What the papers said in the week ending 6 March 2021
Keeping calm and carrying on in Covid Times
Pope Francis continues to demonstrate world leadership and diplomacy. Well into his 80s he has gone ahead with a first visit to Iraq taking all sensible precautions in the pandemic First papal visit to Iraq to go ahead despite Covid and terrorism fears | Pope Francis | The Guardian
Despite the deaths, illness and its long-term complications for some, and the mental health impact of fear and restrictions, a sense of community in the face of this common enemy is identified Covid has connected UK communities and spurred volunteering, report finds | World news | The Guardian
Clear thinking people have found a way to express their humanity within the restrictions which have paralysed others: ‘People say, I didn’t know such homes existed’: a care home with courage | Older people | The Guardian
Death rates from Covid-19 are falling in response to a combination of lockdown and vaccination. The rate of fall is highest amongst the oldest Covid deaths in England and Wales falling fastest among people over 80 | World news | The Guardian
But some older people might be described as reckless as they flaunt rules once they are given the confidence that comes from vaccination About 40% of over-80s in England broke Covid rules after jab | World news | The Guardian
But Covid is still injuring others
The Care Industry has been living on a knife edge. Costs are high yet the quality of care which many people have been receiving is not as good as we would wish. Staff are poorly paid and have poor conditions of employment. The swingeing loss of life of residents by Covid, ill-health and deaths among staff have increased pressure and some organisations are at breaking point: UK’s largest care homes provider to sell off 52 facilities | Society | The Guardian
The budget has not rewarded the care industry nor the NHS for the efforts and stresses they have experienced. This looks likely to be a cause of rumbling discontent NHS, social care and most vulnerable ‘betrayed’ by Sunak’s budget | Budget 2021 | The Guardian
Worldwide, Covid continues to kill – It has become clear that countries where more people are obese are the ones with highest death rates Covid deaths high in countries with more overweight people, says report | World news | The Guardian
The economic consequences of the pandemic are persuading government to hold on to what resources they have. This is a controversial stand – the balance of mutual support by and between countries is a shared responsibility
- Shameful cut in UK aid to Yemen is indefensible | Yemen | The Guardian
- Leak reveals UK Foreign Office discussing aid cuts of more than 50% | Foreign policy | The Guardian
Other matters
200,000 women who retired before April 6th 2016 are due for repayment of pensions which should have been paid – Each woman will receive an average of £13,500 – Total bill £2.7 Billion 200,000 UK women in line for pension back-payments of about £13,500 | State pensions | The Guardian
Professor Peter Goadsby of Kings College, London and three colleagues have been awarded a prestigious prize for discovering the biochemical basis of Migraine. Their work has led to the development of new medicines which ameliorate symptoms Scientists who discovered migraine mechanism win £1.1m Brain prize | Neuroscience | The Guardian
Professor Alwyn Lishman, doyen of British Neuropsychiatrists, has died after a long period of illness. An accomplished keyboard player, he regularly played the organ for his local church Alwyn Lishman obituary | Neuroscience | The Guardian
Prince Philip’s health remains a focus of concern. He has spent time in St Bartholomew’s Hospital for expert treatment Prince Philip has successful procedure for heart condition | Prince Philip | The Guardian
A bomb which had remained hidden in the ground in Exeter since the Second World War, came to light because of building works. Too big and too dangerous to move – its detonation caused considerable damage 77 years on Second world war bomb detonation damages buildings in Exeter | Devon | The Guardian
Trevor Donald who came legally to the UK aged 11 years, lived here for 43 years before returning to Jamaica for a family funeral, was banned erroneously from re-entering the UK. He is now told he cannot apply for citizenship because of inflexibility of the Home Office Rules. We would hope someone will find the humanity to bend the rules and do what is right Windrush victim denied UK citizenship despite Home Office admitting error | Windrush scandal | The Guardian
The oldest sweet shop in the world is to continue trading under new ownership in Pateley Bridge, West Yorkshire ‘He’s a sharp cookie’: new owner ready to reopen world’s oldest sweet shop | Yorkshire | The Guardian
People have become so aware of their facial features through long minutes spent on Zoom calls, that more are seeking means to improve how they look (neck up) ‘Zoom ready’: male demand for cosmetic procedures rising | Fashion | The Guardian
While interest in embroidery has increased fivefold as indicated by sales of hobby kits, the lockdowns have compromised the Embroiderers’ Guild so greatly that branches are closing. This is part of a general phenomenon – we surely must retain our infrastructure. Embroiderers’ Guild members stick needle in over ‘fait accompli’ changes | Craft | The Guardian
Think the unthinkable, but think it green – there are plans for a short-term transformation of the square outside Somerset House to a forest. Artist takes axe to Enlightenment tree taboo with Somerset House forest | Design | The Guardian
And the importance of parks and the need for human beings to interact is celebrated in Kathryn Maple’s painting which won the John Moores Art Prize. Titled ‘The Common’ it brings together an image of Ueno Park in Tokyo and people seen about Lewisham Painting of a throng of humanity wins John Moores art prize | Painting | The Guardian
David Jolley
