Coronavirus live updates: April 29 2020

Mayor Marvin Rees has reiterated the message from the Prime Minister urging people to continue following Government guidance.

Boris Johnson has warned the UK is at the moment of maximum risk in the coronavirus outbreak, adding that “we are now beginning to turn the tide” on the disease.

It comes as some countries, including New Zealand and Spain, begin to ease restrictions.

Scroll down for today’s latest news:

5.37pm
That’s all for today’s live blog. See you tomorrow.

5.15pm
Here are some of the latest developments:

• Marvin Rees says the Government is failing to keep pace with lost revenues for local authorities as Bristol faces an £82m blackhole.
• GWR bosses have revealed they are naming a train in honour of Captain Tom Moore.
• Police bosses have reassured the public they will not let criminals use this “unprecedented situation” to their advantage.
• Cemeteries in Bristol are due to re-open, but with limited hours, from tomorrow for people to visit gravestones of loved ones.

4.55pm
Marvin Rees says the Government is failing to keep pace with lost revenues for local authorities as Bristol faces an £82m blackhole. Read the full story here.

4.34pm
Feline fed up of lockdown? Bristol Old Vic is on hand to help with a quarantine cats special:

3.23pm
Here’s a roundup of some of the stories on Bristol24/7 today:

• The idea that coronavirus is a great leveller is a myth that needs debunking, as evidence mounts that the pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities.
• Much-loved corners of our city are competing against one another in the inaugural World Cup of Bristol Landmarks.
• A journalist living in St George has written a comedic novella inspired by Banksy’s recent artwork in Barton Hill.
• A Bradley Stoke-based artist has led a global collaboration of artists in a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

2.50pm
Staff at Southmead Development Trust are among the increasing number of people across Bristol growing their own food.

Grassroots growers are playing a key role in maintaining supplies of fresh produce.

https://twitter.com/SouthmeadDT/status/1255489496960978946

2.16pm
The number of confirmed cases in Bristol now stands at 584, according to Public Health England. This only reflects the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus as most are not being tested.

1.12pm
People in the business or the voluntary sector are invited to a free webinar session to provide updates and information on support available through the current crisis.

12.34pm
Staff and family members have made a bald statement in memory of two First Bus drivers who lost their lives to Covid-19 in Bristol.

The group of 22 have shaved their heads and raised more than £3,000 for Southmead Hospital Charity, which supports healthcare research, services and staff as part of the North Bristol NHS Trust.

The idea came from staff manager Mark Ford, who works at First’s Lawrence Hill depot.

“We wanted to say a big thank you all NHS staff at Southmead Hospital, in memory of our two colleagues who sadly lost their lives to Covid-19,” said Mark.

“I’d seen lots of people go for wacky hairstyles during lockdown and thought I’d put our team to the challenge to raise money for the Southmead Hospital Charity.

“The response was amazing. I’m so grateful to all colleagues who have braved the new bald look and to everyone who has helped us to beat our fundraising target. It’s heart-warming to see so many people show their support.”

https://twitter.com/FirstBSA/status/1254716041147678722

First West of England’s managing director, James Freeman, also took part in the challenge. He said: “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause to show their support for NHS staff at Southmead Hospital.

“First West of England is providing vital transport for key workers at this difficult time and I’m very grateful to our team of drivers and staff, who have shown dedication to make this happen across the region.”

The latest information on all First West of England services can be found at the First Bus website: www.firstgroup.com/coronaviruswoe

11.24am
Morph’s on hand to help with inspiration for lockdown activities:

10.44am
A bunch of bread-loving friends have launched a sourdough support group to get through lockdown.

Kneads Must aims to inspire and offer friendly support.

9.39am
Police bosses have issued reassurances they will not let criminals use this “unprecedented situation” to their advantage.

Referencing a recent briefing in which the director general of the National Crime Agency outlined how offenders are adapting to lockdown measures, Avon and Somerset’s chief constable said law enforcement is adjusting too.

Andy Marsh said: “We’ve continued to proactively target criminals involved in corrosive and harmful offending, including county lines activity, drug-dealing, burglaries and robberies.

“I want to thank all our officers and staff who are working round-the-clock to protect the public and make sure criminals have no space safe to operate in. Their painstaking and tireless work is disrupting and thwarting criminals on a daily basis and we’re making arrests and wherever possible, putting cases before the courts.”

Adding her thanks as well, police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Understandably, local people are concerned about the way criminals are taking advantage of this national health emergency. I want to reassure you that the police are still out there, tackling burglaries, robberies, drug-dealing and much more, to keep us all safe despite the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

9.05am
GWR bosses have revealed they are naming a train in honour of Captain Tom Moore.

The veteran, who celebrates his 100th birthday on Thursday, has captured the heart of the nation during the coronavirus crisis and raised close to £30m for the NHS. Read the full story here.

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

• A minute’s silence was held yesterday to remember key workers who have died.
• Council-run cemeteries and crematoriums will open again from Thursday, April 30.
• Global virus cases have passed three million, with more than 200,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Main photo: Lowie Trevena 

Read more: Technicians at Bristol’s robotics lab are making visors for NHS staff