UK scientists have discovered that dexamethasone, a cheap steroid, can cut deaths in severely ill coronavirus patients by a third, which Boris Johnson hailed as the "biggest breakthrough yet".
In addition, scientists at London’s Imperial College are to imminently begin human tests on a new coronavirus vaccine using synthetic strands of the virus’s genetic code, in a move dubbed by business secretary Alok Sharma as “testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of Britain’s researchers”.
It comes as new Office for National Statistics figures revealed more than 612,000 UK workers lost their jobs within the first two months of lockdown, with 2.8 million people claiming Universal Credit – a rise of nearly 126 per cent since March.
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load:
Refugees face eviction amid pandemic
Thousands of refugees could be evicted from their government-funded accommodation within a matter of weeks, prompting fears of a “new mass homelessness population” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Home Office announced at the end of March that asylum seekers would not be asked to leave their accommodation once their claim or appeal had been decided for the next three months due to the lockdown.
Thousands of refugees could be evicted from their government-funded accommodation within a matter of weeks, prompting fears of a “new mass homelessness population” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Home Office announced at the end of March that asylum seekers would not be asked to leave their accommodation once their claim or appeal had been decided for the next three months due to the lockdown.
Thousands of refugees set to be evicted from Home Office accommodation within two weeks
Refugees will face 'cliff edge' in support unless suspension on evictions is extended, charities warn
Covid restrictions mean more BBC repeats
The BBC will have to air repeats because of the effect of coronavirus pandemic on TV and radio production, executives have said.
The BBC will have to air repeats because of the effect of coronavirus pandemic on TV and radio production, executives have said.
James Purnell, director of radio and education, said the corporation was working to get filming off the ground again but suggested the effect on schedules would be starker next year.
BBC will have to air repeats because of coronavirus filming difficulties
The IndependentProgrammes like Eastenders have had their production suspended
US deaths rise to 116,140, says CDC
In its latest update the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a further 496 deaths, bringing the total to 116,140.
In its latest update the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a further 496 deaths, bringing the total to 116,140.
A total of 2,104,346 cases of coronavirus have been recorded, an increase of 18,577 cases from its previous count, as of 4pm ET on 15 June.
'No final decision' taken on shielding programme, says Downing Street
A Government spokesperson said:“We’ve always said we will be looking at making life easier for those having to shield, when it is safe to do so.
“We are considering the next steps for the shielding programme beyond the end of June, based on the latest medical and scientific advice.
“No final decision has yet been made and we will set out more detail shortly."
The NHS will be writing to all individuals on the shielding patient list with information on shielding advice and the support that will be available to them, the government added.
A Government spokesperson said:“We’ve always said we will be looking at making life easier for those having to shield, when it is safe to do so.
“We are considering the next steps for the shielding programme beyond the end of June, based on the latest medical and scientific advice.
“No final decision has yet been made and we will set out more detail shortly."
The NHS will be writing to all individuals on the shielding patient list with information on shielding advice and the support that will be available to them, the government added.
'Shielding' for high-risk patients to end next month - report
The government is set to cease its “shielding” programme for those at highest risk from coronavirus at the end of July, according to a report by the Health Service Journal.
The government is set to cease its “shielding” programme for those at highest risk from coronavirus at the end of July, according to a report by the Health Service Journal.
Turkey extends face mask law as cases rise
Turkey has made the wearing of face masks mandatory in five more provinces, following a surge in daily coronavirus cases.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted early Tuesday that the wearing of masks is now compulsory in 42 of Turkey's 81 provinces.
In the remaining provinces, residents are required to wear masks on public transportation and in shops and malls, and are being advised to wear masks and keep to social distancing practices elsewhere.
Koca tweeted: "we cannot struggle against the virus without masks."
Turkey saw an upward trend in the daily number of infections after the government authorized cafes, restaurants, gyms, parks, beaches and museums to reopen, lifted inter-city travel restrictions and eased stay-at-home orders for the elderly and young at the start of June.
The daily number of infections rose steadily to above 1,500 on Sunday and Monday. It comes two weeks after the government authorised the reopening of cafes, restaurants, gyms and museums.
Turkey now has 181,298 COVID-19 infections and 4,842 deaths.
Turkey has made the wearing of face masks mandatory in five more provinces, following a surge in daily coronavirus cases.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted early Tuesday that the wearing of masks is now compulsory in 42 of Turkey's 81 provinces.
In the remaining provinces, residents are required to wear masks on public transportation and in shops and malls, and are being advised to wear masks and keep to social distancing practices elsewhere.
Koca tweeted: "we cannot struggle against the virus without masks."
Turkey saw an upward trend in the daily number of infections after the government authorized cafes, restaurants, gyms, parks, beaches and museums to reopen, lifted inter-city travel restrictions and eased stay-at-home orders for the elderly and young at the start of June.
The daily number of infections rose steadily to above 1,500 on Sunday and Monday. It comes two weeks after the government authorised the reopening of cafes, restaurants, gyms and museums.
Turkey now has 181,298 COVID-19 infections and 4,842 deaths.
PM hints at change to two-metre guidance
Boris Johnson has given his strongest hint yet that the UK’s two-metre social distancing rule could be relaxed in time for the planned 4 July reopening of pubs and restaurants, telling anxious businesses: “Watch this space, because we absolutely hear you.”
Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Johnson acknowledged that the virus was not yet beaten but insisted that the UK has now “turned the tide”.
Boris Johnson has given his strongest hint yet that the UK’s two-metre social distancing rule could be relaxed in time for the planned 4 July reopening of pubs and restaurants, telling anxious businesses: “Watch this space, because we absolutely hear you.”
Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Johnson acknowledged that the virus was not yet beaten but insisted that the UK has now “turned the tide”.
Boris Johnson gives strongest hint yet that two-metre rule could be relaxed before pubs reopen in July
PM claims UK has 'turned the tide' on coronavirus
Chile omitted over 31,000 cases due to database 'glitch'
Chile will add an extra 31,412 confirmed cases of coronavirus to its total tomorrow following a review of the health ministry's databases.
The cases were omitted as a result of accounting glitches going back to mid-March when the outbreak began, according to officials.
"We have detected that there is a significant number of people who have not been notified or whose status has not been processed and continues to be 'pending,'" Dr. Rafael Araos, a member of an expert committee advising the government, told reporters in a briefing.
"This group of unreported cases ... have positive PCR (exams) and thus constitute confirmed cases," he said.
Chile has so far reported a total of 184,449 infections and 3,383 deaths from the disease. Adding the extra cases would take it to over 215,000 infections, the ninth-highest number of cases in the world.
Chile will add an extra 31,412 confirmed cases of coronavirus to its total tomorrow following a review of the health ministry's databases.
The cases were omitted as a result of accounting glitches going back to mid-March when the outbreak began, according to officials.
"We have detected that there is a significant number of people who have not been notified or whose status has not been processed and continues to be 'pending,'" Dr. Rafael Araos, a member of an expert committee advising the government, told reporters in a briefing.
"This group of unreported cases ... have positive PCR (exams) and thus constitute confirmed cases," he said.
Chile has so far reported a total of 184,449 infections and 3,383 deaths from the disease. Adding the extra cases would take it to over 215,000 infections, the ninth-highest number of cases in the world.
Pandemic delays removal of racist Instagram posts
Racist and hateful posts on Instagram may take longer to be removed due to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the platform's content review system, the company has revealed.
The Facebook-owned firm claimed that it could not prioritise reports for hate speech, as it was focussing its resources on content that has the greatest potential for harm.
Instagram struggles to review racist posts due to coronavirus
Facebook-owned company blames pandemic for delays in dealing with hateful content
Right to jury trial could be restricted, says Lord Chief Justice
The most senior judge in England and Wales has backed the restriction of the right to trial by jury to avoid an “uncontainable” backlog of cases building up during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, said a judge and two magistrates could decide guilt or innocence instead of jurors in “either-way” cases.
The most senior judge in England and Wales has backed the restriction of the right to trial by jury to avoid an “uncontainable” backlog of cases building up during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, said a judge and two magistrates could decide guilt or innocence instead of jurors in “either-way” cases.
Right to trial by jury could be restricted to deal with coronavirus backlog, Lord Chief Justice says
Lord Burnett backs letting judge and two magistrates decide guilt or innocence in some cases
Which countries are seeing a second wave?
Coronavirus lockdowns are lifting around the world, raising concerns that it could trigger a new wave of infections.
Some countries that experienced a significant drop in new Covid-19 cases in April and May are now beginning to experience an uptick in confirmed daily cases.
Coronavirus lockdowns are lifting around the world, raising concerns that it could trigger a new wave of infections.
Some countries that experienced a significant drop in new Covid-19 cases in April and May are now beginning to experience an uptick in confirmed daily cases.
Which countries are seeing a second wave of coronavirus?
And which countries are yet to even reach the peak?
How many U-turns has Boris Johnson made this pandemic?
The four u-turns Boris Johnson has made during the pandemic
Reversal on school meals is not the first time government has made policy volte face during last few months
Eiffel Tower reopens next week - but you won't be able to reach the top
Workers are preparing the Eiffel Tower for reopening next week, after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II, reports Associated Press.
France's tourism industry is opening back up, but the 324-meter (1,063-feet) tall wrought-iron tower won't immediately welcome visitors the way it did before the country went into lockdown in March.
Only limited numbers of people will be allowed in when the Eiffel Tower opens again on June 25. Elevators to the top will be out of service, and only the first and second floors will be accessible to the public.
"At first, only visits by the stairs will be available," Victoria Klahr, the spokeswoman for the tower's management, said Tuesday.
Everyone over 11 years old will be required to wear face masks, and crowd control measures will be in place.
Workers are preparing the Eiffel Tower for reopening next week, after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II, reports Associated Press.
France's tourism industry is opening back up, but the 324-meter (1,063-feet) tall wrought-iron tower won't immediately welcome visitors the way it did before the country went into lockdown in March.
Only limited numbers of people will be allowed in when the Eiffel Tower opens again on June 25. Elevators to the top will be out of service, and only the first and second floors will be accessible to the public.
"At first, only visits by the stairs will be available," Victoria Klahr, the spokeswoman for the tower's management, said Tuesday.
Everyone over 11 years old will be required to wear face masks, and crowd control measures will be in place.
UK quarantine system welcomes time travellers
The government was accused of being stuck in the 1980s after its quarantine arrivals form welcomed visitors from countries that no longer exist.
Long-defunct nations including Yugoslavia, Southern Rhodesia, Zaire, Czechoslovakia and the USSR were all available as options on the official 'Public Health Passenger Locator'.
UK quarantine arrivals form lists defunct countries including East Germany and Southern Rhodesia
Home Office admits error on website for travellers declaring entry into Britain
Brazilian football teams defy order to resume matches
Two of Brazil's top football clubs, Botafogo and Fluminense, have announced they will defy an order from their federation to resume playing competitively this week.
The state championship, one of several tournaments that take place in Brazil before the national leagues begin in the second half of the year, is due to restart on 18 June, pending government approval.
Two of Brazil's top football clubs, Botafogo and Fluminense, have announced they will defy an order from their federation to resume playing competitively this week.
The state championship, one of several tournaments that take place in Brazil before the national leagues begin in the second half of the year, is due to restart on 18 June, pending government approval.
However, with the daily death toll from coronavirus still topping 1,000, Botafogo president Nelson Mufarrej called the ruling "disconnected from reality".
Both clubs said they planned legal action on health and safety grounds to avoid having to resume playing so soon.
"Unfortunately, the majority of clubs understand that this is the time to play games again, in spite of the chaotic scenes we are living through right now," Mufarrej said in a statement. "We are against it."
Brazil has reported just under 44,000 deaths, more than any country in the world except the United States.
Both clubs said they planned legal action on health and safety grounds to avoid having to resume playing so soon.
"Unfortunately, the majority of clubs understand that this is the time to play games again, in spite of the chaotic scenes we are living through right now," Mufarrej said in a statement. "We are against it."
Brazil has reported just under 44,000 deaths, more than any country in the world except the United States.
People with blood type O 'at lower risk'
People with blood type O appear to have a greater form of protection against coronavirus compared to those with other blood types, early data produced by a US genomics firm suggests.
People with blood type O appear to have a greater form of protection against coronavirus compared to those with other blood types, early data produced by a US genomics firm suggests.
More than 750,000 individuals have so far participated in an ongoing study conducted by 23andMe, the California-based company best known for direct-to-consumer genetic testing, which is examining the genetic make-up of SARS-CoV-2.
People with blood type O at less risk from Covid-19, research shows
More than 750,000 individuals participated so far in ongoing study conducted by DNA company
China grapples with new outbreak
Parts of Beijing have been fenced off and new travel bans imposed as China rushes to stop a fresh coronavirus outbreak in the capital.
The city has gone into “wartime” mode in some areas, where neighbourhoods have been fenced off with 24-hour security checkpoints.
Parts of Beijing have been fenced off and new travel bans imposed as China rushes to stop a fresh coronavirus outbreak in the capital.
The city has gone into “wartime” mode in some areas, where neighbourhoods have been fenced off with 24-hour security checkpoints.
Parts of Beijing fenced off and new travel bans introduced amid new coronavirus outbreak
27 new cases reported in country’s capital city, bringing total to 106 since Thursday
PM unaware of dexamethasone export ban
Boris Johnson said he was not aware that the export of dexamethasone had been banned by the government.
According to an official list of medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded, dexamethasone was banned for export in tablet form on 24 April, and as an oral solution or for injection on 16 June.
At the Downing Street press conference Mr Johnson said: "I'm not aware of that" and added it "sounds peculiar to me".
Boris Johnson said he was not aware that the export of dexamethasone had been banned by the government.
According to an official list of medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded, dexamethasone was banned for export in tablet form on 24 April, and as an oral solution or for injection on 16 June.
At the Downing Street press conference Mr Johnson said: "I'm not aware of that" and added it "sounds peculiar to me".
Boris Johnson is asked about Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford's claim that he hasn't spoken to the PM for three weeks.
He replies that Welsh officials have been in contact with Michael Gove and adds: "I look forward to talking to Mark as soon as possible".
Mr Johnson also thanks the people of Cardiff for taking part in the dexamethasone trial.
He replies that Welsh officials have been in contact with Michael Gove and adds: "I look forward to talking to Mark as soon as possible".
Mr Johnson also thanks the people of Cardiff for taking part in the dexamethasone trial.
The prime minister responds to a question about his baby son Wilfred with the words: "All fine so far".
