Coronavirus live updates: May 6 2020

To understand how the coronavirus evolves in healthy adults, a new research project in Bristol will gather data on 125 frontline NHS staff in the emergency department of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Data collected will inform potential vaccines and treatment.

The project begins as the number of global deaths related to Covid-19 passes 250,000.

Scroll down for the latest updates:

6pm
That’s it for today’s live blog. Thanks for joining us and see you tomorrow.

5.46pm
Here are some of today’s developments:

• Boris Johnson has indicated some lockdown restrictions could change from Monday.
• The amount people receive through the Government’s furlough scheme could reduce as the chancellor prepares to wind down the subsidies over the coming months.
• Rising Arts Agency has launched the first in what will be a series of creative commissions for young people.
• Bristol Mind has launched its own YouTube channel featuring short films to help support people during the pandemic.
• Actor Joe Sims has been turning up on doorsteps across Bristol with a delivery of free books to help children read during lockdown as part of a new project.

4.42pm
A Barton Hill team that specialise in craft-themed hen dos and workshops have been turning their skills to something different in response to the pandemic.

The Crafty Hen has launched a range of reusable face mask-making hits for people to make at home and will be donating all profits to mental health charity Mind.

Photo courtesy of The Crafty Hen

3.54pm
Here are some of the stories from the Bristol24/7 editorial team today:

• The Invisible Circus team are presenting their first online showcase. 
• A group of self-proclaimed “rebellious and creative elders” are encouraging people to strive for a better world after lockdown restrictions are lifted.
• A fund has been set up to support LGBTQ+ performers in the region who have been financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Bristol artist Luke Jerram and his 11-year-old son, Nico, have been having social-distancing fun with a bubble ball near their home in Southville.
• Dan Cole has been cycling around the block to raise money for Bristol hospital charity Above & Beyond.

2.45pm
The amount people receive through the Government’s furlough scheme could reduce as the chancellor prepares to wind down the subsidies.

It has been reported the Treasury is looking at a number of options for gradually halting the payments.

These could include reducing the amount furloughed staff receive from 80 per cent of their current wages down to 60 per cent. Another option could be to allow people to work but with a smaller state subsidy.

It comes as Boris Johnson indicated during Prime Minister’s Questions that the lockdown restrictions could start to be lifted from Monday. He is due to make an announcement on what the changes will be on Sunday.

1.49pm
Rising Arts Agency has launched the first in what will be a series of creative commissions.

Young people in Bristol are being offered the opportunity to submit their accounts of how life has changed for them since the coronavirus outbreak.

Rising Arts say: “Over the coming weeks, we will be releasing a series of statements and will be paying one young creative per statement to create a small piece in response.

“We are looking for bold and exciting creative responses in a range of mediums that will be shared here on our website and via social media.”

12.06pm
An Easton-based food bank is appealing for donations of conditioner, soap, shower gel, nappies and toothpaste.

InHope volunteers are working to provide basic essentials for households that are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes as food banks across the city have seen record numbers turning to them for support.

11.23am
Bristol Mind has launched its own YouTube channel featuring short films to help support people during the pandemic.

The mental health charity will be posting weekly videos from a variety of trainers and experts with advice on how to look after wellbeing and cope with lockdown.

Current videos cover mindfulness, managing anxiety, and supporting staff while working remotely.

Bristol Mind is still running phone support lines and has moved many of its services online. People can subscribe to the YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates.

Find out more via www.bristolmind.org.uk/.

10.45am
The coronavirus crisis has prompted a mass mobilisation of grassroots volunteers who are providing support for those who need it across the city.

Bristol Somali Resource Centre is one such organisation that has been helping by doing shopping for dozens of vulnerable people.

9.53am
A familiar face has been turning up on doorsteps across Bristol with a delivery of free books to help children read during lockdown.

Joe Sims is one of the volunteers involved in the new Stories at Home project that aims to distribute more than 8,000 books to vulnerable families during the coronavirus outbreak. Read the full story here.

9.19am
Police are stepping up patrols in response to increasing reports of speeding across the region.

The force is asking members of the public to report incidents online to help inform where resources should be concentrated.

8.45am
Good morning and welcome to today’s live blog. Here are some of the latest developments:

• 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.
• 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.

Main photo: Lowie Trevena

Read more: Frontline NHS staff in Bristol will be studied as part of researching informing coronavirus vaccine