Coronavirus live updates: May 18 2020

New measures are being deployed on trains and at stations from today amid fears that more people might use public transport to return to work.

People are being encouraged to go back to work but to only use public transport for essential journeys when they have no alternative.

Scroll down for today’s latest news.

5.30pm
Thank you for reading our live blog today. See you tomorrow morning.

2.32pm
GPs across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are reassuring older members of the community that they are safe and welcome to go into practices during the coronavirus outbreak following concerns they are staying away due to fears about the virus.

The number of patients over the age of 75 who are visiting their GP has dropped dramatically since the outbreak and doctors are concerned that this group of patients could be missing out on vital support and treatment for medical conditions.

Dr Alison Bolam from NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG) urged patients to contact their practice if they have any concerns about their health.

She said: “I want to give my assurance to our patients that we are still here and you must not hesitate to get in touch with your GP practice if you have concerns about your health. Whilst it is still important to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak, it is also just as important to seek medical advice for any other illnesses or conditions.

“Please call your practice in the normal way to make an appointment. If phone lines are busy please persist until you get through to a receptionist who will arrange for a GP to call you if needed to discuss your problem. If the GP needs to see you in person you will be offered an appointment to attend the practice or the GP will visit you if required.”

1.34pm
Bristol Vehicles for Change and Bristol City Council have set up two temporary sites for vehicle dwellers to safely self-isolate

The sites in Sea Mills and Hengrove, which are being co-managed by the community-led social enterprise and the city council’s housing teams, offer people access to a safe living space and access to vital facilities.

12.41pm
Celtic have been confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions for the ninth season in a row – and Hearts relegated – after the SPFL ended the season.

The decision was taken at a board meeting today after the 12 clubs agreed at the end of last week that completing the campaign was unfeasible.

Bristol Rovers’ season could also be ended early as League One clubs also meet to agree a possible conclusion to the season without playing any more games.

11.04am
Loss of smell or taste have been added to the UK’s list of coronavirus symptoms that people should look out for and act upon, after scientific advisers told the government to update the advice.

If you or someone you live with has any of these symptoms – a new, continuous cough, fever or loss of smell or taste – the advice is stay at home for seven days to stop the risk of giving Covid-19 to others.

9.31am
Specialist recruiters Darcy Associates has commissioned Ollie Gillard of Gage Graphics to create a tribute to the NHS and key workers at their Fishponds office.

Ollie Gillard was born in Bristol but grew up in the south of France – photo: Darcy Associates

9.02am
North Bristol Foodbank has reported a 216 per cent increase in demand and is now supporting more than 560 people each week where they previously supported 178. Over half of those fed are children.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AcfFpDiGp/

Investec has announced that it is extending its partnership with food banks across the UK and supplying food banks in 15 UK cities with essential supplies.

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

In the latest news:

• Extinction Rebellion cancelled a planned ‘cycle in solidarity’ protest that was due to take place on Sunday after a backlash from many of their own supporters.
• Advertised ‘mass gatherings’ for two Bristol parks on Saturday saw nobody attend Brandon Hill and around ten people gathering in Victoria Park. Read more here.
• The UK recorded 170 deaths linked to coronavirus yesterday – the lowest since March 24, the day after lockdown was introduced.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Police outnumber protesters at ‘mass gatherings’