Coronavirus news: R rate climbs again as cases surge and London braces for tighter restrictions

Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis will keep him out of swing states in crucial final weeks of campaign

Donald Trump’s positive coronavirus diagnosis will prevent him from campaigning in several key swing states, with trips to Wisconsin and Arizona likely to be abandoned.

The president was also scheduled to hold a campaign rally on Friday evening in Sanford, Florida, but the White House has issued an update to Mr Trump’s public schedule removing the planned trip.

Our Washington bureau chief, John T Bennett, has the full story below:

Recovered coronavirus patients in Scotland urged to donate blood

People who have recovered from coronavirus are being urged to donate blood in order to increase stocks of “convalescent plasma” to treat current patients of Covid-19 in Scotland.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) said “time is of the essence” when it comes to such donations as antibodies can fade after four months.

“It is vital there are [blood] supplies for patients in Scotland at any time, but it is particularly important right now,” Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, told the daily coronavirus briefing on Friday.

“As health services restart, the demand for blood across Scotland is also increasing.

“Blood donations are needed, especially as we move towards winter.

“So if you have never donated, or if you haven't recently donated, I would urge you to contact the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and make an appointment to donate.”

He stressed safety measures and strict social distancing are in place at donation centres, and sessions are running by appointment only.

“The blood transfusion service is also working to advance the fight against Covid-19 by collecting convalescent plasma at the donor sessions,” he said.

“Research is showing that the blood of someone who has recently recovered from Covid-19 may contain antibodies which we can use for treating people in hospital who are seriously unwell with the virus.”

He added: “The blood transfusion service is looking for new donors of convalescent plasma, so if you've had Covid-19 - either a confirmed positive test, or you've self-isolated because you've had symptoms, and if you are now symptom-free for 28 days - the blood transfusion service would like to hear from you.”

If you’ve been struggling to follow all of the high-profile figures who have broken coronavirus rules in recent months, the article below collects together some of the most notable breaches:

DUP MP self-isolating after sitting near Margaret Ferrier this week

DUP MP Jim Shannon is self-isolating after sitting at the same dining table as Margaret Ferrier on Monday evening, his party has said.

Although the room’s seating arrangements included proper social distancing measures, Mr Shannon was informed on Wednesday that he had been identified as a close contact of the SNP MP.

“Upon receiving this news, Mr Shannon immediately self-isolated and on Thursday afternoon he received a negative Covid-19 test result,” a DUP statement said.

“Mr Shannon sought and at all times has followed the advice of Public Health England and the House of Commons' Covid-19 team in dealing with every element of this incident.

“As a precaution, Mr Shannon is self-isolating at home.”

East London borough advises residents against mixing with other households

A borough in east London has advised residents to avoid mixing with other households “unless absolutely necessary”.

In an open letter, Tower Hamlets’ mayor John Biggs wrote: “Despite a fall over the summer, we are seeing cases of Covid-19 rise and we need to accept that the situation is once again worsening. Tower Hamlets now has one of the highest levels of Covid-19 in London.

“As a second rise in infections hits us, we must take all steps necessary to limit the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.”

He added: “With this in mind, now is the time we must take further action. I am clear that the current national rules are a minimum and my advice to you all is to do everything in your power to protect each other. Our individual actions have consequences for us all.

“The next few months will be very challenging. Without a vaccine or more effective treatment, our primary weapon against the virus is responsible behaviour. Measures to curb the spread of the virus will only work if people follow them.”

Our chief political commentator, John Rentoul, has been looking at some data from Public Health England today which suggests that the recent rise in coronavirus cases may be slowing:

Britons believe reopening pubs and letting university students return was a mistake, survey claims

A survey has shown Britons believe that the government was wrong to reopen pubs and permit students to head back to universities for the start of the academic year amid a spike in coronavirus cases.

The YouGov poll found 46 per cent of respondents thought that reopening pubs at the beginning of July was a mistake, compared with 41 per cent who backed the decision.

Our reporter, Rory Sullivan, has the full details below:

More details from the YouGov survey on the public’s stance on the government’s coronavirus response can be found below:

Middlesbrough mayor backs down over claim town would ‘defy’ lockdown rules

The mayor of Middlesbrough has urged people to obey the new coronavirus lockdown rules in the town after previously saying he would defy them.

Ahead of the ban on households mixing indoors or in gardens coming in at midnight, Andy Preston said he was confident people would “do their bit”.

The mayor had originally asked the government to introduce a ban on households mixing in private but was furious when the government went further and said people must not mix in public spaces like pubs and restaurants.

Mr Preston said on Thursday that would have a detrimental effect on jobs in hospitality, as well as on mental health, adding that he did not accept the measures.

However, he said on Friday: “The law changes overnight and I urge everyone in Middlesbrough to abide by the restrictions.

“I'm confident that families and businesses will do their bit, get our infection rate down and then we can work with the government on easing things as soon as possible.”

Mr Preston added: “We need more information on how restrictions can be relaxed in Middlesbrough because we need to give people hope for the coming weeks and months. People's wellbeing and jobs are at stake.

“I have every confidence we can get through this together as a town and we are keen to work with the government.”

Our reporter, Louise Hall, has an update below from the US on Donald Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis: