Boris Johnson and his most senior ministers met on Monday to finalise plans for reopening pubs, restaurants, hotels and restaurants on 4 July.
The prime minister is expected to announce the next steps for easing the UK coronaviruslockdown on Tuesday, including a likely loosening of the two-metre rule.
This comes as the government announced that “shielding” measures which have confined 2.2 million inside their homes for the past three months are to be lifted in England at the start of August.
In the latest in a series of significant relaxations of lockdown, the health secretary said that from 6 July people shielding from the coronavirus will be able to gather in groups of up to six people at a two-metre distance outdoors, while those living alone will be allowed to form a “support bubble” with another household, visiting one another as often as they like and staying overnight.
And from the end of next month, clinically vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield and will be able to visit shops and places of worship and return to their workplace if they cannot do their job at home, but will be advised to stick to social distancing rules.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has said that a record level of new daily Covid-19 cases worldwide could suggest the pandemic is peaking in some large countries, even as the coronavirus has become “well established” in some regions.
In its latest Situation Report on Covid-19 late on Sunday, WHO reported the largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases by its count — more than 183,000 new cases in a 24-hour period. That was underpinned by over 54,700 new cases in Brazil and more than 36,600 in the United States.
Here are the main updates from Monday 22 June:
Good morning and welcome to today's live blog - we'll be bringing you rolling coverage of the latest updates in the coronavirus crisis from around the world.
PM finalises next steps for easing lockdown and reopening hospitality sector
Boris Johnson is meeting with his most senior ministers today to finalise the next steps for easing the lockdown.
The prime minister is expected to announce plans for reopening pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers in England from 4 July on Tuesday.
A loosening of the two-metre social distancing rule is also thought to be on the cards to help restart the economy.
Officials are understood to be looking at a "guest book" measures which would require customers to leave their contact details at pubs and bars so they can be swiftly traced if they contract coronavirus.
My colleague Peter Stubley has more on this story below:
Boris Johnson is meeting with his most senior ministers today to finalise the next steps for easing the lockdown.
The prime minister is expected to announce plans for reopening pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers in England from 4 July on Tuesday.
A loosening of the two-metre social distancing rule is also thought to be on the cards to help restart the economy.
Officials are understood to be looking at a "guest book" measures which would require customers to leave their contact details at pubs and bars so they can be swiftly traced if they contract coronavirus.
My colleague Peter Stubley has more on this story below:
WHO reports biggest daily increase in global infections
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported 183,000 new cases of Covid-19 worldwide in the biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported 183,000 new cases of Covid-19 worldwide in the biggest daily increase since the start of the outbreak.
The UN health agency said on Sunday that 183,020 cases were recorded in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the global total to more than 8.7 million.
Brazil led the way with 54,771 of the daily total, followed by the US with 36,617. Over 15,400 came were in India.
My colleague Peter Stubley has more on this below:
Work to ease lockdown 'taking place at pace', says security minister
When asked if the two-metre social distancing rule is going to be reduced, security minister James Brokenshire told BBC Breakfast: "There has been a great deal of work that's been taking place at pace over the last number of days, informed by the science, informed by experience from around the world as well, as to how we can appropriately look at easements and appropriately also reflect on the two-metre rule as well."
He added the international experience and understanding of the virus had evolved in recent weeks and the decision would be informed by "the best, most up-to-date science" and medical experience.
When asked if the two-metre social distancing rule is going to be reduced, security minister James Brokenshire told BBC Breakfast: "There has been a great deal of work that's been taking place at pace over the last number of days, informed by the science, informed by experience from around the world as well, as to how we can appropriately look at easements and appropriately also reflect on the two-metre rule as well."
He added the international experience and understanding of the virus had evolved in recent weeks and the decision would be informed by "the best, most up-to-date science" and medical experience.
Sewage tested for Covid-19 in new trial
Sewage is being tested for traces of Covid-19 in a trial aimed at helping monitor the spread of coronavirus in Scotland.
As part of the trial, samples from waste water at treatment works in each of the 14 NHS Scotland health board areas will be analysed by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) scientists.
They are building on exploratory work started by Scottish Water and academic partners from the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute to monitor the levels of fragments of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in waste water.
Experts hope the data could help them understand trends in the prevalence and distribution of the virus in Scotland, in combination with community testing and hospital admissions data.
The samples are estimated to represent waste water from between 40% and 50% of the Scottish population.
The World Health Organisation has said there is currently no evidence that coronavirus has been transmitted via sewerage systems.
PA
Sewage is being tested for traces of Covid-19 in a trial aimed at helping monitor the spread of coronavirus in Scotland.
As part of the trial, samples from waste water at treatment works in each of the 14 NHS Scotland health board areas will be analysed by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) scientists.
They are building on exploratory work started by Scottish Water and academic partners from the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute to monitor the levels of fragments of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) in waste water.
Experts hope the data could help them understand trends in the prevalence and distribution of the virus in Scotland, in combination with community testing and hospital admissions data.
The samples are estimated to represent waste water from between 40% and 50% of the Scottish population.
The World Health Organisation has said there is currently no evidence that coronavirus has been transmitted via sewerage systems.
PA
Fears of second wave in Germany
Concerns have been raised over a second wave of coronavirus in Germany where the reproduction rate of Covid-19 has spiked from 1.06 to 2.88 in the span of two days following a string of localised outbreaks.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said on Saturday the R number jumped to 1.79 on Saturday and 2.88 on Sunday, far higher than what is needed to contain the outbreak over a longer period of time.
My colleague Kate Ng has more on this story below:
Concerns have been raised over a second wave of coronavirus in Germany where the reproduction rate of Covid-19 has spiked from 1.06 to 2.88 in the span of two days following a string of localised outbreaks.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said on Saturday the R number jumped to 1.79 on Saturday and 2.88 on Sunday, far higher than what is needed to contain the outbreak over a longer period of time.
My colleague Kate Ng has more on this story below:
Russia reports more than 7,000 new cases
Russia has reported 7,600 new coronavirus cases, pushing its nationwide total to 592,280 - the world's third largest tally.
The coronavirus taskforce response said 95 people had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 8,206.
Russia has reported 7,600 new coronavirus cases, pushing its nationwide total to 592,280 - the world's third largest tally.
The coronavirus taskforce response said 95 people had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 8,206.
South Korea battling second wave of coronavirus
Health officials in South Korea have confirmed the country is battling a second wave of coronavirus infections stemming from a holiday in May, as new cases hover in the low double digits.
The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) had previously said South Korea's first wave had never really ended.
But today, KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said it had become clear that a holiday weekend in early May marked the beginning of a new wave of infections that have been focused largely in the greater Seoul area, which had previously seen few cases.
Health officials in South Korea have confirmed the country is battling a second wave of coronavirus infections stemming from a holiday in May, as new cases hover in the low double digits.
The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) had previously said South Korea's first wave had never really ended.
But today, KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said it had become clear that a holiday weekend in early May marked the beginning of a new wave of infections that have been focused largely in the greater Seoul area, which had previously seen few cases.
China's annual dog meat festival opens
China's notorious dog meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The annual 10-day festival in the southwestern city of Yulin usually attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom buy dogs to eat that are on display in cramped cages, but campaigners said the numbers this year have dwindled.
The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, and campaigners are hoping that this year will be the last time the festival is held.
The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in a market selling both dead and alive animals in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has forced China to reassess its relationship with animals, and the country has vowed to ban the wildlife trade.
In April, Shenzhen became the first city in China to ban the consumption of dogs, with others expected to follow.
The agriculture ministry also decided to classify dogs as pets rather than livestock, though it remains unclear how the reclassification will affect Yulin's trade.
Reuters
China's notorious dog meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The annual 10-day festival in the southwestern city of Yulin usually attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom buy dogs to eat that are on display in cramped cages, but campaigners said the numbers this year have dwindled.
The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, and campaigners are hoping that this year will be the last time the festival is held.
The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in a market selling both dead and alive animals in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has forced China to reassess its relationship with animals, and the country has vowed to ban the wildlife trade.
In April, Shenzhen became the first city in China to ban the consumption of dogs, with others expected to follow.
The agriculture ministry also decided to classify dogs as pets rather than livestock, though it remains unclear how the reclassification will affect Yulin's trade.
Reuters
Reusable containers safe to use during Covid-19 pandemic, experts say
More than 100 scientists have signed a statement reassuring the public that it is safe to use reusable products including cups, bottles and jars for food, drinks and other groceries, as long as they are thoroughly washed.
The statement, published today, has been signed by scientists including epidemiologists, virologists, chemists, biologists and doctors.
Lifestyle writer Sabrina Barr has more details on this below:
More than 100 scientists have signed a statement reassuring the public that it is safe to use reusable products including cups, bottles and jars for food, drinks and other groceries, as long as they are thoroughly washed.
The statement, published today, has been signed by scientists including epidemiologists, virologists, chemists, biologists and doctors.
Lifestyle writer Sabrina Barr has more details on this below:
Indonesia reports 954 more cases, 35 more deaths
Indonesia has reported 954 new coronavirus infections, bringing its total number of cases to 46,845.
Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there were 35 more deaths reported, with total fatalities now at 2,500, the highest coronavirus death toll in East Asia outside of China.
Indonesia has reported 954 new coronavirus infections, bringing its total number of cases to 46,845.
Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there were 35 more deaths reported, with total fatalities now at 2,500, the highest coronavirus death toll in East Asia outside of China.
Lockdown is increasing UK's wealth divide, report warns
Lower-income households are more likely to have been forced into debt during the coronavirus crisis while wealthier families have been able to fall back on or even boost their savings, a new study suggests.
The Resolution Foundation think tank said the crisis was exposing Britain’s widening wealth gaps and the ability of low-wealth households to weather the economic storm.
My colleague Adam Forrest explains more below:
Four in 10 young people say lockdown has made their mental health worse
Around four in 10 young people who say coronavirus has affected their wellbeing believe the lockdown has made their mental health worse, according to new analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Some 42% of people aged 16-29 said their mental health had deteriorated, compared with 25% of those aged 30-59 and 15% of those people aged 60 and over.
Around four in 10 young people who say coronavirus has affected their wellbeing believe the lockdown has made their mental health worse, according to new analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Some 42% of people aged 16-29 said their mental health had deteriorated, compared with 25% of those aged 30-59 and 15% of those people aged 60 and over.
The ONS figures cover the period April 3 to May 10 and are based on responses to its regular opinions and lifestyle survey in Britain.
They also show that, of those who said coronavirus had affected their wellbeing, 51% of 16-29 year olds felt lonely, compared with 27% of 30-59 year-olds and 26% of people aged 60 and over.
PA
PA
PM facing growing pressure to deliver fresh tourism support package
Boris Johnson is coming under growing pressure to deliver a fresh multi-million pound package of support for the UK’s tourism industry to ensure its survival after suffering “three winters in a row” because of the coronavirus pandemic, political editor Andrew Woodcock reports.
A cross-party group of MPs representing holiday areas are joining with industry bodies in calling for an extension of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s support schemes - such as grants, loans and furlough payments - for as much as six months to the spring of 2021, when they can expect revenues from bookings to start flowing again.
Read more below:
Boris Johnson is coming under growing pressure to deliver a fresh multi-million pound package of support for the UK’s tourism industry to ensure its survival after suffering “three winters in a row” because of the coronavirus pandemic, political editor Andrew Woodcock reports.
A cross-party group of MPs representing holiday areas are joining with industry bodies in calling for an extension of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s support schemes - such as grants, loans and furlough payments - for as much as six months to the spring of 2021, when they can expect revenues from bookings to start flowing again.
Read more below:
'International cooperation crucial in overcoming pandemic'
Norway's health minister has said the global coronavirus pandemic is far from over and international cooperation will be crucial in overcoming it.
Bent Hoeie told a virtual health forum organised by the World Government Summit:
"This outbreak is far from over. Norway will continue to work with others to come out of this crisis as a stronger global community."
Norway's health minister has said the global coronavirus pandemic is far from over and international cooperation will be crucial in overcoming it.
Bent Hoeie told a virtual health forum organised by the World Government Summit:
"This outbreak is far from over. Norway will continue to work with others to come out of this crisis as a stronger global community."
Dubai to reopen to tourists - but with strict new rules
One of the world’s leading tourist destinations and air hubs will reopen to visitors from 7 July – but with strict new rules, travel correspondent Simon Calder reports.
Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates suddenly closed to travellers on 25 March, with flights abruptly halted.
Now the emirate’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management says that residents can start returning home from today.
Read more on this below:
One of the world’s leading tourist destinations and air hubs will reopen to visitors from 7 July – but with strict new rules, travel correspondent Simon Calder reports.
Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates suddenly closed to travellers on 25 March, with flights abruptly halted.
Now the emirate’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management says that residents can start returning home from today.
Read more on this below:
Arsenal player tested positive for Covid-19 days before Premier League restart
An Arsenal player tested positive for Covid-19 days before the resumption of the Premier League season, writes Mark Mann-Bryans.
The unnamed individual had also come into close contact with two other members of the squad, meaning all three were expected to enter a period of self-isolation.
But it is believed that, after everyone returned negative results during the previous round of testing and with no symptoms on show from anyone at their London Colney training base, Arsenal were keen to test again in case of a false positive result for the player in question.
An Arsenal player tested positive for Covid-19 days before the resumption of the Premier League season, writes Mark Mann-Bryans.
The unnamed individual had also come into close contact with two other members of the squad, meaning all three were expected to enter a period of self-isolation.
But it is believed that, after everyone returned negative results during the previous round of testing and with no symptoms on show from anyone at their London Colney training base, Arsenal were keen to test again in case of a false positive result for the player in question.
Tui cancels almost all of its July holidays
Britain’s biggest holiday company has cancelled the vast majority of its packages for July, travel correspondent Simon Calder reports.
Tui will resume operations on 11 July – so long as the government relaxes its warning against all but essential travel abroad and eases the quarantine rules for returning holidaymakers.
But just 8,300 customers will travel with the company in the three weeks to the end of July. This represents only 4 per cent of the original planned capacity, with fewer than 400 passengers on a typical day.
Britain’s biggest holiday company has cancelled the vast majority of its packages for July, travel correspondent Simon Calder reports.
Tui will resume operations on 11 July – so long as the government relaxes its warning against all but essential travel abroad and eases the quarantine rules for returning holidaymakers.
But just 8,300 customers will travel with the company in the three weeks to the end of July. This represents only 4 per cent of the original planned capacity, with fewer than 400 passengers on a typical day.
Beijing coronavirus cases to see 'cliff-like' drop this week, says expert
A disease control expert has said Beijing will see a "cliff-like" drop in new cases in a recent outbreak of coronavirus by the end of this week, with efforts to cut chains of transmission underway.
The Chinese capital city of more than 20 million people reported its first case of a new spike in infections on 11 June, linked to a sprawling wholesale food centre.
In all, 236 people have been infected in the worst outbreak in Beijing since the novel coronavirus was identified at a seafood market in the central city of Wuhan late last year.
Beijing today reported nine new cases were confirmed on Sunday, sharply down from 22 a day earlier.
Wu Hao, a disease control expert from the National Health Commission, told state television in an interview aired late on Sunday: "If you control the source, and cut the chain of transmission, the number will have a cliff-like drop.
To control the spread of the virus, Beijing has designated four neighbourhoods as high-risk and 39 as medium-risk as of today.
People can leave and enter the medium-risk neighbourhoods, with temperature checks and registration, but apartment blocks with two confirmed cases or more are totally locked down.
In high-risk neighbourhoods, an entire residential compound is locked down if there is even one infection there.
Reuters
A disease control expert has said Beijing will see a "cliff-like" drop in new cases in a recent outbreak of coronavirus by the end of this week, with efforts to cut chains of transmission underway.
The Chinese capital city of more than 20 million people reported its first case of a new spike in infections on 11 June, linked to a sprawling wholesale food centre.
In all, 236 people have been infected in the worst outbreak in Beijing since the novel coronavirus was identified at a seafood market in the central city of Wuhan late last year.
Beijing today reported nine new cases were confirmed on Sunday, sharply down from 22 a day earlier.
Wu Hao, a disease control expert from the National Health Commission, told state television in an interview aired late on Sunday: "If you control the source, and cut the chain of transmission, the number will have a cliff-like drop.
To control the spread of the virus, Beijing has designated four neighbourhoods as high-risk and 39 as medium-risk as of today.
People can leave and enter the medium-risk neighbourhoods, with temperature checks and registration, but apartment blocks with two confirmed cases or more are totally locked down.
In high-risk neighbourhoods, an entire residential compound is locked down if there is even one infection there.
Reuters
Rule that forces migrant workers to choose between ‘financial ruin’ or risking lives during pandemic must be scrapped, say MPs
The government must suspend an immigration rule that forces migrant workers to choose between “financial ruin” or risking their lives to work during the coronavirus pandemic, a group of cross-party MPs has said.
The Work and Pensions Committee said the Home Office's no recourse to public funds (NRPF) policy – which prevents tens of thousands of migrants who live and work in the UK legally from claiming benefits and accessing financial support – was forcing people to make "invidious” choices, and leaving many at risk of destitution and homelessness.
Social affairs correspondent May Bulman has more on this below:
The government must suspend an immigration rule that forces migrant workers to choose between “financial ruin” or risking their lives to work during the coronavirus pandemic, a group of cross-party MPs has said.
The Work and Pensions Committee said the Home Office's no recourse to public funds (NRPF) policy – which prevents tens of thousands of migrants who live and work in the UK legally from claiming benefits and accessing financial support – was forcing people to make "invidious” choices, and leaving many at risk of destitution and homelessness.
Social affairs correspondent May Bulman has more on this below:
