Pressed on whether the UK was too slow to enter lockdown, Boris Johnson has admitted that “maybe there were things we could have done differently”, conceding that the government failed to understand the extent to which coronavirus was spreading asymptomatically.
The prime minister told BBC News that “when you listen to the scientists, the questions that you’ve just asked are actually very open questions as far as they are concerned”, adding: “There will be a time obviously to consider all those issues.”
Referencing his own time in hospital with covid-19, Mr Johnson called for a “summer of weight loss” in order to limit the harms of the pandemic. It is expected that ministers will soon unveil plans to curb obesity in the UK.
As the new rules on face coverings came into effect in England, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda joined a growing list of retailers who have said they will not challenge customers failing to wear a face covering, insisting that it falls on police to penalise people.
But John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales, said forces do not have the capacity to ensure every person who enters a store is wearing a face covering, and urged shops to refuse entry to anyone not obeying the law.
Mr Apter also called for understanding among the public, tweeting: “If you’re out shopping today and you see somebody not wearing a face covering it may be because they have a hidden disability. Don’t jump to conclusions, don’t have a go at them. This is new for us all, it’s about keeping each other safe. Please be nice.”
Meanwhile, figures published by Sage and the Government Office for Science showed that England's rate of infection remained at a similar figure to the previous week, with no discernable spike following the reopening of pubs and restaurants.
In more stark analysis, the Office for National Statistics revealed that the poorest areas of England have suffered more than twice as many coronavirus deaths as the richest.
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Good morning and welcome to The Independent's rolling coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We'll be bringing you rolling updates from across the globe.
We'll be bringing you rolling updates from across the globe.
New face mask rules have come into force in a number of indoor settings including shops, takeaways, banks and sandwich shops in England today.
Anyone who flouts the rules could face a fine of up to £100.
Here's a guide to everywhere you'll need to wear a face covering from now on:
Anyone who flouts the rules could face a fine of up to £100.
Here's a guide to everywhere you'll need to wear a face covering from now on:
Luton, in Bedfordshire, and Blackburn with Darwen, in Lancashire, are the latest places facing local lockdowns amid high infection rates.
The areas have been added to Public Health England’s coronavirus watchlist as “areas of intervention”, meaning further lockdown-easing measures such as the reopening of sports centres have been postponed in both areas.
A woman has created dozens of face masks with clear panels so that people who have partial or full hearing loss are able to communicate with others during the pandemic by lip-reading.
Claire Cross, a furloughed pub manager from Devon, has made approximately 100 masks with clear panels sewn into them for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Claire Cross, a furloughed pub manager from Devon, has made approximately 100 masks with clear panels sewn into them for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Police 'just don't have the capacity' to enforce face masks
The chair of the Police Federation has warned police "just don't have the capacity" to enforce new face mask rules which came into effect today.
John Apter, who represents rank-and-file officers in England and Wales, has called on businesses to help educate people on the new regulations as a joint effort.
The police chief said forces are now busier than they were before the pandemic and will only respond to a call from a shop if a person is refusing to leave or becomes aggressive.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I think the unfortunate thing is there’s an expectation that the police are almost the first port of call when it comes to enforcement or dealing with, in this case, the face coverings.
“First of all, we just don’t have the capacity, we simply can’t do it, not to the level some people expect which is for us to be almost in every high street, in every store, ensuring that people are wearing a face covering.
“The retailers and those who operate in these stores or businesses also have a responsibility to educate the public because this is all very new and some people are scared, some people genuinely don’t know what’s expected of them so it’s about a combined effort in educating people.”
People who refuse to wear a mask covering their face and nose in places set out by the government, including supermarkets, shops, takeaways, banks and post offices, could face a £100 fine for today.
However Mr Apter said “enforcement will be absolutely the last resort”.
He added: “If certain customers, and I genuinely believe this will be a tiny minority, if somebody is refusing to leave the store or becomes aggressive of course that’s right that the police should be called.
“But if somebody calls the police because somebody is just not wearing a face covering, I’m afraid that will go into the pot of jobs that my colleagues have to respond to because business as usual is still there – in fact we are now busier than we were before this pandemic – so we have very little capacity.
“So I just want to manage the public’s expectation.”
The chair of the Police Federation has warned police "just don't have the capacity" to enforce new face mask rules which came into effect today.
John Apter, who represents rank-and-file officers in England and Wales, has called on businesses to help educate people on the new regulations as a joint effort.
The police chief said forces are now busier than they were before the pandemic and will only respond to a call from a shop if a person is refusing to leave or becomes aggressive.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I think the unfortunate thing is there’s an expectation that the police are almost the first port of call when it comes to enforcement or dealing with, in this case, the face coverings.
“First of all, we just don’t have the capacity, we simply can’t do it, not to the level some people expect which is for us to be almost in every high street, in every store, ensuring that people are wearing a face covering.
“The retailers and those who operate in these stores or businesses also have a responsibility to educate the public because this is all very new and some people are scared, some people genuinely don’t know what’s expected of them so it’s about a combined effort in educating people.”
People who refuse to wear a mask covering their face and nose in places set out by the government, including supermarkets, shops, takeaways, banks and post offices, could face a £100 fine for today.
However Mr Apter said “enforcement will be absolutely the last resort”.
He added: “If certain customers, and I genuinely believe this will be a tiny minority, if somebody is refusing to leave the store or becomes aggressive of course that’s right that the police should be called.
“But if somebody calls the police because somebody is just not wearing a face covering, I’m afraid that will go into the pot of jobs that my colleagues have to respond to because business as usual is still there – in fact we are now busier than we were before this pandemic – so we have very little capacity.
“So I just want to manage the public’s expectation.”
It’s already clear that men are twice as likely to die from Covid-19, writes Ian Hamilton for Indy Voices. Given this higher risk, you’d expect them to be keen to take any necessary precaution.
But new research suggests otherwise. It is women who are twice as likely to wear a face mask, with men thinking it’s uncool and a sign of weakness. It’s difficult to imagine a starker example of how pride can kill.
But new research suggests otherwise. It is women who are twice as likely to wear a face mask, with men thinking it’s uncool and a sign of weakness. It’s difficult to imagine a starker example of how pride can kill.
Emirates will pay medical bills for travellers who become symptomatic with coronavirus while at their destination, at least until 31 October 2020.
If a passenger is diagnosed with Covid-19 while they are away from home, the Dubai-based airline says it will cover medical and repatriation expenses of up to €150,000 (£137,000).
If a passenger is diagnosed with Covid-19 while they are away from home, the Dubai-based airline says it will cover medical and repatriation expenses of up to €150,000 (£137,000).
Some stores say they won't challenge customers over face masks
People buying a takeaway coffee are among those required by law to wear a face covering from today, but some high street chains have said they will not penalise customers who fail to do so.
Government guidance states that staff in premises where face coverings are required are encouraged to "take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law" and can refuse entry to people who do not have a valid exemption under the rules.
However, Costa Coffee said it would "not be challenging customers" who are not wearing a mask "since they may have a legitimate reason as to why they are unable to wear one".
Sainsbury's said while it is asking everyone to continue "playing their part" in helping to keep everyone safe in store by following the rules, "our colleagues will not be responsible for enforcing them".
Asda said it will "strongly encourage customers to wear a face covering", but added: "It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to police and enforce the new rules."
Tesco will be selling face coverings at the entrance, and Waitrose said staff would be at the entrance to stores reminding customers of the requirement.
Customers will be "required" to wear a face covering in Greggs.
McDonald's said takeaway customers will need to wear face coverings but those who eat in the restaurant will not unless they are moving around the premises, for example to use toilets or when at self-order screens.
People buying a takeaway coffee are among those required by law to wear a face covering from today, but some high street chains have said they will not penalise customers who fail to do so.
Government guidance states that staff in premises where face coverings are required are encouraged to "take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law" and can refuse entry to people who do not have a valid exemption under the rules.
However, Costa Coffee said it would "not be challenging customers" who are not wearing a mask "since they may have a legitimate reason as to why they are unable to wear one".
Sainsbury's said while it is asking everyone to continue "playing their part" in helping to keep everyone safe in store by following the rules, "our colleagues will not be responsible for enforcing them".
Asda said it will "strongly encourage customers to wear a face covering", but added: "It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to police and enforce the new rules."
Tesco will be selling face coverings at the entrance, and Waitrose said staff would be at the entrance to stores reminding customers of the requirement.
Customers will be "required" to wear a face covering in Greggs.
McDonald's said takeaway customers will need to wear face coverings but those who eat in the restaurant will not unless they are moving around the premises, for example to use toilets or when at self-order screens.
Minister defends face mask regulations being released at short notice
A government minister has defended the short notice at which guidance on face coverings in England was issued.
A government minister has defended the short notice at which guidance on face coverings in England was issued.
Details of the new regulations, which came into force today, were only released on Thursday afternoon.
However care minister Helen Whately told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Well, it has been talked about a certain amount over recent days and weeks."
Coffee shop face mask rules 'not totally clear', says customer
At the Westminster branch of Pret a Manger, where several ministers were seen prior to parliament's summer recess, customer John, 61, said he was happy to wear a face covering.
He told the PA news agency: "I think it's just a matter of getting used to.
At the Westminster branch of Pret a Manger, where several ministers were seen prior to parliament's summer recess, customer John, 61, said he was happy to wear a face covering.
He told the PA news agency: "I think it's just a matter of getting used to.
"If it does help keep the coronavirus down then I suppose it's worthwhile.
"I mean, people in the Far East have been wearing them for ages and they think nothing of it."
He said the government's guidance on face coverings was "not totally clear" on when they should be worn in coffee shops and takeaways, adding it was clearer for other shops and supermarkets.
He said: "It's not clear, because how do you drink a coffee if you're having to wear a face mask?"
YouTube and TikTok personalities sparked outrage over an “insane” party that spurned masks and social distancing amid a Covid-19 pandemic.
Video posted online on Wednesday night showed social media stars such as James Charles, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, and Tana Mongeau descend on Los Angeles to dance despite coronavirus.
YouTuber Nikita Dragun hosted the bash at Hollywood Hills’ Hype House to celebrate TikTok personality Larri Merritt’s birthday, reported BuzzFeed.
Video posted online on Wednesday night showed social media stars such as James Charles, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, and Tana Mongeau descend on Los Angeles to dance despite coronavirus.
YouTuber Nikita Dragun hosted the bash at Hollywood Hills’ Hype House to celebrate TikTok personality Larri Merritt’s birthday, reported BuzzFeed.
Kenya field hospital races to prepare for surge in infections
In Kenya, workers at the Machakos Covid-19 field hospital, about an hour's drive from the capital, struggled to put up a giant metal tent frame to serve as a new ward as they prepared for an influx of cases.
In Kenya, workers at the Machakos Covid-19 field hospital, about an hour's drive from the capital, struggled to put up a giant metal tent frame to serve as a new ward as they prepared for an influx of cases.
Machakos county, which has 92 active cases of the virus, has already met the required minimum of 300 beds per county for Covid-19 patients, set by the national government.
But as national figures surge, Machakos is preparing for more infections. Positive cases in Kenya have nearly doubled in the last two weeks to 15,601, mirroring a continental surge. Africa topped 750,000 cases on Wednesday.
David Mutunga, an official in the Machakos county's department of health emergency services, told Reuters: "When you see such numbers coming up that fast, you get worried.
"Before those numbers go out of hand, we are racing against time to ensure we have adequate capacity."
The Machakos field hospital, set in a sports stadium whose stands serve as waiting bays for incoming patients before they are screened, features two large white tents on carpeted concrete slabs.
The two operational tents are together equipped with 200 beds. The new tent will have a capacity of 40, bringing the county's total for coronavirus patients to 475 beds when other facilities are included.
But as national figures surge, Machakos is preparing for more infections. Positive cases in Kenya have nearly doubled in the last two weeks to 15,601, mirroring a continental surge. Africa topped 750,000 cases on Wednesday.
David Mutunga, an official in the Machakos county's department of health emergency services, told Reuters: "When you see such numbers coming up that fast, you get worried.
"Before those numbers go out of hand, we are racing against time to ensure we have adequate capacity."
The Machakos field hospital, set in a sports stadium whose stands serve as waiting bays for incoming patients before they are screened, features two large white tents on carpeted concrete slabs.
The two operational tents are together equipped with 200 beds. The new tent will have a capacity of 40, bringing the county's total for coronavirus patients to 475 beds when other facilities are included.
The poorest areas of England have suffered more than twice as many deaths from coronavirus as the richest, a new analysis shows.
The mortality rate was 139.6 per 100,000 in England’s most deprived parts – compared with 63.4 deaths in the most prosperous, the Office for National Statistics found.
The mortality rate was 139.6 per 100,000 in England’s most deprived parts – compared with 63.4 deaths in the most prosperous, the Office for National Statistics found.
Anti-vaxxers 'are nuts', says PM
Boris Johnson has said opponents of vaccinations, so called anti-vaxxers, were are "nuts".
"There's all these anti-vaxxers now," the prime minister told medical workers at a GP surgery in London.
"They are nuts, they are nuts."
Boris Johnson has said opponents of vaccinations, so called anti-vaxxers, were are "nuts".
"There's all these anti-vaxxers now," the prime minister told medical workers at a GP surgery in London.
"They are nuts, they are nuts."
Firefighters agree to continue coronavirus response until end of September
Firefighters have agreed to continue aiding the coronavirus response, warning that the virus threat “remains serious” despite the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has assured the public “firefighters aren’t going to abandon their communities now”, as preparations for a second wave of Covid-19 infections begin.
An agreement reached on 26 March has allowed firefighters to drive ambulances, deliver vital supplies to the elderly and vulnerable, and move the bodies of the deceased.
Since then, a number of further activities have been agreed, including assembling personal protective equipment (PPE) and training care home staff in infection, prevention and control.
The FBU, fire chiefs, and fire service employers have agreed to extend the work until 30 September, six months longer than planned, with the possibility for further renewal. The initial agreement was for two months, but was extended in early June.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The government may be signalling that the pandemic is over – but for the emergency services on the ground, the threat from coronavirus remains serious.
“As lockdown restrictions ease, the risks of infections may increase – and firefighters aren’t going to abandon their communities now. As summer draws to a close in the coming weeks, preparations must be made for any potential second wave in the approach to winter.
“It’s vital that fire services do all that they can to prevent coronavirus outbreaks among personnel. To keep firefighters safe, we have agreed detailed risk assessments for each area of COVID-19 response work, which should help prevent mass-absences in fire and rescue services whilst also protecting the public.
“Come what may, firefighters are here to protect the public – and we’re here to make sure they do so safely.”
Firefighters have agreed to continue aiding the coronavirus response, warning that the virus threat “remains serious” despite the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has assured the public “firefighters aren’t going to abandon their communities now”, as preparations for a second wave of Covid-19 infections begin.
An agreement reached on 26 March has allowed firefighters to drive ambulances, deliver vital supplies to the elderly and vulnerable, and move the bodies of the deceased.
Since then, a number of further activities have been agreed, including assembling personal protective equipment (PPE) and training care home staff in infection, prevention and control.
The FBU, fire chiefs, and fire service employers have agreed to extend the work until 30 September, six months longer than planned, with the possibility for further renewal. The initial agreement was for two months, but was extended in early June.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The government may be signalling that the pandemic is over – but for the emergency services on the ground, the threat from coronavirus remains serious.
“As lockdown restrictions ease, the risks of infections may increase – and firefighters aren’t going to abandon their communities now. As summer draws to a close in the coming weeks, preparations must be made for any potential second wave in the approach to winter.
“It’s vital that fire services do all that they can to prevent coronavirus outbreaks among personnel. To keep firefighters safe, we have agreed detailed risk assessments for each area of COVID-19 response work, which should help prevent mass-absences in fire and rescue services whilst also protecting the public.
“Come what may, firefighters are here to protect the public – and we’re here to make sure they do so safely.”
Boris Johnson has hit out at anti-vaccination conspiracy theorists describing them as “nuts”.
Going on holiday in the middle of a global pandemic might not be everyone’s idea of a fun break, writes Kia Hansen.
But when the government lifted the travel restrictions from the UK, the first thing I did was book a flight.
I’d always wanted to go to Florence, and this was the first time in three years that I’d financially been in a position to do so. Damned if was going to let a virus stop me.
I’d always wanted to go to Florence, and this was the first time in three years that I’d financially been in a position to do so. Damned if was going to let a virus stop me.
Opinion: If you’re low risk, it’s your duty to book yourself a holiday
In Florence, the lack of tourists has meant no queues for museums or galleries, incredibly cheap rates for stunning accommodation, and 20 or 30 per cent discounts in all the storesCoronavirus will haunt the UK until 'the middle of next year', Boris Johnson has warned - one week after appearing to promise “normality by Christmas”.
The prime minister switched tack again, highlighting “tough times ahead in keeping this virus under control and tough times economically”.
The prime minister switched tack again, highlighting “tough times ahead in keeping this virus under control and tough times economically”.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda are among the retailers who have said they will not challenge customers failing to wear a face covering and that it falls on police to penalise people.
However Police Federation chair John Apter said forces do not have the capacity to ensure every person who enters a store is wearing a face covering, and urged shops to refuse entry to anyone not obeying the law.
However Police Federation chair John Apter said forces do not have the capacity to ensure every person who enters a store is wearing a face covering, and urged shops to refuse entry to anyone not obeying the law.
Lockdown restrictions imposed in countries around the world have not greatly reduced the number of people who died from Covid-19, a disputed US study has claimed.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Texas said obesity and age had a bigger impact on coronavirus mortality rates.
Governments around across the globe introduced lockdowns during the pandemic in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel disease, but the researchers claim the restrictions were “not associated” with death rates.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Texas said obesity and age had a bigger impact on coronavirus mortality rates.
Governments around across the globe introduced lockdowns during the pandemic in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel disease, but the researchers claim the restrictions were “not associated” with death rates.
