SAGE stop releasing documents on coronavirus meetings – as mark of respect for Prince Philip

The Government’s science advisory body has stopped releasing papers on the coronavirus pandemic as a mark of respect to Prince Philip.

Downing Street is said to have confirmed there will be an affective two-week blackout on documents from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Usually, documents are published each week on Friday afternoons. They were last published on April 9 – the day the Duke of Edinburgh passed away.

But as a mark of respect to Philip, whose funeral is today, they will now not be published again until April 23, the Mirror reported. 

Number 10 had earlier confirmed there would be an eight-day period of mourning in the run-up to Philip’s funeral.

They said there would be no coronavirus press conferences and no ministers would give media interviews.

Ministers were also told to wear dark clothes and a black tie when at public events.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told the Mirror: ‘As we have done throughout the pandemic we will continue to publish SAGE papers. 

‘If they aren’t published this week, they will be published next week.’

The Queen will say farewell to Philip during a  televised funeral service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle later today. 

Due to coronavirus restrictions, it will only be attended by a small group of close family and friends.

The regulations have reduced the scope of the service with public elements cancelled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30, and all guests wearing face masks and sitting apart.

But Philip’s children and grandchildren have been paying tribute to his life and legacy and welcoming the support and warm words from the public who have left flowers and cards.

Philip’s ‘unwavering loyalty’ to the Queen and ‘courage, fortitude and faith’ will be hailed at his funeral.