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UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson to warn public to 'act responsibly' when pubs reopen in England on Saturday UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson refuses to condemn father for apparent breach of guidance on flying to Greece
(30 minutes later)
Prime minister will give televised press conference as government struggles to balance protecting jobs and preventing second wavePrime minister will give televised press conference as government struggles to balance protecting jobs and preventing second wave
The Welsh government has urged people to respect the places and communities they will be allowed to visit from Monday when the country’s stay-local regulations are lifted.
From Monday the requirement for people to stay local in Wales will be lifted, which will give people the change to travel widely – and begin to open up tourist spots to all for the first time since lockdown.
Changes are also being made to allow families to be reunited as the concept of extended households is introduced. People from two separate households will be able to join to form one larger but exclusive household.
The government called on people to remember the importance of social distancing, good hand hygiene and the need for respect.
Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford said:
Boris Johnson has refused to condemn his father for flying to Greece in apparent breach of Foreign Office guidance to avoid non-essential travel.
Stanley Johnson was widely criticised after reportedly travelling via Bulgaria - in order to avoid the ban on direct flights from the UK - to visit his Greek villa.
During an LBC radio phone-in, the prime minister repeatedly refused to say whether he was “disappointed” with his father’s actions.
Earlier this week, Johnson senior posted a picture on Instagram of himself apparently arriving at Athens airport wearing a face mask.
The 79-year-old told the Daily Mail that he was visiting on “essential business” because he needed to “Covid-proof my property” ahead of the letting season.
His actions drew comparisons with the notorious visit by the prime minister’s top adviser Dominic Cummings to Barnard Castle during the height of lockdown, supposedly to test his eyesight after recovering from Covid-19.
Boris Johnson said he understood the anger that had been caused by that visit but insisted the government was “very much on people’s side”.
Earlier, the transport secretary Grant Shapps disclosed that Greece was not on the initial list of countries from which travellers to England would no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Shapps said a decision on whether to add Greece to the list would have to wait until at least 15 July when the government in Athens will decide whether to lift its restrictions on travellers from the UK.
He said that if Johnson senior returned to the UK before that date he would have to self-isolate for a fortnight “which he will be happy to do”.
Asked whether is visit to his villa constituted “essential business”, Shapps said it was “up to an individual to decide”. He told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme:
While we wait for the government to publish a list of countries and territories English holidaymakers will be able to visit without quarantining on return, the UK is set to be upgraded into category B from 1 August by Cyprus, according to the Cyprus Mail.While we wait for the government to publish a list of countries and territories English holidaymakers will be able to visit without quarantining on return, the UK is set to be upgraded into category B from 1 August by Cyprus, according to the Cyprus Mail.
This means flights will be allowed, but travellers from the UK - the island’s biggest tourism market - will need to provide the Cypriot authorities with a negative coronavirus test upon arrival. Cyprus’ second largest market, Russia, remains in category C.This means flights will be allowed, but travellers from the UK - the island’s biggest tourism market - will need to provide the Cypriot authorities with a negative coronavirus test upon arrival. Cyprus’ second largest market, Russia, remains in category C.
The negative test will need to have been taken in the country of origin 72 hours before travelling.The negative test will need to have been taken in the country of origin 72 hours before travelling.
The Cypriot minister of health, Constantinos Ioannou, said that while Russia’s epidemiological profile was currently not good enough,The Cypriot minister of health, Constantinos Ioannou, said that while Russia’s epidemiological profile was currently not good enough,
I’m really grateful to reader Roger for flagging this!I’m really grateful to reader Roger for flagging this!
Downing Street has revealed plans to televise daily press briefings with Westminster journalists in a major change to its communications strategy.Downing Street has revealed plans to televise daily press briefings with Westminster journalists in a major change to its communications strategy.
Lobby correspondents currently have twice daily briefings with the prime minister’s spokesman or deputy, who are both civil servants. The briefings are on the record, meaning they can be quoted and attributed to No 10, but are not broadcast.Lobby correspondents currently have twice daily briefings with the prime minister’s spokesman or deputy, who are both civil servants. The briefings are on the record, meaning they can be quoted and attributed to No 10, but are not broadcast.
Under the new plans, the afternoon session will be filmed at 9 Downing Street, while the morning briefing will continue to be held behind closed doors.Under the new plans, the afternoon session will be filmed at 9 Downing Street, while the morning briefing will continue to be held behind closed doors.
An experienced broadcaster is reportedly being sought to lead the White House-style briefings on behalf of the government.An experienced broadcaster is reportedly being sought to lead the White House-style briefings on behalf of the government.
Boris Johnson confirmed the changes in an interview with LBC Radio, suggesting the public had liked having more direct information from ministers during the coronavirus press conferences.Boris Johnson confirmed the changes in an interview with LBC Radio, suggesting the public had liked having more direct information from ministers during the coronavirus press conferences.
He said:He said:
The prime minister said he would “pop up from time to time” at the briefings.The prime minister said he would “pop up from time to time” at the briefings.
The full LBC interview is here.The full LBC interview is here.
Just one in three pubs, bars and restaurants in Newcastle city centre will reopen for business on Saturday, a council spokesman said.Just one in three pubs, bars and restaurants in Newcastle city centre will reopen for business on Saturday, a council spokesman said.
A number of pubs on Tyneside have already stated they do not want to join the rush to reopen on so-called “Super Saturday”, fearing “total chaos” as drinkers head out to enjoy their first poured pint in months.A number of pubs on Tyneside have already stated they do not want to join the rush to reopen on so-called “Super Saturday”, fearing “total chaos” as drinkers head out to enjoy their first poured pint in months.
Council figures show around 30% of licensees in the city centre have stated they will definitely welcome patrons once again on Saturday.Council figures show around 30% of licensees in the city centre have stated they will definitely welcome patrons once again on Saturday.
A further 10% said they plan to open later in the month, once the initial rush has passed, and another 35% said they have not yet decided whether to open this month, with the remainder not stating their plans to licensing officials.A further 10% said they plan to open later in the month, once the initial rush has passed, and another 35% said they have not yet decided whether to open this month, with the remainder not stating their plans to licensing officials.
Earlier this week, bosses of the popular Tyne Bar which overlooks the river said it will not be opening on 4 July, along with other venues in the trendy Ouseburn, and would instead reopen on 6 July to allow more time to implement safety measures bar.Earlier this week, bosses of the popular Tyne Bar which overlooks the river said it will not be opening on 4 July, along with other venues in the trendy Ouseburn, and would instead reopen on 6 July to allow more time to implement safety measures bar.
Superintendent Karl Wilson, of Northumbria police, urged people to show restraint.Superintendent Karl Wilson, of Northumbria police, urged people to show restraint.
Northumbria police and crime commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said although pubs reopening seemed like a return to normality, this was not the case yet.Northumbria police and crime commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said although pubs reopening seemed like a return to normality, this was not the case yet.
She added:She added:
English holidaymakers will be able to visit Spain, Italy, France and Germany without having to quarantine for 14 days on their return and travel restrictions on up to 60 other countries and territories are also set to be lifted, our Kate Proctor reports.English holidaymakers will be able to visit Spain, Italy, France and Germany without having to quarantine for 14 days on their return and travel restrictions on up to 60 other countries and territories are also set to be lifted, our Kate Proctor reports.
The government’s rule change will come into effect on 10 July with the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, describing it as a major step in “reopening the nation”.The government’s rule change will come into effect on 10 July with the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, describing it as a major step in “reopening the nation”.
We’re expecting a full list around around lunchtime.We’re expecting a full list around around lunchtime.
The ONS also found that in England the Covid-19 mortality rate among care home residents was highest in the age group 85 years and over, for both males (8,638.5 deaths per 100,000) and females (4,254.6 deaths per 100,000).The ONS also found that in England the Covid-19 mortality rate among care home residents was highest in the age group 85 years and over, for both males (8,638.5 deaths per 100,000) and females (4,254.6 deaths per 100,000).
The rate was at least 6.2 times higher for care home residents aged 85 years and over (all persons) than for non-care home residents, for deaths involving Covid-19 and for all deaths.The rate was at least 6.2 times higher for care home residents aged 85 years and over (all persons) than for non-care home residents, for deaths involving Covid-19 and for all deaths.
In Wales, the age group 85 years and over also saw the highest Covid-19 mortality rate for care home residents, though the levels were lower than in England: 6,131.2 deaths per 100,000 for males, and 3,483.0 deaths per 100,000 for females.In Wales, the age group 85 years and over also saw the highest Covid-19 mortality rate for care home residents, though the levels were lower than in England: 6,131.2 deaths per 100,000 for males, and 3,483.0 deaths per 100,000 for females.
Here, the mortality rate was at least 4.7 times higher for care home residents aged 85 years and over (all persons) than for non-care home residents, for deaths involving Covid-19 and for all deaths.Here, the mortality rate was at least 4.7 times higher for care home residents aged 85 years and over (all persons) than for non-care home residents, for deaths involving Covid-19 and for all deaths.
Liverpool fans have been urged to support the team from their homes as the club’s chief executive and city leaders seek to avoid a repeat of last week’s mass gatherings.Liverpool fans have been urged to support the team from their homes as the club’s chief executive and city leaders seek to avoid a repeat of last week’s mass gatherings.
Thousands of fans celebrated outside Anfield last Thursday when the team won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years and huge numbers gathered at the city’s Pier Head the following night, where police reported violent confrontations.Thousands of fans celebrated outside Anfield last Thursday when the team won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years and huge numbers gathered at the city’s Pier Head the following night, where police reported violent confrontations.
Ahead of the team’s match against Aston Villa on Sunday, Liverpool FC CEO Peter Moore met representatives from the council, the police and supporters’ union Spirit Of Shankly at Anfield.Ahead of the team’s match against Aston Villa on Sunday, Liverpool FC CEO Peter Moore met representatives from the council, the police and supporters’ union Spirit Of Shankly at Anfield.
He urged fans to celebrate safely at home:He urged fans to celebrate safely at home:
Liverpool’s director of public health Matthew Ashton also urged extra caution, citing how badly hit the area has been hit by the virus:Liverpool’s director of public health Matthew Ashton also urged extra caution, citing how badly hit the area has been hit by the virus:
Chief constable of Merseyside police Andy Cooke also urged for people to exercise restraint, reminding the public there will be plenty of time to celebrate after the pandemic:Chief constable of Merseyside police Andy Cooke also urged for people to exercise restraint, reminding the public there will be plenty of time to celebrate after the pandemic:
Chairman of Spirit Of Shankly, Joe Blott, urged fellow supporters to celebrate in a different way.Chairman of Spirit Of Shankly, Joe Blott, urged fellow supporters to celebrate in a different way.
Good morning everyone. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the rest of the day to bring you all the latest developments in UK politics and all things coronavirus. If you have a story or news tip to share, please feel free to get in touch as I work – your thoughts are always welcome!Good morning everyone. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the rest of the day to bring you all the latest developments in UK politics and all things coronavirus. If you have a story or news tip to share, please feel free to get in touch as I work – your thoughts are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
I’m signing off now - handing over to Lucy Campbell.I’m signing off now - handing over to Lucy Campbell.
Sky is reporting that staff who move between care homes are more likely to contract COVID-19 - as it emerged that almost 20,000 deaths of care home residents in England and Wales have involved the virus.Sky is reporting that staff who move between care homes are more likely to contract COVID-19 - as it emerged that almost 20,000 deaths of care home residents in England and Wales have involved the virus.
The ONS released the results from a study of more than 9,000 care homes, which found higher levels of coronavirus among temporary staff who work in multiple places.The ONS released the results from a study of more than 9,000 care homes, which found higher levels of coronavirus among temporary staff who work in multiple places.
Such a situation was also found to increase the number of infections among residents.Such a situation was also found to increase the number of infections among residents.
Another discovery was that care homes which give staff sick pay are likely to have fewer cases of COVID-19 among residents.Another discovery was that care homes which give staff sick pay are likely to have fewer cases of COVID-19 among residents.
Luxury hotels reopening on Saturday will turn away guests if they fail temperature checks as part of efforts to combat coronavirus.Luxury hotels reopening on Saturday will turn away guests if they fail temperature checks as part of efforts to combat coronavirus.
The Langham in central London, Cliveden House in Berkshire and The Bath Priory in Bath are among those which will screen visitors for signs of fever in an attempt to identify anyone with symptoms.The Langham in central London, Cliveden House in Berkshire and The Bath Priory in Bath are among those which will screen visitors for signs of fever in an attempt to identify anyone with symptoms.
Andrew Stembridge, executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, which owns a handful of boutique venues including Cliveden House, said he hopes the checks will be “quite relaxed”.Andrew Stembridge, executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, which owns a handful of boutique venues including Cliveden House, said he hopes the checks will be “quite relaxed”.
Arriving guests will be greeted at the car park of their hotel and a member of staff will use a handheld contactless device to take their temperature.Arriving guests will be greeted at the car park of their hotel and a member of staff will use a handheld contactless device to take their temperature.
Stembridge told the PA news agency: “We put in our (booking) confirmation ‘If you are above 38C then I’m really sorry we’re going to have to send you home again’.Stembridge told the PA news agency: “We put in our (booking) confirmation ‘If you are above 38C then I’m really sorry we’re going to have to send you home again’.
“At least by doing it in the car park, you haven’t got that slightly awkward situation where someone’s already in the building.”“At least by doing it in the car park, you haven’t got that slightly awkward situation where someone’s already in the building.”
He said he believes guests will be relieved such checks are being carried out.He said he believes guests will be relieved such checks are being carried out.
“It’s one thing going to Waitrose, but if you’re going into an environment where you’re going to be in there for the next three or four days, knowing that every single person has been temperature checked (gives you) peace of mind,” he said.“It’s one thing going to Waitrose, but if you’re going into an environment where you’re going to be in there for the next three or four days, knowing that every single person has been temperature checked (gives you) peace of mind,” he said.
The government is being urged to build on the huge public support shown for the NHS during the virus pandemic by giving health workers an early pay rise.The government is being urged to build on the huge public support shown for the NHS during the virus pandemic by giving health workers an early pay rise.
Unions representing more than 1.3 million nurses, cleaners, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, dieticians, radiographers, porters, midwives, paramedics and other NHS employees have written to the chancellor and the prime minister calling for pay talks to start soon.Unions representing more than 1.3 million nurses, cleaners, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, dieticians, radiographers, porters, midwives, paramedics and other NHS employees have written to the chancellor and the prime minister calling for pay talks to start soon.
The unions, including Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, GMB, Unite, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said the pandemic has made the dedication and commitment of NHS staff plain for all to see.The unions, including Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, GMB, Unite, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said the pandemic has made the dedication and commitment of NHS staff plain for all to see.
Health workers are nearing the end of a three-year pay deal, and unions believe the government should provide funding for an early pay rise for all NHS staff, including domestics, catering workers, security guards and other support staff working for private contractors.Health workers are nearing the end of a three-year pay deal, and unions believe the government should provide funding for an early pay rise for all NHS staff, including domestics, catering workers, security guards and other support staff working for private contractors.
Boris Johnson was told that improvements to staff pay would enable the NHS to hold on to experienced workers and help with the recruitment of new staff needed to fill vacancies.Boris Johnson was told that improvements to staff pay would enable the NHS to hold on to experienced workers and help with the recruitment of new staff needed to fill vacancies.
But the unions added that the government should not see the appeal for NHS workers to get an early pay rise as a Covid bonus.But the unions added that the government should not see the appeal for NHS workers to get an early pay rise as a Covid bonus.
Unison’s head of health Sara Gorton said:Unison’s head of health Sara Gorton said:
Hannah Reed, from the RCN, said: “These people are the country’s greatest asset. When we celebrate that, politicians must think about how staff can be fairly paid and valued.Hannah Reed, from the RCN, said: “These people are the country’s greatest asset. When we celebrate that, politicians must think about how staff can be fairly paid and valued.
And back to those ONS stats again, it seems that among male care home residents in England and Wales, Covid-19 was the leading cause of death across the period, accounting for a third (33.5%) of all deaths. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was the second leading cause (24.7% deaths).And back to those ONS stats again, it seems that among male care home residents in England and Wales, Covid-19 was the leading cause of death across the period, accounting for a third (33.5%) of all deaths. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was the second leading cause (24.7% deaths).
For female care home residents, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was the leading cause of death (33.8% of deaths), followed by Covid-19 (26.6%).For female care home residents, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was the leading cause of death (33.8% of deaths), followed by Covid-19 (26.6%).
Covid-19 was the leading cause of death of male care home residents in all age groups.Covid-19 was the leading cause of death of male care home residents in all age groups.
It was also the leading cause of death of female care home residents aged under 80 years, but for those aged 80 years and over dementia and Alzheimer’s was the leading cause.It was also the leading cause of death of female care home residents aged under 80 years, but for those aged 80 years and over dementia and Alzheimer’s was the leading cause.
And here’s something heartwarming. After Man U’s Marcus Rashfield forced the government into a U-turn over school lunches, another footballer has made it his mission to send a four-year-old boy to the US for life-saving treatment is set to take on the English Channel - by kayak.And here’s something heartwarming. After Man U’s Marcus Rashfield forced the government into a U-turn over school lunches, another footballer has made it his mission to send a four-year-old boy to the US for life-saving treatment is set to take on the English Channel - by kayak.
Liam Scott has spent most of the last year undergoing gruelling treatment for neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting around 100 UK children each year.Liam Scott has spent most of the last year undergoing gruelling treatment for neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting around 100 UK children each year.
And while the end of his treatment is finally approaching, there is a high chance the cancer could return.And while the end of his treatment is finally approaching, there is a high chance the cancer could return.
If it comes back, Liam, from Sevenoaks in Kent, would be left with just a 10% chance of survival, his mother said.If it comes back, Liam, from Sevenoaks in Kent, would be left with just a 10% chance of survival, his mother said.
An experimental vaccine could prevent the disease coming back but it is only available in New York and will cost 232,000.An experimental vaccine could prevent the disease coming back but it is only available in New York and will cost 232,000.
Footballer Charlie Holmes, who before the lockdown had never met Liam, has dedicated himself to ensuring the family-of-four hit their fundraising target before time runs out.Footballer Charlie Holmes, who before the lockdown had never met Liam, has dedicated himself to ensuring the family-of-four hit their fundraising target before time runs out.
Now he and Liam’s father Mike Scott are preparing for a daring new challenge they hope will be the last push for the funding - kayaking across the English Channel next week.Now he and Liam’s father Mike Scott are preparing for a daring new challenge they hope will be the last push for the funding - kayaking across the English Channel next week.
Holmes, 21, told the PA news agency: “I am not gonna lie, I am really scared, it’s out of my comfort zone.Holmes, 21, told the PA news agency: “I am not gonna lie, I am really scared, it’s out of my comfort zone.
“Obviously I have been in boats but there’s a difference between being on a boat and being on a plastic kayak crossing the Channel.”“Obviously I have been in boats but there’s a difference between being on a boat and being on a plastic kayak crossing the Channel.”
He said it would be the “best feeling” to arrive at Dungeness beach after the crossing to hear that they have hit the fundraising target.He said it would be the “best feeling” to arrive at Dungeness beach after the crossing to hear that they have hit the fundraising target.
Earlier this year he completed a gruelling 140 miles of running in 14 days, all streamed live on Instagram during lockdown.Earlier this year he completed a gruelling 140 miles of running in 14 days, all streamed live on Instagram during lockdown.
The former Dagenham and Redbridge player added: “I have always been that person where if I say something I will stick to it.”The former Dagenham and Redbridge player added: “I have always been that person where if I say something I will stick to it.”
A total of 210,464 has been raised so far against the target of 232,000, but Liam’s family know that time is running out.A total of 210,464 has been raised so far against the target of 232,000, but Liam’s family know that time is running out.
For it to have the best chance of success, Liam needs to have the vaccine soon after finishing his immunotherapy treatment in August.For it to have the best chance of success, Liam needs to have the vaccine soon after finishing his immunotherapy treatment in August.
Mother Claire Scott, 40, told the PA news agency: “Team Liam has worked really hard pulling this together and we want to get to that final amount so that we can send Liam to New York to have the life-saving vaccine.Mother Claire Scott, 40, told the PA news agency: “Team Liam has worked really hard pulling this together and we want to get to that final amount so that we can send Liam to New York to have the life-saving vaccine.
“It’s so important he goes there. This is the final push.”“It’s so important he goes there. This is the final push.”
She paid tribute to Holmes and his family, saying: “He has been for us all the way.“He said he’s never going to give up and he has stuck to those words.”She paid tribute to Holmes and his family, saying: “He has been for us all the way.“He said he’s never going to give up and he has stuck to those words.”
The Channel crossing is scheduled for Tuesday but depends on the weather.The Channel crossing is scheduled for Tuesday but depends on the weather.
Liam’s fundraising page can be accessed here: https://www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/Appeal/liamLiam’s fundraising page can be accessed here: https://www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/Appeal/liam