1 - Grim milestone
The UK death toll has gone above 40,000, double what the chief medical officer predicted would be acceptable at the beginning of the crisis.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it had been “a time of sorrow for so many people”.
Only the US, with more than 108,000, has recorded more deaths so far.
Hancock, flying solo at the press briefing, said the severe death toll will make him “redouble” his determination to deal with coronavirus.
2 - Grim up north
Scientific modelling showing the R number, the rate of transmission of the virus, could have gone above one in the north west of England, covering Manchester and Liverpool, and in the south west toe of the UK has caused concern.
The overall R number in England is between 0.7 and 0.9, as it is in Scotland, but Hancock said he could institute local lockdowns immediately.
Manchester major Andy Burnham has said there has been no consultation on local lockdowns.
Hancock tried to calm the situation. He said: “I listen to all of this advice and then get an overall view. What they do confirm across the board is that there is a challenge in the north west of England we need to address and in the south west, where the overall incidence is lower but the R is higher.”
3 - Black lives matter
“Please … do not attend large gatherings, including demonstrations, of more than six people,” said the Health Secretary.
Hancock echoed the advice of Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, and Nicola Sturgeon in advising people not to gather this weekend for the planned Black Lives Matter protests.
Hancock was “appalled by the death of George Floyd” but the UK is still facing a “health crisis” and it is vital people protect themselves, he said.
4 - Cover up
Face coverings for out-patients and facemasks for staff are to be mandatory in hospitals in England.
Yesterday it was masks on public transport, today masks in public hospitals. Why not earlier, everyone asks?
