Face coverings will not be made mandatory in shops, Michael Gove said – two days after Boris Johnson hinted that England could copy Scotland by introducing the rule.
The cabinet office minister also stepped up calls for people to return to work following reports that the government was set to ease restrictions on using public transport.
It came as a Herefordshire farm went into lockdown after 73 vegetable pickers tested positive for coronavirus. The 200 staff are being kept in isolation in mobile homes at the site.
Meanwhile Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would be prepared to impose a border quarantine with England to prevent the spread of the virus if necessary, though there were no “immediate plans” to do so.
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South Africa resumes alcohol ban as hospitals overwhelmed by cases
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country will immediately return to a ban on the sale of alcohol to reduce the volume of trauma patients so that hospitals have more beds open to treat Covid-19 patients.
Confronted by surging hospitalisations due to the coronavirus, South Africa is also reinstating a night curfew to reduce traffic accidents and made it mandatory for all residents to wear face masks when in public.
Mr Ramaphosa said in a nationally televised address that top health officials warn of impending shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen as South Africa reaches a peak of Covid-19 cases, expected between the end of July and September.
He said some hospitals have had to turn away patients because all their beds are full.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country will immediately return to a ban on the sale of alcohol to reduce the volume of trauma patients so that hospitals have more beds open to treat Covid-19 patients.
Confronted by surging hospitalisations due to the coronavirus, South Africa is also reinstating a night curfew to reduce traffic accidents and made it mandatory for all residents to wear face masks when in public.
Mr Ramaphosa said in a nationally televised address that top health officials warn of impending shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen as South Africa reaches a peak of Covid-19 cases, expected between the end of July and September.
He said some hospitals have had to turn away patients because all their beds are full.
Police enforcement of coronavirus laws at lowest level since lockdown started
Police enforcement of coronavirus laws in England and Wales is at the lowest level since the lockdown started, figures show.
Only a handful of fines have been handed out since the start of July, compared to almost 2,500 a week before restrictions were relaxed.
More than 15,500 fines were issued in England before the law changed to allow groups of six to meet on 1 June, and fewer than 500 since.
More below:
Police enforcement of coronavirus laws in England and Wales is at the lowest level since the lockdown started, figures show.
Only a handful of fines have been handed out since the start of July, compared to almost 2,500 a week before restrictions were relaxed.
More than 15,500 fines were issued in England before the law changed to allow groups of six to meet on 1 June, and fewer than 500 since.
More below:
Police enforcement of coronavirus laws at lowest level since lockdown started
Data show fines have dropped sharply as restrictions have been relaxed in England and Wales
WHO sees another record day for cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported another record in the increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period, at over 230,000.
The UN health agency said Sunday the United States again topped the list among countries, with more than 66,000 cases recorded.
The figures don't necessarily account for delays in reporting of cases, and are believed to far underestimate actual case totals.
Still, the trend line of confirmed cases continues to increase — with three largest counts coming in over the last three days.
The previous record was Friday, with more than 228,000 newly recorded cases worldwide in a 24-hour span.
Overall, the WHO has counted more than 12.5 million confirmed cases and more than 561,000 deaths from Covid-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported another record in the increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period, at over 230,000.
The UN health agency said Sunday the United States again topped the list among countries, with more than 66,000 cases recorded.
The figures don't necessarily account for delays in reporting of cases, and are believed to far underestimate actual case totals.
Still, the trend line of confirmed cases continues to increase — with three largest counts coming in over the last three days.
The previous record was Friday, with more than 228,000 newly recorded cases worldwide in a 24-hour span.
Overall, the WHO has counted more than 12.5 million confirmed cases and more than 561,000 deaths from Covid-19.
Pelosi accuses Trump of 'messing with children's health'
US house speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused Donald Trump of "messing with" children's health while saying that federal guidelines on reopening schools amid the coronavirus outbreak should be mandatory.
The Democrat sharply criticised the Trump administration for advocating a return to school in the fall as coronavirus infections surge across the country, particularly in states that reopened their economies earliest during the pandemic.
The federal government can make the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for reopening schools mandatory, like some state governors have done with anti-coronavirus measures, she said. Critics of the Trump administration's pandemic response have long called for a national strategy on mitigation efforts.
"Going back to school presents the biggest risk for the spread of the coronavirus," Ms Pelosi said on CNN's "State of the Union" program. "If there are CDC guidelines, they should be requirements."
"They should be mandates."
US house speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused Donald Trump of "messing with" children's health while saying that federal guidelines on reopening schools amid the coronavirus outbreak should be mandatory.
The Democrat sharply criticised the Trump administration for advocating a return to school in the fall as coronavirus infections surge across the country, particularly in states that reopened their economies earliest during the pandemic.
The federal government can make the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for reopening schools mandatory, like some state governors have done with anti-coronavirus measures, she said. Critics of the Trump administration's pandemic response have long called for a national strategy on mitigation efforts.
"Going back to school presents the biggest risk for the spread of the coronavirus," Ms Pelosi said on CNN's "State of the Union" program. "If there are CDC guidelines, they should be requirements."
"They should be mandates."
MPs launching inquiry into government's coronavirus response
MPs are launching an immediate inquiry into the government's response to coronavirus, with final recommendations set to be released by the end of the summer.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus (APPG) will take evidence from bereaved families, health experts, professional bodies and the public.
It comes amid growing calls for the Government to launch an independent inquiry into its handling of the crisis.
The APPG is chaired by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, with vice-chairs from the Conservatives, Labour, the SNP, Green Party and Plaid Cymru.
Ms Moran said: "From the neglect of care homes to the lack of an effective testing regime, each day brings more evidence of mistakes in the handling of this pandemic - and there is every indication that we will see a potential second spike this winter.
"The country and the NHS cannot afford for these errors to be repeated. There is no time to waste when it comes to learning the lessons from the UK response to the pandemic. This is why we are launching our parliamentary inquiry and will be taking evidence immediately."
MPs are launching an immediate inquiry into the government's response to coronavirus, with final recommendations set to be released by the end of the summer.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus (APPG) will take evidence from bereaved families, health experts, professional bodies and the public.
It comes amid growing calls for the Government to launch an independent inquiry into its handling of the crisis.
The APPG is chaired by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, with vice-chairs from the Conservatives, Labour, the SNP, Green Party and Plaid Cymru.
Ms Moran said: "From the neglect of care homes to the lack of an effective testing regime, each day brings more evidence of mistakes in the handling of this pandemic - and there is every indication that we will see a potential second spike this winter.
"The country and the NHS cannot afford for these errors to be repeated. There is no time to waste when it comes to learning the lessons from the UK response to the pandemic. This is why we are launching our parliamentary inquiry and will be taking evidence immediately."
England’s 20 areas ‘most at risk of new coronavirus outbreaks’ revealed
Sheffield, Bradford and Kirklees have been identified as the English areas most at risk of a renewed coronavirus surge, according to a leaked government document.
The three Yorkshire councils were classed as needing “enhanced support” in a list of 20 authorities that are facing potential Covid-19 spikes.
Six other areas were considered to be of “concern”: Blackburn with Darwen, Rochdale, Oldham, Rotherham, Barnsley and Bedford.
Leicester — currently experiencing the UK’s first local lockdown — remains the only place considered in need of intervention.
More below:
Sheffield, Bradford and Kirklees have been identified as the English areas most at risk of a renewed coronavirus surge, according to a leaked government document.
The three Yorkshire councils were classed as needing “enhanced support” in a list of 20 authorities that are facing potential Covid-19 spikes.
Six other areas were considered to be of “concern”: Blackburn with Darwen, Rochdale, Oldham, Rotherham, Barnsley and Bedford.
Leicester — currently experiencing the UK’s first local lockdown — remains the only place considered in need of intervention.
More below:
England’s 20 areas ‘most at risk of new coronavirus outbreaks’ revealed
Sheffield, Bradford and Kirklees all considered in need of ‘enhanced government support’
Boots staff face redundancy after taking on coronavirus testing jobs
Ministers have been urged to act amid fears staff who took on dangerous roles at coronavirus testing sites could lose their jobs.
Boots employees have helped to man drive-in government test centres across the UK as part of the fight against the global pandemic.
Ministers have been urged to act amid fears staff who took on dangerous roles at coronavirus testing sites could lose their jobs.
Boots employees have helped to man drive-in government test centres across the UK as part of the fight against the global pandemic.
Fears of redundacy for Boots staff who took on dangerous roles at coronavirus testing sites
In all around 7 per cent of the company's workforce are expected to lose their jobs
Trump administration: 'We were wrong about masks'
US surgeon general Jerome Adams has said the Trump administration is "trying to correct" its guidance from earlier in the coronavirus epidemic after saying the wearing of face coverings was not necessary.
With virus cases surging and many states and cities now issuing orders to wear masks in public, Dr Adams said he and other administration officials were wrong back in March. But he insists they were going with the scientific knowledge at the time, which suggested that people with Covid-19 who showed no symptoms were not likely to spread the virus.
Dr Adams said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that "once upon a time, we prescribed cigarettes for asthmatics and leeches and cocaine and heroin for people as medical treatments. When we learned better, we do better."
Dr Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, told "Fox News Sunday" that he would have liked to have seen administration officials wear masks sooner. He says it should not be viewed as a "personal choice" but a public health imperative.
Trump was seen wearing a mask in public for the first time Saturday during a visit to a military hospital.
US surgeon general Jerome Adams has said the Trump administration is "trying to correct" its guidance from earlier in the coronavirus epidemic after saying the wearing of face coverings was not necessary.
With virus cases surging and many states and cities now issuing orders to wear masks in public, Dr Adams said he and other administration officials were wrong back in March. But he insists they were going with the scientific knowledge at the time, which suggested that people with Covid-19 who showed no symptoms were not likely to spread the virus.
Dr Adams said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that "once upon a time, we prescribed cigarettes for asthmatics and leeches and cocaine and heroin for people as medical treatments. When we learned better, we do better."
Dr Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, told "Fox News Sunday" that he would have liked to have seen administration officials wear masks sooner. He says it should not be viewed as a "personal choice" but a public health imperative.
Trump was seen wearing a mask in public for the first time Saturday during a visit to a military hospital.
Florida epidemiologist calls for more testing to control virus amid case spike
A Florida epidemiologist has said more testing should be carried out after the region recorded that largest spike of any US state since the beginning of the pandemic.
"I still think we need to increase our testing a little bit more," said University of Florida epidemiologist Dr. Cindy Prins, adding that the state and local health departments should ramp up their contact tracing.
Dr Prins said that she's still concerned about large crowds, gyms and some restaurants as being places of mass transmission. Reports of illegal clubs and raves in South Florida are also a worry, she said.
"I really do think we could control this, and it's the human element that is so critical. It should be an effort of our country. We should be pulling together when we're in a crisis, and we're definitely not doing it," she said.
"I know people want to live their lives. There have been a lot of other times, people have made those sacrifices in order to benefit our society. It's almost like a war effort. That's what we need right now."
A Florida epidemiologist has said more testing should be carried out after the region recorded that largest spike of any US state since the beginning of the pandemic.
"I still think we need to increase our testing a little bit more," said University of Florida epidemiologist Dr. Cindy Prins, adding that the state and local health departments should ramp up their contact tracing.
Dr Prins said that she's still concerned about large crowds, gyms and some restaurants as being places of mass transmission. Reports of illegal clubs and raves in South Florida are also a worry, she said.
"I really do think we could control this, and it's the human element that is so critical. It should be an effort of our country. We should be pulling together when we're in a crisis, and we're definitely not doing it," she said.
"I know people want to live their lives. There have been a lot of other times, people have made those sacrifices in order to benefit our society. It's almost like a war effort. That's what we need right now."
Mexico to overtake Italy for fatalities to become nation with fourth worst death toll
Mexico's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is poised to overtake Italy's and shoot above 35,000, with the Latin American nation set to post the world's fourth highest deaths total, according to Reuters data.
Mexico on Saturday recorded539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730, with 295,268 confirmed cases. Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases.
While Italy appears to have tamed the virus, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico, where the government has faced criticism for reopening its economy too soon.
Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October. In early May, the estimate was 6,000.
The coronavirus death toll per million residents in Mexico, whose population numbers about 120 million, is the 16th highest in the world, according to data by research firm Statista.
Mexico's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is poised to overtake Italy's and shoot above 35,000, with the Latin American nation set to post the world's fourth highest deaths total, according to Reuters data.
Mexico on Saturday recorded539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730, with 295,268 confirmed cases. Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases.
While Italy appears to have tamed the virus, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico, where the government has faced criticism for reopening its economy too soon.
Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October. In early May, the estimate was 6,000.
The coronavirus death toll per million residents in Mexico, whose population numbers about 120 million, is the 16th highest in the world, according to data by research firm Statista.
Trump's education secretary attempts to placate public on risk of returning children to school
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is attempting to reassure the public over the risk of sending kids back to school despite surging coronavirus cases in many parts of the US.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is attempting to reassure the public over the risk of sending kids back to school despite surging coronavirus cases in many parts of the US.
Speaking in Sunday TV interviews, Ms DeVos stressed that children attending school in the autumn should be the rule, not the exception.
She asserted that "there's nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous."
But she was contradicted by public health experts who said the virus can still be dangerous to the young, even if the risk is lower. Dr. Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, said on "Fox News Sunday" that science is also unclear on how much children can spread the disease to more vulnerable adults.
Ms DeVos said the Trump administration is looking at "all the options" for pulling funding from schools if they don't provide full-time in person learning, calling American investment in education "a promise to students and their families."
She described Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for keeping schools safe, such as face coverings and social distancing, as "guidelines" meant to be flexible.
NFU says farming has seen 'significant investment' in Covid-19 response amid outbreak
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) has reached out to reassure the public after around 200 workers at a farm in Herefordshire were quarantined following an outbreak of Covid-19.
A spokeswoman for the union said: "The industry takes this issue incredibly seriously and everything is being done to keep workers safe; their health and safety remains the priority.
"Across the sector there have been significant investments this season; from the use of additional safety equipment and PPE, regularly testing temperatures, and following government guidance created specifically for seasonal workers."
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) has reached out to reassure the public after around 200 workers at a farm in Herefordshire were quarantined following an outbreak of Covid-19.
A spokeswoman for the union said: "The industry takes this issue incredibly seriously and everything is being done to keep workers safe; their health and safety remains the priority.
"Across the sector there have been significant investments this season; from the use of additional safety equipment and PPE, regularly testing temperatures, and following government guidance created specifically for seasonal workers."
Local outbreaks of Covid-19 among workers at a courier service in northern Italy and among migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea have helped swell an increase in the nation's daily new cases.
Calabria, which in recent days had been registering a couple or even no new daily coronavirus infections, had 28 new cases on Sunday, stemming from as many infections among nearly 800 migrants rescued from human traffickers' boats and brought to that region.
The region's governor Jole Santelli called on the national government to safeguard the local population by requisitioning navy boats going forward and keeping rescued migrants offshore until they can be tested for coronavirus infection.
In the Emilia-Romagna region, 71 cases were registered on Sunday, according to the Health Ministry, a sizable jump from recent days, reflecting a hot spot of infections at a major courier service in Bologna.
In contrast, Lombardy, which during the pandemic saw daily new cases loads far over 1,000, registered 77 cases on Sunday.
With the latest 234 cases nationwide, Italy now has 243,061 known cases. With nine deaths tallied on Sunday, the overall confirmed death toll is 34,954. Authorities say the actual number of cases and deaths is certainly higher.
Calabria, which in recent days had been registering a couple or even no new daily coronavirus infections, had 28 new cases on Sunday, stemming from as many infections among nearly 800 migrants rescued from human traffickers' boats and brought to that region.
The region's governor Jole Santelli called on the national government to safeguard the local population by requisitioning navy boats going forward and keeping rescued migrants offshore until they can be tested for coronavirus infection.
In the Emilia-Romagna region, 71 cases were registered on Sunday, according to the Health Ministry, a sizable jump from recent days, reflecting a hot spot of infections at a major courier service in Bologna.
In contrast, Lombardy, which during the pandemic saw daily new cases loads far over 1,000, registered 77 cases on Sunday.
With the latest 234 cases nationwide, Italy now has 243,061 known cases. With nine deaths tallied on Sunday, the overall confirmed death toll is 34,954. Authorities say the actual number of cases and deaths is certainly higher.
Ireland reports zero fatalities
No new coronavirus-related death have been reported in Ireland on Sunday, leaving the total at 1,746, the National Public Health Emergency Team said.
As of midnight on 11 July, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) had been notified of 17 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
There is now a total of 25,628 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
No new coronavirus-related death have been reported in Ireland on Sunday, leaving the total at 1,746, the National Public Health Emergency Team said.
As of midnight on 11 July, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) had been notified of 17 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
There is now a total of 25,628 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Lebanon sees record spike as 133 Syrian workers quarantined
A Lebanese waste management company is quarantining 133 Syrian workers who tested positive for the coronavirus, the company manager said on Sunday, as the country recorded a new daily high for infections.
The health ministry said a total of 166 new cases had been confirmed in the last 24 hours.
Lebanon has recorded more than 2,000 infections and 36 deaths from the coronavirus since February.
"The number will remain high this week," Health Minister Hamad Hassan said. "To reassure people, the source is known," he added in comments to national broadcaster LBC.
A Lebanese waste management company is quarantining 133 Syrian workers who tested positive for the coronavirus, the company manager said on Sunday, as the country recorded a new daily high for infections.
The health ministry said a total of 166 new cases had been confirmed in the last 24 hours.
Lebanon has recorded more than 2,000 infections and 36 deaths from the coronavirus since February.
"The number will remain high this week," Health Minister Hamad Hassan said. "To reassure people, the source is known," he added in comments to national broadcaster LBC.
French friendly marks first return of crowd to European sport
The roar of fans could be heard at a football game for the first time since the coronavirus shut down sports and chased away spectators as Paris Saint-Germain played Le Havre in a French friendly.
Only 5,000 people were allowed inside Le Havre's 25,000-seat Stade Oceane to see the French League 2 club take on PSG's star-studded squad. Upper tiers of seating were empty.
Spectators had to wear face masks to get into the arena, although many then took them off once settled in their seats. Families and friends sat together in groups but groups stayed separated.
Ball carriers wore masks and gloves. Loudspeakers broadcast appeals for social distancing. Pitch-side photographers were made to step with their shoes into trays of disinfectant.
The roar of fans could be heard at a football game for the first time since the coronavirus shut down sports and chased away spectators as Paris Saint-Germain played Le Havre in a French friendly.
Only 5,000 people were allowed inside Le Havre's 25,000-seat Stade Oceane to see the French League 2 club take on PSG's star-studded squad. Upper tiers of seating were empty.
Spectators had to wear face masks to get into the arena, although many then took them off once settled in their seats. Families and friends sat together in groups but groups stayed separated.
Ball carriers wore masks and gloves. Loudspeakers broadcast appeals for social distancing. Pitch-side photographers were made to step with their shoes into trays of disinfectant.
Dengue prevention hampered by coronavirus pandemic
To slow the spread of the coronavirus, governments issued lockdowns to keep people at home. They curtailed activities that affected services like rubbish collection. They tried to shield hospitals from a surge of patients.
But the cascading effects of these restrictions also are hampering efforts to cope with seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever, an incurable, mosquito-borne disease that is also known as “breakbone fever” for its severely painful symptoms.
To slow the spread of the coronavirus, governments issued lockdowns to keep people at home. They curtailed activities that affected services like rubbish collection. They tried to shield hospitals from a surge of patients.
But the cascading effects of these restrictions also are hampering efforts to cope with seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever, an incurable, mosquito-borne disease that is also known as “breakbone fever” for its severely painful symptoms.
Coronavirus hampering dengue prevention in Latin America and South Asia
Lockdowns curtailing efforts to destroy mosquito-breeding sites
Bollywood star 'in stable condition' at hospital
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is in a stable condition in an isolation unit with mild symptoms of coronavirus, the Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai has confirmed..
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is in a stable condition in an isolation unit with mild symptoms of coronavirus, the Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai has confirmed..
His son, Abhishek Bachchan, 44, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, also a Bollywood actress, and their 8-year-old daughter have also tested positive, according to Maharashtra state Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
With an unparalleled standing in the world of Bollywood, Mr Bachchan has been a mainstay of the nation's cinematic output since 1969 - appearing in around 200 films.
Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan in hospital with coronavirus
77-year-old ‘Mohabbatein’ actor and son both test positive for disease
Florida records biggest single-day increase in coronavirus cases in US state
Florida has reported the largest single-day increase in positive coronavirus cases in any one US state since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to state Department of Health statistics, 15,299 people tested positive, for a total of 269,811 cases.
California had the previous record of daily positive cases — 11,694, four days ago. New York had 11,571 on 15 April.
More below:
Florida has reported the largest single-day increase in positive coronavirus cases in any one US state since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to state Department of Health statistics, 15,299 people tested positive, for a total of 269,811 cases.
California had the previous record of daily positive cases — 11,694, four days ago. New York had 11,571 on 15 April.
More below:
Florida records biggest single-day increase in coronavirus cases in US state
Floridian department for health confirms 45 additional deaths across 24 hours as governor continues drive to reopen schools
Heathrow Airport relies on one runway until October
After decades of insisting it needs three runways, Heathrow airport will make do with just one — with closure of the southern runway either partially or fully until October.
A “Notice to Airmen” (Notam) has been issued to pilots and airlines warning that the runway, known as 09R/27L, will close at one minute to midnight on Sunday 12 July until the same time on 30 September.
