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UK coronavirus live: Chris Whitty warns people to distance despite English lockdown easing or risk a second wave Chris Whitty warns people to distance despite English lockdown easing or risk a second wave – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
More local lockdowns should be expected; official UK death toll rises by 137, government publishes list of 59 countries whose travellers won’t have to quarantine in England More local lockdowns should be expected as measures ease in England; official UK death toll rises by 137, government publishes list of 59 countries whose travellers won’t have to quarantine in England
Please follow the global coronavirus live blog for the latest updates.
Lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted this weekend, Boris Johnson has announced, as England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, warned that people will have to continue to respect physical distancing and wearing masks to avoid a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.Lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted this weekend, Boris Johnson has announced, as England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, warned that people will have to continue to respect physical distancing and wearing masks to avoid a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister advised the British public to act safely and added further lockdowns will be imposed on a local level and national closures will be avoided.The prime minister advised the British public to act safely and added further lockdowns will be imposed on a local level and national closures will be avoided.
Boris Johnson urged people to act safely and sensibly when pubs and restaurants reopen tomorrow. Maintaining a distance of 1-metre plus, hand-washing and adhering to all Covid-secure measures are going to be key in not “blowing” the progress made so far in controlling the spread of coronavirus in the country, he said. The prime minister said people owed it to businesses and workers whose livelihoods depend on the economy reopening to enjoy the summer safely as lockdown is further eased.Boris Johnson urged people to act safely and sensibly when pubs and restaurants reopen tomorrow. Maintaining a distance of 1-metre plus, hand-washing and adhering to all Covid-secure measures are going to be key in not “blowing” the progress made so far in controlling the spread of coronavirus in the country, he said. The prime minister said people owed it to businesses and workers whose livelihoods depend on the economy reopening to enjoy the summer safely as lockdown is further eased.
The government published the full list of 59 countries and 14 territories for which quarantine won’t apply for travellers returning to England. Among the destinations to make the list were France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Countries like Portugal, however, are not included. The full list is here.The government published the full list of 59 countries and 14 territories for which quarantine won’t apply for travellers returning to England. Among the destinations to make the list were France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Countries like Portugal, however, are not included. The full list is here.
Scotland and Wales both hit out at the UK government’s ‘shambolic’ handling of trying to get a UK-wide agreement on air travel policy and quarantine restrictions. Nicola Sturgeon attacked the decision-making on air bridges and the list had changed overnight. But she said the Scottish government was “very likely” to agree to relaxing restrictions for people arriving in Scotland from “low risk” countries. Mark Drakeford said it had been “impossible” to get a “sensible answer” on how UK ministers intended to make the changes.Scotland and Wales both hit out at the UK government’s ‘shambolic’ handling of trying to get a UK-wide agreement on air travel policy and quarantine restrictions. Nicola Sturgeon attacked the decision-making on air bridges and the list had changed overnight. But she said the Scottish government was “very likely” to agree to relaxing restrictions for people arriving in Scotland from “low risk” countries. Mark Drakeford said it had been “impossible” to get a “sensible answer” on how UK ministers intended to make the changes.
The government will unveil a timeline for reopening the events and arts sectors next week, the prime minister said. Johnson said they were working on a roadmap for reopening the creative industries, e.g. theatres, which have been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures, in a Covid-secure way.The government will unveil a timeline for reopening the events and arts sectors next week, the prime minister said. Johnson said they were working on a roadmap for reopening the creative industries, e.g. theatres, which have been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures, in a Covid-secure way.
The prime minister refused to condemn his father’s trip to his Greek villa in apparent breach of Foreign Office guidance to avoid non-essential travel. Stanley Johnson reportedly travelled via Bulgaria to get around Greece’s ban on UK flights on “essential business” as he needed to “Covid-proof” his property ahead of the letting season. The PM said he would not comment on the movements and doings of his family.The prime minister refused to condemn his father’s trip to his Greek villa in apparent breach of Foreign Office guidance to avoid non-essential travel. Stanley Johnson reportedly travelled via Bulgaria to get around Greece’s ban on UK flights on “essential business” as he needed to “Covid-proof” his property ahead of the letting season. The PM said he would not comment on the movements and doings of his family.
Eligibility for the flu vaccine is going to be widened amid fears that a second wave of Covid-19 could coincide with an outbreak of seasonal flu. The government will set out more details soon on the at-risk groups that will be prioritised and other groups eligibility will be extended to.Eligibility for the flu vaccine is going to be widened amid fears that a second wave of Covid-19 could coincide with an outbreak of seasonal flu. The government will set out more details soon on the at-risk groups that will be prioritised and other groups eligibility will be extended to.
Downing Street revealed plans to televise daily press briefings with lobby journalists in a major change to its communications strategy. Johnson said the public had liked having more direct information from ministers during the coronavirus press conferences.Downing Street revealed plans to televise daily press briefings with lobby journalists in a major change to its communications strategy. Johnson said the public had liked having more direct information from ministers during the coronavirus press conferences.
The UK death toll rose by 137, bringing the government’s tally to 44,131.The UK death toll rose by 137, bringing the government’s tally to 44,131.
That’s it from me on the UK side. Thank you to everybody who has been in touch throughout the day to keep me company and to share tips.That’s it from me on the UK side. Thank you to everybody who has been in touch throughout the day to keep me company and to share tips.
If you would like to continue following the Guardian’s coronavirus coverage, head over to the global live blog.If you would like to continue following the Guardian’s coronavirus coverage, head over to the global live blog.
At the briefing, the government’s chief scientific and chief medical advisers made a point of warning the public of the danger of going to the pub as lockdown is eased this week.At the briefing, the government’s chief scientific and chief medical advisers made a point of warning the public of the danger of going to the pub as lockdown is eased this week.
The chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the coronavirus pandemic “is a long way from gone” as he urged the public to follow social-distancing rules when the lockdown is eased on Saturday.The chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the coronavirus pandemic “is a long way from gone” as he urged the public to follow social-distancing rules when the lockdown is eased on Saturday.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, also warned of the risk of “superspreading” of Covid-19 occurring in pubs.Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, also warned of the risk of “superspreading” of Covid-19 occurring in pubs.
Whitty added:Whitty added:
The law allowing English pubs to reopen comes into effect at 6am on Saturday.The law allowing English pubs to reopen comes into effect at 6am on Saturday.
Two hours later, a handful of Wetherspoons pubs will be among the first in the country to pour pints for anyone nursing a thirst at such an early hour.Two hours later, a handful of Wetherspoons pubs will be among the first in the country to pour pints for anyone nursing a thirst at such an early hour.
“Super Saturday”, as it has been called, offers a rare glimmer of hope for an industry that has been staring into the abyss since the coronavirus pandemic hit.“Super Saturday”, as it has been called, offers a rare glimmer of hope for an industry that has been staring into the abyss since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Of England’s 37,500 pubs, about 28,000 are capable of opening under a physical distancing requirement of 1 metre, according to the British Beer and Pubs Association. About 60%, or 22,000, are planning to do so from this week, bringing an end to three and a half long, dry months.Of England’s 37,500 pubs, about 28,000 are capable of opening under a physical distancing requirement of 1 metre, according to the British Beer and Pubs Association. About 60%, or 22,000, are planning to do so from this week, bringing an end to three and a half long, dry months.
Read the full story from my colleague Rob Davies here.Read the full story from my colleague Rob Davies here.
Several members of staff at a Royal Mail sorting office in Chester have tested positive for coronavirus following an outbreak.Several members of staff at a Royal Mail sorting office in Chester have tested positive for coronavirus following an outbreak.
Royal Mail confirmed that postal workers at the site on Station Road had contracted the virus, but did not reveal the exact number of infections. Although the office will remain open for operations, bosses said “an intense, enhanced clean of the building” had been arranged.Royal Mail confirmed that postal workers at the site on Station Road had contracted the virus, but did not reveal the exact number of infections. Although the office will remain open for operations, bosses said “an intense, enhanced clean of the building” had been arranged.
A spokesperson said:A spokesperson said:
The news comes after several outbreaks of the virus at large indoor workplaces across the UK, including at several food factories.The news comes after several outbreaks of the virus at large indoor workplaces across the UK, including at several food factories.
Q. Are you considering making face coverings mandatory in shops as in Scotland?Q. Are you considering making face coverings mandatory in shops as in Scotland?
Johnson says in crowded spaces with people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with, you should wear a face covering.Johnson says in crowded spaces with people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with, you should wear a face covering.
Q. Do you agree with Jacob Rees-Mogg that pub-goers should drink a yard of ale to celebrate pubs reopening?Q. Do you agree with Jacob Rees-Mogg that pub-goers should drink a yard of ale to celebrate pubs reopening?
Whitty says Rees-Mogg said he would buy the yard, not that he would drink it. People need to stick to usual sensible guidelines on drinking, he says. Johnson adds that he would buy and drink a pint, but not a yard.Whitty says Rees-Mogg said he would buy the yard, not that he would drink it. People need to stick to usual sensible guidelines on drinking, he says. Johnson adds that he would buy and drink a pint, but not a yard.
Q. Is there any evidence that the protests, raves and crowded beaches of recent weeks have led to an uptick in infections?Q. Is there any evidence that the protests, raves and crowded beaches of recent weeks have led to an uptick in infections?
Vallance says nothing has been seen yet, but this doesn’t mean we won’t. It needs to be looked for.Vallance says nothing has been seen yet, but this doesn’t mean we won’t. It needs to be looked for.
Q. Why should the public obey all the rules you’re putting out at the moment when those close to you [Stanley Johnson and Dominic Cummings] flout the rules?Q. Why should the public obey all the rules you’re putting out at the moment when those close to you [Stanley Johnson and Dominic Cummings] flout the rules?
Johnson says he won’t comment on the movements of his family and Durham police decided not to pursue the other matter [Cummings].Johnson says he won’t comment on the movements of his family and Durham police decided not to pursue the other matter [Cummings].
The collective efforts of the public need to keep going now, he adds.The collective efforts of the public need to keep going now, he adds.
Q. Can we get back to playing cricket soon?Q. Can we get back to playing cricket soon?
Johnson says they want to work as fast as possible to get cricket back and guidelines will be published in the next few days so cricket can resume in time for next weekend.Johnson says they want to work as fast as possible to get cricket back and guidelines will be published in the next few days so cricket can resume in time for next weekend.
Whitty says an issue with cricket is that it brings together large numbers of households, but it’s possible to play while keeping their distance and making the game safe. He says a particular risk would be having tea or beer in a pavilion afterwards.Whitty says an issue with cricket is that it brings together large numbers of households, but it’s possible to play while keeping their distance and making the game safe. He says a particular risk would be having tea or beer in a pavilion afterwards.
Q. How concerned are you about what’s going to happen tomorrow and what sort of surveillance measures are there to control infection, given that Sage papers identified pubs and bars as among the principal sources of ‘super-spreading events’?Q. How concerned are you about what’s going to happen tomorrow and what sort of surveillance measures are there to control infection, given that Sage papers identified pubs and bars as among the principal sources of ‘super-spreading events’?
Vallance says cramped indoor environments which connect different households need to be adjusted so people can properly socially distance to reduce the risk of spreading.Vallance says cramped indoor environments which connect different households need to be adjusted so people can properly socially distance to reduce the risk of spreading.
Q. Do you prioritise hospitality or education, if the reopening of pubs drives up infections?Q. Do you prioritise hospitality or education, if the reopening of pubs drives up infections?
Johnson says the government is determined to get all pupils back to school in September.Johnson says the government is determined to get all pupils back to school in September.
Q. Would you give your blessing to people who could take advantage of the lack of a UK-wide quarantine policy to go on holiday?Q. Would you give your blessing to people who could take advantage of the lack of a UK-wide quarantine policy to go on holiday?
Johnson says the convoy is going in the same direction, just at different speeds.Johnson says the convoy is going in the same direction, just at different speeds.
Q. Was there ever a medical, scientific justification for the blanket quarantine applied on 8 June?Q. Was there ever a medical, scientific justification for the blanket quarantine applied on 8 June?
Vallance says quarantine makes sense when people are coming in from countries with higher infection rates than we have here.Vallance says quarantine makes sense when people are coming in from countries with higher infection rates than we have here.
Q. What do you want people to do tomorrow? Do we all have a duty to get out and spend?Q. What do you want people to do tomorrow? Do we all have a duty to get out and spend?
Johnson says he wants people to enjoy summer safely.Johnson says he wants people to enjoy summer safely.
Q. Can people drink as much as they want?Q. Can people drink as much as they want?
Whitty says the PM’s advice applies to alcohol as well.Whitty says the PM’s advice applies to alcohol as well.
Q. Are you confident that you’ve struck the right balance between public health and the economy, and that you’ve got the right public messaging?Q. Are you confident that you’ve struck the right balance between public health and the economy, and that you’ve got the right public messaging?
Johnson says they have to get the balance right, but the priority is the health of the British public and the country.Johnson says they have to get the balance right, but the priority is the health of the British public and the country.
Everybody needs to respect the measures – 1-metre plus, hand washing – and the hospitality sector can return, he says.Everybody needs to respect the measures – 1-metre plus, hand washing – and the hospitality sector can return, he says.
Q. Are you comfortable with the pace at which this unlocking is progressing?Q. Are you comfortable with the pace at which this unlocking is progressing?
Whitty says we should be realistic that there are really serious risks on both sides of the path. Go too far one side and the virus returns; go too far the other side, increases in unemployment and deprivation and the social ills that go with that, he says.Whitty says we should be realistic that there are really serious risks on both sides of the path. Go too far one side and the virus returns; go too far the other side, increases in unemployment and deprivation and the social ills that go with that, he says.
There will be health problems and economic problems for sure, and there is no perfect way or time to do this.There will be health problems and economic problems for sure, and there is no perfect way or time to do this.
All we can do is balance this while trying to get life back to as close to normal as possible, and there will be risks whatever we do, he says. Nobody believes this is a risk-free next step and so we have to be serious and disciplined about it.All we can do is balance this while trying to get life back to as close to normal as possible, and there will be risks whatever we do, he says. Nobody believes this is a risk-free next step and so we have to be serious and disciplined about it.
Vallance adds that people must get tested if they have symptoms and test and trace will be extremely important going foward.Vallance adds that people must get tested if they have symptoms and test and trace will be extremely important going foward.
Q. Are the first ministers of Scotland and Wales right in describing your air travel policy as ‘shambolic’?Q. Are the first ministers of Scotland and Wales right in describing your air travel policy as ‘shambolic’?
Johnson says this has been trailed for a very long time. Quarantine measures remain in place for countries where the disease is still prevalent.Johnson says this has been trailed for a very long time. Quarantine measures remain in place for countries where the disease is still prevalent.
The UK is generally following similar paths at slightly different speeds, he says.The UK is generally following similar paths at slightly different speeds, he says.
Hena from Leeds asks about what contingency plans are in place in case of a second wave.Hena from Leeds asks about what contingency plans are in place in case of a second wave.
Johnson says the government will keep looking at other ways of controlling the virus and avoiding a second wave. More detail will come shortly, he says.Johnson says the government will keep looking at other ways of controlling the virus and avoiding a second wave. More detail will come shortly, he says.
Whitty says everyone realises a second wave is a possibility and will be for a very long time.Whitty says everyone realises a second wave is a possibility and will be for a very long time.
As the economy opens up, everyone taking it responsibly (including adhering to 1-metre-plus, hand washing and face masks) will influence the probability of a second wave, he says.As the economy opens up, everyone taking it responsibly (including adhering to 1-metre-plus, hand washing and face masks) will influence the probability of a second wave, he says.
“We have to be ready for the possibility of local outbreaks escalating.”“We have to be ready for the possibility of local outbreaks escalating.”
Vallance says the Covid-secure approach needs to be stuck to by everyone across society.Vallance says the Covid-secure approach needs to be stuck to by everyone across society.
Keeping to the rules, especially with the risk of winter coming, will suppress the chances of an upswing in the country, he adds.Keeping to the rules, especially with the risk of winter coming, will suppress the chances of an upswing in the country, he adds.
David from Milton Keynes asks about support for the events and arts industry which has been decimated by the long period of enforced closure.David from Milton Keynes asks about support for the events and arts industry which has been decimated by the long period of enforced closure.
Johnson says he knows it’s been a tough time for the sector.Johnson says he knows it’s been a tough time for the sector.
Next week, the government will set out a timetable for getting these businesses as Covid-secure as possible, he adds.Next week, the government will set out a timetable for getting these businesses as Covid-secure as possible, he adds.
Don’t gather in groups of more than six outside or two household in any settings, Johnson says. Keep your distance from others and wash your hands.Don’t gather in groups of more than six outside or two household in any settings, Johnson says. Keep your distance from others and wash your hands.
He finishes by saying: “Enjoy summer safely.”He finishes by saying: “Enjoy summer safely.”
Tomorrow there will be a moment of remembrance for those lost before their time, Johnson says. And on Sunday, there will be a clap for the NHS on its anniversary.Tomorrow there will be a moment of remembrance for those lost before their time, Johnson says. And on Sunday, there will be a clap for the NHS on its anniversary.
Supporting local businesses should be a focus as lockdown measures ease tomorrow. The economic health of the whole country depends on every single one of us acting responsibly, Johnson says. We must not let them down.Supporting local businesses should be a focus as lockdown measures ease tomorrow. The economic health of the whole country depends on every single one of us acting responsibly, Johnson says. We must not let them down.
Reopening “will only succeed if everyone works together, as we are not out of the woods, as Leicester has shown”.Reopening “will only succeed if everyone works together, as we are not out of the woods, as Leicester has shown”.
This government won’t hesitate in reimposing restrictions if needed.This government won’t hesitate in reimposing restrictions if needed.
“Anyone who flouts the rules is putting us all at risk but also letting down business owners who have prepared for this new normal,” Johnson says.“Anyone who flouts the rules is putting us all at risk but also letting down business owners who have prepared for this new normal,” Johnson says.