Coronavirus live updates: May 5 2020

A contact tracing app that aims to track the spread of coronavirus is being rolled out for the first time today as part of a trial on the Isle of Wight. If the trial is successful, it could be available nationwide within weeks.

It comes as Bristol City Council have invested £9m into adult social care which is supporting those already receiving care, nursing homes, and extra staff where required.

Scroll down for the latest updates:

5.02pm
That’s it for today’s live blog. See you tomorrow.

4.32pm
Here are some of today’s main developments:

• To understand how the coronavirus evolves in healthy adults, a new research project led by the University of Bristol will gather data on 125 frontline NHS staff in the emergency department of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
• The number of deaths related to coronavirus around the world has passed 250,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease globally.
• The US is the country with the highest number of fatalities, with nearly 69,000. Italy has over 29,000 deaths while the UK has almost 29,000.

4.03pm
Artist Emily Juliet Stevens has put out an open call for artwork. A new exhibition will see art displayed in the windows of shops, pubs and cafes in Bristol currently closed due to the pandemic.

She is also asked businesses to donate window space.

3.34pm
Kate Stables, better known as This Is the Kit, will deliver an exclusive set from her home as part of the Royal Albert Home sessions.

Even though Kate has lived in Paris for the past ten years, she attributes most of her musical upbringing to Bristol. She goes live at 7.30pm this evening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykn7J_Mcz7M&feature=emb_title

2.08pm
The University of Bristol has tweeted some answers to frequently asked study questions.

1.54pm
Due to Covid-19, South Bristol Arts Trail has been postponed until later in the year. For now, they are hosting a virtual event to give our local artists the opportunity to share their work.

On May 16 and 17 more than 100 artists, designers and makers will be posting in the organisation’s private Facebook group from 11am to 5pm. www.facebook.com/groups/2914597415327319

12.03pm
Our small team of journalists are working hard to bring you all the latest coronavirus updates in Bristol. Read some of our latest stories:

• Social distancing measures to be tested on Bristol buses
• The Bristol Lockdown Big Band NHS fundraiser
• How to enjoy the East Bristol Brewery trail at home
• Virtual dance classes for children with disabilities

Social distancing measures on the 24 route. Photo: First West of England

11.32am
The number of confirmed cases in Bristol is now 634, according to Public Health England.

10.36am
Great Run, organisers of the Great Bristol 10K, which has been postponed until 2021, are encouraging people to raise money for NHS Charities Together’s Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

“We wanted to give a way for people to stay motivated and moving, with the added benefit of raising funds for the NHS,” says Ollie Griffiths, who works for the company.

The Great Run Solo challenge is open for all ages and abilities and everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special medal.The challenge costs £10 to join and all profits go to charity

9.21am
To recognise the work of bus drivers during the coronavirus pandemic, First West of England are is encouraging people across the city to show their gratitude to all bus drivers by giving the thumbs up when passing by today.

The company’s Cheers Drive campaign is a way to show appreciation for the key workers. Children can get involved by displaying a #CheersDrive poster in their window for bus drivers to see when going along the routes.

“Your support will help brighten up the day of drivers across the city and make the public transport workers extremely proud of the work they are doing,” says James Freeman, managing director at First West of England.

8.45am
Good morning and welcome to today’s live blog.

Here is the latest news:

• The number of deaths related to coronavirus around the world has passed 250,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease globally.
• The US is the country with the highest number of fatalities, with nearly 69,000. Italy has over 29,000 deaths while the UK has almost 29,000.
• Nigeria, India and Israel are among the latest countries to start easing restrictions.

Main photo by Martin Booth

Read more: Bristol tech startup playing crucial role in tackling pandemic