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UK coronavirus live: government publishes list of countries whose travellers won't have to quarantine in England UK coronavirus live: government publishes list of countries whose travellers won't have to quarantine in England
(32 minutes later)
Government publishes list of 59 countries; Nicola Sturgeon attacks ministers’ ‘shambolic’ handling of air bridge plan; English pubs can open from 6am on Saturday Government publishes list of 59 countries; Sturgeon attacks ‘shambolic’ handling of air bridge plan; English pubs can open from 6am on Saturday
The publication of the full list of “travel corridors” (see 3.17pm.) came as Britain’s biggest airlines were attempting to force a judicial review of quarantine rules in the High Court.
British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet have dropped their action, reaching an agreement in principle with the government on Friday when it decided to finally publish the list of approved countries for travel.
The airlines are understood to have been assured that the government will continue to undertake country-by-country risk assessments and publish the rationale.
In a statement issued after the hearing, the airlines said:
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (Iata), the quarantine rules saw more refunds paid out than new bookings made in the weeks after its imposition on 8 June, and was as big a deterrent as an outright travel ban, in polling of passengers.
The travel and airline industry welcomed the list of exempt countries, but warned it remained in crisis, with thousands of job cuts announced even this week.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said:
The latest figures for the R value for Covid-19, and growth rates, have been released by the government.
R is the average number of people one person infects: if it rises above 1, infections could increase exponentially. Growth rates reflect the change in the number of infections each day; a growth rate of below 0 suggests the prevalence of the disease is shrinking.
Once again R for the UK is just below 1, at 0.7 to 0.9. For England alone the range is slightly different at 0.8 at 0.9.
Within England there remains regional variation in R, with London the only region where, according to the statistics, R might have edged above 1 – the range for the capital is 0.8 to 1.1.
The figures reveal that, for the UK as a whole, the growth rate per day is -6% to 0%, with the range at -5% to -2% for England alone.
But once again there are regional variations, with London and the south-west both showing ranges that span 0, at -4% to +2%, and -7% to +2% respectively.However, the number of infections also matter. If infections are widespread, a rise in R could see cases boom. But if infection levels are low, a large R may reflect a local outbreak or cluster of infections that can be more easily controlled.
Another issue is that as infections fall, it becomes harder to estimate R, meaning the range of values can become wider – a situation also seen if R is calculated for a small geographical area. Similar limitations apply to growth rates.
Prof Rowland Kao, an epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh, said:
Kao added that R would not be expected to decline unless new measures were put in place, the virus changed, or immunity was prevalent and rapidly growing.
Eligibility for the flu vaccine will be extended amid fears that an outbreak could coincide with a second surge of coronavirus cases, No 10 has confirmed.
Downing Street said on Friday that ministers were trying to secure a “significant additional supply” of vaccines, with the seasonal illness having the potential to wreak havoc because of the similarity of its symptoms with Covid-19.
Currently the flu vaccine is available for free to those deemed most at risk, including those who are pregnant, over 65, carers and primary school children.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for this to be extended to everyone over 50, warning an outbreak this winter could create a “perfect storm”.
The prime minister’s official spokesman told the lobby this afternoon:
Earlier in the day, Starmer said in an interview with Sky News that the flu vaccine must be “ramped up” and given to all over-50s, adding:
As far back as 30 April, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) recommended that ministers formed a clear plan for the upcoming flu season, including “consideration of whether to vaccinate the entire UK population”.
Not only could an outbreak coinciding with a surge of Covid-19 put an immense strain on the NHS, it could force a significant number of people into self-isolation with suspected coronavirus infections when they in fact have the flu.
The Scottish and Welsh governments have both hit out at the UK government’s “shambolic” handling of air travel and quarantine rules.
Here is a clip of Nicola Sturgeon criticising the UK government’s attempt to push forward an agreement on relaxing quarantine rules and opening air bridges between Britain and other countries.
Scotland’s first minister refused to immediately adopt proposals from UK government ministers to lift quarantine rules for travellers from Spain, Italy, France and Germany, and relax them for up to 60 others from 10 July, pending a review during the next few days.
The government has published the list of 59 countries and territories that will form travel corridors with England.The government has published the list of 59 countries and territories that will form travel corridors with England.
From 10 July, people arriving in England from these destinations by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route will not have to self-quarantine for 14 days.From 10 July, people arriving in England from these destinations by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route will not have to self-quarantine for 14 days.
But if people have been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list they will have to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since they left that country.But if people have been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list they will have to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since they left that country.
The places on the list are: The places on the travel corridor list are:
AndorraGermanyNew ZealandAntigua and BarbudaGreeceNorwayArubaGreenlandPolandAustraliaGrenadaRéunionAustriaGuadeloupeSan MarinoBahamasHong KongSerbiaBarbadosHungarySeychellesBelgiumIcelandSouth KoreaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaItalySpainCroatiaJamaicaSt BarthélemyCuraçaoJapanSt Kitts and NevisCyprusLiechtensteinSt LuciaCzech RepublicLithuaniaSt Pierre and MiquelonDenmarkLuxembourgSwitzerlandDominicaMacauTaiwanFaroe IslandsMaltaTrinidad and TobagoFijiMauritiusTurkeyFinlandMonacoVatican CityFranceNetherlandsVietnamFrench PolynesiaNew Caledonia AndorraAntigua and BarbudaArubaAustraliaAustriaBahamasBarbadosBelgiumBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaCroatiaCuracaoCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDominicaFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench PolynesiaGermanyGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeHong KongHungaryIcelandItalyJamaicaJapanLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMaltaMauritiusMonacoNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNorwayPolandReunionSan MarinoSerbiaSeychellesSouth KoreaSpainSt BarthelemySt Kitts and NevisSt LuciaSt Pierre and MiquelonSwitzerlandTaiwanTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyVatican CityVietnam
The 14 British Overseas Territories will also be exempt. The 14 British overseas territories will also be exempt.
Public Health Wales said a further two people have died in Wales after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,525. The total number of positive tests there has increased by 26 to 15,841.Public Health Wales said a further two people have died in Wales after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,525. The total number of positive tests there has increased by 26 to 15,841.
Gyms in England could be allowed to reopen “in a couple of weeks”, the prime minister has said.Gyms in England could be allowed to reopen “in a couple of weeks”, the prime minister has said.
While businesses including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from Saturday, gyms – which have been closed since the UK went into lockdown in March – have been largely left in the dark.While businesses including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from Saturday, gyms – which have been closed since the UK went into lockdown in March – have been largely left in the dark.
Speaking on LBC radio this morning, Boris Johnson also vowed to get theatres reopened as soon as possible:Speaking on LBC radio this morning, Boris Johnson also vowed to get theatres reopened as soon as possible:
The Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, has launched a scathing attack on how the UK government has handled the issue of lifting quarantine regulations.The Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, has launched a scathing attack on how the UK government has handled the issue of lifting quarantine regulations.
Drakeford said:Drakeford said:
A further 38 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, bringing the total number of confirmed hospital deaths in England to 28,832.A further 38 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, bringing the total number of confirmed hospital deaths in England to 28,832.
NHS England said the patients were aged between 33 and 96 years old. Two patients, aged 50 and 69, had no known underlying health conditions.NHS England said the patients were aged between 33 and 96 years old. Two patients, aged 50 and 69, had no known underlying health conditions.
An NHS cadet programme is being piloted to encourage thousands of young people into the healthcare workforce.An NHS cadet programme is being piloted to encourage thousands of young people into the healthcare workforce.
Teenagers aged between 14 and 18 will be given first aid and leadership training and volunteer placements within the NHS.Teenagers aged between 14 and 18 will be given first aid and leadership training and volunteer placements within the NHS.
The £6m programme, funded by the health service and St John Ambulance, aims to improve patient care while offering work experience for up to 10,000 people.The £6m programme, funded by the health service and St John Ambulance, aims to improve patient care while offering work experience for up to 10,000 people.
It is being piloted in Colchester, Hull and London and will be rolled out to Liverpool, Bradford, Hertfordshire and the Wirral in the coming months.It is being piloted in Colchester, Hull and London and will be rolled out to Liverpool, Bradford, Hertfordshire and the Wirral in the coming months.
Organisers said they were seeking people from marginalised backgrounds who may not have previously considered a career in the NHS, such as those not in employment, education or training.Organisers said they were seeking people from marginalised backgrounds who may not have previously considered a career in the NHS, such as those not in employment, education or training.
The dhief nurse for the NHS, Ruth May, said:The dhief nurse for the NHS, Ruth May, said:
Staff and residents in care homes for people over 65 or with dementia will be regularly tested for coronavirus from next week, the government has announced. Staff and residents in English care homes for people over 65 or with dementia will be regularly tested for coronavirus from next week, the government has announced.
The Department of Health and Social Care said staff would be tested weekly, while residents will receive a test every 28 days as part of the new strategy.The Department of Health and Social Care said staff would be tested weekly, while residents will receive a test every 28 days as part of the new strategy.
Care homes facing an outbreak or increased risk of flare-ups were already subject to intensive testing, it added.Care homes facing an outbreak or increased risk of flare-ups were already subject to intensive testing, it added.
The repeat testing programme will be rolled out over the next four weeks to all care homes for the elderly and for those with dementia which have registered, and will expand to the entire care home sector from August.The repeat testing programme will be rolled out over the next four weeks to all care homes for the elderly and for those with dementia which have registered, and will expand to the entire care home sector from August.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said:The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said:
The government has faced fierce criticism for failing to protect care homes from the virus during the height of the pandemic.The government has faced fierce criticism for failing to protect care homes from the virus during the height of the pandemic.
There have been 14,658 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes across England and Wales up to 19 June, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.There have been 14,658 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes across England and Wales up to 19 June, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
While pubs and bars can reopen from 6am tomorrow, an industry boss has warned they could be making financial losses “for some time” with up to 18,000 at risk of closure by the end of the year. While pubs and bars can reopen from 6am tomorrow, an industry boss has warned they could be making financial losses “for some time”, with up to 18,000 at risk of closure by the end of the year.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said the industry would need further financial support from the government to survive. She told the PA news agency: Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said the industry would need further financial support from the government to survive. She told the PA Media news agency:
McClarkin said it could take businesses more than a year to rebuild customer confidence and return to pre-coronavirus trading levels, with owners expecting “much lower” footfall initially.McClarkin said it could take businesses more than a year to rebuild customer confidence and return to pre-coronavirus trading levels, with owners expecting “much lower” footfall initially.
Due to social distancing measures, some smaller premises could be limited to having just eight customers inside, she added.Due to social distancing measures, some smaller premises could be limited to having just eight customers inside, she added.
Rachelle Stringer, licensee of The Vine in Manchester, which Downing Street used a picture of in its announcement that pubs could reopen two weeks ago, said staff were “excited” about tomorrow, “but realise there could still be some tough times ahead”. Rachelle Stringer, licensee of The Vine in Manchester, which Downing Street used a picture of in its announcement that pubs could reopen two weeks ago, said staff were excited about tomorrow, “but realise there could still be some tough times ahead”.
I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell grabs some lunch. You can get in touch with me on Twitter @amyrwalker.I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell grabs some lunch. You can get in touch with me on Twitter @amyrwalker.
Scotland’s closure-threatened theatres and live performance arts companies have been offered another £10m by the Scottish government to prevent them becoming insolvent and sacking core staff.Scotland’s closure-threatened theatres and live performance arts companies have been offered another £10m by the Scottish government to prevent them becoming insolvent and sacking core staff.
Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture secretary, said the fund will be administered by Creative Scotland and were in addition to previous emergency funding announcements. She said: Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture secretary, said the fund would be administered by Creative Scotland and was in addition to previous emergency funding announcements. She said:
Many of Scotland’s best known venues, including the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, have warned they face permanent closure, while the cancellation of this August’s festivals in Edinburgh will mean the loss of tens of millions of pounds in income.Many of Scotland’s best known venues, including the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, have warned they face permanent closure, while the cancellation of this August’s festivals in Edinburgh will mean the loss of tens of millions of pounds in income.
Many of the UK’s most prominent artists and venues have warned the UK government the arts and culture industries will be devastated without greater financial support.Many of the UK’s most prominent artists and venues have warned the UK government the arts and culture industries will be devastated without greater financial support.
Holidaymakers could risk ending up out of pocket if they start developing coronavirus symptoms just before they were due to embark on a getaway, a consumer rights expert has warned. Holidaymakers could risk ending up out of pocket if they start developing coronavirus symptoms just before they are due to embark on a getaway, a consumer rights expert has said.
Alex Neill, chief executive of consumer resolution service Resolver, told PA Media that UK tourists needed to be aware they were “taking a risk”. Alex Neill, the chief executive of the consumer resolution service Resolver, told PA Media that UK tourists needed to be aware they were “taking a risk”.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: Rory Boland, the editor of Which? Travel, said:
According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in more normal times, insurers deal with around 1,300 travel claims typically every day, and people can run up huge medical bills for conditions other than coronavirus. According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in more normal times, insurers deal with around 1,300 travel claims every day, and people can run up huge medical bills for conditions other than coronavirus.
People who are unsure what their insurance will cover should contact their insurer, as the terms of policies vary.People who are unsure what their insurance will cover should contact their insurer, as the terms of policies vary.
A spokesman for the ABI said:A spokesman for the ABI said:
A production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has announced its plans to return to the West End in October with social distancing measures in place inside the theatre.A production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has announced its plans to return to the West End in October with social distancing measures in place inside the theatre.
Live performances are currently banned in the UK, however on Thursday the culture secretary Oliver Dowden said he is working “intensively” to find ways for shows to return. Live performances are currently banned in the UK, however on Thursday the culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, said he was working “intensively” to find ways for shows to return.
While many in the theatre industry have warned that performing shows with social distancing measures in place is not financially viable, the makers of The Mousetrap insist they will be able to put on the performance for a short time.While many in the theatre industry have warned that performing shows with social distancing measures in place is not financially viable, the makers of The Mousetrap insist they will be able to put on the performance for a short time.
Adam Spiegel, The Mousetrap’s producer, said:Adam Spiegel, The Mousetrap’s producer, said:
The play is scheduled to return to St Martin’s Theatre in London on 23 October, with actors and audience members observing social distancing rules.The play is scheduled to return to St Martin’s Theatre in London on 23 October, with actors and audience members observing social distancing rules.
Up to 200 people will be able to get inside the theatre under the proposals.Up to 200 people will be able to get inside the theatre under the proposals.
Last week Dowden unveiled a five-stage plan that could see the return of live performances.Last week Dowden unveiled a five-stage plan that could see the return of live performances.
The Mousetrap would take place during stage four of the plan, which allows for performances to take place inside with a limited, socially-distanced audience.The Mousetrap would take place during stage four of the plan, which allows for performances to take place inside with a limited, socially-distanced audience.
David Starkey has resigned his honorary fellowship at a Cambridge college after he said slavery was not genocide because there are “so many damn blacks” still around.David Starkey has resigned his honorary fellowship at a Cambridge college after he said slavery was not genocide because there are “so many damn blacks” still around.
The Master of Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University contacted the Tudor historian following his racist remarks and he has now resigned from his position with immediate effect.The Master of Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University contacted the Tudor historian following his racist remarks and he has now resigned from his position with immediate effect.
Canterbury Christ Church University has also terminated Starkey’s role as visiting professor, adding that his comments are “completely unacceptable”.Canterbury Christ Church University has also terminated Starkey’s role as visiting professor, adding that his comments are “completely unacceptable”.
Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University said it will “not tolerate racism”, adding that honorary fellows are expected to uphold the college’s values. Fitzwilliam College said it would “not tolerate racism”, adding that honorary fellows were expected to uphold the college’s values.
Starkey made the remarks during an online interview with Brexit campaigner Darren Grimes for YouTube channel Reasoned UK. Starkey made the remarks during an online interview with the Brexit campaigner Darren Grimes for the YouTube channel Reasoned UK.
A Fitzwilliam College statement on Friday said:A Fitzwilliam College statement on Friday said:
They added:They added:
Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, has apologised to staff and students at the university in Kent who have been offended and upset by the “appalling” comments.Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, has apologised to staff and students at the university in Kent who have been offended and upset by the “appalling” comments.
He said:He said:
Lancaster University has also launched a review of Starkey’s status as an honorary graduate following the comments, which it called “abhorrent”.Lancaster University has also launched a review of Starkey’s status as an honorary graduate following the comments, which it called “abhorrent”.
During the interview, Starkey said:During the interview, Starkey said:
The interview has sparked a massive backlash - including from former chancellor Sajid Javid, who said Starkey’s “racist” comments were a “reminder of the appalling views that still exist”. The interview has sparked a massive backlash, including from the former chancellor Sajid Javid, who said Starkey’s “racist” comments were a “reminder of the appalling views that still exist”.
Starkey was contacted by PA Media for comment.Starkey was contacted by PA Media for comment.
Here are the key points from this afternoon’s Downing Street briefing to lobby journalists, as reported by PA Media.Here are the key points from this afternoon’s Downing Street briefing to lobby journalists, as reported by PA Media.
Coronavirus regulations will not limit the amount of time people can spend in pubs and restaurants.Coronavirus regulations will not limit the amount of time people can spend in pubs and restaurants.
The PM’s official spokesman said:The PM’s official spokesman said:
The new regulations will put a 30-person limit on gatherings at home and in outdoor spaces that are not deemed Covid-secure.The new regulations will put a 30-person limit on gatherings at home and in outdoor spaces that are not deemed Covid-secure.
Health protection regulations were signed by the health secretary Matt Hancock this morning and will be laid before Parliament and published later today, No 10 said.Health protection regulations were signed by the health secretary Matt Hancock this morning and will be laid before Parliament and published later today, No 10 said.
They also prevent pubs and bars rushing to serve pints immediately after midnight, with reopening banned until 6am on Saturday.They also prevent pubs and bars rushing to serve pints immediately after midnight, with reopening banned until 6am on Saturday.
The spokesman said:The spokesman said:
The two-household limit on meetings is also to remain in place, the spokesman added.The two-household limit on meetings is also to remain in place, the spokesman added.
Televised daily press briefings with Westminster journalists will not be introduced until at least the autumn.Televised daily press briefings with Westminster journalists will not be introduced until at least the autumn.
The PM’s spokesman also said that “nobody has been recruited yet” to front the briefings.The PM’s spokesman also said that “nobody has been recruited yet” to front the briefings.
The spokesman said the previous daily coronavirus press conferences showed “there is a significant public appetite for information about what the government is doing and why, and we feel that daily on-camera press briefings will help to increase government accountability and transparency”.The spokesman said the previous daily coronavirus press conferences showed “there is a significant public appetite for information about what the government is doing and why, and we feel that daily on-camera press briefings will help to increase government accountability and transparency”.
Eligibility for the flu vaccine will be expanded as the government increases its stocks during the coronavirus crisis.Eligibility for the flu vaccine will be expanded as the government increases its stocks during the coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said it was particularly important this year to protect as many people as possible in risk groups:The prime minister’s official spokesman said it was particularly important this year to protect as many people as possible in risk groups:
The prime minister Boris Johnson will work from his Chequers retreat on Saturday, the first time he has been there since his convalescence from Covid-19.The prime minister Boris Johnson will work from his Chequers retreat on Saturday, the first time he has been there since his convalescence from Covid-19.