THE VIRUS IN BRIEF
A GRANDSON has paid tribute to his “one-in-a-million” grandmother who is thought to be the oldest person to die from Covid-19 in Britain at 108. Hilda Churchill passed away at Kenyon Lodge care home, in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Saturday. Anthony, 49, said: “She used to say she can’t live forever but at times it was starting to feel like she would. Not being able to be with her in the last week of her life has just emotionally wrecked me.”
The retired seamstress was a gran of 11 and great-grandmother of 14.
A FACT-CHECKING service is to combat fake news about Covid19. Infotagion allows users to post screenshots of information they have seen online.The free website will respond with “traffic-light answers” to determine whether it is accurate.
Launched by technology firm Iconic Labs and MP Damian Collins, it comes as a wave of articles on social media spread potentially harmful advice purporting to be from experts.
The company’s Liam Harrington said: “Social media is proving to be a very powerful and important asset to our communities in the current crisis.
“However, [it] is one of the primary focus in which disinformation, whether circulated innocently or deliberately, is prevalent.”
HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock thanked social care workers for “going the extra mile in challenging circumstances” as he recovers from Covid-19.
In an open letter Mr Hancock, who is in isolation until Thursday, said the Government is committed to doing “whatever is needed”, including allowing workers to park for free in councilowned spaces.
He told them: “Whilst many people are now staying at home, I know that is not an option for most of you.
“We will do all we can to make your lives easier during this period.”
NEWLYWEDS stranded in Australia under lockdown say they’ve been forced to choose between living in a grimy campervan for three months or paying £4,300 for flights.
Matt and Helen Fong, both 33, revealed they are trapped on the “honeymoon from hell”.
The couple, from Leeds, said their March 28 return flight was postponed because Hong Kong Airport, which had their connection, had refused entry for non-residents.
And there is “no certainty” their new British Airways flight via Singapore will go ahead on April 5.
The cash-strapped pair have spent £10,000 on the “once in a lifetime” trip. Matt said: “The whole enjoyment is out of the trip now – our energy is focused on how we can get home.”