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Coronavirus in UK
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UK to conclude England's 2-metre COVID-19 rule review soon -minister
Britain's government will announce in the coming days whether it will reduce its two-metre social distancing rule for England, a minister said.
Many employers, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have said the rule that people must remain two metres apart will stop them from getting back to speed as the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
"We have committed to reviewing the two-metre to one-metre rule and we will be concluding on that shortly," culture minister Oliver Dowden told BBC radio late on Friday.
"Within the coming days we will get the outcome," he added.
Britain's government will announce in the coming days whether it will reduce its two-metre social distancing rule for England, a minister said.
Many employers, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have said the rule that people must remain two metres apart will stop them from getting back to speed as the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
"We have committed to reviewing the two-metre to one-metre rule and we will be concluding on that shortly," culture minister Oliver Dowden told BBC radio late on Friday.
"Within the coming days we will get the outcome," he added.
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Traffic levels 'now double the lockdown low'
Lockdown has had a huge impact on traffic levels on Britain's roads.
When the measures were first introduced in late March, traffic slumped to between 35% and 40% of the pre-coronavirus volume.
But it has now doubled to around 75% of pre-lockdown levels, the AA says. That means the amount of traffic on our roads is at a similar level to that seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The gradual increase has been caused by travel restrictions easing and hundreds of thousands of people returning to work.
Lockdown has had a huge impact on traffic levels on Britain's roads.
When the measures were first introduced in late March, traffic slumped to between 35% and 40% of the pre-coronavirus volume.
But it has now doubled to around 75% of pre-lockdown levels, the AA says. That means the amount of traffic on our roads is at a similar level to that seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The gradual increase has been caused by travel restrictions easing and hundreds of thousands of people returning to work.
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Corbyn's brother charged with breaching lockdown twice
The brother of former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is accused of breaching lockdown rules by participating in demonstrations claiming coronavirus is caused by the 5G network.
Piers Corbyn, 73, was arrested on 16 May during a protest at Hyde Park Corner involving 50 people. He was arrested a second time over protests on 30 May.
He has been charged with offences under the Health Protection Regulations 2020 and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 July.
Another 12 people were also arrested and charged over the anti-lockdown protests of 16 May.
The brother of former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is accused of breaching lockdown rules by participating in demonstrations claiming coronavirus is caused by the 5G network.
Piers Corbyn, 73, was arrested on 16 May during a protest at Hyde Park Corner involving 50 people. He was arrested a second time over protests on 30 May.
He has been charged with offences under the Health Protection Regulations 2020 and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 July.
Another 12 people were also arrested and charged over the anti-lockdown protests of 16 May.
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UK virus deaths increase by 128
The total number of people who have died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus is 42,589, as of 17:00 (BST) on Friday.
It is an increase of 128 deaths from 42,461 the day before, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
It also said 230,550 tests were carried out or dispatched in the 24-hour period up to 09:00 today, with 1,295 positive results.
==
71 virus deaths in England's hospitals
A further 71 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, or where Covid-19 was the direct or underlying cause, NHS England said.
It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,292.
Those who died were aged between 41 and 95 years old. One, aged 68, had no known underlying health conditions.
The South West was the only region to report no deaths in the latest figures.
In Wales, one further coronavirus death has been recorded, taking the total to 1,476.
The total number of people who have died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus is 42,589, as of 17:00 (BST) on Friday.
It is an increase of 128 deaths from 42,461 the day before, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
It also said 230,550 tests were carried out or dispatched in the 24-hour period up to 09:00 today, with 1,295 positive results.
==
71 virus deaths in England's hospitals
A further 71 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, or where Covid-19 was the direct or underlying cause, NHS England said.
It brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,292.
Those who died were aged between 41 and 95 years old. One, aged 68, had no known underlying health conditions.
The South West was the only region to report no deaths in the latest figures.
In Wales, one further coronavirus death has been recorded, taking the total to 1,476.
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PM Johnson to announce new 'one metre plus' social distancing rule - Telegraph
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a new “one metre plus” social distancing rule to reopen the United Kingdom, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported late on Saturday.
The announcement, to be made on Tuesday, will apply to all venues including offices, schools and pubs, the paper reported, adding that it will take effect from July 4.
The move will allow people to remain a metre away from others if they take additional measures to protect themselves, such as wearing a mask, according to the report.
Earlier on Saturday, culture minister Oliver Dowden said that Britain’s government will announce in the coming days whether it will reduce its two-metre social distancing rule for England.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...-distancing-rule-telegraph-idUKKBN23R0WL?il=0
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a new “one metre plus” social distancing rule to reopen the United Kingdom, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported late on Saturday.
The announcement, to be made on Tuesday, will apply to all venues including offices, schools and pubs, the paper reported, adding that it will take effect from July 4.
The move will allow people to remain a metre away from others if they take additional measures to protect themselves, such as wearing a mask, according to the report.
Earlier on Saturday, culture minister Oliver Dowden said that Britain’s government will announce in the coming days whether it will reduce its two-metre social distancing rule for England.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...-distancing-rule-telegraph-idUKKBN23R0WL?il=0
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British Finance Minister Sunak plans emergency cut in value-added tax
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is ready to cut the value-added tax (VAT) as part of the government's latest efforts to tackle economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.
Sunak has ordered officials to prepare options for reducing the sales tax, including a cut in the headline rate, and zero rating more products for a fixed period, the newspaper reported.
The finance minister may announce lowering the VAT and business rates in a speech in early July, the report added.
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is ready to cut the value-added tax (VAT) as part of the government's latest efforts to tackle economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.
Sunak has ordered officials to prepare options for reducing the sales tax, including a cut in the headline rate, and zero rating more products for a fixed period, the newspaper reported.
The finance minister may announce lowering the VAT and business rates in a speech in early July, the report added.
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Sir Ian Diamond, the UK's National Statistician at the Office of National Statistics (ONS), says blood tests to look at the proportion of the population with antibodies suggest between 5% and 7% of the population - or around 3.5 million people in England - either have or had coronavirus, or have natural antibodies to it.
Prof Diamond says there is a "real gradient in health and mortality towards the most disadvantaged members of society" and that BAME people - black, Asian, and minority ethnic - are more highly concentrated towards that more disadvantaged end of society.
But he reports that higher rates of coronavirus deaths in certain groups are not just to do with disadvantage alone.
"We can say occupations like taxi drivers, security guards and health care workers have higher mortality," he tells the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.
"But it doesn't control out all the excess mortality we're seeing from people among BAME groups."
The ONS is continuing to look at data in this "incredibly important and worrying area", he adds.
Prof Diamond says there is a "real gradient in health and mortality towards the most disadvantaged members of society" and that BAME people - black, Asian, and minority ethnic - are more highly concentrated towards that more disadvantaged end of society.
But he reports that higher rates of coronavirus deaths in certain groups are not just to do with disadvantage alone.
"We can say occupations like taxi drivers, security guards and health care workers have higher mortality," he tells the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.
"But it doesn't control out all the excess mortality we're seeing from people among BAME groups."
The ONS is continuing to look at data in this "incredibly important and worrying area", he adds.
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Changes to UK social distancing rules 'imminent'
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said people in England "will not have long to wait" before they hear the government's decision on reducing the 2m social distancing rule.
The government has faced pressure from leaders of the hospitality sector and its own MPs to lessen the 2m rule, with widespread concerns around the impact it is having on the UK economy.
The World Health Organisation recommends a distance of at least 1m (just over 3ft), but the UK government's scientific advisers say that being 1m apart carries up to 10 times the risk of being 2m apart.
Mr Johnson announced a review of the distance last week, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirming the results of said review would be published in the week ahead.
The British prime minister said the government was proceeding "step by step... but it's very important that we don't lose our vice-like grip on the disease."
However, he added: "On the progress on social distancing, watch this space - and you won't have very much more to wait now."
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said people in England "will not have long to wait" before they hear the government's decision on reducing the 2m social distancing rule.
The government has faced pressure from leaders of the hospitality sector and its own MPs to lessen the 2m rule, with widespread concerns around the impact it is having on the UK economy.
The World Health Organisation recommends a distance of at least 1m (just over 3ft), but the UK government's scientific advisers say that being 1m apart carries up to 10 times the risk of being 2m apart.
Mr Johnson announced a review of the distance last week, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirming the results of said review would be published in the week ahead.
The British prime minister said the government was proceeding "step by step... but it's very important that we don't lose our vice-like grip on the disease."
However, he added: "On the progress on social distancing, watch this space - and you won't have very much more to wait now."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 21 June, there have been 7,890,145 tests, with 175,018 tests on 20 June. <br> <br>304,331 people have tested positive. <br> <br>As of 5pm on 20 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,632 have sadly died.<br> <br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8">https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8</a> <a href="https://t.co/dqxWq6OHAi">pic.twitter.com/dqxWq6OHAi</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1274698986008559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Department of Health announces 43 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in all UK settings taking the total number of deaths to 42,632
<a href="https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8">https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8</a> <a href="https://t.co/dqxWq6OHAi">pic.twitter.com/dqxWq6OHAi</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1274698986008559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The Department of Health announces 43 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in all UK settings taking the total number of deaths to 42,632
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No virus deaths in Scotland over 24 hours
There have been no virus deaths over the past 24 hours in Scotland.
It marks the fifth day in June that no deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded in Scotland.
The death toll in Scotland currently stands at 2,472.
Of those who have tested positive for the virus, 518 are currently in hospital, with 16 patients in intensive care.
It comes as further lockdown easing measures come into force in Scotland on Monday.
However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has regularly sounded a note of caution on the figures of deaths registered at the weekend, saying they tend to be artificially low.
There have been no virus deaths over the past 24 hours in Scotland.
It marks the fifth day in June that no deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded in Scotland.
The death toll in Scotland currently stands at 2,472.
Of those who have tested positive for the virus, 518 are currently in hospital, with 16 patients in intensive care.
It comes as further lockdown easing measures come into force in Scotland on Monday.
However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has regularly sounded a note of caution on the figures of deaths registered at the weekend, saying they tend to be artificially low.
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Johnson to announce lockdown easing plans on Tuesday
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil the latest easing of Britain’s coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday when he will also announce the conclusion of a review into whether a two-metre rule on social distancing should be relaxed, his office said.
Britain’s economy has been hammered by the lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 and although non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen last Monday, many businesses, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have remained closed.
Some lawmakers in Johnson’s party have been vocal in calling for him to drop the two-metre rule saying it was having a devastating impact on the economy which shrank by a quarter over March and April. But the government has been cautious, saying it did not want to risk a second spike in novel coronavirus cases.
Johnson’s office said the prime minister would tell parliament on Tuesday which sectors would be allowed to reopen on July 4 under the government’s roadmap out of the lockdown. Detailed guidance would be provided to each sector so businesses were “Covid secure”.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that Johnson would also announce a change to the social distancing guidelines so people would only need to remain one metre apart providing they took additional measures such as wearing a mask.
Britain has one of the highest death tolls in the world from COVID-19, but the number of cases has been steadily falling in recent weeks. The death toll on Sunday of confirmed cases rose by 43 to 42,632, one of the lowest increases since the lockdown was imposed in March.
“The disease is increasingly under control,” Johnson said on Sunday. “Of course as we make that progress, it will be possible for us to open up more. On social distancing, watch this space and you won’t have very much more to wait now.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there were possible mitigations that could allow people to be closer than two metres while limiting the risk of spreading the virus. He said he would not rule out people having to register their details before going to a pub or a restaurant.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said it was important that people followed the social distancing rules as they were eased and they would “not hesitate” to put the handbrake on.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...wn-easing-plans-on-tuesday-idUKKBN23S0TA?il=0
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil the latest easing of Britain’s coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday when he will also announce the conclusion of a review into whether a two-metre rule on social distancing should be relaxed, his office said.
Britain’s economy has been hammered by the lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 and although non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen last Monday, many businesses, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have remained closed.
Some lawmakers in Johnson’s party have been vocal in calling for him to drop the two-metre rule saying it was having a devastating impact on the economy which shrank by a quarter over March and April. But the government has been cautious, saying it did not want to risk a second spike in novel coronavirus cases.
Johnson’s office said the prime minister would tell parliament on Tuesday which sectors would be allowed to reopen on July 4 under the government’s roadmap out of the lockdown. Detailed guidance would be provided to each sector so businesses were “Covid secure”.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that Johnson would also announce a change to the social distancing guidelines so people would only need to remain one metre apart providing they took additional measures such as wearing a mask.
Britain has one of the highest death tolls in the world from COVID-19, but the number of cases has been steadily falling in recent weeks. The death toll on Sunday of confirmed cases rose by 43 to 42,632, one of the lowest increases since the lockdown was imposed in March.
“The disease is increasingly under control,” Johnson said on Sunday. “Of course as we make that progress, it will be possible for us to open up more. On social distancing, watch this space and you won’t have very much more to wait now.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there were possible mitigations that could allow people to be closer than two metres while limiting the risk of spreading the virus. He said he would not rule out people having to register their details before going to a pub or a restaurant.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said it was important that people followed the social distancing rules as they were eased and they would “not hesitate” to put the handbrake on.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...wn-easing-plans-on-tuesday-idUKKBN23S0TA?il=0
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PM Boris Johnson will discuss England's approach to the changes with the Covid-19 Strategy Committee on Monday. On Tuesday, he is to announce if the hospitality sector can reopen on 4 July and if the 2m distancing rule in can be relaxed. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will decide on these issues separately.
Lower-income households are using savings and borrowing more during the lockdown, while richer families are saving more as eating out and trips abroad are banned, according to research by the Resolution Foundation.
The Children's Foundation has warned children are developing serious mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress, because of the pandemic.
Face coverings are now compulsory on public transport in Scotland.
Non-essential shops are reopening in Wales for the first time since coronavirus restrictions began.
A new "no swab" saliva coronavirus test that lets people collect their own sample at home by spitting into a pot is being trialled in the UK. More than 14,000 GP staff and other key workers, along with the people they live with, will take part.
Lower-income households are using savings and borrowing more during the lockdown, while richer families are saving more as eating out and trips abroad are banned, according to research by the Resolution Foundation.
The Children's Foundation has warned children are developing serious mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress, because of the pandemic.
Face coverings are now compulsory on public transport in Scotland.
Non-essential shops are reopening in Wales for the first time since coronavirus restrictions began.
A new "no swab" saliva coronavirus test that lets people collect their own sample at home by spitting into a pot is being trialled in the UK. More than 14,000 GP staff and other key workers, along with the people they live with, will take part.
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The UK government's review of the 2m social distancing rule has been completed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman has said.
A decision on whether or not the rule will be changed in England is due to be made later today.
The PM is expected to announce on Tuesday if the hospitality sector - for which the 2m rule is a key issue - can reopen on 4 July.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will make independent decisions on both social distancing rules and the reopening of the hospitality sector.
Asked whether England might follow Northern Ireland's lead and allow groups of up to six to meet indoors, the spokesman added: "In terms of the next steps in the road map, you'll have to wait until tomorrow when the PM will set out the detail to Parliament."
A decision on whether or not the rule will be changed in England is due to be made later today.
The PM is expected to announce on Tuesday if the hospitality sector - for which the 2m rule is a key issue - can reopen on 4 July.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will make independent decisions on both social distancing rules and the reopening of the hospitality sector.
Asked whether England might follow Northern Ireland's lead and allow groups of up to six to meet indoors, the spokesman added: "In terms of the next steps in the road map, you'll have to wait until tomorrow when the PM will set out the detail to Parliament."
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BREAKING: Fifteen new deaths in the UK
The number of daily coronavirus deaths in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since mid-March, according to the latest government figures.
The Department for Health and Social Care said there had been 15 new deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.
In total, 42,647 have died with cornavirus in the UK, with 305,289 people testing positive.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 22 June, there have been 8,029,757 tests, with 139,659 tests on 21 June. <br><br>305,289 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 21 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,647 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br> <a href="https://t.co/xXnL3GbBWS">https://t.co/xXnL3GbBWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mJg2FQa94y">pic.twitter.com/mJg2FQa94y</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1275060863716585474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The number of daily coronavirus deaths in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since mid-March, according to the latest government figures.
The Department for Health and Social Care said there had been 15 new deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.
In total, 42,647 have died with cornavirus in the UK, with 305,289 people testing positive.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 22 June, there have been 8,029,757 tests, with 139,659 tests on 21 June. <br><br>305,289 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 21 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,647 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/xXnL3GbBWS">https://t.co/xXnL3GbBWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mJg2FQa94y">pic.twitter.com/mJg2FQa94y</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1275060863716585474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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What’s happening in the UK?
We should be hearing from the UK government in the next 30 minutes, but let’s take a look at the latest from around the country first.
Groups of up to six people in Northern Ireland can meet indoors from Tuesday, Stormont sources have confirmed to BBC News
People shielding in Northern Ireland will be able to meet in groups of up to six outside and will be able to form a support bubble with one other household from 6 July, health minister Robin Swann has said
A local lockdown in Anglesey could be enforced to get the coronavirus outbreak at a food factory in Llangefni under control, Public Health Wales has said
Pub and restaurant customers in Scotland could be required to give their contact details as part of post-lockdown safety measures, Nicola Sturgeon has said
UK PM Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday that the 2m distancing rule in England will be relaxed, with some conditions
A new "no swab" saliva coronavirus test that lets people collect their own sample at home by spitting into a pot is being trialled in the UK
We should be hearing from the UK government in the next 30 minutes, but let’s take a look at the latest from around the country first.
Groups of up to six people in Northern Ireland can meet indoors from Tuesday, Stormont sources have confirmed to BBC News
People shielding in Northern Ireland will be able to meet in groups of up to six outside and will be able to form a support bubble with one other household from 6 July, health minister Robin Swann has said
A local lockdown in Anglesey could be enforced to get the coronavirus outbreak at a food factory in Llangefni under control, Public Health Wales has said
Pub and restaurant customers in Scotland could be required to give their contact details as part of post-lockdown safety measures, Nicola Sturgeon has said
UK PM Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday that the 2m distancing rule in England will be relaxed, with some conditions
A new "no swab" saliva coronavirus test that lets people collect their own sample at home by spitting into a pot is being trialled in the UK
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What we learnt from today's UK government briefing
In case you missed today's government coronavirus briefing, here is a quick round-up of the key points:
The 2.2 million people who have been self-isolating in England during the pandemic will no longer need to shield from 1 August. From 6 July, they will be able to meet up to six people outdoors and form "support bubbles" with other households
England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said there were children who were staying home from school because they are shielding who would would be better off in the classroom. She added children with asthma which is under control should be in school as they are at "very low risk" from Covid-19 and are at "very significant risk of getting left behind in their education"
Another 15 Covid-related deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the lowest figure since 15 March - although there tends to be a reporting lag over the weekend
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the virus is "in retreat" in the UK, with a number of "firsts" in today's statistics. For the first time since the peak, the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has fallen below 1,000 and there are fewer than 5,000 patients in hospital with the disease
Hancock said it is now estimated that just one in 1,700 people had the disease compared to one in 400 a month ago, enabling Boris Johnson to set out a further easing of the lockdown on Tuesday - when the PM is expected to announce if the hospitality sector can reopen on 4 July and that England's 2m distancing rule will be relaxed
The government will set out where "travel corridors" might be established before the 29 June deadline for reviewing the quarantine policy - which requires people arriving in the UK to quarantine for 14 days. Mr
Hancock said any decisions will be based on "epidemiological advice"
In case you missed today's government coronavirus briefing, here is a quick round-up of the key points:
The 2.2 million people who have been self-isolating in England during the pandemic will no longer need to shield from 1 August. From 6 July, they will be able to meet up to six people outdoors and form "support bubbles" with other households
England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said there were children who were staying home from school because they are shielding who would would be better off in the classroom. She added children with asthma which is under control should be in school as they are at "very low risk" from Covid-19 and are at "very significant risk of getting left behind in their education"
Another 15 Covid-related deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the lowest figure since 15 March - although there tends to be a reporting lag over the weekend
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the virus is "in retreat" in the UK, with a number of "firsts" in today's statistics. For the first time since the peak, the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has fallen below 1,000 and there are fewer than 5,000 patients in hospital with the disease
Hancock said it is now estimated that just one in 1,700 people had the disease compared to one in 400 a month ago, enabling Boris Johnson to set out a further easing of the lockdown on Tuesday - when the PM is expected to announce if the hospitality sector can reopen on 4 July and that England's 2m distancing rule will be relaxed
The government will set out where "travel corridors" might be established before the 29 June deadline for reviewing the quarantine policy - which requires people arriving in the UK to quarantine for 14 days. Mr
Hancock said any decisions will be based on "epidemiological advice"
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England to reopen cinemas, museums and galleries from July 4
Cinemas, museums and galleries in England can reopen from July 4, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will say on Tuesday as he sets out which sectors of the economy can resume trading and announces the findings of a review into social distancing.
Britain has been incrementally reopening its shuttered economy as the number of COVID-19 deaths and cases declines, having been one of the worst-hit countries during the pandemic.
The latest stage is scheduled for July 4, and will see some higher-risk venues like those in the arts and cultural sector allowed to open their doors, albeit with rules to maintain social distancing.
“The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines. We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control,” a source in Johnson’s office said.
Johnson is due to speak before parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
He will also announce the findings of a review into whether to relax the current rule that people must maintain a distance of two metres at all times to prevent the spread of the virus.
Johnson has faced lobbying from businesses and political pressure in his own party to drop the two-metre rule.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged that relaxing the rule would make a huge difference to many businesses. Pubs restaurants and other hospitality businesses have called for the distance to be reduced to one metre - the minimum recommended by the World Health Organisation.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...-and-galleries-from-july-4-idUKKBN23T36B?il=0
Cinemas, museums and galleries in England can reopen from July 4, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will say on Tuesday as he sets out which sectors of the economy can resume trading and announces the findings of a review into social distancing.
Britain has been incrementally reopening its shuttered economy as the number of COVID-19 deaths and cases declines, having been one of the worst-hit countries during the pandemic.
The latest stage is scheduled for July 4, and will see some higher-risk venues like those in the arts and cultural sector allowed to open their doors, albeit with rules to maintain social distancing.
“The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines. We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control,” a source in Johnson’s office said.
Johnson is due to speak before parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
He will also announce the findings of a review into whether to relax the current rule that people must maintain a distance of two metres at all times to prevent the spread of the virus.
Johnson has faced lobbying from businesses and political pressure in his own party to drop the two-metre rule.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged that relaxing the rule would make a huge difference to many businesses. Pubs restaurants and other hospitality businesses have called for the distance to be reduced to one metre - the minimum recommended by the World Health Organisation.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...-and-galleries-from-july-4-idUKKBN23T36B?il=0
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From 4 July pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open both indoors and outdoors if they put in safety guidelines including table service online.
Other businesses allowed to reopen will be:
Hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks
Hair salons and barbers but with visors worn
Playgrounds, museums, galleries, theme parks, outdoor gyms and arcades, libraries, social clubs and community centres
However nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, water parks, indoor gyms, nail bars, swimming pools and water parks will not be able to reopen at this stage.
Other businesses allowed to reopen will be:
Hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks
Hair salons and barbers but with visors worn
Playgrounds, museums, galleries, theme parks, outdoor gyms and arcades, libraries, social clubs and community centres
However nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, water parks, indoor gyms, nail bars, swimming pools and water parks will not be able to reopen at this stage.
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People in England allowed to meet another household indoors
Mr Johnson says from 4 July people will also be allowed to meet with one other household at a time indoors, subject to social distancing.
Mr Johnson says the meet-ups do not always have to be with the same household - but that only one household can meet one other at any time.
These measures are not the same as the household bubble where distancing is not required, meaning family members who live apart can still not hug.
Mr Johnson says "we cannot lift all the restrictions at once".
He adds: "The fewer social contacts you have the safer you will be."
Mr Johnson says from 4 July people will also be allowed to meet with one other household at a time indoors, subject to social distancing.
Mr Johnson says the meet-ups do not always have to be with the same household - but that only one household can meet one other at any time.
These measures are not the same as the household bubble where distancing is not required, meaning family members who live apart can still not hug.
Mr Johnson says "we cannot lift all the restrictions at once".
He adds: "The fewer social contacts you have the safer you will be."
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2m rule to be reduced to 1m in England
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says from 4 July the two metre rule is to be relaxed to "one metre plus" where 2m is not possible - but people will be encouraged to have mitigation in place to reduce transmission.
He says: "We can now go further and safely ease the lockdown in England.
"At every stage, caution will remain our watch word. Each step will be conditional and reversible."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says from 4 July the two metre rule is to be relaxed to "one metre plus" where 2m is not possible - but people will be encouraged to have mitigation in place to reduce transmission.
He says: "We can now go further and safely ease the lockdown in England.
"At every stage, caution will remain our watch word. Each step will be conditional and reversible."
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What did we learn from Boris Johnson's speech?
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just updated Parliament on a number of changes to England's coronavirus lockdown to come into force from 4 July.
He told MPs that the "cautious" relaxation of the guidance is "entirely conditional" on the UK's "continued defeat of the virus" and he would "not hesitate" to reapply the brakes and reintroduce restrictions - even at national level - if there is a surge in new infections.
Here is a quick roundup of the key changes:
The 2m social distancing rule will be relaxed to "one metre plus" where 2m is not possible - but people will be encouraged to have mitigation in place to reduce transmission
People will be able to meet one other household at a time indoors with social distancing. Meet-ups do not always have to be with the same household
Pubs and restaurants can reopen indoors and outdoors with safety measures such as table-only service. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, hairdressers, playgrounds, museums, galleries are among the businesses that can reopen
Nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, indoor gyms and nail bars are among the businesses that can't reopen at this stage
You can read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53152416
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just updated Parliament on a number of changes to England's coronavirus lockdown to come into force from 4 July.
He told MPs that the "cautious" relaxation of the guidance is "entirely conditional" on the UK's "continued defeat of the virus" and he would "not hesitate" to reapply the brakes and reintroduce restrictions - even at national level - if there is a surge in new infections.
Here is a quick roundup of the key changes:
The 2m social distancing rule will be relaxed to "one metre plus" where 2m is not possible - but people will be encouraged to have mitigation in place to reduce transmission
People will be able to meet one other household at a time indoors with social distancing. Meet-ups do not always have to be with the same household
Pubs and restaurants can reopen indoors and outdoors with safety measures such as table-only service. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, hairdressers, playgrounds, museums, galleries are among the businesses that can reopen
Nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, indoor gyms and nail bars are among the businesses that can't reopen at this stage
You can read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53152416
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No more daily Downing Street press conferences
It's been confirmed that the daily Downing Street press conferences in the UK will no longer happen after today.
There will still be announcements but they will instead be timed to coincide with "significant announcements".
The No 10 briefings began on 16 March, the day when the number of people who had died with the virus reached 36.
They have become a staple of late afternoons in spring and summer 2020: the government's news conferences at 5pm each weekday, and 4pm at the weekend.
A minister troops into an empty room in Downing Street, often with a scientist in tow, occasionally on their own.
A few weeks ago, the weekend ones disappeared. So too will the weekday ones, after today.
Instead, we are told, they will happen when the government has something significant to announce.
The government promises it will still be publishing all of the data which has previously been included in the news conference slides.
It's been confirmed that the daily Downing Street press conferences in the UK will no longer happen after today.
There will still be announcements but they will instead be timed to coincide with "significant announcements".
The No 10 briefings began on 16 March, the day when the number of people who had died with the virus reached 36.
They have become a staple of late afternoons in spring and summer 2020: the government's news conferences at 5pm each weekday, and 4pm at the weekend.
A minister troops into an empty room in Downing Street, often with a scientist in tow, occasionally on their own.
A few weeks ago, the weekend ones disappeared. So too will the weekday ones, after today.
Instead, we are told, they will happen when the government has something significant to announce.
The government promises it will still be publishing all of the data which has previously been included in the news conference slides.
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What did we learn from today's UK briefing?
Today marked the end of the daily government press conferences. From now on, the government says it will only hold a briefing when it has something to announce.
Today's conference was held by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty, and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Here's what they told us:
Where it is not possible to stay 2m apart, people can stay 1m apart with added precautions, such as plastic screens, not sitting face-to-face, and wearing masks
As planned, from 4 July, hotels, pubs, bars, cinemas and many other businesses can open, following Covid secure guidelines.
From 4 July, members of two different households can meet indoors, and stay over, but (unlike those in 'support bubbles') should stay socially distant
Overall deaths in the UK are returning to normal levels, but the disease has not disappeared and is growing in other parts of the world
If people only pay attention to the measures that have been eased and not the restrictions, the rate of infections will increase again
Changing lockdown and social distancing rules is not risk free and will be reversed if needed
Prof Whitty expects the current situation, where coronavirus is circulating widely, to continue into 2021
Today marked the end of the daily government press conferences. From now on, the government says it will only hold a briefing when it has something to announce.
Today's conference was held by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty, and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Here's what they told us:
Where it is not possible to stay 2m apart, people can stay 1m apart with added precautions, such as plastic screens, not sitting face-to-face, and wearing masks
As planned, from 4 July, hotels, pubs, bars, cinemas and many other businesses can open, following Covid secure guidelines.
From 4 July, members of two different households can meet indoors, and stay over, but (unlike those in 'support bubbles') should stay socially distant
Overall deaths in the UK are returning to normal levels, but the disease has not disappeared and is growing in other parts of the world
If people only pay attention to the measures that have been eased and not the restrictions, the rate of infections will increase again
Changing lockdown and social distancing rules is not risk free and will be reversed if needed
Prof Whitty expects the current situation, where coronavirus is circulating widely, to continue into 2021
KingKhanWC
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Joke of a goverment continues.
Pubs and cinemas ok but not gyms.
Pubs and cinemas ok but not gyms.
Last edited by a moderator:
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Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to determine whether the UK is properly prepared for the "real risk" of a second wave of coronavirus.
In an open letter published in the British Medical Journal, ministers were warned that urgent action would be needed to prevent further loss of life.
The presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Nursing, Physicians, and GPs all signed the letter.
It comes after Boris Johnson announced sweeping changes to England's lockdown.
On Tuesday, the prime minister said pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers will be able to reopen from 4 July.
The 2m social-distancing rule will be replaced with a "one-metre plus" rule, meaning people should stay at least 2m apart where possible, but otherwise should remain at least 1m apart while taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission, such as wearing face coverings.
The 2m rule will remain in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, however.
Both the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty stressed Mr Johnson's plan was not "risk-free" at Tuesday's final daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
Following the prime minister's announcement, health leaders called for a "rapid and forward-looking assessment" of how prepared the UK would be for a flare-up of the virus.
"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," they wrote in the letter.
"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain."
The authors of the letter, also signed by the chair of the British Medical Association, urge ministers to set up a cross-party group with a "constructive, non-partisan, four nations approach", tasked with developing practical recommendations.
"The review should not be about looking back or attributing blame," they said, and instead should focus on "areas of weakness where action is needed urgently to prevent further loss of life and restore the economy as fully and as quickly as possible".
The BBC has approached the Department for Health and Social care for comment.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said he did not believe there was "a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS".
Announcing the biggest easing of lockdown yet, he said two households in England will be able to meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing.
While he warned all the steps were "reversible", he confirmed the following venues would be able to reopen:
Pubs, bars and restaurants but only with a table service indoors, and owners will be asked to keep contact details of customers to help with contact tracing
Hotels, holiday apartments, campsites and caravan parks but shared facilities must be cleaned properly
Theatres and music halls but they will not be allowed to hold live performances
In other changes weddings will be allowed to have 30 attendees, and places of worship will be allowed to hold services but singing will be banned
Hair salons and barbers will be able to reopen but must have protective measures, such as visors, in place
Libraries, community centres and bingo halls
Cinemas, museums and galleries
Funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks, amusement arcades, skating rinks and model villages
Indoor attractions where animals are exhibited, such as at zoos, aquariums, farms, safari parks and wildlife centres
Some other venues will remain closed by law, including nightclubs, casinos, indoor play areas, nail bars and beauty salons, swimming pools and indoor gyms.
Those businesses set to reopen in 10 days' time are awaiting guidance from the government on how they can operate as safely as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.
Initial advice says businesses should keep customers' contact details for 21 days to help support the track and trace system.
But in most cases the government has told companies that more detailed advice will follow soon.
BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said it suggested that decisions on which parts of the economy to reopen were made very recently.
It comes as struggling retailers must pay their quarterly rent to landlords on Wednesday.
The latest figures show a further 171 people had died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, taking the total to 42,927.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53159918
In an open letter published in the British Medical Journal, ministers were warned that urgent action would be needed to prevent further loss of life.
The presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Nursing, Physicians, and GPs all signed the letter.
It comes after Boris Johnson announced sweeping changes to England's lockdown.
On Tuesday, the prime minister said pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers will be able to reopen from 4 July.
The 2m social-distancing rule will be replaced with a "one-metre plus" rule, meaning people should stay at least 2m apart where possible, but otherwise should remain at least 1m apart while taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission, such as wearing face coverings.
The 2m rule will remain in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, however.
Both the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty stressed Mr Johnson's plan was not "risk-free" at Tuesday's final daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
Following the prime minister's announcement, health leaders called for a "rapid and forward-looking assessment" of how prepared the UK would be for a flare-up of the virus.
"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," they wrote in the letter.
"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain."
The authors of the letter, also signed by the chair of the British Medical Association, urge ministers to set up a cross-party group with a "constructive, non-partisan, four nations approach", tasked with developing practical recommendations.
"The review should not be about looking back or attributing blame," they said, and instead should focus on "areas of weakness where action is needed urgently to prevent further loss of life and restore the economy as fully and as quickly as possible".
The BBC has approached the Department for Health and Social care for comment.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said he did not believe there was "a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS".
Announcing the biggest easing of lockdown yet, he said two households in England will be able to meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing.
While he warned all the steps were "reversible", he confirmed the following venues would be able to reopen:
Pubs, bars and restaurants but only with a table service indoors, and owners will be asked to keep contact details of customers to help with contact tracing
Hotels, holiday apartments, campsites and caravan parks but shared facilities must be cleaned properly
Theatres and music halls but they will not be allowed to hold live performances
In other changes weddings will be allowed to have 30 attendees, and places of worship will be allowed to hold services but singing will be banned
Hair salons and barbers will be able to reopen but must have protective measures, such as visors, in place
Libraries, community centres and bingo halls
Cinemas, museums and galleries
Funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks, amusement arcades, skating rinks and model villages
Indoor attractions where animals are exhibited, such as at zoos, aquariums, farms, safari parks and wildlife centres
Some other venues will remain closed by law, including nightclubs, casinos, indoor play areas, nail bars and beauty salons, swimming pools and indoor gyms.
Those businesses set to reopen in 10 days' time are awaiting guidance from the government on how they can operate as safely as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.
Initial advice says businesses should keep customers' contact details for 21 days to help support the track and trace system.
But in most cases the government has told companies that more detailed advice will follow soon.
BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said it suggested that decisions on which parts of the economy to reopen were made very recently.
It comes as struggling retailers must pay their quarterly rent to landlords on Wednesday.
The latest figures show a further 171 people had died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, taking the total to 42,927.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53159918
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Former chief scientific adviser Sir David King tells Sky News the easing of lockdown is "extraordinarily risky" and the country must aim to completely get rid of the coronavirus before the winter
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Are all coronavirus cases being traced?
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claimed at Prime Minister's Questions that two-thirds of people who have coronavirus are not being contacted by the government's test and trace scheme.
He said 33,000 people are estimated to have Covid-19 in England, but only 10,000 people have been reached through the system.
The 33,000 figure comes from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It was reached by testing a sample of people and working out what percentage of them were infected and then applying that to the population as a whole.
It is an estimate and not a figure for actual people who have been tested.
Between 28 May and 10 June, contact trace teams attempted to reach 14,045 people in England who had tested positive for coronavirus. They got through to 10,192 of them.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claimed at Prime Minister's Questions that two-thirds of people who have coronavirus are not being contacted by the government's test and trace scheme.
He said 33,000 people are estimated to have Covid-19 in England, but only 10,000 people have been reached through the system.
The 33,000 figure comes from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It was reached by testing a sample of people and working out what percentage of them were infected and then applying that to the population as a whole.
It is an estimate and not a figure for actual people who have been tested.
Between 28 May and 10 June, contact trace teams attempted to reach 14,045 people in England who had tested positive for coronavirus. They got through to 10,192 of them.
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BREAKING: England reports further 51 coronavirus-related deaths
A further 51 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, or where Covid-19 was the direct or underlying cause, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,435, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 48 and 96 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
The south-west reported no deaths for the second consecutive day and was the only region not to record any coronavirus-related fatalities in the latest figures.
The latest figures covering the whole of the UK are due to be released by the Department of Health and Social Care shortly.
BREAKING: Latest death toll for Northern Ireland and Wales
There has been one more death linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, according to the daily figures from the Stormont Department of Health - and two new confirmed cases of the virus.
Public Health Wales said a further eight people had died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths to 1,491.
The total number of cases in Wales increased by 47 to 15,341.
We'll bring you the latest figures for the entire UK once they are released later this afternoon.
A further 51 people have died in hospital in England after testing positive for coronavirus, or where Covid-19 was the direct or underlying cause, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,435, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 48 and 96 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
The south-west reported no deaths for the second consecutive day and was the only region not to record any coronavirus-related fatalities in the latest figures.
The latest figures covering the whole of the UK are due to be released by the Department of Health and Social Care shortly.
BREAKING: Latest death toll for Northern Ireland and Wales
There has been one more death linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, according to the daily figures from the Stormont Department of Health - and two new confirmed cases of the virus.
Public Health Wales said a further eight people had died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths to 1,491.
The total number of cases in Wales increased by 47 to 15,341.
We'll bring you the latest figures for the entire UK once they are released later this afternoon.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: 154 more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> related deaths announced in the UK, as the total number moves over 43,000.<br><br>Get the latest on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a
<a href="https://t.co/9PcGBANLay">https://t.co/9PcGBANLay</a> <a href="https://t.co/J7S38lvBLG">pic.twitter.com/J7S38lvBLG</a></p>— SkyNews (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1275814862241837061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a href="https://t.co/9PcGBANLay">https://t.co/9PcGBANLay</a> <a href="https://t.co/J7S38lvBLG">pic.twitter.com/J7S38lvBLG</a></p>— SkyNews (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1275814862241837061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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WHO emergency chief praises UK over phased easing
Dr Mike Ryan, the head of emergencies at the World Health Organization (WHO), has praised the UK for the way it is easing restrictions.
He said there had been a "steady, slow and step-wise exit from lockdown conditions" in the country.
Dr Ryan said the government had communicated the changes to the population at large and to the WHO – with a consistent dialogue between the four nations of the UK over regional differences.
He said testing in the UK had now increased and the "surveillance system is capable of understand where the disease is".
His comments came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the next level of lockdown easing would take place on 4 July, when businesses such as pubs and restaurants can reopen under government guidelines.
Dr Mike Ryan, the head of emergencies at the World Health Organization (WHO), has praised the UK for the way it is easing restrictions.
He said there had been a "steady, slow and step-wise exit from lockdown conditions" in the country.
Dr Ryan said the government had communicated the changes to the population at large and to the WHO – with a consistent dialogue between the four nations of the UK over regional differences.
He said testing in the UK had now increased and the "surveillance system is capable of understand where the disease is".
His comments came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the next level of lockdown easing would take place on 4 July, when businesses such as pubs and restaurants can reopen under government guidelines.
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Royal Mail to cut 2,000 jobs
Royal Mail is to cut 2,000 management jobs as is struggles to deal with the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
The postal service had already been in serious financial difficulties before the pandemic, and saw a sharp fall in letter volumes after the UK introduced lockdown measures on 23 March.
Royal Mail has also faced criticism from its own staff over alleged shortages of gloves, masks and hand sanitiser during the UK's outbreak.
Royal Mail is to cut 2,000 management jobs as is struggles to deal with the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
The postal service had already been in serious financial difficulties before the pandemic, and saw a sharp fall in letter volumes after the UK introduced lockdown measures on 23 March.
Royal Mail has also faced criticism from its own staff over alleged shortages of gloves, masks and hand sanitiser during the UK's outbreak.
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UK local government bodies fear bankruptcy
Some of the UK's largest local government bodies have said they may have to declare themselves effectively bankrupt unless they get further funding.
At least five councils in England have warned they cannot balance their budgets as they face falling revenues from lost business rates and council tax holidays, as well as rising costs in adult care and providing protective equipment for carers.
Of the 173 councils in the UK who responded to the BBC's questions, 148 said they faced a budget shortfall.
Some of the UK's largest local government bodies have said they may have to declare themselves effectively bankrupt unless they get further funding.
At least five councils in England have warned they cannot balance their budgets as they face falling revenues from lost business rates and council tax holidays, as well as rising costs in adult care and providing protective equipment for carers.
Of the 173 councils in the UK who responded to the BBC's questions, 148 said they faced a budget shortfall.
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Antibody tests not wasteful, UK adviser insists
A leading immunologist has defended the UK's use of antibody tests, following criticism that they waste resources.
Prof Sir John Bell from Oxford University, who has advised the government on the tests, said the 14 academics quoted in a letter to the British Medical Journal had “underestimated” their value.
He told the BBC: “We do need to know how many people out there have been infected and the only way to do that is antibody testing."
The information could be used by hospitals to manage their workforce and understand who had been affected by the virus, and to change the course of the epidemic by changing behaviour, he suggested.
But he acknowledged that it could not justify "immunity passports" for people who test positive. “You can’t advise an individual that they’re protected from the disease because we don’t have that data at the moment," he said.
A leading immunologist has defended the UK's use of antibody tests, following criticism that they waste resources.
Prof Sir John Bell from Oxford University, who has advised the government on the tests, said the 14 academics quoted in a letter to the British Medical Journal had “underestimated” their value.
He told the BBC: “We do need to know how many people out there have been infected and the only way to do that is antibody testing."
The information could be used by hospitals to manage their workforce and understand who had been affected by the virus, and to change the course of the epidemic by changing behaviour, he suggested.
But he acknowledged that it could not justify "immunity passports" for people who test positive. “You can’t advise an individual that they’re protected from the disease because we don’t have that data at the moment," he said.
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England COVID-19 test and trace system fails to reach a quarter of positive cases
England's COVID-19 test and trace system could not reach a quarter of people who had their cases transferred to the system after a positive test for the new coronavirus, UK's Department of Health said.
Of 6,923 people who had their case transferred to the contact tracing system in its third week of operation, 1,791, or 25.9 percent, could not be reached.
England's COVID-19 test and trace system could not reach a quarter of people who had their cases transferred to the system after a positive test for the new coronavirus, UK's Department of Health said.
Of 6,923 people who had their case transferred to the contact tracing system in its third week of operation, 1,791, or 25.9 percent, could not be reached.
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The British government is set to exempt travellers from most western European countries from having to spend 14 days in quarantine after arriving in the UK.
BBC transport correspondent Tom Burridge says ministers are planning to create so-called air bridgeswith nations including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Turkey and Finland.
Portugal is not yet included due to an outbreak of coronavirus in the Lisbon area, while Sweden is also expected to be left out as its infection rate is higher than the UK's.
The details are expected to be announced this weekend, our correspondent says. The travel industry has been highly critical of the quarantine plan, saying it will deter visitors and put jobs at risk.
BBC transport correspondent Tom Burridge says ministers are planning to create so-called air bridgeswith nations including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Turkey and Finland.
Portugal is not yet included due to an outbreak of coronavirus in the Lisbon area, while Sweden is also expected to be left out as its infection rate is higher than the UK's.
The details are expected to be announced this weekend, our correspondent says. The travel industry has been highly critical of the quarantine plan, saying it will deter visitors and put jobs at risk.
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BREAKING: Another 149 deaths in UK
The latest figures from the Department of Health show a further 149 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, across all settings.
It takes the total number of deaths to 43,230.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 25 June, there have been 8,710,292 tests, with 167,023 tests on 24 June. <br><br>307,980 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 24 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,230 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br> <a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTyhc9I8oH">pic.twitter.com/fTyhc9I8oH</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276150709344501763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The latest figures from the Department of Health show a further 149 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, across all settings.
It takes the total number of deaths to 43,230.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 25 June, there have been 8,710,292 tests, with 167,023 tests on 24 June. <br><br>307,980 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 24 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,230 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTyhc9I8oH">pic.twitter.com/fTyhc9I8oH</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276150709344501763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Coronavirus: Antibody test lacks 'proper assessment'
Covid-19 antibody tests for NHS and care staff are being rolled out without "adequate assessment", experts warn.
The tests could place an unnecessary burden on the NHS, the 14 senior academics say in a letter in the BMJ.
Last month, the government said it had bought 10 million antibody tests and asked NHS trusts and care homes to make them available to staff in England.
Officials say the blood tests - to see if someone has had the virus - will play an "increasingly important role".
Some patients and people having routine blood tests in England are being offered them too.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53169618
Covid-19 antibody tests for NHS and care staff are being rolled out without "adequate assessment", experts warn.
The tests could place an unnecessary burden on the NHS, the 14 senior academics say in a letter in the BMJ.
Last month, the government said it had bought 10 million antibody tests and asked NHS trusts and care homes to make them available to staff in England.
Officials say the blood tests - to see if someone has had the virus - will play an "increasingly important role".
Some patients and people having routine blood tests in England are being offered them too.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53169618
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Major incident declared as thousands flock to beaches
The seaside resort of Bournemouth in southern England has declared a major incident after thousands of people flocked to its beaches for the second day in a row.
The local council said visitors had "defied advice to stay away" from the town on one of the hottest days of the year - and it was now co-ordinating a "multi-agency emergency response" across the area.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said its staff were abused as they attempted to empty over-flowing bins on the seafront - and that eight tonnes of waste was collected yesterday with a further 33 tonnes of rubbish removed along the full stretch of coastline this morning.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood tweeted that he had asked the government's police minister to provide more officers if the Dorset force requested them.
Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya of Dorset Police said: "We are... reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area.
"Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources."
The seaside resort of Bournemouth in southern England has declared a major incident after thousands of people flocked to its beaches for the second day in a row.
The local council said visitors had "defied advice to stay away" from the town on one of the hottest days of the year - and it was now co-ordinating a "multi-agency emergency response" across the area.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said its staff were abused as they attempted to empty over-flowing bins on the seafront - and that eight tonnes of waste was collected yesterday with a further 33 tonnes of rubbish removed along the full stretch of coastline this morning.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood tweeted that he had asked the government's police minister to provide more officers if the Dorset force requested them.
Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya of Dorset Police said: "We are... reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area.
"Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources."
Abdullah719
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Decline in cases in England has 'levelled off'
The decline in the number of people in England estimated to have Covid-19 has levelled off, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest.
The ONS said its estimates suggested the percentage testing positive has “clearly decreased over time” since the first measurement on 26 April and that “this downward trend has now flattened”.
An average of 51,000 people in private households had coronavirus at any given time between 8 June and 21 June, according to new ONS estimates. This was the equivalent of 0.09% of the population, or about one in 1,100 individuals.
The ONS, which publishes data on how many people at any one time are infected with Covid-19 based on swab results from households across the country, said:
The decline in the number of people in England estimated to have Covid-19 has levelled off, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest.
The ONS said its estimates suggested the percentage testing positive has “clearly decreased over time” since the first measurement on 26 April and that “this downward trend has now flattened”.
An average of 51,000 people in private households had coronavirus at any given time between 8 June and 21 June, according to new ONS estimates. This was the equivalent of 0.09% of the population, or about one in 1,100 individuals.
The ONS, which publishes data on how many people at any one time are infected with Covid-19 based on swab results from households across the country, said:
The Viper
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">COVID-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.<br><br>If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.</p>— Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMO_England/status/1276199449858015235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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With temperatures forecast to reach 31C in parts of the UK again today, the chief medical officer has warned that cases could rise again if people do not maintain social distancing.
Prof Chris Whitty issued the warning after a second day of huge crowds at beaches, leading to a major incident being declared at Bournemouth on the south coast of England.
"Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all," he said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told talkRADIO that he was reluctant to use powers to close beaches "because people have had a pretty tough lockdown", but said he would take action "if we see a spike in the number of cases".
Prof Chris Whitty issued the warning after a second day of huge crowds at beaches, leading to a major incident being declared at Bournemouth on the south coast of England.
"Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all," he said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told talkRADIO that he was reluctant to use powers to close beaches "because people have had a pretty tough lockdown", but said he would take action "if we see a spike in the number of cases".
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George Eustice, the UK's Environment Secretary, says the government has powers to close public spaces such as beaches following two days of overcrowding, but adds that it is "very reluctant" to do so.
He told the BBC that reports of 500,000 people travelling to Dorset in the south of England and images of packed beaches were "absolutely a matter for concern", but said they were due to the heatwave rather than the government's easing of lockdown restrictions.
"The British weather being what it is, perhaps this will be a short-lived phenomenon," he said. "But as [Health Secretary] Matt Hancock has made clear, we do have the powers if necessary to go back in and act. We don’t want to do that. We will be very reluctant to do so."
He said that "the infection rate will start to creep up" if people do not follow social-distancing rules as pubs and restaurants begin to open in England on 4 July, however.
"We do need people to work with us on this," he said.
He told the BBC that reports of 500,000 people travelling to Dorset in the south of England and images of packed beaches were "absolutely a matter for concern", but said they were due to the heatwave rather than the government's easing of lockdown restrictions.
"The British weather being what it is, perhaps this will be a short-lived phenomenon," he said. "But as [Health Secretary] Matt Hancock has made clear, we do have the powers if necessary to go back in and act. We don’t want to do that. We will be very reluctant to do so."
He said that "the infection rate will start to creep up" if people do not follow social-distancing rules as pubs and restaurants begin to open in England on 4 July, however.
"We do need people to work with us on this," he said.
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Violent incidents after UK lockdown breaches
With large crowds gathering on beaches and in parks, or holding parties in the streets against coronavirus regulations, the UK has seen a series of violent incidents in recent days:
A 32-year-old woman was arrested after two people were shot dead at an outdoor party in Manchester on Saturday. Abayomi Ajose, 36, and 21-year-old Cheriff Tall were killed at a “spontaneous gathering” involving hundreds of people
Three men were stabbed in a fight in Bournemouth on Thursday after a major incident was declared in the beach resort because of large crowds
About 140 officers have been injured in the last three weeks policing protests and illegal parties in London, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said. She said people were "completely flouting the health regulations" during the recent hot weather
The Met Police Commissioner was speaking after officers were attacked for the second night running, trying to close down an illegal party in Notting Hill, west London
Two people were stabbed and one man arrested at Leysdown beach in Kent, after a large crowd gathered yesterday
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford warned that plans to ease lockdown restrictions could be abandoned after a mass brawl broke out among crowds at the village of Ogmore-by-Sea
In Glasgow, police closed off Kelvingrove Park after breaking up large groups of people drinking
People in Edinburgh got up at dawn to clear rubbish left by large crowds at The Meadows, however
With large crowds gathering on beaches and in parks, or holding parties in the streets against coronavirus regulations, the UK has seen a series of violent incidents in recent days:
A 32-year-old woman was arrested after two people were shot dead at an outdoor party in Manchester on Saturday. Abayomi Ajose, 36, and 21-year-old Cheriff Tall were killed at a “spontaneous gathering” involving hundreds of people
Three men were stabbed in a fight in Bournemouth on Thursday after a major incident was declared in the beach resort because of large crowds
About 140 officers have been injured in the last three weeks policing protests and illegal parties in London, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said. She said people were "completely flouting the health regulations" during the recent hot weather
The Met Police Commissioner was speaking after officers were attacked for the second night running, trying to close down an illegal party in Notting Hill, west London
Two people were stabbed and one man arrested at Leysdown beach in Kent, after a large crowd gathered yesterday
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford warned that plans to ease lockdown restrictions could be abandoned after a mass brawl broke out among crowds at the village of Ogmore-by-Sea
In Glasgow, police closed off Kelvingrove Park after breaking up large groups of people drinking
People in Edinburgh got up at dawn to clear rubbish left by large crowds at The Meadows, however
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Boris Johnson warns 'the virus is still out there'
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to recognise the ongoing risks from coronavirus, as lockdown measures are increasingly eased.
"It's crucial that people understand that on 4 July we get this right - we do this in a balanced way and we recognise the risks," the PM said, while visiting a restaurant in east London on Friday.
"And so I say to everybody, you may think that you're not going to get it and you're immortal and invincible and so on - and very likely that's true, particularly if you're a young person - but the bug you carry can kill elderly people particularly.
"It is still dangerous and the virus is still out there.
"To win, to beat this thing, we have to stay alert and do this in a balanced way."
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to recognise the ongoing risks from coronavirus, as lockdown measures are increasingly eased.
"It's crucial that people understand that on 4 July we get this right - we do this in a balanced way and we recognise the risks," the PM said, while visiting a restaurant in east London on Friday.
"And so I say to everybody, you may think that you're not going to get it and you're immortal and invincible and so on - and very likely that's true, particularly if you're a young person - but the bug you carry can kill elderly people particularly.
"It is still dangerous and the virus is still out there.
"To win, to beat this thing, we have to stay alert and do this in a balanced way."
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Scotland 'not far away' from eliminating coronavirus
Scotland is "not far away" from eliminating coronavirus, the country's first minister has predicted.
Nicola Sturgeon announced there have been no deaths from confirmed cases of the virus in the past 24 hours - the first time the figure had been zero on a weekday since 20 March.
She described the statistic as "really significant", but warned against complacency.
"It doesn't mean it [the virus] has gone away, it doesn't mean it won't rise again if we stop doing the things we need to do, but it gives us more confidence that we can keep it under control.
"I think we are not that far away from that. The challenge is keeping it there."
The number of cases of coronavirus in Scotland has fallen dramatically in recent weeks, with the number of people testing positive in single figures on some days.
There are currently only 17 coronavirus patients in the country's intensive care units.
Scotland is "not far away" from eliminating coronavirus, the country's first minister has predicted.
Nicola Sturgeon announced there have been no deaths from confirmed cases of the virus in the past 24 hours - the first time the figure had been zero on a weekday since 20 March.
She described the statistic as "really significant", but warned against complacency.
"It doesn't mean it [the virus] has gone away, it doesn't mean it won't rise again if we stop doing the things we need to do, but it gives us more confidence that we can keep it under control.
"I think we are not that far away from that. The challenge is keeping it there."
The number of cases of coronavirus in Scotland has fallen dramatically in recent weeks, with the number of people testing positive in single figures on some days.
There are currently only 17 coronavirus patients in the country's intensive care units.
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Department of Health announces 186 new COVID-19 deaths in all UK settings taking the total number of deaths to 43,414
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Spikes in coronavirus cases abroad should act as a warning to Britons who flout social distancing rules, Boris Johnson has said.
The PM said crowds on Bournemouth beach on Thursday suggested people needed to understand that "mingling too much" could set the UK back.
He said people in other countries had been "taking too many liberties with the guidance" as lockdown rules eased.
Ministers have warned UK beaches could be closed if infections rise.
A further 186 deaths of people who had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK were announced on Friday, with the total number to have died now standing at 43,414.
The latest figures, released by the Department for Health and Social Care, showed a further 1,006 people had tested positive for the virus.
Mr Johnson said people in some countries were "not observing social distancing".
"Some parts of the world - I won't name them - but have you have got spikes, really serious spikes in instances of the disease, so it's crucial that people understand that on 4 July we get this right, that we do this in a balanced way, and we recognise the risks," he said.
"You may think you are not going to get it, that you're immortal and invincible and so on - and very likely that's true if you are young person. But the bug you carry can kill elderly people particularly. It is still dangerous; the virus is still out there."
The prime minister was speaking after the World Health Organization said Europe had seen an increase in weekly cases of Covid-19 for the first time in months after restrictions were eased.
Concern has been expressed about people gathering around the UK during this week's heatwave, including street parties in London and Manchester, crowded beaches and celebrating Liverpool fans.
A Dorset MP estimated 500,000 people visited the county during Thursday alone, with reports of gridlocked roads, fights and overnight camping.
A "major incident" was declared on the beach as a "standby measure"- which Dorset Council later said was because of an increase in people visiting hospital A&E departments and gridlocked traffic stopping ambulances getting through.
And Sam Crowe, the council's director of public health, said he was concerned about the risk of coronavirus being transmitted in enclosed environments, such as trains, as visitors travelled to the county.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ian Girling partly blamed the scenes on "a worrying lack clarity from the government" and called for "stronger messaging" ahead of 4 July, when pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen.
He said: "It would have been common sense to ask people to remain in their home counties while we recover from the crisis and to give places like Dorset time to prepare to welcome visitors back."
Environment Secretary George Eustice told BBC Breakfast people had "generally" observed current social distancing rules - keeping 2m apart from other households - and forcing beaches to close would not be the first course of action. But he said: "We just have to recognise yesterday was the hottest day of the year, incredibly hot, a lot of people had the same idea, they all went to the beach, and yes of course those scenes at Bournemouth are a matter for concern."
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53190209
The PM said crowds on Bournemouth beach on Thursday suggested people needed to understand that "mingling too much" could set the UK back.
He said people in other countries had been "taking too many liberties with the guidance" as lockdown rules eased.
Ministers have warned UK beaches could be closed if infections rise.
A further 186 deaths of people who had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK were announced on Friday, with the total number to have died now standing at 43,414.
The latest figures, released by the Department for Health and Social Care, showed a further 1,006 people had tested positive for the virus.
Mr Johnson said people in some countries were "not observing social distancing".
"Some parts of the world - I won't name them - but have you have got spikes, really serious spikes in instances of the disease, so it's crucial that people understand that on 4 July we get this right, that we do this in a balanced way, and we recognise the risks," he said.
"You may think you are not going to get it, that you're immortal and invincible and so on - and very likely that's true if you are young person. But the bug you carry can kill elderly people particularly. It is still dangerous; the virus is still out there."
The prime minister was speaking after the World Health Organization said Europe had seen an increase in weekly cases of Covid-19 for the first time in months after restrictions were eased.
Concern has been expressed about people gathering around the UK during this week's heatwave, including street parties in London and Manchester, crowded beaches and celebrating Liverpool fans.
A Dorset MP estimated 500,000 people visited the county during Thursday alone, with reports of gridlocked roads, fights and overnight camping.
A "major incident" was declared on the beach as a "standby measure"- which Dorset Council later said was because of an increase in people visiting hospital A&E departments and gridlocked traffic stopping ambulances getting through.
And Sam Crowe, the council's director of public health, said he was concerned about the risk of coronavirus being transmitted in enclosed environments, such as trains, as visitors travelled to the county.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ian Girling partly blamed the scenes on "a worrying lack clarity from the government" and called for "stronger messaging" ahead of 4 July, when pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen.
He said: "It would have been common sense to ask people to remain in their home counties while we recover from the crisis and to give places like Dorset time to prepare to welcome visitors back."
Environment Secretary George Eustice told BBC Breakfast people had "generally" observed current social distancing rules - keeping 2m apart from other households - and forcing beaches to close would not be the first course of action. But he said: "We just have to recognise yesterday was the hottest day of the year, incredibly hot, a lot of people had the same idea, they all went to the beach, and yes of course those scenes at Bournemouth are a matter for concern."
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53190209
The Viper
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Second UK lockdown not needed, says former adviser behind lockdown
Prof Neil Ferguson, a former UK government adviser whose advice led to the decision to go into lockdown, has said he does not believe a second national lockdown would be necessary.
Instead, he said he would expect to see "targeted" restrictions to contain outbreaks. He also said the easing of restrictions needed to be monitored "very closely".
The UK should "be prepared to row back a bit if we start seeing increases in case numbers," he told BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking programme.
The next series of measures to ease the lockdown will take place in England on 4 July, when the two-metre (6ft) social-distancing rule will be reduced to "one metre plus".
Prof Ferguson said he "did not disagree" with the policy changes announced this week and did not expect to see "very large growth of cases across the country" as a result.
"What I do expect to see, depending on how sensible people are, how much they judge the risks themselves and reduce those risks, is clusters of cases," he said.
But he added he believed there would be "a bigger potential risk of more widespread community transmission" as the UK goes into autumn and winter.
Prof Neil Ferguson, a former UK government adviser whose advice led to the decision to go into lockdown, has said he does not believe a second national lockdown would be necessary.
Instead, he said he would expect to see "targeted" restrictions to contain outbreaks. He also said the easing of restrictions needed to be monitored "very closely".
The UK should "be prepared to row back a bit if we start seeing increases in case numbers," he told BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking programme.
The next series of measures to ease the lockdown will take place in England on 4 July, when the two-metre (6ft) social-distancing rule will be reduced to "one metre plus".
Prof Ferguson said he "did not disagree" with the policy changes announced this week and did not expect to see "very large growth of cases across the country" as a result.
"What I do expect to see, depending on how sensible people are, how much they judge the risks themselves and reduce those risks, is clusters of cases," he said.
But he added he believed there would be "a bigger potential risk of more widespread community transmission" as the UK goes into autumn and winter.
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Coronavirus: UK to open up European holidays from 6 July
Blanket restrictions on non-essential overseas travel will be relaxed in the UK from 6 July, ministers have said.
Holidaymakers are expected to be allowed to travel to certain European countries without having to spend 14 days in quarantine when they return.
They are thought to include Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Turkey, Germany and Norway - but not Portugal or Sweden.
The full list of travel corridors with the UK will be published next week.
A government spokesman said the new rules would give people "the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad" while also boosting the UK economy - but stressed the relaxation depended on risks staying low.
A traffic light system will be introduced - with countries classified as green, amber and red depending on the prevalence of coronavirus. The UK is likely to discuss arrangements with countries over the coming days.
The government said it "wouldn't hesitate to put on the brakes" if the situation changes.
Meanwhile, ministers in Scotland have said that a decision has not yet been taken to ease restrictions on holiday travel. Rules on travel and health are devolved to the Scottish government.
Portugal has seen a rise in the number of new cases in and around Lisbon recently, while Sweden is also unlikely to be on the list because the infection rate there is higher than in the UK. They are both likely to be classified as red.
But the government spokesman conceded there would be nothing to stop someone avoiding quarantine by flying into a Spanish airport, driving over the border into Portugal for their holiday and returning by the same route.
UK travellers will still have to hand over the address they plan to stay at on their return from abroad, no matter which country they are coming back from. And they will also be legally required to wear face coverings on planes and ferries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53199089
Blanket restrictions on non-essential overseas travel will be relaxed in the UK from 6 July, ministers have said.
Holidaymakers are expected to be allowed to travel to certain European countries without having to spend 14 days in quarantine when they return.
They are thought to include Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Turkey, Germany and Norway - but not Portugal or Sweden.
The full list of travel corridors with the UK will be published next week.
A government spokesman said the new rules would give people "the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad" while also boosting the UK economy - but stressed the relaxation depended on risks staying low.
A traffic light system will be introduced - with countries classified as green, amber and red depending on the prevalence of coronavirus. The UK is likely to discuss arrangements with countries over the coming days.
The government said it "wouldn't hesitate to put on the brakes" if the situation changes.
Meanwhile, ministers in Scotland have said that a decision has not yet been taken to ease restrictions on holiday travel. Rules on travel and health are devolved to the Scottish government.
Portugal has seen a rise in the number of new cases in and around Lisbon recently, while Sweden is also unlikely to be on the list because the infection rate there is higher than in the UK. They are both likely to be classified as red.
But the government spokesman conceded there would be nothing to stop someone avoiding quarantine by flying into a Spanish airport, driving over the border into Portugal for their holiday and returning by the same route.
UK travellers will still have to hand over the address they plan to stay at on their return from abroad, no matter which country they are coming back from. And they will also be legally required to wear face coverings on planes and ferries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53199089
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What's happening in the UK?
There's been plenty of reaction to the announcement that blanket restrictions on non-essential overseas travel will be relaxed from 6 July
The Scottish government says it's "disappointing" there were no talks between the four UK nations before the move - while Portugal continues to fight for a place on the list of countries that UK tourists wil be able to travel to without quarantining
Elsewhere, Liverpool FC has condemned "wholly unacceptable" behaviour of some fans who gathered in the city to celebrate the Premier League title win, despite lockdown restrictions
Police say they're "building relationships" with communities after more illegal street parties were held in London. Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick says her force has a "duty" to stop unlawful music events during lockdown
And the Red Arrows have performed a flypast over Scarborough to mark Armed Forces Day - while many other celebrations have been moved online due to the pandemic
There's been plenty of reaction to the announcement that blanket restrictions on non-essential overseas travel will be relaxed from 6 July
The Scottish government says it's "disappointing" there were no talks between the four UK nations before the move - while Portugal continues to fight for a place on the list of countries that UK tourists wil be able to travel to without quarantining
Elsewhere, Liverpool FC has condemned "wholly unacceptable" behaviour of some fans who gathered in the city to celebrate the Premier League title win, despite lockdown restrictions
Police say they're "building relationships" with communities after more illegal street parties were held in London. Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick says her force has a "duty" to stop unlawful music events during lockdown
And the Red Arrows have performed a flypast over Scarborough to mark Armed Forces Day - while many other celebrations have been moved online due to the pandemic
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No coronavirus patients in intensive care in N Ireland
Northern Ireland has recorded one further Covid-19-related death since Friday.
There are now no coronavirus patients remaining in intensive care in Northern Ireland; 21 patients with the virus are still in hospital. There have now been 549 deaths in total.
Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland recorded no new deaths, for a second consecutive day. It means the number of deaths in Scotland, of people who tested positive for coronavirus, remains at 2,842.
Public Health Wales has reported five deaths from coronavirus in the past 24 hours. It brings the total number of deaths in Wales, who tested positive for coronavirus, to 1,502.
And in England, a further 78 people, who tested positive for coronavirus, have died in hospital - bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,635.
The total number of deaths in the four nations differs from the UK total, due to be released shortly by the Department for Health, as different methods are used to record the figures.
Northern Ireland has recorded one further Covid-19-related death since Friday.
There are now no coronavirus patients remaining in intensive care in Northern Ireland; 21 patients with the virus are still in hospital. There have now been 549 deaths in total.
Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland recorded no new deaths, for a second consecutive day. It means the number of deaths in Scotland, of people who tested positive for coronavirus, remains at 2,842.
Public Health Wales has reported five deaths from coronavirus in the past 24 hours. It brings the total number of deaths in Wales, who tested positive for coronavirus, to 1,502.
And in England, a further 78 people, who tested positive for coronavirus, have died in hospital - bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals to 28,635.
The total number of deaths in the four nations differs from the UK total, due to be released shortly by the Department for Health, as different methods are used to record the figures.
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Today’s coronavirus figures in the UK have just been released.
The Department of Health and Social Care has recorded 890 new cases since yesterday’s count, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 310,250.
There have been 100 deaths recorded amongst people who have tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday, taking the total number of deaths across all settings (i.e. in the community and care homes as well as hospitals) to 43,514.
==
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 27 June, there have been 9,067,577 tests, with 155,359 tests on 26 June. <br><br>310,250 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 26 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,514 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br> <a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/nCI5JZNMkj">pic.twitter.com/nCI5JZNMkj</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276890497215332355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Department of Health and Social Care has recorded 890 new cases since yesterday’s count, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 310,250.
There have been 100 deaths recorded amongst people who have tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday, taking the total number of deaths across all settings (i.e. in the community and care homes as well as hospitals) to 43,514.
==
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 27 June, there have been 9,067,577 tests, with 155,359 tests on 26 June. <br><br>310,250 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 26 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,514 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/nCI5JZNMkj">pic.twitter.com/nCI5JZNMkj</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276890497215332355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Today’s coronavirus figures in the UK have just been released.
The Department of Health and Social Care has recorded 890 new cases since yesterday’s count, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 310,250.
There have been 100 deaths recorded amongst people who have tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday, taking the total number of deaths across all settings (i.e. in the community and care homes as well as hospitals) to 43,514.
==
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 27 June, there have been 9,067,577 tests, with 155,359 tests on 26 June. <br><br>310,250 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 26 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,514 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br> <a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/nCI5JZNMkj">pic.twitter.com/nCI5JZNMkj</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276890497215332355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Department of Health and Social Care has recorded 890 new cases since yesterday’s count, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 310,250.
There have been 100 deaths recorded amongst people who have tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday, taking the total number of deaths across all settings (i.e. in the community and care homes as well as hospitals) to 43,514.
==
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 27 June, there have been 9,067,577 tests, with 155,359 tests on 26 June. <br><br>310,250 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 26 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,514 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/nCI5JZNMkj">pic.twitter.com/nCI5JZNMkj</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1276890497215332355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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UK considers locking down Leicester after COVID-19 spike
The British government is considering imposing a lockdown in the city of Leicester after a surge of coronavirus cases there, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is examining legislation required for the shutdown after it was disclosed that Leicester, a city of around 350,000 people in the East Midlands, has had more than 650 new COVID-19 cases in the two weeks to June 16, the newspaper was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
As of Sunday, the UK has close to 312,000 cases, with at least 43,600 deaths
The British government is considering imposing a lockdown in the city of Leicester after a surge of coronavirus cases there, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is examining legislation required for the shutdown after it was disclosed that Leicester, a city of around 350,000 people in the East Midlands, has had more than 650 new COVID-19 cases in the two weeks to June 16, the newspaper was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
As of Sunday, the UK has close to 312,000 cases, with at least 43,600 deaths
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UK 'on a knife edge' in bid to manage coronavirus
The UK is on a "knife edge" and facing an "absolutely critical" few months in tackling the virus, a government scientific adviser has warned.
Wellcome Trust director Sir Jeremy Farrar, who is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the UK - and particularly England - faced a "very precarious" situation and he "would anticipate" a rise in cases.
He warned people to still be "really cautious, particularly around any events indoors" ahead of the scheduled reopening of pubs and restaurants in England next weekend.
He said that "the virus has not disappeared" and that the next three months were "absolutely critical".
He said that having a low number of cases going into winter would mean "you're in a good position" allowing for localised lockdowns which could help "prevent the national catastrophe that happened in March and April".
The UK is on a "knife edge" and facing an "absolutely critical" few months in tackling the virus, a government scientific adviser has warned.
Wellcome Trust director Sir Jeremy Farrar, who is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the UK - and particularly England - faced a "very precarious" situation and he "would anticipate" a rise in cases.
He warned people to still be "really cautious, particularly around any events indoors" ahead of the scheduled reopening of pubs and restaurants in England next weekend.
He said that "the virus has not disappeared" and that the next three months were "absolutely critical".
He said that having a low number of cases going into winter would mean "you're in a good position" allowing for localised lockdowns which could help "prevent the national catastrophe that happened in March and April".
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BREAKING: UK death toll up by 36; Scotland reports no new deaths
A further 36 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK, latest government figures show.
It brings the total number of recorded deaths - in all settings - to 43,550.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 28 June, there have been 9,195,132 tests, with 127,709 tests on 27 June. <br><br>311,151 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 27 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,550 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8">https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8</a> <a href="https://t.co/Weexym5Jge">pic.twitter.com/Weexym5Jge</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1277242432510406656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Figures have also been released for the UK nations.
The figures - which are collated differently to the UK-wide numbers - show:
- In Wales, two more people have died with the virus, taking the Public Health Wales total to 1,504.
- One more person with Covid-19 has died in Northern Ireland, where the death toll now stands at 550.
- And for the third day in a row, Scotland has not recorded any new deaths among those who have tested positive for the virus.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she feels an "enormous" relief at seeing the death toll not increase. The current tally remains at 2,482.
A further 36 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK, latest government figures show.
It brings the total number of recorded deaths - in all settings - to 43,550.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 28 June, there have been 9,195,132 tests, with 127,709 tests on 27 June. <br><br>311,151 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 27 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,550 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8">https://t.co/r2YbE2e3O8</a> <a href="https://t.co/Weexym5Jge">pic.twitter.com/Weexym5Jge</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1277242432510406656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Figures have also been released for the UK nations.
The figures - which are collated differently to the UK-wide numbers - show:
- In Wales, two more people have died with the virus, taking the Public Health Wales total to 1,504.
- One more person with Covid-19 has died in Northern Ireland, where the death toll now stands at 550.
- And for the third day in a row, Scotland has not recorded any new deaths among those who have tested positive for the virus.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she feels an "enormous" relief at seeing the death toll not increase. The current tally remains at 2,482.
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UK death toll up 36 to 43,550 fatalities
Britain's death toll from confirmed cases of the coronavirus has risen to 43,550, an increase of 36 from a day earlier, government figures showed.
Britain's death toll from confirmed cases of the coronavirus has risen to 43,550, an increase of 36 from a day earlier, government figures showed.
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- Joined
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- Runs
- 218,058
Pubs and restaurants in Leicester may stay closed for two more weeks due to a surge in coronavirus cases, the city's mayor has said
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said an economic effort like the one enacted by former US president Franklin D Roosevelt in his New Deal out of the great depression was now needed
Two households in Wales will be able to form one "extended household" and meet indoors from next Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced
There will be a return of full class sizes for primary and secondary schools in September in England, five days a week, the education secretary has confirmed. Elsewhere, some pupils are starting to return to schools in Wales for the first time since March
Funding of £1bn for 50 major school building projects in England is being promised by the prime minister
The number of mobile Covid-19 testing units in the UK will more than double over coming weeks, with the military earmarked to staff many facilities
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said an economic effort like the one enacted by former US president Franklin D Roosevelt in his New Deal out of the great depression was now needed
Two households in Wales will be able to form one "extended household" and meet indoors from next Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced
There will be a return of full class sizes for primary and secondary schools in September in England, five days a week, the education secretary has confirmed. Elsewhere, some pupils are starting to return to schools in Wales for the first time since March
Funding of £1bn for 50 major school building projects in England is being promised by the prime minister
The number of mobile Covid-19 testing units in the UK will more than double over coming weeks, with the military earmarked to staff many facilities
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Latest figures for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland has recorded no new deaths from people who have tested positive for coronavirus for a fourth consecutive day, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
She said the "recent figures demonstrate, beyond any doubt, how much progress Scotland has made in tackling Covid and that is down to the efforts and sacrifices of everyone across the country."
The death toll for those who have tested positive for Covid-19 remains at 2,482.
Elsewhere, a further 19 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,672, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 60 and 96 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
In Wales, a further three people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,507.
One additional death involving Covid-19 has been reported in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said, bringing the total there to 551.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released by the UK government later today.
Scotland has recorded no new deaths from people who have tested positive for coronavirus for a fourth consecutive day, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
She said the "recent figures demonstrate, beyond any doubt, how much progress Scotland has made in tackling Covid and that is down to the efforts and sacrifices of everyone across the country."
The death toll for those who have tested positive for Covid-19 remains at 2,482.
Elsewhere, a further 19 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,672, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 60 and 96 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
In Wales, a further three people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,507.
One additional death involving Covid-19 has been reported in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said, bringing the total there to 551.
Separate UK-wide figures will be released by the UK government later today.
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BREAKING: UK reports 25 further deaths
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 29 June, there have been 9,290,215 tests, with 93,881 tests on 28 June. <br><br>311,965 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 28 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,575 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br> <a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/V9wtvmStcT">pic.twitter.com/V9wtvmStcT</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1277599474047647745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As of 9am 29 June, there have been 9,290,215 tests, with 93,881 tests on 28 June. <br><br>311,965 people have tested positive. <br><br>As of 5pm on 28 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 43,575 have sadly died.<br><br>More info:<br>
<a href="https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k">https://t.co/xXnL3FU15k</a> <a href="https://t.co/V9wtvmStcT">pic.twitter.com/V9wtvmStcT</a></p>— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1277599474047647745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Abdullah719
T20I Captain
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Pubs and restaurants in Leicester may stay closed for two more weeks due to a surge in coronavirus cases, the city's mayor has said.
Sir Peter Soulsby said the government had recommended current restrictions are maintained for a further fortnight.
Sir Peter Soulsby said the government had recommended current restrictions are maintained for a further fortnight.
Leicester will keep coronavirus restrictions in place as part of the UK's first localised lockdown.
Non-essential shops will shut again tomorrow and schools will close from Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this evening.
People living in Leicester are being urged to "stay at home as much as they can" and the nationwide easing of lockdown planned for 4 July does not apply to them, he said.
Non-essential shops will shut again tomorrow and schools will close from Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this evening.
People living in Leicester are being urged to "stay at home as much as they can" and the nationwide easing of lockdown planned for 4 July does not apply to them, he said.
Rana
Hall of Famer
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Worst Government in UK history. Let’s see them try this in Areas of BAME populations in london.
As someone who has missed three months of tattoo appointments can’t for the life of me work out why hairdressers are fine but not tattooists ...or pubs and not gyms etc...
All looks pretty ominous for the future ...
Furloughs costing £14 billion a week...OBR says job retention schemes are likely to cost £123 billion in total ...
Estimates are that covid in total will cost as high as £298 billion ...workers, business, the NHS are all receiving money during this period...
Total spending last year was £848 billion....for social protection, health, pensions, education etc...so that covid cost is a shedload ...
And this when there is less taxable income with furloughs and people losing their jobs, and also significantly less spending ...
Which is why there was £55 billion borrowed in May alone...
Increasing taxes isn’t a great move cos it will effect spending ...
Pensions despite being such a huge expense won’t be touched by any government cos of the identity of the electorate...
So one wonders where the eventual cuts are going to come ...
All looks pretty ominous for the future ...
Furloughs costing £14 billion a week...OBR says job retention schemes are likely to cost £123 billion in total ...
Estimates are that covid in total will cost as high as £298 billion ...workers, business, the NHS are all receiving money during this period...
Total spending last year was £848 billion....for social protection, health, pensions, education etc...so that covid cost is a shedload ...
And this when there is less taxable income with furloughs and people losing their jobs, and also significantly less spending ...
Which is why there was £55 billion borrowed in May alone...
Increasing taxes isn’t a great move cos it will effect spending ...
Pensions despite being such a huge expense won’t be touched by any government cos of the identity of the electorate...
So one wonders where the eventual cuts are going to come ...
The Viper
T20I Debutant
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- Sep 19, 2018
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PM Johnson's answer to COVID-19 downturn: 'Build, build, build'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out his plan to spend the British economy out of its coronavirus-induced crisis, with a speech on Tuesday promising to fast-track 5 billion pounds of infrastructure investment.
Britain shut down swathes of its economy for nearly three months when COVID-19 threatened to run out of control, forcing the government to borrow tens of billions of pounds to keep companies afloat and limit job losses.
Now, as business gradually restarts, Johnson is looking to move past critical analysis of his government’s handling of the pandemic by spelling out his plan to repair the economic damage and reshape the country.
“This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country’s great unresolved challenges of the last three decades,” Johnson will say in a speech.
He will draw comparisons between his ambition and Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programme of the 1930s, which included a raft of job-creating public works projects to help the United States recover from the Great Depression.
However, Britain’s recent history shows that infrastructure spending is difficult to deliver.
A new underground train line in central London is over budget and late, as is a north-south high speed rail link, and after decades of discussing airport expansion at London Heathrow, the project remains mired in legal challenges.
The speech will announce that 5 billion pounds of investment in hospitals, schools, roads, and other projects will be accelerated to support jobs and fuel an “infrastructure revolution”.
It is unclear if any new money is being committed, with finance minister Rishi Sunak to set out more details next week.
Johnson has vowed not to repeat the actions of previous Conservative-led governments who responded to the 2007-2009 financial crisis by cutting spending on public services to prioritise fiscal balance and debt reduction.
He was elected by a landslide in 2019 before the coronavirus struck, on a pledge to address imbalances across Britain and spend more on health, education and policing, testing the limits of his party’s reputation for budgetary prudence.
Despite the crisis blowing an estimated 300 billion pound hole in any fiscal plans he had, Johnson is keen to show he is not backtracking.
“We will build build build,” he will say according to extracts released by his office. “Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...downturn-build-build-build-idUKKBN2402YD?il=0
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out his plan to spend the British economy out of its coronavirus-induced crisis, with a speech on Tuesday promising to fast-track 5 billion pounds of infrastructure investment.
Britain shut down swathes of its economy for nearly three months when COVID-19 threatened to run out of control, forcing the government to borrow tens of billions of pounds to keep companies afloat and limit job losses.
Now, as business gradually restarts, Johnson is looking to move past critical analysis of his government’s handling of the pandemic by spelling out his plan to repair the economic damage and reshape the country.
“This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country’s great unresolved challenges of the last three decades,” Johnson will say in a speech.
He will draw comparisons between his ambition and Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programme of the 1930s, which included a raft of job-creating public works projects to help the United States recover from the Great Depression.
However, Britain’s recent history shows that infrastructure spending is difficult to deliver.
A new underground train line in central London is over budget and late, as is a north-south high speed rail link, and after decades of discussing airport expansion at London Heathrow, the project remains mired in legal challenges.
The speech will announce that 5 billion pounds of investment in hospitals, schools, roads, and other projects will be accelerated to support jobs and fuel an “infrastructure revolution”.
It is unclear if any new money is being committed, with finance minister Rishi Sunak to set out more details next week.
Johnson has vowed not to repeat the actions of previous Conservative-led governments who responded to the 2007-2009 financial crisis by cutting spending on public services to prioritise fiscal balance and debt reduction.
He was elected by a landslide in 2019 before the coronavirus struck, on a pledge to address imbalances across Britain and spend more on health, education and policing, testing the limits of his party’s reputation for budgetary prudence.
Despite the crisis blowing an estimated 300 billion pound hole in any fiscal plans he had, Johnson is keen to show he is not backtracking.
“We will build build build,” he will say according to extracts released by his office. “Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires.”
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...downturn-build-build-build-idUKKBN2402YD?il=0
ElRaja
ODI Debutant
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- Oct 7, 2010
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- 10,497
so about 15 miles of hs2?
Last edited:
That's going to barely used, with much of the professional populace working from home!!
What a disaster of a project
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- 218,058
Leicester has become the first place in the UK to have tighter lockdown measures reimposed because of a rise in coronavirus cases in the city.
Non-essential shops are to close from today and schools will be closed to most pupils from Thursday.
The reopening of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers - due to take effect across the rest of England from Saturday - will not happen in the city and in surrounding areas.
Leicester City Council said the new "stricter lockdown restrictions" would be in place for "at least two weeks".
Our political editor Laura Kuenssberg says the move is "a reminder that the risk to our health from the coronavirus crisis is neither gone, nor forgotten".
Non-essential shops are to close from today and schools will be closed to most pupils from Thursday.
The reopening of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers - due to take effect across the rest of England from Saturday - will not happen in the city and in surrounding areas.
Leicester City Council said the new "stricter lockdown restrictions" would be in place for "at least two weeks".
Our political editor Laura Kuenssberg says the move is "a reminder that the risk to our health from the coronavirus crisis is neither gone, nor forgotten".
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Ministers will change the law in order to enforce the local coronavirus lockdown in Leicester, the health secretary has told Sky News.
"We will be bringing forward a legal change very shortly in the next couple of days," Matt Hancock said.
"Some of the measures that we've unfortunately had to take in Leicester will require a legal underpinning."
Non-essential shops will shut again tomorrow and schools will close from Thursday
Leicester gets UK's first local lockdown
Mr Hancock said that "in some cases" the lockdown will be enforced by the police, with legal changes brought in to ensure non-essential retail is no longer open.
The city is reimposing COVID-19 restrictions following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
A total of 10% of all positive cases in the country in the past week have come in the East Midlands city, which means the easing of lockdown across England on Saturday will not take place in Leicester.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain shut, with people advised against all but essential travel.
Asked how people would be stopped from travelling outside the city, the health secretary replied: "We're recommending against all but essential travel both to and from and within Leicester, and as we saw during the peak, the vast majority of people will abide by these rules.
"Of course we will take further action including putting in place laws if that is necessary but I very much hope it won't be."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has talked of a "whack-a-mole" strategy for tackling local outbreaks of the virus.
"The strategy is to allow for the opening up of the rest of the country, giving people their freedoms back where it is safe to do so," Mr Hancock said.
"But we also need alongside that to take local action where there is a specific flare-up."
He said there had been "a number of positive cases in the under-18s" detected through coronavirus testing in Leicester.
"That's why we took the decision, with a heavy heart it has to be said, to close schools in Leicester and in Leicestershire, within the Leicester conurbation."
Speaking to Sky News, Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he has yet to be told what the boundaries of the lockdown will be.
"As yet, the government hasn't actually announced what it accepts to be the boundary of this lockdown," he said.
"Actually policing it is going to be something of a challenge until we know actually what the area is to be policed."
He added: "Whether it's a blue line on a map or a radius from the clock tower right at the heart of the city, I think we all need to know. As yet, we don't."
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, the health secretary said Leicester and the surrounding conurbation including Oadby, Birstall and Glenfield would be included.
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...ockdown-in-leicester-health-sec-says-12017819
"We will be bringing forward a legal change very shortly in the next couple of days," Matt Hancock said.
"Some of the measures that we've unfortunately had to take in Leicester will require a legal underpinning."
Non-essential shops will shut again tomorrow and schools will close from Thursday
Leicester gets UK's first local lockdown
Mr Hancock said that "in some cases" the lockdown will be enforced by the police, with legal changes brought in to ensure non-essential retail is no longer open.
The city is reimposing COVID-19 restrictions following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
A total of 10% of all positive cases in the country in the past week have come in the East Midlands city, which means the easing of lockdown across England on Saturday will not take place in Leicester.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain shut, with people advised against all but essential travel.
Asked how people would be stopped from travelling outside the city, the health secretary replied: "We're recommending against all but essential travel both to and from and within Leicester, and as we saw during the peak, the vast majority of people will abide by these rules.
"Of course we will take further action including putting in place laws if that is necessary but I very much hope it won't be."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has talked of a "whack-a-mole" strategy for tackling local outbreaks of the virus.
"The strategy is to allow for the opening up of the rest of the country, giving people their freedoms back where it is safe to do so," Mr Hancock said.
"But we also need alongside that to take local action where there is a specific flare-up."
He said there had been "a number of positive cases in the under-18s" detected through coronavirus testing in Leicester.
"That's why we took the decision, with a heavy heart it has to be said, to close schools in Leicester and in Leicestershire, within the Leicester conurbation."
Speaking to Sky News, Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he has yet to be told what the boundaries of the lockdown will be.
"As yet, the government hasn't actually announced what it accepts to be the boundary of this lockdown," he said.
"Actually policing it is going to be something of a challenge until we know actually what the area is to be policed."
He added: "Whether it's a blue line on a map or a radius from the clock tower right at the heart of the city, I think we all need to know. As yet, we don't."
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, the health secretary said Leicester and the surrounding conurbation including Oadby, Birstall and Glenfield would be included.
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...ockdown-in-leicester-health-sec-says-12017819
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Death rate back to normal in the UK
The number of deaths in the UK returned to normal in the week of 19 of June.
There were 10,681 deaths across the UK, eight fewer the five-year-average for that week.
There were 849 Covid-19 registered deaths, which was the lowest since the first week of lockdown.
The number of deaths in the UK returned to normal in the week of 19 of June.
There were 10,681 deaths across the UK, eight fewer the five-year-average for that week.
There were 849 Covid-19 registered deaths, which was the lowest since the first week of lockdown.
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