arrange virtual iftars with loved ones and community members.

“We suggest that we plan our iftar meals in advance to limit shopping trips, and of course stay well hydrated in this warm weather. The communal spirit of Ramadan is within us all as we contribute to playing our part during these challenging times.”

1.26pm
The number of confirmed cases in Bristol is 519, according to Public Health England. The true figure is unknown due to the lack of testing available.

12.30pm
The team at Bristol Old Vic have been putting their creative skills to good use:

12.04pm
Comedian Mark Olver, the brains behind Belly Laughs, has revealed a special lockdown gig will be taking place.

Details are so far under wraps.

The news comes following the announcement that Belly Laughs 2020, which took place in partnership with Bristol24/7, raised £11,000 for Julian Trust night shelter. 

11.37am
City Hall joined the properties across Bristol sporting rainbows in their windows as signs of solidarity during the coronavirus crisis.

The word ‘thank you’ was also spelled out in the top floor windows last night as the mayor and lord mayor were joined by party leaders for the weekly ‘clap for carers’ on College Green. Read the full story here.

11.05am
An A&E junior doctor working at the BRI hospital has made a video with NHS workers and Bristol creatives.

Dr Joe Ralley says the idea was to send a message to the public, who have been “so amazingly supportive” during COVID-19 crisis.

Ralley says: “It’s a positive, quirky film that also spreads the Government’s message and, I hope, reinforces the idea the staying home is working, but that we’re not quite finished and we all need to keep going.”

https://www.facebook.com/joe.ralley/videos/10156869895562714/

10.41am
A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility at Bristol Airport is part of the government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS and other key workers. Read the full story here.

The facility on the airport’s staff car park aims to provide thousands more swab tests. Photo courtesy of Bristol Airport

9.13am
The Killers have postponed their UK tour, which included playing Ashton Gate Stadium.

But all is not lost for fans as the band have rescheduled their performance in Bristol for May 27, 2021.

Ashton Gate Stadium’s Mark Kelly said: “Obviously it’s a great shame that the tour has had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic but the most important thing is keeping people safe during this difficult time.

“The band has stressed that this is simply a postponement not a cancellation and we are pleased that we have the new date locked in and ready for next year.”

In a statement, The Killers said people’s health and safety must come first, adding: “These are going to be the same great shows, but we have to move them to next year. All tickets will be honoured, so we really hope you will join us.”

9am
Welcome to today’s live blog. Here are the latest developments:

• Key workers and their families can book Covid-19 tests from Friday, says health secretary Matt Hancock.
• 84 per cent of businesses in the South West likely to fold if the crisis continues for longer than six months
• People in some areas of Bristol could be eligible to volunteer to take part in a coronavirus vaccine trial.
• A new taskforce is being set up to drive the region’s economic recovery.

Main photo: Lowie Trevena

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