CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Bio-Rad accelerates production of antibody test
Bio-Rad Laboratories is accelerating production of its Platelia SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab test, a blood-based immunoassay kit to help determine if an individual has developed antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus associated with COVID-19 disease.
Regular retesting rolled out for care homes
Staff and residents in care homes for over 65s and those with dementia will receive regular coronavirus tests from next week as part of a new social care testing strategy.
Brain complications found in some patients with severe COVID-19
A study of 153 patients treated in UK hospitals during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic describes a range of neurological and psychiatric complications that may be linked to the disease.
COVID-19: fatalities 'rare' in children
Children with COVID-19 generally experience a mild disease and fatalities are very rare, according to a study of 582 patients from across Europe.
COVID-19: Bacteriophage could decrease mortality
A type of virus that preys on bacteria could be harnessed to combat bacterial infections in patients whose immune systems have been weakened by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
New data show the impact of Covid-19 on private healthcare
New data on private healthcare in the UK shows how the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an estimated 84% drop in privately funded care.
Antibody test now available in markets accepting the CE Mark
Beckman Coulter has shipped more than 16,000 SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay analysers worldwide and has ramped its manufacturing to deliver more than 30 million tests a month.
Schools to take part in voluntary testing for COVID-19
A new voluntary COVID-19 study to assess and monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among pre-school, primary and secondary school pupils and teachers has been launched by the government.
First accreditations for COVID-19 testing awarded by UKAS
UKAS is currently assessing over 30 laboratories who have requested an extension to their scope of accreditation to include COVID-19 testing.
PHE reveals disparities in outcomes of COVID-19
Public Health England has published a report on ‘Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19’, which shows that healthcare inequalities continue to exist, leading to increased mortality among certain sections of the community.
Vitamin D link to low virus death rate
A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates.
Third of doctors in high risk COVID19 settings unable to access PPE
Healthcare staff working in some of the most high-risk COVID-19 settings are still struggling to access the protective personal equipment (PPE) they need to keep them safe.
Charity calls for clearer measures to protect people with diabetes
The findings of a new Diabetes UK survey show that two thirds (67%) of people with diabetes attending work do not feel safe. More than half of respondents (54%) also say their employer is not enabling them to socially distance at work.
BAME nursing staff are more likely to be left without PPE
Amid warnings that BAME nursing staff may be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, an RCN survey reveals that they are more likely to struggle to secure adequate PPE while at work.
UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target
The 200,000 testing capacity target was reached on Saturday 30 May, at 205,634. The increased testing capacity has now allowed for the rollout of the new NHS Test and Trace system, which will identify and isolate new cases of the virus.
Anaesthetists reveal concerns over PPE/anaesthetic drugs availability
A survey by the Royal College of Anaesthetists has found that access to testing has improved, but significant concerns remain around personal protective equipment and anaesthetic drugs availability.
£300 million additional funding for local authorities to support new test and trace service
Local authorities will be central to supporting the new test and trace service across England, with the Government providing a new funding package of £300 million.
New Professional Guidance to Support General Practice Nurses in the Covid-19 Pandemic Published
The Queen’s Nursing Institute has published a new document, Minimum Bridging Competencies for General Practice Nurses Transitioning to Community Nursing.
Government to offer antibody tests to health and social care staff and patients in England
New antibody testing programme to provide tens of thousands of antibody tests per day across the UK from next week.
NHS expands offer of help to people with diabetes during coronavirus outbreak
People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 with a third of deaths in England associated with the condition, according to new NHS research. The health service in England has called on people with diabetes to access help available to them, including a new dedicated helpline and online tools to help manage the condition during the outbreak.
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