Education secretary Gavin Williamson is delivering today’s coronavirus briefing amid the ongoing debate over when to reopen England’s schools.
Mr Williamson has sought to reassure parents worried about children returning to school that the government’s approach is based on the “best scientific advice with children at the very heart of everything we do”.
This comes as the Italian government announced that it would be easing travel restrictions, allowing people to move freely inside the region where they live as of Monday, and between regions starting 3 June.
Follow latest updates below:
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are the latest updates from across the globe:
- The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is calling on health secretary Matt Hancock to set out a clear plan for coronavirus testing, having described the current approach as a “free-for-all”. RCGP chairman Professor Martin Marshall said GPs need to know which groups they should be prioritising, what was the role of the new antibody test and how often they should be testing people. “What we have got at the moment is a bit of a free-for-all so we are looking for a targeted plan,” he told the BBC.
- Mexico is moving towards a gradual reactivation of its economy on Monday despite the fact the number of new coronavirus infections continues to grow every day. There were 2,437 new coronavirus test confirmations in the country on Friday, the highest daily total yet and the second day in a row with more than 2,000 new cases.
- Cambodia's last patient with the new coronavirus has recovered and left hospital, leaving the Southeast Asian country with zero cases, the health ministry said on Saturday, while urging continued vigilance. No easing of restrictions related to the virus - including school closures and border entry checks and quarantines - were included in the Ministry of Health statement.
- India's corornavirus caseload rose to 85,940 on Saturday, taking it past China, though a strict lockdown enforced since late March has reduced the rate of contagion. State leaders, businesses and working class Indians have called on prime minister Narendra Modi to reopen the battered economy, but the government is expected to extend the lockdown, which would otherwise expire on Sunday, though with fewer restrictions.
- South Korean officials say they have so far confirmed 162 coronavirus cases linked to club goers in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, but also expressed cautious hope that infections are beginning to wane. Health ministry official Son Young-rae on Saturday said the country may have ducked a major surge in transmissions in a region where half of its 51 million people live, pointing out that the daily increase in infections have been within 30 over the past days despite a jump in tests.
- Democrats pushed a massive three trillion dollar (£2.48 trillion) coronavirus relief bill through the US House of Representatives on Friday, an election-year measure designed to fortify a US economy in freefall and a health care system struggling to contain the pandemic crisis.
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 620 to 173,772, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday. The reported death toll rose by 57 to 7,881, the tally showed.
- Donald Trump has announced a “warp-speed” drive to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, despite expert warnings that a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months. Speaking on Friday, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
Here are the latest updates from across the globe:
- The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is calling on health secretary Matt Hancock to set out a clear plan for coronavirus testing, having described the current approach as a “free-for-all”. RCGP chairman Professor Martin Marshall said GPs need to know which groups they should be prioritising, what was the role of the new antibody test and how often they should be testing people. “What we have got at the moment is a bit of a free-for-all so we are looking for a targeted plan,” he told the BBC.
- Mexico is moving towards a gradual reactivation of its economy on Monday despite the fact the number of new coronavirus infections continues to grow every day. There were 2,437 new coronavirus test confirmations in the country on Friday, the highest daily total yet and the second day in a row with more than 2,000 new cases.
- Cambodia's last patient with the new coronavirus has recovered and left hospital, leaving the Southeast Asian country with zero cases, the health ministry said on Saturday, while urging continued vigilance. No easing of restrictions related to the virus - including school closures and border entry checks and quarantines - were included in the Ministry of Health statement.
- India's corornavirus caseload rose to 85,940 on Saturday, taking it past China, though a strict lockdown enforced since late March has reduced the rate of contagion. State leaders, businesses and working class Indians have called on prime minister Narendra Modi to reopen the battered economy, but the government is expected to extend the lockdown, which would otherwise expire on Sunday, though with fewer restrictions.
- South Korean officials say they have so far confirmed 162 coronavirus cases linked to club goers in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, but also expressed cautious hope that infections are beginning to wane. Health ministry official Son Young-rae on Saturday said the country may have ducked a major surge in transmissions in a region where half of its 51 million people live, pointing out that the daily increase in infections have been within 30 over the past days despite a jump in tests.
- Democrats pushed a massive three trillion dollar (£2.48 trillion) coronavirus relief bill through the US House of Representatives on Friday, an election-year measure designed to fortify a US economy in freefall and a health care system struggling to contain the pandemic crisis.
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 620 to 173,772, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday. The reported death toll rose by 57 to 7,881, the tally showed.
- Donald Trump has announced a “warp-speed” drive to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, despite expert warnings that a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months. Speaking on Friday, the US president also urged schools to reopen in the autumn and insisted: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
'What we have got at the moment is a bit of a free-for-all'
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is calling on health secretary Matt Hancock to set out a clear plan for coronavirus testing, having described the current approach as a “free-for-all”.
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is calling on health secretary Matt Hancock to set out a clear plan for coronavirus testing, having described the current approach as a “free-for-all”.
RCGP chairman Professor Martin Marshall said GPs need to know which groups they should be prioritising, what was the role of the new antibody test and how often they should be testing people.
"What we have got at the moment is a bit of a free-for-all so we are looking for a targeted plan," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
"The focus of the whole of the crisis in many ways on very sick people in hospitals is ICUs. But GPs have been providing an essential role in the background.
"But if we are honest in the Covid crisis the battle is now taking place in the community, not in hospitals. That is where we are trying to prevent the second wave of infections."
Italy to ease travel restrictions
The Italian government is easing travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to move freely inside the region where they live as of Monday, and between regions starting June 3.
The government decree announced early on Saturday also permits international travel to and from Italy from June 3.
Italy imposed nationwide lockdown rules in early March after it became the first country outside Asia with a major outbreak of coronavirus.
More than 31,000 people have died, leaving Italy with the highest death toll after the United States and Britain. But the government led by premier Giuseppe Conte has gradually reopened the country as the rates of infections and deaths have fallen.
Social distancing rules are being implemented in the sectors of the economy that have reopened, including factories and some businesses. Schools remain closed and crowds are not permitted, though people will be allowed to attend Mass in churches with some restrictions starting next week.
The Italian government is easing travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to move freely inside the region where they live as of Monday, and between regions starting June 3.
The government decree announced early on Saturday also permits international travel to and from Italy from June 3.
Italy imposed nationwide lockdown rules in early March after it became the first country outside Asia with a major outbreak of coronavirus.
More than 31,000 people have died, leaving Italy with the highest death toll after the United States and Britain. But the government led by premier Giuseppe Conte has gradually reopened the country as the rates of infections and deaths have fallen.
Social distancing rules are being implemented in the sectors of the economy that have reopened, including factories and some businesses. Schools remain closed and crowds are not permitted, though people will be allowed to attend Mass in churches with some restrictions starting next week.
Trump's 'warp-speed' drive to create a vaccine
Donald Trump has announced a “warp-speed” drive to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, despite expert warnings that a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months.
At an event held in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, in which many administration officials wore masks but the president did not, Mr Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year, and said his administration would mobilise its forces to get a vaccine distributed.
The president said the government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates, and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising potential vaccines with a plan to narrow further.
Mr Trump also urged schools to reopen in the autumn, insisting: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
He made clear that even without a vaccine, Americans must begin to return to their lives as normal.
Donald Trump has announced a “warp-speed” drive to create a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, despite expert warnings that a breakthrough could take longer than 18 months.
At an event held in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, in which many administration officials wore masks but the president did not, Mr Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year, and said his administration would mobilise its forces to get a vaccine distributed.
The president said the government would invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates, and said a list had been narrowed to 14 promising potential vaccines with a plan to narrow further.
Mr Trump also urged schools to reopen in the autumn, insisting: “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back.”
He made clear that even without a vaccine, Americans must begin to return to their lives as normal.
The national chair of the Police Federation revealed this morning that he had received a letter from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanking police officers for keeping “the country going during these extraordinarily difficult times”.
US to restore partial funding to WHO - report
Donald Trump is reportedly set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organisation.
Donald Trump is reportedly set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organisation.
The Trump administration will "agree to pay up to what China pays in assessed contributions" to the WHO, Fox News reported, citing a draft letter.
The president suspended US contributions to the WHO on 14 April, accusing it of promoting China's "disinformation" about the coronavirus outbreak and saying his administration would launch a review of the organisation.
WHO officials denied the claims and China has insisted it was transparent and open.
WHO officials denied the claims and China has insisted it was transparent and open.
The United States was the WHO's biggest donor. If the US matches China's contribution, as the Fox report adds, its new funding level will be about one-tenth of its previous funding amount (close to $400 million per year).
Ministers and unions urged to 'stop squabbling' over reopening schools
Ministers and teaching unions have been urged to "stop squabbling" and to work together to begin reopening schools in England.
Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner for England, said many children were struggling away from the classroom and the lack of education would impact on future life chances.
Her intervention came amid fears that Boris Johnson - who wants primary schools to begin opening their gates from 1 June - has moved too quickly with measures this week to ease the coronavirus lockdown in England.
A meeting on Friday between teaching unions and government scientific advisers intended to reassure staff that it was safe to go back to the classroom ended inconclusively.
The union representatives said they had been left with more questions than answers, with one union leader describing the scientific evidence as "flimsy at best".
However, Ms Longfield insisted the decision by ministers to start bringing back primary pupils was "sensible" and said there should be an "aspiration" to get all children back in school before the summer.
"It's time to stop squabbling and agree a staggered, safe return that is accompanied by rigorous testing of teachers, children and families,” she said.
Ministers and teaching unions have been urged to "stop squabbling" and to work together to begin reopening schools in England.
Anne Longfield, the children's commissioner for England, said many children were struggling away from the classroom and the lack of education would impact on future life chances.
Her intervention came amid fears that Boris Johnson - who wants primary schools to begin opening their gates from 1 June - has moved too quickly with measures this week to ease the coronavirus lockdown in England.
A meeting on Friday between teaching unions and government scientific advisers intended to reassure staff that it was safe to go back to the classroom ended inconclusively.
The union representatives said they had been left with more questions than answers, with one union leader describing the scientific evidence as "flimsy at best".
However, Ms Longfield insisted the decision by ministers to start bringing back primary pupils was "sensible" and said there should be an "aspiration" to get all children back in school before the summer.
"It's time to stop squabbling and agree a staggered, safe return that is accompanied by rigorous testing of teachers, children and families,” she said.
Priti Patel has sparked anger by refusing to cut or axe the huge fees paid by foreign healthcare workers to help fund the NHS – just three weeks after promising to “review” the controversial charges, reports deputy political editor Rob Merrick.
The home secretary raised expectations when she hinted at concessions for migrants working in the NHS themselves, as she praised their “extraordinary contribution” during the Covid-19 crisis.
But The Independent has now learnt there will be no changes to what ministers consider the “important” principle that everyone coming to work in the UK contributes extra for the NHS.
It means the immigration health surcharge is still due to soar from £400 a year to £624 from this October – to be and extended to all EU citizens from next January, when Brexit is completed.
Read more below:
The home secretary raised expectations when she hinted at concessions for migrants working in the NHS themselves, as she praised their “extraordinary contribution” during the Covid-19 crisis.
But The Independent has now learnt there will be no changes to what ministers consider the “important” principle that everyone coming to work in the UK contributes extra for the NHS.
It means the immigration health surcharge is still due to soar from £400 a year to £624 from this October – to be and extended to all EU citizens from next January, when Brexit is completed.
Read more below:
Evidence behind government plan to reopen schools criticised as 'flimsy'
Teachers' unions have criticised the ‘flimsy’ evidence behind the government’s plans to reopen school and called for more answers over whether children and staff will be safe.
One leader of a teachers' union said the scientific evidence presented at a briefing with the government's chief medical officer and other experts on Friday afternoon was "flimsy at best".
It comes as the chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) said that the government should not consider reopening schools in England until the case numbers are "much lower".
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Dr Chaand Nagpaul said the current evidence on reopening schools is "conflicting" and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school.
But after the meeting between unions and the scientific advisers, education secretary Gavin Williamson said getting children back to school was "vital" for their educational development.
Teachers' unions have criticised the ‘flimsy’ evidence behind the government’s plans to reopen school and called for more answers over whether children and staff will be safe.
One leader of a teachers' union said the scientific evidence presented at a briefing with the government's chief medical officer and other experts on Friday afternoon was "flimsy at best".
It comes as the chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) said that the government should not consider reopening schools in England until the case numbers are "much lower".
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Dr Chaand Nagpaul said the current evidence on reopening schools is "conflicting" and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school.
But after the meeting between unions and the scientific advisers, education secretary Gavin Williamson said getting children back to school was "vital" for their educational development.
Democrats push new $3trn coronavirus relief bill through House
Democrats pushed a massive three trillion dollar (£2.48 trillion) coronavirus relief bill through the US House of Representatives on Friday, an election-year measure designed to fortify a US economy in freefall and a health care system struggling to contain the pandemic crisis.
The 208-199 vote, with all but one Republican opposed, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities.
It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans.
Any end product would probably be the last major Covid-19 response bill before November's presidential and congressional elections.
The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined.
It would deliver almost 1 trillion (£820 billion) for state and local governments, another round of 1,200 (£990) direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.
Democrats pushed a massive three trillion dollar (£2.48 trillion) coronavirus relief bill through the US House of Representatives on Friday, an election-year measure designed to fortify a US economy in freefall and a health care system struggling to contain the pandemic crisis.
The 208-199 vote, with all but one Republican opposed, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities.
It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans.
Any end product would probably be the last major Covid-19 response bill before November's presidential and congressional elections.
The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined.
It would deliver almost 1 trillion (£820 billion) for state and local governments, another round of 1,200 (£990) direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.
‘What this crisis has shown us is the power of purpose. Through volunteering, communities are coming together to help, do good and make positive changes in their neighbourhoods. Across the UK we have seen countless examples of this.’
Can a movement that sprang out of a worldwide pandemic maintain momentum when normality resumes? Helen Coffey finds out how to keep the faith:
Specially-trained dogs to 'sniff out' coronavirus
Special "Covid dogs" that may be able to detect symptoms of coronavirus before they appear are to begin trials in the UK.
The trials will form part of research into potential non-invasive, early-warning methods of detecting the virus, and are being backed by £500,000 of government funding,
The dogs, which are already used to sniff out diseases such as cancer, malaria and Parkinson's disease, will be given intensive training to spot Covid-19 before symptoms appear.
The first phase of the trials will be conducted by researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with the charity Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) and Durham University.
It will determine whether the six dogs, a mixture of labradors and cocker spaniels, are able to detect coronavirus in humans from odour samples.
They will be trained using samples from people who are infected with coronavirus and those who are uninfected, as some respiratory diseases are known to change body odour.
Orban set to renounce right to rule by decree
Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, has said he expected to renounce a set of much-criticised emergency powers to fight Covid-19 this month.
Parliament granted Mr Orban the right in March to rule by decree indefinitely to fight the pandemic. The law has triggered criticism from opposition parties, rights groups and Europe's main rights forum, the Council of Europe.
"We expect the government will be able to return the special powers to tackle the coronavirus pandemic to parliament at the end of May," an announcement on Mr Orban's Facebook page read.
After meeting his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Orban said this would "give a chance to everyone to apologise to Hungary for the unjust accusations".
"There was no basis for the criticisms," he added, "and once they apologise, we also expect their admiration for the success of Hungary's defence (against the virus)," he said.
Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, has said he expected to renounce a set of much-criticised emergency powers to fight Covid-19 this month.
Parliament granted Mr Orban the right in March to rule by decree indefinitely to fight the pandemic. The law has triggered criticism from opposition parties, rights groups and Europe's main rights forum, the Council of Europe.
"We expect the government will be able to return the special powers to tackle the coronavirus pandemic to parliament at the end of May," an announcement on Mr Orban's Facebook page read.
After meeting his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Orban said this would "give a chance to everyone to apologise to Hungary for the unjust accusations".
"There was no basis for the criticisms," he added, "and once they apologise, we also expect their admiration for the success of Hungary's defence (against the virus)," he said.
‘The US and UK are the nation states that have performed worst in the world in coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Americans and Britons make up more than a third of the 300,000 people worldwide who have died from Covid-19. They have paid the ultimate price for their governments’ slow and incompetent response to the spread of the disease.’
Nativist demagogues are the worst leaders to have in charge during a real crisis because they specialise in exaggerating non-existent threats, writes Independent columnist Patrick Cockburn
Nativist demagogues are the worst leaders to have in charge during a real crisis because they specialise in exaggerating non-existent threats, writes Independent columnist Patrick Cockburn
Russia reported 9,200 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, down from 10,598 new cases reported the previous day.
Russia's coronavirus taskforce said the overall number of cases nationwide stood at 272,043. It added that 119 people had died over the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll from the virus to 2,537.
Slovakia lifts quarantine on Roma settlements
Slovakia has lifted a quarantine on the last of five Roma settlements that were closed off in April to contain the spread of coronavirus, a member of the European Parliament and the country's permanent crisis committee said.
Slovakia has lifted a quarantine on the last of five Roma settlements that were closed off in April to contain the spread of coronavirus, a member of the European Parliament and the country's permanent crisis committee said.
"I would like to thank you for enduring this and for being patient and responsible. Stay careful," Peter Pollak, who is himself a Roma, told inhabitants at the settlement in a Facebook video posted on Friday.
Residents of the Zehra settlement in the country's east were quarantined for 37 days. The quarantine was lifted on Friday, Pollak said.
The crisis committee decided to lift the quarantine after testing all inhabitants and moving 16 infected people and their families to a temporary quarantine centre, which was already housing 26 infected people and their relatives.
Psychiatrists fear a ‘tsunami’ of mental illness following pandemic
Mental health services could be overwhelmed by a "tsunami" of referrals when coronavirus lockdown measures end, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned.
A survey by the College found almost half (45 per cent) of psychiatrists had seen a reduction in routine mental health appointments, leading to fears that patients were avoiding support until they reach crisis point.
Meanwhile, 43 per cent of psychiatrists had seen an increase in their urgent and emergency caseloads, where patients were showing the most serious conditions.
Professor Wendy Burn, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said: "We are already seeing the devastating impact of Covid-19 on mental health with more people in crisis.
"But we are just as worried about the people who need help now but aren't getting it.
"Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems which could then lead to a tsunami of referrals."
Mental health services could be overwhelmed by a "tsunami" of referrals when coronavirus lockdown measures end, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned.
A survey by the College found almost half (45 per cent) of psychiatrists had seen a reduction in routine mental health appointments, leading to fears that patients were avoiding support until they reach crisis point.
Meanwhile, 43 per cent of psychiatrists had seen an increase in their urgent and emergency caseloads, where patients were showing the most serious conditions.
Professor Wendy Burn, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said: "We are already seeing the devastating impact of Covid-19 on mental health with more people in crisis.
"But we are just as worried about the people who need help now but aren't getting it.
"Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems which could then lead to a tsunami of referrals."
New Zealand's leader found out there are no exceptions when it comes to social distancing after she was initially turned away from a cafe because it was too full under coronavirus guidelines.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern and her fiance, Clarke Gayford, decided to get brunch Saturday at Olive, a restaurant in the capital, Wellington. That was two days after the country relaxed many of its lockdown rules, including reopening restaurants.
But social distancing rules still apply, requiring groups to remain at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart from each other. Many restaurants have limited their seating to comply with the rules.
What happened next played out on Twitter...
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern and her fiance, Clarke Gayford, decided to get brunch Saturday at Olive, a restaurant in the capital, Wellington. That was two days after the country relaxed many of its lockdown rules, including reopening restaurants.
But social distancing rules still apply, requiring groups to remain at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart from each other. Many restaurants have limited their seating to comply with the rules.
What happened next played out on Twitter...
'We will be taking a measured and cautious approach to this'
Another council in England has said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Another council in England has said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Last weekend the prime minister outlined plans to partially reopen schools for pupils in nursery, reception, and years one and six.
But Hartlepool Council said that will not happen in its borough, stressing it will be using caution.
In a statement, it said: "Given that coronavirus cases locally continue to rise, Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with schools and we have agreed they will not reopen on Monday 1st June.
"Whilst we recognise the importance of schools reopening, we want to be absolutely clear that we will be taking a measured and cautious approach to this.
"We continue to work with schools to put in place appropriate measures to help keep children and staff safe when a phased reopening is possible."
'Along with all our key workers, the police have been going above and beyond the call of duty during this pandemic, putting themselves at risk every day as they help to police the lockdown,' writes Sarah Jones, the Labour MP for Croydon Central and shadow minister for policing and fire services.
'The coronavirus has led to the biggest change to civil liberties in our country for generations and in these unprecedented times policing by consent is more important than ever.
'But this principle is at risk as we face the easing of some restrictions this week.'
'The coronavirus has led to the biggest change to civil liberties in our country for generations and in these unprecedented times policing by consent is more important than ever.
'But this principle is at risk as we face the easing of some restrictions this week.'
