Fears of a second coronavirus spike grew after new figures showed the virus could be growing exponentially in the northwest of England.
The reproduction rate is thought to be 1.01 in the northwest and 1 in the southwest according to data compiled by Public Health England (PHE) and Cambridge University.
The blow comes as the World Health Organisation updated its guidelines to recommend everyone wear a mask while in public – and over-60s wear medical grade masks.
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A significant development yesterday as it was revealed the virus’s reproduction rate – the so-called R -number – was above 1 in the northwest and at 1 in the southwest.
“If the R is higher than 1 that means this disease is growing exponentially and will keep on spreading to more and more people,” Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s chief scientist, has previously said.
The government has long said that keeping this figure below 1 was vital to easing the lockdown – and to preventing a second deadly wave.
So, what might the new data mean? We look at the possible consequences here:
With the UK government making the wearing of masks mandatory on public transport from 15 June, the World Health Organisation has updated its own guidelines to recommend over-60s go one step further and wear medical-grade masks while in public.
But, warned the organisation’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,: “I cannot say this clearly enough: masks alone will not protect you from Covid-19.”
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But, warned the organisation’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,: “I cannot say this clearly enough: masks alone will not protect you from Covid-19.”
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Sunday trading laws could be scrapped to help economic recovery
Sunday trading laws could be scrapped for a year to help the economy recover from the coronavirus crisis.
Supermarket bosses have previously urged the government to relax the legislation — which limits larger shops to only serving customers for six hours on Sundays — to ease queues and overcrowding.
And it appears their calls have been answered, as Downing Street is said to be drawing up plans to extend trading hours as part of a package of measures to revive the economy.
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Supermarket bosses have previously urged the government to relax the legislation — which limits larger shops to only serving customers for six hours on Sundays — to ease queues and overcrowding.
And it appears their calls have been answered, as Downing Street is said to be drawing up plans to extend trading hours as part of a package of measures to revive the economy.
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People's sleep poorer under lockdown, according to study
People are sleeping less well under lockdown, according to a new study conducted by King’s College London and Ipsos MORI.
Half of the people surveyed between 22 and 24 May reported more disturbed sleep, while 38 per cent of people said they experienced more vivid dreams.
The findings follow several previous studies by fitness tracking firms that revealed people have been sleeping longer during the lockdown period.
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Half of the people surveyed between 22 and 24 May reported more disturbed sleep, while 38 per cent of people said they experienced more vivid dreams.
The findings follow several previous studies by fitness tracking firms that revealed people have been sleeping longer during the lockdown period.
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Schools 'strongly advised' not to admit more pupils
Schools are being “strongly advised” not to admit more pupils after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the northwest of England.
Headteachers in Tameside, east of Manchester, have been told to delay the wider reopening of schools beyond key workers' and vulnerable children, planned for Monday, “until there is further assurance,” the council's director of public health, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said in a letter to schools.
The North West has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in England according to Public Health England (PHE), and data has suggested the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than 1 in the region, a crucial marker for public health.
The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person.
If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.
Data from PHE released on Friday gave an R value of 1.01 for the North West and 1.0 for the South West, with all other regions below 1.
Press Association
Schools are being “strongly advised” not to admit more pupils after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the northwest of England.
Headteachers in Tameside, east of Manchester, have been told to delay the wider reopening of schools beyond key workers' and vulnerable children, planned for Monday, “until there is further assurance,” the council's director of public health, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said in a letter to schools.
The North West has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in England according to Public Health England (PHE), and data has suggested the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than 1 in the region, a crucial marker for public health.
The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person.
If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.
Data from PHE released on Friday gave an R value of 1.01 for the North West and 1.0 for the South West, with all other regions below 1.
Press Association
NHS chiefs criticise government for making policy ‘on the hoof’
NHS chiefs have criticised the government for making policy “on the hoof” after new face covering regulations for hospitals were announced, saying that trust leaders were not consulted in advance and “have been left completely in the dark”.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said on Friday that all hospital visitors and outpatients in England would need to wear face coverings and hospital staff must use surgical masks as of 15 June to help limit the transmission of Covid-19.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman added that, while members of the public attending hospital are “strongly urged” to wear a face covering, no one will be denied care and masks will be provided by the hospital if necessary.
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NHS chiefs have criticised the government for making policy “on the hoof” after new face covering regulations for hospitals were announced, saying that trust leaders were not consulted in advance and “have been left completely in the dark”.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said on Friday that all hospital visitors and outpatients in England would need to wear face coverings and hospital staff must use surgical masks as of 15 June to help limit the transmission of Covid-19.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman added that, while members of the public attending hospital are “strongly urged” to wear a face covering, no one will be denied care and masks will be provided by the hospital if necessary.
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MPs' seven-week summer holidays could be cut by 21 days in order to get Brexit and coronavirus legislation through Parliament, The Times' deputy political editor reports.
Steven Swinford says ministers are also considering cancelling the traditional conference recess in the autumn.
Leading scientists demand Boris Johnson hold inquiry into coronavirus mistakes
An urgent inquiry must be held now to avoid repeating the mistakes that have undermined the fight against coronavirus before the feared second peak, leading scientists say.
Boris Johnson has been told to end his refusal to order the investigation yet, with the warning: “Many more will die unless we find quick, practical solutions.”
A letter has been signed by 27 experts, of which more than half are professors in virology, public health, epidemiology or other relevant fields.
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An urgent inquiry must be held now to avoid repeating the mistakes that have undermined the fight against coronavirus before the feared second peak, leading scientists say.
Boris Johnson has been told to end his refusal to order the investigation yet, with the warning: “Many more will die unless we find quick, practical solutions.”
A letter has been signed by 27 experts, of which more than half are professors in virology, public health, epidemiology or other relevant fields.
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French police ban protests against them in Paris due to coronavirus
Anti-police violence protests around the Eiffel Tower have been banned due to coronavirus restrictions, Paris authorities have said.
In addition to this, demonstrations outside the US embassy – also planned for Saturday afternoon - have been barred from going ahead over public health concerns.
La Prefecture de Paris, the capital’s police force, said lots of people could be drawn to the protests, while current lockdown rules only allow 10 people to gather outside at a time.
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Anti-police violence protests around the Eiffel Tower have been banned due to coronavirus restrictions, Paris authorities have said.
In addition to this, demonstrations outside the US embassy – also planned for Saturday afternoon - have been barred from going ahead over public health concerns.
La Prefecture de Paris, the capital’s police force, said lots of people could be drawn to the protests, while current lockdown rules only allow 10 people to gather outside at a time.
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Catholic bishops issue guidance for reopening churches
Churchgoers should wear face coverings and could have to book places at Mass when churches reopen, Scotland's Catholic Bishops have said.
The Bishop's Conference of Scotland has sent the country's 600 priests guidance about the reopening of churches and the resumption of public worship, urging them to “act in harmony” with the Scottish Government's health advice.
With public worship currently suspended due to the coronavirus lockdown, priests have been encouraged to start preparations to allow churches to safely reopen in accordance with social distancing measures.
The Catholic church's guidance has been developed by their Covid-19 infection control working group, chaired by Scotland's former chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns.
In line with the Scottish Government's “route map” for easing lockdown, the guidance stresses that Mass can resume once the country enters phase three, with the recommendation to have services on both Saturdays and Sundays to allow more people to attend.
Press Association
Churchgoers should wear face coverings and could have to book places at Mass when churches reopen, Scotland's Catholic Bishops have said.
The Bishop's Conference of Scotland has sent the country's 600 priests guidance about the reopening of churches and the resumption of public worship, urging them to “act in harmony” with the Scottish Government's health advice.
With public worship currently suspended due to the coronavirus lockdown, priests have been encouraged to start preparations to allow churches to safely reopen in accordance with social distancing measures.
The Catholic church's guidance has been developed by their Covid-19 infection control working group, chaired by Scotland's former chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns.
In line with the Scottish Government's “route map” for easing lockdown, the guidance stresses that Mass can resume once the country enters phase three, with the recommendation to have services on both Saturdays and Sundays to allow more people to attend.
Press Association
How badly the UK compares with the rest of Europe
With the second highest death toll from the Covid-19 coronavirus in the world, reports this week claimed that the UK had more daily deaths than the whole of the EU combined on a recent day, despite its population being just one seventh of the size.
While the actual figures are close, the data used in the graphic has a number of flaws that reveal that to be inaccurate.
The government’s daily coronavirus press conference no longer includes a slide comparing the UK’s coronavirus death toll to other countries.
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While the actual figures are close, the data used in the graphic has a number of flaws that reveal that to be inaccurate.
The government’s daily coronavirus press conference no longer includes a slide comparing the UK’s coronavirus death toll to other countries.
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Prince William reveals he has been helpline counsellor during lockdown
Prince William has revealed that he has been counselling people via a crisis helpline that his Royal Foundation helped to launch.
The Duke of Cambridge is one of more than 2,000 crisis volunteers at Shout 85258, a 24-hour text messaging helpline.
His work with the service was made public to coincide with Volunteers Week, an annual celebration of the contributions people make across the country though volunteering.
Prince William has revealed that he has been counselling people via a crisis helpline that his Royal Foundation helped to launch.
The Duke of Cambridge is one of more than 2,000 crisis volunteers at Shout 85258, a 24-hour text messaging helpline.
His work with the service was made public to coincide with Volunteers Week, an annual celebration of the contributions people make across the country though volunteering.
Government believed to be on track to meet care home testing target
The Government is understood to be on track to meet its June 6 care home coronavirus test target, despite a survey finding some had not received testing kits.
More than a tenth of homes surveyed by the National Care Forum (NCF), which represents 120 not-for-profit care organisations, reported they had not received testing kits at the start of the week.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) believes it is on track to have offered testing to all care homes with residents over 65 in England by Saturday, it is understood.
The DHSC is expected to announce whether it has hit its target in the coming days.
It comes as a letter from the DHSC sent to care providers on Friday revealed plans to expand testing to all remaining adult care homes for those under the age of 65 from 7 June.
Tests will be available to all residents and asymptomatic staff, the letter said.
Press Association
More than a tenth of homes surveyed by the National Care Forum (NCF), which represents 120 not-for-profit care organisations, reported they had not received testing kits at the start of the week.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) believes it is on track to have offered testing to all care homes with residents over 65 in England by Saturday, it is understood.
The DHSC is expected to announce whether it has hit its target in the coming days.
It comes as a letter from the DHSC sent to care providers on Friday revealed plans to expand testing to all remaining adult care homes for those under the age of 65 from 7 June.
Tests will be available to all residents and asymptomatic staff, the letter said.
Press Association
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The pro-migrant support you’re seeing from the public is under threat
Tens of millions of Britons on their doorsteps applauding an organisation propped up by foreign workers each week. A prime minister thanking two immigrants whose work as nurses saved his life. It would perhaps have seemed unthinkable from a Conservative government less than 10 years on from vans with “go home” emblazoned on the side, and indeed from the man who led a Brexit campaign warning of mass immigration from Turkey.
There have been some tangible changes in response to the unfolding coronavirus crisis. The Home Office eased the rules on its asylum housing and immigration detention in order to prevent spread. It extended visas for NHS staff and, after public outcry, dropped the controversial health surcharge for health workers tackling the pandemic on the front line.
But is this the beginning of real change for how immigration is viewed in Britain?
Tens of millions of Britons on their doorsteps applauding an organisation propped up by foreign workers each week. A prime minister thanking two immigrants whose work as nurses saved his life. It would perhaps have seemed unthinkable from a Conservative government less than 10 years on from vans with “go home” emblazoned on the side, and indeed from the man who led a Brexit campaign warning of mass immigration from Turkey.
There have been some tangible changes in response to the unfolding coronavirus crisis. The Home Office eased the rules on its asylum housing and immigration detention in order to prevent spread. It extended visas for NHS staff and, after public outcry, dropped the controversial health surcharge for health workers tackling the pandemic on the front line.
But is this the beginning of real change for how immigration is viewed in Britain?
The Independent's social affairs correspondent, May Bulman, writes that experts remain sceptical.
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Indonesia reports nearly 1,000 new cases of coronavirus
Indonesia reported nearly 1,000 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, a new single-day high for the country that brought its total caseload past 30,000, as the government unveiled an enhanced stimulus package worth $47.6 billion to anchor the virus-battered economy.
The health ministry said there were 993 newly infected people over the past 24 hours. Indonesia has confirmed 30,514 cases, including 1,801 deaths, the most in Southeast Asia.
Finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said a 677.2 trillion rupiah ($47.6 billion) stimulus package aims to strengthen the health care system, direct more spending toward social protection to boost consumption, and provide incentives to rescue Indonesian businesses from bankruptcy and workers from layoffs.
The package is bigger than the one worth 641.17 trillion rupiah initially allocated in late April.
“We are hoping that this stimulus can maintain our economic growth at above zero percent,” Ms Indrawati said at a live-streamed news conference.
She said Indonesia's GDP growth could be lower than the government's protection of 2.3% this year. In the worst-case scenario, the government expects the economy to contract 0.4%, she added.
Indonesia's economy grew just 2.9% in January-March, the slowest growth in almost two decades, as the pandemic made its effects felt in exports, investment and consumption in Southeast Asia's largest economy.
Associated Press
Thousands expected to attend anti-racism protests across UK despite ministers warning against mass gatherings
Thousands of anti-racism protestors are set to attend demonstrations across the UK this weekend – despite government warnings that such mass gatherings are banned under the coronavirus lockdown.
Rallies will be held in cities including London, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle and Leicester with supporters demanding an end to institutional discrimination.
It comes as worldwide anger continued to grow over the death of George Floyd, a black father-of-one in the US city of Minneapolis last week.
Thousands of anti-racism protestors are set to attend demonstrations across the UK this weekend – despite government warnings that such mass gatherings are banned under the coronavirus lockdown.
Rallies will be held in cities including London, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle and Leicester with supporters demanding an end to institutional discrimination.
It comes as worldwide anger continued to grow over the death of George Floyd, a black father-of-one in the US city of Minneapolis last week.
More schools abandon plans to reopen next week
More schools have shelved plans to reopen on Monday, after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the North West of England.
Health officials at Blackburn and Darwen Council, which runs 85 schools in Lancashire, reportedly emailed local schools on Friday evening advising them not to reopen to more pupils on Monday morning.
More schools have shelved plans to reopen on Monday, after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the North West of England.
Health officials at Blackburn and Darwen Council, which runs 85 schools in Lancashire, reportedly emailed local schools on Friday evening advising them not to reopen to more pupils on Monday morning.
The same advice has been given by officials in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
It comes after new data showed the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than the crucial threshold of 1, in the North West region.
The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person.
If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.
Press Association
Press Association
Here is the World Health Organization's updated guidance on the use of masks to control coronavirus.
Frontline health workers host makeshift wedding ceremony in hospital
A couple who have both been working on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak have hosted makeshift wedding ceremony in hospital after they were forced to postpone their nuptials.
Paramedic Nathan Judge and healthcare assistant Charlotte Medcalf were supposed to get married on 30 May after he proposed on a trip to Las Vegas.
But when the coronavirus outbreak struck, and one of their suppliers pulled out of the wedding, they had to cancel.
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A couple who have both been working on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak have hosted makeshift wedding ceremony in hospital after they were forced to postpone their nuptials.
Paramedic Nathan Judge and healthcare assistant Charlotte Medcalf were supposed to get married on 30 May after he proposed on a trip to Las Vegas.
But when the coronavirus outbreak struck, and one of their suppliers pulled out of the wedding, they had to cancel.
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