It’s First News Day and, in this week’s issue, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jenny Harries talks exclusively to children about the coronavirus illness Covid-19. She says “Don’t be scared, be sensible!” Britain is in lockdown to stop the virus spreading with the strong message from the government to stay at home. But for how long is this likely to go on? Dr Jenny says she thinks it will be five or six months. Meanwhile, experts worldwide are working on creating a vaccine for this new virus which could take a year. But Dr Jenny thinks we could all be having the jab to protect us by next winter if Covid-19 behaves like the regular flu and comes back every season. In the meantime, keep washing your hands!
With Britain in lockdown and schools closed, kids and adults across the country are tuning in for the Bodycoach Joe Wicks’ live PE lessons on You Tube. Around a million of us are taking part in his live 30-minute workout at 9am every morning. Other celebrities are helping kids on YouTube too. Children’s laureate Cressida Cowell is reading a chapter a day from her How To Train Your Dragon books. And you can get cooking with Jamie Oliver’s son Buddy on his channel.
In other news, Earth Hour 2020 takes place tomorrow – Saturday the 28th of March – at 8:30pm in each country worldwide. Earth Hour, organised by WWF, is the world’s biggest grassroots movement – the switch-off moment where millions come together for nature, people and the planet. Following the latest Government advice, WWF is not organising public events in Britain for Earth Hour. Instead, they’re encouraging people to find ways to take part online at home. The simplest way to join in the Earth Hour is by switching off your lights at home, along with Buckingham Palace! For other ideas of things to do at home, go to wwf.org.uk.
In positive environmental news, the results for the annual UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme are out, and it’s good news! Butterfly numbers are at their highest levels in more than 20 years with an increase in more than half of UK species in 2019 compared with 2018. Researchers think the weather had a big part to play in this. Last year’s warm and wet summer helped butterflies in their younger stages and when they emerged from their cocoons.
Prince Harry and Meghan have moved to Hollywood, according to reports. They left their rented home in Canada last week and took a flight to the US where they are in lockdown due to coronavirus. The news comes hours after it was revealed that Meghan will narrate a Disney documentary in her first job since the couple stood down from royal duties.