I think that’s a really unfair comment Gandalf. 

I was making the very uncontroversial point that people who live in small flats, without gardens, will struggle more with this situation than others on higher incomes who have a large house and garden. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be done, and I’m not saying that it isn’t necessary. 

As for being in love or not, there is no excuse to walk through what is still a relatively busy park, hand in hand, forcing other people to move into grass or muddy areas. Everyone needs to be playing their part. 

+5,903 new cases (41,903 yesterday), +621 new deaths (4,313 yesterday)

Last time we saw falls in daily new deaths were the reported totals on last Sunday and Monday (so the totals officially reported largely on Saturday and Sunday). Suspect there may be a weekend factor (less admin staff etc?), guess we will see what happens over the coming few days.

5,903 confirmed as positive

Confirmed rate is 47.68%

That’s unexpected but good news

Yes, good news. Hopefully the peak happened yesterday and the curve has been flattened. Well done Boris

I made a slighly tongue-in-cheek comment yesterday theorising  that those couples who are taking a walk, so completely infatuated in each other that they didnt notice walking into others perhaps did not actually live together .   

Anyway my point was that if you are living with someone 24 hours a day surely you can be a bit aware of others when you go on your daily walk. It is the one time of the day you need to be aware of other people's space.

My dad is on the very vulnerable list because of the drugs he takes for chrones disease. My 88 year old grandmother has severe COPD and asthma but bizarrely she isn’t on the list. Maybe she’s just too old and not seen as so important? Horrible, but possible. Like you, my dad hasn’t been out of the house for ages, and nor has my mum. On that basis I’m now my gran’s carer! 

Hope it goes ok for you tomorrow. I live just opposite the Christie, will be thinking of you. 

Unlikely.

Today saw the highest number of new cases confirmed by far. 

Reflecting an increase in testing?

Yes, one would assume so. Still that’s a lot of new cases and as you know it will translate into deaths down the line.

So very sad. But it’s good that today it looks like we’ve tested a good deal of people.

If a) that's correct b) numbers not distorted by testing of NHS workers we are in a pickle. Horrendous. I'd expect the daily death count to climb towards 1000 by the end of the week if a or b don't apply. 

The percentage of positives is significantly higher I think. 

Not sure what you're on. Today's figures are the worst we've had and are VERY concerning. 

Very concerned about the mental and physical impact of stopping all excercise could have on people like Hannah. Gov should think creatively about how they can make this better. Maybe phased entry to parks? Opening up otherwise closed spaces like playing fields and golf courses? https://t.co/QdG7qkBIdg

— Layla Moran 🔶 (@LaylaMoran) April 5, 2020

We don't know details of what kind of people were tested, so we cant yet make this assumption. Hospital admissions is a better guide, and they are down again I believe

Possibly first time I think Deputy Editor of Conservative Home is right - but 👏 @CharlotteCGill.
How about for those who have a garden/terrace/yard, they use that. Those who don’t are allowed into a park - and we employ those who’ve lost jobs to ensure guidelines are met?? https://t.co/Dut0Z8LvhH

— Laura Parker (@ParkerCiccone) April 5, 2020

Yes I accept that's possible. As I noted testing of NHS workers could have distorted figures. 

I recall the same words being spoken several days ago  , don't go patting backs until you see a trend.

You know that 

This isn’t about people using the park to excercise or take a walk. It’s about people parking their arses down for extending periods. Do your walk or run and then GO HOME.

It really is that simple