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From evasion to evisceration: how the Cummings lockdown story unfolded As thousands died, the story of the PM’s top adviser waxed and waned in unpredictable ways. Its impact is as yet unknownCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe first inkling of the story that shook Downing Street to its core came at the beginning of April.It was the first Sunday of the month, a couple of hours before the Queen’s stirring promise to the nation that, however hard it was to endure separation from our loved ones, “we will meet again”. Boris Johnson was seriously ill, and that evening it would be announced that the prime minister had been admitted to hospital. Continue reading... Go to Source

Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England – Sage adviser Scientist says 8,000 daily coronavirus infections makes relaxing restrictions too risky Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageGovernment advisers have voiced unease over the decision to lift England’s lockdown while thousands of people a day are still becoming infected with the coronavirus, warning that loosening restrictions could easily lead to a second wave.“We cannot relax our guard by very much at all,” said John Edmunds, a professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who attends meetings of Sage, the scientific advisory group on emergencies. Continue reading... Go to Source

'Demand is huge': EU citizens flock to open-air cinemas as lockdown eases From Berlin to Madrid the movies are back, albeit with hygiene and distancing restrictionsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAs Madrid’s spring evenings warm into summer nights, cinema-goers are parking up to watch Grease. In Munich, they are taking al fresco seats to follow the adventures of a communist kangaroo with a penchant for boozy chocolates, and in Prague they are witnessing a croaky vigilante work out some profound childhood traumas.As Europe begins to stir from its Covid-19 lockdown, people bloated by two-month boxset binges have a new way to feed their entertainment needs as they emerge, blinking, into the daylight. Or, rather, the twilight. Continue reading... G...

George Floyd killing: fires erupt in Minneapolis as US rocked by third night of protests Minnesota governor calls in national guard amid unrestDemonstrations broke out in New York, Colorado and CaliforniaCities across the US were convulsed by protests on Thursday night over the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year old black man, as demonstrators stormed the police headquarters of the officers involved in his death in Minneapolis and Donald Trump threatened to use violence to suppress the unrest.As demonstrations against police brutality against black Americans spread to other parts of the US including New York, Denver, Chicago and Oakland, dozens of businesses were burned and looted in the Midwestern city. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: Sunak to announce tapering of furlough scheme as fear over safety at work rises Chancellor to say that employers will have to pay 20% of wages of furloughed staff as state subsidy scheme is wound downBoris Johnson brushes off Tory revolt over Dominic CummingsCovid-19 crisis could set women back decades, experts fearGlasgow woman, 94, rescued after not eating for five daysCoronavirus – latest global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.16pm BSTA loophole in government guidance has caused some of the country’s most vulnerable people to lose up to 60% of their income and is now forcing many to put their health at risk as lockdown comes to an end, one of the UK’s biggest charities has warned.Around 2.5 million UK residents, hundreds of thousands ...

Liverpool deputy mayor steps down over lockdown gathering Footage shows 12 people in Lynnie Hinnigan’s garden for birthday during strictest phaseCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageLiverpool’s deputy mayor has temporarily stepped down after video footage emerged of a gathering in her garden during the strictest phase of the coronavirus lockdown.The Labour councillor Lynnie Hinnigan told the Liverpool Echo that the event for her 50th birthday was not a party, and that she had stayed away from family and friends. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: South Korea closes schools days after reopening; global deaths pass 360,000 School closure comes after spike in cases; Spain approves minimum basic income scheme; Philippines has biggest daily rise in cases Global report: France to ease Covid-19 travel restrictions and open restaurants US job losses pass 40m as coronavirus crisis sees claims rise 2.1m in a week Coronavirus Australia live news: Victorians ordered to continue working from home as NSW eases restrictions on weddings and funerals Coronavirus latest: at a glance 12.51pm BSTThe Spanish cabinet has approved a €3bn minimum basic income scheme to help the poorest people in the country, who are among those hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent....

Religious leaders plan events to remember UK coronavirus victims Christians and Muslims say it will be necessary for people to come together to mournCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe Church of England is planning to hold services of mourning in parish churches and cathedrals later this year for people who have died of Covid-19.A national service of remembrance is also possible when large gatherings of people are permitted – possibly on the anniversary of lockdown next March. Continue reading... Go to Source

Government rejected radical lockdown of England's care homes Exclusive: health officials put forward plan last month to stem soaring coronavirus deathsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePublic health officials proposed a radical lockdown of care homes last month to stem surging coronavirus deaths, including staff moving in for four weeks and deploying NHS Nightingale hospitals – but it was rejected by the government, the Guardian has learned.An 11-point plan proposing “a further lockdown of care homes” was submitted to Downing Street on 28 April by officials at Public Health England (PHE), as fatalities peaked in care homes and the virus spread to half of homes in the worst-affected areas. Continue reading... Go to Source

Boris Johnson brushes off Tory revolt over Dominic Cummings PM also refuses to allow top scientific advisers to talk about chief aide at daily No 10 briefingCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson has brushed aside a growing revolt of almost 100 of his own MPs and defied ongoing calls for Dominic Cummings to be sacked, despite a police investigation that failed to exonerate him for a potential breach of lockdown.The prime minister was again besieged by questions about his chief adviser as the crisis overshadowed his decision to cautiously ease the lockdown in England, which will require millions of citizens to abide by the letter and spirit of new guidelines. Continue reading... Go to Source

Clap for our Carers: the very unBritish ritual that united the nation After nine extraordinary weeks the woman behind the event said Thursday’s should be the lastCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOn Thursday 26 March, Britons stood just inside their front doors, a little unsure if they would be the only ones taking part in a very unBritish ritual. It was three days since Boris Johnson had announced a draconian lockdown, and, in a horrifyingly fearful time, it was not difficult to feel immense gratitude to those health workers risking everything to save lives. But was anyone else really going to turn out to clap?Few can have predicted the wall of noise that followed that first Thursday night and every Thursday since – the applause rising from d...

Groups of up to six people allowed to meet in England from Monday Boris Johnson announces further easing of coronavirus lockdown measures Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageGroups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in parks and gardens in England from Monday, as long as they observe social distancing rules and remain 2 metres apart, Boris Johnson has said.The prime minister announced the latest modest easing of the lockdown at the daily coronavirus briefing, where he also confirmed that English schools can go ahead with plans to welcome more pupils next week. Continue reading... Go to Source

Dominic Cummings potentially broke lockdown rules, say Durham police Force says trip to Barnard Castle was possible breach but does not warrant further actionCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDominic Cummings’ family trip to Barnard Castle potentially broke lockdown rules and would have led to police telling him to turn around had he been stopped, Durham police have concluded. A police examination of the facts surrounding Cummings’ time in the north-east, 260 miles (420km) from his London home, has said no further action will be taken, with the force saying they will not retrospectively issue fines. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus testing hit by struggle to match results with NHS records Problem affects up to 350,000 samples from drive-through centres in England and Scotland Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageEfforts to prevent the nationwide spread of coronavirus have been dealt a blow after it emerged that health officials in England and Scotland are struggling to match hundreds of thousands of coronavirus test results to patient records.Up to 350,000 Covid-19 test samples – those carried out at drive-through centres between 2 April and 6 May – are believed to have been taken without recording individual NHS numbers or full addresses, making it harder for health authorities to track the pandemic and cases in their areas, the Guardian has learned. Continue r...

Coronavirus live news: Paris no longer a Covid-19 'red zone' as France moves into new lockdown phase France prepares to enter phase two of lockdown relaxation; South Korean officials re-implement lockdown measures in Seoul; Kenya records highest one-day case riseGlobal report: Trump silent on US death toll as South Korea sees new Covid-19 riseUS passes 100,000 coronavirus deaths as states relax lockdown measuresUK coronavirus updates - liveCoronavirus latest: at a glance 6.58pm BSTKey developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include: 6.40pm BST Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: Durham police find Dominic Cummings did breach lockdown rules, report says Fines came a week after Dominic Cummings made similar journey, police reveal, as statement on adviser’s trip expectedTory anger at Cummings grows as dozens of MPs defy Boris JohnsonHancock: it is public’s ‘civic duty’ to follow test-and-trace instructionsGovernment target of 200,000 Covid-19 tests ‘meaningless’ – expertsGlobal coronavirus updates - liveSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.46pm BSTThe prime minister’s most senior adviser did breach lockdown rules when he made the 50-mile trip to Barnard Castle, an investigation by Durham police has reportedly found.Dominic Cummings claimed he made the journey on 12 April – Easter Sunday and ...

'So much living to do': stories of the UK's coronavirus victims The oldest is 108, the youngest just a baby. These are just some of the UK’s coronavirus victims, among them healthcare workers, teachers, councillors, war veterans, diplomats, comedians, musicians, transport workers, engineers and academics. Every single one of those included in the death toll had names, lives, memories and stories to tell Continue reading... Go to Source

Virgin Media to disappear from UK high street Exclusive: firm’s 53 stores will not reopen after lockdown and staff will be offered other rolesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageVirgin Media is to disappear from the high street after deciding its network of more than 50 retail stores will stay shut once the coronavirus pandemic lockdown ends.The cable and TV company, which operates 53 stores in the UK, is offering the 341 affected staff the opportunity to move to newly created roles. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: South Korea re-tightens lockdown restrictions after spike in cases Officials have re-implemented lockdown measures in the metropolitan area of Seoul; European commission proposes €750bn coronavirus recovery fund; Kenya records highest one-day case riseGlobal report: Trump silent on US death toll as South Korea sees new Covid-19 riseUS passes 100,000 coronavirus deaths as states relax lockdown measuresUK coronavirus updates - liveCoronavirus latest: at a glance 12.46pm BSTAfghanistan is in immediate need of masks and ventilators, health authorities said, as the number of confirmed infections passed 13,000 despite no tests being carried out in Kandahar for two weeks, Akhtar Mohammad Makoii reports from Herat.The Afghan health ministry announced on Thursday that...

How will No 10 decide to reopen schools without risking second wave? Analysis of rate of transmission, NHS 111 calls and Google location data will inform next stepsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government’s plan to ease the lockdown will be confirmed in an official review that Downing Street expects will give the all clear for schools to begin reopening next week. No 10 said the proposed steps for England should be outlined at the daily press conference on Thursday, though they are dependent on further scientific advice, including on the rate of transmission. Continue reading... Go to Source

Tory anger at Dominic Cummings grows as 61 MPs defy Boris Johnson MPs break ranks to criticise PM’s chief of staff, with 44 calling for him to quit or be sackedThe full list of critical MPsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMore than 60 Conservative MPs have continued to defy Boris Johnson’s calls to “move on” from the Dominic Cummings crisis as a senior minister broke ranks to accuse the aide of inconsistencies in his account of his behaviour during lockdown.The intervention of Penny Mordaunt deepened the turmoil within government following revelations by the Guardian and Daily Mirror that Cummings had travelled 260 miles to his family estate in Durham with his wife suffering coronavirus symptoms. Continue reading... Go to Sourc...

US passes 100,000 coronavirus deaths as states relax lockdown measures US recorded more deaths from the disease than any other country in the pandemicCoronavirus – latest US updatesCoronavirus – latest global updatesThe United States has recorded more than 100,000 deaths from Covid-19, moving past a grim milestone even as many states relax mitigation measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.The US has recorded more deaths from the disease than any other country in the pandemic, and almost three times as many as the second-ranking country, Britain, which has recorded more than 37,000 Covid-19 deaths. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: US deaths from Covid-19 have passed 100,000 Qatar Covid-19 app ‘exposed 1m people’s personal details’; WHO sounds alarm over surge of Covid-19 cases in Latin America‘Defining’ moment as EU executive pushes for €500bn in grantsColombia designers make cardboard hospital beds that double as coffins UK coronavirus updates – liveUS coronavirus updates - live Coronavirus latest: at a glance 12.41am BSTA loophole in government guidance has caused some of the country’s most vulnerable people to lose up to 60% of their income and is now forcing many to put their health at risk as lockdown comes to an end, one of the UK’s biggest charities has warned. Related: UK's most vulnerable people at risk of losing 60% of their inc...

Hancock: it is public's 'civic duty' to follow test-and-trace instructions in England Government will enforce compliance if advice to stay at home for 14 days fails, says health secretaryHow will England’s test-and-trace system work?Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMatt Hancock exhorted the public to do their “civic duty” and stay at home when instructed, as he launched a new test and trace system in the face of warnings from council leaders that they lack the data or powers to make local lockdowns work.Employing Churchillian language, the health secretary called on every individual to do their bit, and warned that if they failed, the government would enforce compliance. Continue reading... Go to Source

The 'super-driven' ex-TalkTalk chief behind England's track-and-trace scheme With UK’s route out of lockdown dependent on success, Dido Harding faces a huge challengeCoronavirus – latest updatesGovernment unveils test-and-trace stragegy for England The ex-TalkTalk chief executive Dido Harding is facing one of the biggest moments in her eventful career, as she leads the government’s new track-and-trace programme upon which the country’s path out of lockdown depends.Lady Harding, 52, the chair of NHS Improvement, was brought in to shoulder the responsibility of this significant new strategy, personally risking the fallout if it does not go to plan. Continue reading... Go to Source

'Inconsistencies' in Dominic Cummings' story, says senior Tory Exclusive: Penny Mordaunt offers ‘deepest regrets’ to constituents as lockdown row rumbles onCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePenny Mordaunt, a senior government minister, has said there are “inconsistencies” in Dominic Cummings’ account of his actions during lockdown and apologised for how recent days have “undermined key public health messages”.In an email sent to constituents, seen by the Guardian, Mordaunt said Cummings’ continued position as Boris Johnson’s chief adviser was a “matter for the prime minister” but she also she could “fully understand how angry people are” and believed there was no doubt he &ldquo...

UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson to face MPs' questions on Cummings as Tory revolt continues Tory MPs still calling for Cummings to go amid fears furore around PM’s aide will distract from government’s public health messagePublic anger swells ranks of Tory MPs turning on PM’s key aideMatt Hancock outlines local lockdown measures to suppress infectionGlobal coronavirus updates - liveSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.49pm BSTAt First Minister’s Questions, Nicola Sturgeon was challenged repeatedly about the hundreds of older people who were discharged from hospital in the early days of the pandemic to care homes, without being tested for coronavirus.The first minister has previously accepted that she cannot say for certain whether people died as a result of bein...

Working mothers interrupted more often than fathers in lockdown – study Mothers are more likely to have lost jobs and are doing more childcare and houseworkWorking mothers have been able to do only one hour of uninterrupted paid work for every three hours done by men during lockdown, according to a study that exposes the work imbalance between men and women. A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the UCL institute of education also says mothers are more likely than fathers to have lost their jobs during lockdown, increasing fears that the coronavirus crisis has exacerbated inequality and could lead to the gender pay gap increasing. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: European commission proposes €1.85tr Covid-19 recovery plan WHO sounds alarm over surge of Covid-19 cases in Latin America; unrest grows in UK PM’s party over Dominic Cummings lockdown breachTory unrest increases pressure on PM to sack Dominic CummingsUK coronavirus updates – liveCoronavirus latest: at a glance 12.47pm BSTAs researchers around the world race to perfect a coronavirus vaccine, new polling suggests that only half of people in the United States might actually take it. The results of the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, released on Wednesday, found 31% weren’t sure if they’d get vaccinated, while one in five said they would refuse. 12.33pm BSTAs prospects of summer holidays abroad increase for some ...

‘The support has fizzled out a bit’: frontline workers on lockdown easing We check in again with workers including a bus driver and a care home manager about their experiences of the pandemicCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIn early April, frontline workers including a bus driver, a care home manager and a cemetery worker spoke to the Guardian about their experiences during the coronavirus paramedic. Two weeks later we checked in to hear how they had been coping with the peak of the virus.Now, another month on, with lockdown restrictions easing, we catch up with the workers to see how things have changed. Continue reading... Go to Source