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UK coronavirus live: anti-racism protesters urged to be 'very careful' to prevent spread of infection - latest updates UK coronavirus live: hundreds gather for London anti-racism protest amid health warning - latest updates
(32 minutes later)
News updates on Covid-19 in the UK as NHS bosses complain they were left ‘completely in the dark’ over the updated rulesNews updates on Covid-19 in the UK as NHS bosses complain they were left ‘completely in the dark’ over the updated rules
Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster for an anti-racism rally, which began at 1pm.
A group of drummers is playing for the crowds, many of whom are carrying placards and dancing in time with the beat.
Streams of demonstrators continue to cross Westminster Bridge to join the protest despite the rainy conditions.
The majority of the demonstrators are wearing masks and face coverings, with some also opting for gloves.
Placards carried by demonstrators reference the coronavirus crisis, with one that says:
Protesters were reminded to try and keep a two metre distance from others where possible and to be mindful of the pandemic.
Last night the home secretary Priti Patel appealed to people:
While lockdown is eased for shops and beaches from 15 June, zoos are struggling to stay afloat after being told they must remain closed “indefinitely”, Helen Pidd reports.While lockdown is eased for shops and beaches from 15 June, zoos are struggling to stay afloat after being told they must remain closed “indefinitely”, Helen Pidd reports.
This was despite the fact that zoo chiefs across the UK insist they are able to make their attractions – which are huge outdoor spaces – far more “Covid-secure” than non-essential shops. This was despite the fact that zoo chiefs across the UK insist they are able to make their attractions, which are huge outdoor spaces, far more “Covid-secure” than non-essential shops.
With revenue from visitors making up 97% of the Chester Zoo’s income and running costs of £1.6m a month, its chief operating officer says the long period of closure is having a “devastating impact” and the zoo may never reopen its doors again.With revenue from visitors making up 97% of the Chester Zoo’s income and running costs of £1.6m a month, its chief operating officer says the long period of closure is having a “devastating impact” and the zoo may never reopen its doors again.
The Welsh Mountain zoo, Wales’ national zoo, has also been “haemorrhaging” funds. It would have made at least £500,000 in the past two months, and that even with closed doors and staff furloughed, a zoo is a very expensive endeavour. It’s director of operations and administration said:The Welsh Mountain zoo, Wales’ national zoo, has also been “haemorrhaging” funds. It would have made at least £500,000 in the past two months, and that even with closed doors and staff furloughed, a zoo is a very expensive endeavour. It’s director of operations and administration said:
More schools have shelved plans to reopen on Monday, after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the north-west of England.More schools have shelved plans to reopen on Monday, after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the north-west of England.
Health officials at Blackburn and Darwen council, which runs 85 schools in Lancashire, reportedly emailed local schools on Friday evening advising them not to reopen to more pupils on Monday morning.Health officials at Blackburn and Darwen council, which runs 85 schools in Lancashire, reportedly emailed local schools on Friday evening advising them not to reopen to more pupils on Monday morning.
The same advice has been given by officials in Tameside, Greater Manchester (see 10.46am.).The same advice has been given by officials in Tameside, Greater Manchester (see 10.46am.).
It comes after new data showed the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than the crucial threshold of 1, in the north-west region.It comes after new data showed the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than the crucial threshold of 1, in the north-west region.
The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person. If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person. If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.
A street market which has been operating for more than 600 years has reopened more than two months after closing in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.A street market which has been operating for more than 600 years has reopened more than two months after closing in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Traders at the Saturday market in Lymington, Hampshire, last sold their wares on 21 March.Traders at the Saturday market in Lymington, Hampshire, last sold their wares on 21 March.
Lymington and Pennington town council, which runs the market, gave them the go-ahead to set up stalls again on Saturday.Lymington and Pennington town council, which runs the market, gave them the go-ahead to set up stalls again on Saturday.
Fewer stalls than usual were open, while customers were urged to stay apart when queuing and to sanitise their hands.Fewer stalls than usual were open, while customers were urged to stay apart when queuing and to sanitise their hands.
The Duke of Cambridge has revealed that he secretly worked on a crisis helpline.The Duke of Cambridge has revealed that he secretly worked on a crisis helpline.
The duke said he had been working as a volunteer supporting people contacting a crisis helpline developed by his Royal Foundation.The duke said he had been working as a volunteer supporting people contacting a crisis helpline developed by his Royal Foundation.
William’s work with Shout 85258 – a round-the-clock text messaging helpline – was announced to mark Volunteers Week.William’s work with Shout 85258 – a round-the-clock text messaging helpline – was announced to mark Volunteers Week.
Last month, the duke and duchess marked the service’s first anniversary by speaking to some of its volunteers via video call, and William said: “I’m going to share a little secret with you guys, but I’m actually on the platform volunteering.”Last month, the duke and duchess marked the service’s first anniversary by speaking to some of its volunteers via video call, and William said: “I’m going to share a little secret with you guys, but I’m actually on the platform volunteering.”
His wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, has also taken part in “check in and chat” calls with those self-isolating or vulnerable as part of the Royal Voluntary Service’s NHS Volunteer Responders scheme.His wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, has also taken part in “check in and chat” calls with those self-isolating or vulnerable as part of the Royal Voluntary Service’s NHS Volunteer Responders scheme.
The government is understood to be on track to meet its 6 June care home coronavirus test target, despite a survey finding some had not received testing kits.The government is understood to be on track to meet its 6 June care home coronavirus test target, despite a survey finding some had not received testing kits.
More than a tenth of homes surveyed by the National Care Forum (NCF), which represents 120 not-for-profit care organisations, reported they had not received testing kits at the start of the week, according to PA Media.More than a tenth of homes surveyed by the National Care Forum (NCF), which represents 120 not-for-profit care organisations, reported they had not received testing kits at the start of the week, according to PA Media.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) believes it is on track to have offered testing to all care homes with residents over 65 in England by Saturday, it is understood.However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) believes it is on track to have offered testing to all care homes with residents over 65 in England by Saturday, it is understood.
The DHSC is expected to announce whether it has hit its target in the coming days.The DHSC is expected to announce whether it has hit its target in the coming days.
A letter from the DHSC sent to care providers on Friday revealed plans to expand testing to all remaining adult care homes for those under the age of 65 from 7 June.A letter from the DHSC sent to care providers on Friday revealed plans to expand testing to all remaining adult care homes for those under the age of 65 from 7 June.
Tests will be available to all residents and asymptomatic staff, the letter said, adding that 919,321 testing kits had so far been provided to care homes in England and that it is able to send out 50,000 test kits a day.Tests will be available to all residents and asymptomatic staff, the letter said, adding that 919,321 testing kits had so far been provided to care homes in England and that it is able to send out 50,000 test kits a day.
“We expect these to be adult care homes catering for adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other categories for younger adults under 65 years,” the letter said.“We expect these to be adult care homes catering for adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other categories for younger adults under 65 years,” the letter said.
Responding to the announcement of expanded care home testing, the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) said it was concerned the government was “continuing to overlook” other parts of the sector, including those in supported living.Responding to the announcement of expanded care home testing, the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) said it was concerned the government was “continuing to overlook” other parts of the sector, including those in supported living.
Rhidian Hughes, VODG chief executive, said:Rhidian Hughes, VODG chief executive, said:
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced his pledge for universal care home testing on 15 May, saying “every resident and every member of staff in our elderly care homes in England” would be tested “between now and early June”.The health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced his pledge for universal care home testing on 15 May, saying “every resident and every member of staff in our elderly care homes in England” would be tested “between now and early June”.
Hello, I’m taking over briefly from my colleague Lucy Campbell.Hello, I’m taking over briefly from my colleague Lucy Campbell.
Please feel free to flag updates either via Twitter or via email.Please feel free to flag updates either via Twitter or via email.
Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan police commissioner, has told officers not to take the knee as an act of solidarity during Black Lives Matter protests in the UK, for safety reasons, and advised people to protest without gathering in large groups because of the pandemic.Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan police commissioner, has told officers not to take the knee as an act of solidarity during Black Lives Matter protests in the UK, for safety reasons, and advised people to protest without gathering in large groups because of the pandemic.
“We encourage our officers to talk to people,” Dick said during an interview on LBC, adding that a main function of the police was “to engage in a positive manner with people”. Dick said that although she understands the sentiment, “we won’t be kneeling during protests” in the UK.“We encourage our officers to talk to people,” Dick said during an interview on LBC, adding that a main function of the police was “to engage in a positive manner with people”. Dick said that although she understands the sentiment, “we won’t be kneeling during protests” in the UK.
“However heartfelt something like that might be, I don’t think it is likely to be safe,” she said.“However heartfelt something like that might be, I don’t think it is likely to be safe,” she said.
Dick said that she would ask people to share solidarity with Black Lives Matter “in any other way than gathering on the streets”.Dick said that she would ask people to share solidarity with Black Lives Matter “in any other way than gathering on the streets”.
“We are fighting a deadly virus, it can get spread in gatherings,” she added.“We are fighting a deadly virus, it can get spread in gatherings,” she added.
The government should halve the 2-metre social distancing rule if businesses in the hospitality industry are to survive when they finally reopen, trade organisations have warned.The government should halve the 2-metre social distancing rule if businesses in the hospitality industry are to survive when they finally reopen, trade organisations have warned.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and UK Hospitality fear that many venues such as pubs and restaurants will not be able to make enough money if the rule, which restricts customer numbers, stays in place.The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and UK Hospitality fear that many venues such as pubs and restaurants will not be able to make enough money if the rule, which restricts customer numbers, stays in place.
The BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said:The BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said:
The UK Hospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:The UK Hospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
Added support through grants, loans or VAT cuts may be needed, it has been suggested.Added support through grants, loans or VAT cuts may be needed, it has been suggested.
Reopening of venues is expected to begin from 4 July in England and the government is soon expected to publish its guidelines on how pubs, restaurants and hotels can begin to welcome customers again.Reopening of venues is expected to begin from 4 July in England and the government is soon expected to publish its guidelines on how pubs, restaurants and hotels can begin to welcome customers again.
Shrinking the 2-metre social distance to a 1-metre limit would boost the number of the UK’s 47,000 pubs that could safely reopen from one third to three quarters, according to the BBPA.Shrinking the 2-metre social distance to a 1-metre limit would boost the number of the UK’s 47,000 pubs that could safely reopen from one third to three quarters, according to the BBPA.
This would enable more pub staff to return to work as the government’s furlough scheme tapers off, reducing the risk of job losses.This would enable more pub staff to return to work as the government’s furlough scheme tapers off, reducing the risk of job losses.
The sector has also had to dispose of the equivalent of 70 million pints of beer that had gone stale.The sector has also had to dispose of the equivalent of 70 million pints of beer that had gone stale.
The lockdown and good weather have seen the industry count its losses with the BBPA, which tracks sales of beer in pubs and shops, estimating that a total of 745 million pints could have been sold throughout April.The lockdown and good weather have seen the industry count its losses with the BBPA, which tracks sales of beer in pubs and shops, estimating that a total of 745 million pints could have been sold throughout April.
The hot late May bank holiday weekend, when Brits may have typically flocked to their local pub beer garden to soak up the sun, could have boosted sales by up to 10 million pints. The FA Cup final alone, which was due to take place that weekend, would have contributed two million pints to the overall 10 million boost.The hot late May bank holiday weekend, when Brits may have typically flocked to their local pub beer garden to soak up the sun, could have boosted sales by up to 10 million pints. The FA Cup final alone, which was due to take place that weekend, would have contributed two million pints to the overall 10 million boost.
The calls from the hospitality sector come amid reports that Sunday trading laws could be suspended for a year under government plans to stimulate the economy amid the coronavirus crisis.The calls from the hospitality sector come amid reports that Sunday trading laws could be suspended for a year under government plans to stimulate the economy amid the coronavirus crisis.
Downing Street is said to be drawing up legislation to enable larger supermarkets to open for more than six hours on Sundays, according to the Times (paywall).Downing Street is said to be drawing up legislation to enable larger supermarkets to open for more than six hours on Sundays, according to the Times (paywall).
The paper also said cafes and pubs would be given fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside, doing away with the need for the 28-day minimum statutory consultation period.The paper also said cafes and pubs would be given fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside, doing away with the need for the 28-day minimum statutory consultation period.
This is from the Times’ Steven Swinford.This is from the Times’ Steven Swinford.
He reports that the summer recess*, and possibly conference recess, could be cut back to make up for lost time in getting Brexit and coronavirus legislation through parliament before the end of the transition period (31 December).He reports that the summer recess*, and possibly conference recess, could be cut back to make up for lost time in getting Brexit and coronavirus legislation through parliament before the end of the transition period (31 December).
*It’s worth noting that parliamentary recess is not a “holiday” for MPs; they continue working for most of it back in their constituencies, particularly on casework.*It’s worth noting that parliamentary recess is not a “holiday” for MPs; they continue working for most of it back in their constituencies, particularly on casework.
Schools are being “strongly advised” not to admit more pupils after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the north-west of England.Schools are being “strongly advised” not to admit more pupils after new data suggested coronavirus could still be spreading in the north-west of England.
Headteachers in Tameside, east of Manchester, have been told to delay the wider reopening of schools beyond the children of key workers and vulnerablepupils, planned for Monday, “until there is further assurance”, the council’s director of public health, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, said in a letter to schools.Headteachers in Tameside, east of Manchester, have been told to delay the wider reopening of schools beyond the children of key workers and vulnerablepupils, planned for Monday, “until there is further assurance”, the council’s director of public health, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, said in a letter to schools.
The north-west has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in England according to Public Health England (PHE), and data has suggested the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than 1 in the region, a crucial marker for public health.The north-west has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in England according to Public Health England (PHE), and data has suggested the reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than 1 in the region, a crucial marker for public health.
The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person. If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.The R value refers to the average number of people that will contract coronavirus from an infected person. If it is 1 or higher, the virus will spread exponentially through the population, while a value less than 1 indicates the virus is in decline.
Data from PHE released on Friday gave an R value of 1.01 for the north-west and 1.0 for the south-west, with all other regions below 1.Data from PHE released on Friday gave an R value of 1.01 for the north-west and 1.0 for the south-west, with all other regions below 1.
Other local councils in the region are understood to be monitoring the situation with Tameside postponing the reopening of schools until 22 June.Other local councils in the region are understood to be monitoring the situation with Tameside postponing the reopening of schools until 22 June.
The government has suggested a strategy of “local lockdown” measures being introduced to fight any flare-up of the virus in particular areas.The government has suggested a strategy of “local lockdown” measures being introduced to fight any flare-up of the virus in particular areas.
But Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has questioned whether such measures are workable, calling them a “recipe for chaos”.But Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has questioned whether such measures are workable, calling them a “recipe for chaos”.
Both he and the Liverpool city region metro mayor, Steve Rotheram, have questioned whether lockdown relaxation was being lifted too soon, driven from London, with the regions and the north not being listened to.Both he and the Liverpool city region metro mayor, Steve Rotheram, have questioned whether lockdown relaxation was being lifted too soon, driven from London, with the regions and the north not being listened to.
Council bosses in Liverpool and Gateshead led a northern backlash against the government announcement last month advising schools to reopen for Years 1 and 6 from 1 June.Council bosses in Liverpool and Gateshead led a northern backlash against the government announcement last month advising schools to reopen for Years 1 and 6 from 1 June.
Many councils have instead only partially reopened to pupils other than vulnerable children or those of key workers.Many councils have instead only partially reopened to pupils other than vulnerable children or those of key workers.
The health secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the Downing Street briefing on Friday, said experts on Sage believe the UK’s overall R number is below 1, but added that local lockdowns would be used when outbreaks are spotted.The health secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the Downing Street briefing on Friday, said experts on Sage believe the UK’s overall R number is below 1, but added that local lockdowns would be used when outbreaks are spotted.
He said the PHE data needed to be looked at “in the round” with other data.He said the PHE data needed to be looked at “in the round” with other data.
Hancock added:Hancock added:
The home secretary, Priti Patel, tweeted last night that people should not attend protests this weekend as coronavirus remains “a real threat” as lockdown measures as eased.The home secretary, Priti Patel, tweeted last night that people should not attend protests this weekend as coronavirus remains “a real threat” as lockdown measures as eased.
Her words echo those of Matt Hancock when he used the Downing Street news briefing to implore people to avoid large gatherings “for the safety of your loved ones”.Her words echo those of Matt Hancock when he used the Downing Street news briefing to implore people to avoid large gatherings “for the safety of your loved ones”.
Protests have been organised across the UK for Saturday and Sunday, following a week of huge, impassioned demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in police custody in the US.Protests have been organised across the UK for Saturday and Sunday, following a week of huge, impassioned demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in police custody in the US.
Police have been on alert all week and so far have largely handled the protests with a light touch, knowing any missteps could trigger a stronger reaction, making no effort to police physical distancing rules as crowds crammed together in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.Police have been on alert all week and so far have largely handled the protests with a light touch, knowing any missteps could trigger a stronger reaction, making no effort to police physical distancing rules as crowds crammed together in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
On Friday, Laurence Taylor, the deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, warned that this weekend’s demonstrations would be unlawful unless protesters respected physical distancing, but it remains unclear what this will mean in practice.On Friday, Laurence Taylor, the deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, warned that this weekend’s demonstrations would be unlawful unless protesters respected physical distancing, but it remains unclear what this will mean in practice.
People attending anti-racism protests planned across the UK this weekend should be “very careful”, wear face masks and observe social distancing rules, an infectious diseases expert has said.People attending anti-racism protests planned across the UK this weekend should be “very careful”, wear face masks and observe social distancing rules, an infectious diseases expert has said.
Prof John Edmunds, who attends meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) supporting the government, told Today:Prof John Edmunds, who attends meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) supporting the government, told Today:
He said people can transmit coronavirus before displaying symptoms, and added:He said people can transmit coronavirus before displaying symptoms, and added:
It’s a different tone to that of the health secretary, who urged the public on Friday to avoid large gatherings of more than six people, including protests, over the weekend “for the safety of your loved ones”.It’s a different tone to that of the health secretary, who urged the public on Friday to avoid large gatherings of more than six people, including protests, over the weekend “for the safety of your loved ones”.
Matt Hancock said he understood why people are appalled at the death of George Floyd but warned that coronavirus remains a “real threat” in the UK as lockdown easing measures come into effect.Matt Hancock said he understood why people are appalled at the death of George Floyd but warned that coronavirus remains a “real threat” in the UK as lockdown easing measures come into effect.
This is a really useful thread from Nick Stripe, the head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, on “non-Covid excess deaths”.This is a really useful thread from Nick Stripe, the head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, on “non-Covid excess deaths”.
One tweet reads:One tweet reads:
Stripe also highlights that the data shows very significant increases in deaths due to dementia and Alzheimer’s and for deaths due to old age and frailty. He writes:Stripe also highlights that the data shows very significant increases in deaths due to dementia and Alzheimer’s and for deaths due to old age and frailty. He writes:
I’m grateful to Andrew on Twitter for flagging this to me.I’m grateful to Andrew on Twitter for flagging this to me.
The government is under pressure to bring in tougher local lockdowns in some areas, as a new study showed the R value was rising across England and had tipped above 1 in the north-west for the first time since the peak of the pandemic.The government is under pressure to bring in tougher local lockdowns in some areas, as a new study showed the R value was rising across England and had tipped above 1 in the north-west for the first time since the peak of the pandemic.
The model, from scientists at Public Health England and the University of Cambridge, puts the R value at 1.01 for the north-west and 1 for the south-west. The north-west – including Liverpool and Manchester – is viewed as particularly concerning due to higher numbers of infections there, which would be projected to continue at the current rate.The model, from scientists at Public Health England and the University of Cambridge, puts the R value at 1.01 for the north-west and 1 for the south-west. The north-west – including Liverpool and Manchester – is viewed as particularly concerning due to higher numbers of infections there, which would be projected to continue at the current rate.
Regional leaders said they feared the prospect of a second spike in deaths and that the decision to ease lockdown based on the national picture – ignoring regional hotspots – had been a mistake.Regional leaders said they feared the prospect of a second spike in deaths and that the decision to ease lockdown based on the national picture – ignoring regional hotspots – had been a mistake.
Care home residents are being asked to pay a steep and unexpected “coronavirus bill” on top of existing fees to help social care providers stay afloat, Amelia Hill reports.Care home residents are being asked to pay a steep and unexpected “coronavirus bill” on top of existing fees to help social care providers stay afloat, Amelia Hill reports.
Some older people and their families who fund their own care home fees are being forced to pay more than £100 a week, on top of their usual care home fees, with homes saying the cost of PPE and staff absences could push their finances into the red, threatening their sustainability.Some older people and their families who fund their own care home fees are being forced to pay more than £100 a week, on top of their usual care home fees, with homes saying the cost of PPE and staff absences could push their finances into the red, threatening their sustainability.
“Older people living in care homes and their families have been through the mill these last few months,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.“Older people living in care homes and their families have been through the mill these last few months,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.
Abrahams said that central government should meet care homes’ extra costs. “Otherwise there’s a risk that some homes could fold, leaving their residents homeless,” she warned.Abrahams said that central government should meet care homes’ extra costs. “Otherwise there’s a risk that some homes could fold, leaving their residents homeless,” she warned.
Good morning. NHS trusts were not consulted or given notice on government plans for all hospital visitors and outpatients in England to be required to wear face coverings from 15 June and all hospital staff to need to wear surgical masks, the chief executive of NHS Providers has said.Good morning. NHS trusts were not consulted or given notice on government plans for all hospital visitors and outpatients in England to be required to wear face coverings from 15 June and all hospital staff to need to wear surgical masks, the chief executive of NHS Providers has said.
Chris Hopson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme they had been “left completely in the dark”. He said:Chris Hopson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme they had been “left completely in the dark”. He said:
Hopson said trust leaders were worried there was not enough strategy or planning and that it feels like “last-minute decisions are being made on the hoof that seem overly influenced by politics and also the need to fill the space at the Downing Street press conferences”.Hopson said trust leaders were worried there was not enough strategy or planning and that it feels like “last-minute decisions are being made on the hoof that seem overly influenced by politics and also the need to fill the space at the Downing Street press conferences”.
He added:He added:
Elsewhere, Sunday trading laws could be suspended for a year under government plans to stimulate the economy as lockdown measures are eased. The Times (paywall) reports that cafes and pubs could also be given fast-tracked approval to serve food and drink outside.Elsewhere, Sunday trading laws could be suspended for a year under government plans to stimulate the economy as lockdown measures are eased. The Times (paywall) reports that cafes and pubs could also be given fast-tracked approval to serve food and drink outside.
Please do feel free to get in touch throughout the day as I bring you all the latest coronavirus-related developments from the UK.Please do feel free to get in touch throughout the day as I bring you all the latest coronavirus-related developments from the UK.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_