The UK has reported its lowest daily death toll since the nation went into lockdown in mid-March.
A total of 15 people died after testing positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the Department of Health and Social Care announced.
This means the death toll currently stands at 42,647, up from 42,632 the day before - representing the lowest increase since March 15.
Meanwhile, millions of vulnerable people told to shield themselves from the coronavirus will be able to meet friends and visit relatives’ homes from July 6, Matt Hancock has announced at today's daily briefing.
The Health Secretary said the nation’s 2.2 million shielded people will be able to meet up to five other people outdoors in what will be a huge boost for those who have been virtual prisoners in their own homes for the past three months.
Heatwave could lower transmission rates, study shows
The hottest week of the year could lower coronavirus transmission rates, with a study showing that strong British summer sunlight causes the virus to decay to almost nothing in just 30 minutes.
Temperatures are forecast to rise above 86F (30C) on Thursday, which could see crowds flocking to beaches and parks as the UK enjoys warmer conditions than Ibiza.
But although mass gatherings might suggest a rise in transmission, new research by retired virologists from the US Army and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that sunlight kills off coronavirus extremely quickly, meaning people are likely to be far safer outdoors.
In fact, being indoors in lockdown may have been harmful for people, the study suggests.
Cinemas and museums in England to begin re-opening
Cinemas, museums and art galleries will be able to begin re-opening their doors from next month in the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England.
Boris Johnson is due to set out the results of a review of the two-metre social-distancing rule in the Commons on Tuesday - amid a widespread expectation it will be cut to one metre.
Much of the focus has been on the hospitality sector - with detailed guidance due on how pubs, bars and restaurants can start gradually to re-open from July 4.
However it is now expected there will be guidance for sections of the arts and cultural sector on how they can welcome back visitors under the latest stage of the Government's road map for lifting the lockdown.
It could mean cinemas and museums introducing one-way systems, spaced queuing, increased ventilation, and pre-booked tickets to ensure people can return safely.
09:30 PM
Two more Trump campaign staff members test positive
Two more staff members of President Donald Trump's campaign who were in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for his rally on Saturday have tested positive for the coronavirus, a Trump campaign spokesman said on Monday.
The campaign said on Saturday hours before the rally, Trump's first since March, that six members of the campaign's advance staff had tested positive.
"After another round of testing for campaign staff in Tulsa, two additional members of the advance team tested positive for the coronavirus," spokesman Tim Murtaugh said. "These staff members attended the rally but were wearing masks during the entire event."
The White House and Trump campaign largely brushed away concerns ahead of the event about holding a rally with thousands of people despite warnings from health officials against gathering in large groups.
Most people at the rally did not wear masks.
The arena had thousands of empty seats on Saturday, a blow to Trump, who revels in large crowds, and his campaign, which had said demand outstripped the number of tickets available for the event.
09:17 PM
New tool could be used to identify those most at risk from Coronavirus
A new risk tool could be used to identify those most at threat from Covid-19, so GPs can give patients tailored advice, health officials have said.
Scientists at Oxford University are working on a clinical risk prediction model, which aims to give individuals more precise information about the likely impact of the disease on them, instead of a blanket approach.
Health officials said the plans aimed to allow “very individualised discussions” between patients and their doctors, in the event of future outbreaks, particularly as winter approaches.
The scheme aims to replace the approach seen so far - with everyone told to stay home during lockdown, and 2.2 million told to be “fully shielded,” with a more nuanced strategy.
Read more from our Health Editor Laura Donnellyhere.
09:03 PM
Trump to extend US work visa freeze to year-end
US President Donald Trump will prolong a ban on US employment permits to year-end and broaden it to include H1-B visas used widely in the tech industry, the White House said Monday.
A senior administration official told journalists that the move would free up 525,000 jobs, making a dent in the high unemployment rate caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
"President Trump is focused on getting Americans back to work as quickly as possible," the official said, on condition of anonymity.
Trump had endlessly touted a strong economy, but now finds himself desperate for a political boost ahead of the November election.
An executive order, expected later Monday, will extend and widen the 60-day freeze Trump placed on new work permits for non-US citizens two months ago.
The administration official said the new order would extend to the end of 2020 and include H1-B visas provided to 85,000 workers each year with special skills, many of them joining the US technology industry.
It will also cover most J visas, common for academics and researchers, and L visas used by companies to shift workers based overseas to their US offices.
The official said the order was necessary to respond to soaring unemployment that resulted from the Covid-19 shutdown.
08:49 PM
Scars of Covid-19 could last for life as doctors warn of long-term damage to health
One in three patients who recover from coronavirus could be harmed for life, with long-term damage to their lungs, as well as chronic fatigue and psychological disturbances, research suggests.
Experts said there was growing evidence that the virus could cause persistent or even permanent trauma, including impairment to the brain and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
NHS guidance seen by The Telegraph suggests that around 30 per cent of patients who recover from Covid-19 may be left with damaged and scarred lung tissue, if it follows patterns of similar diseases.
This could amount to around 100,000 of the 300,000 people who have so far tested positive in the UK. Limited testing during the pandemic means the figure may be still higher.
South Africa reports over 100,000 coronavirus cases
South Africa on Monday said it had over 100,000 coronavirus cases, the highest in the continent, while the number of deaths inched towards 2,000.
Members of the Ndlovu Youth Choir wait to be tested for Covid-19 at a clinic in the Moutse Valley, 100 miles north east of Johannesburg, South Africa - AP
"As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa has breached the 100 000 mark at 101,590," the health ministry said.
Sixty-one deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths to 1,991.
08:15 PM
The latest global developments
For those of you who are just joining us, here is a round-up of the key events around the world:
The UK registered at 15 deaths, its lowest daily toll since March 15, with Boris Johnson expected to announce on Tuesday plans for pubs and restaurants reopening.
Millions of vulnerable people told to shield themselves from the coronavirus will be able to meet friends and visit relatives’ homes from July 6.
The World Health Organization has warned that the pandemic is "still accelerating".
The WHO also called for a rapid increase in production of the steroid dexamethasone, after British clinical trials found it has life-saving potential for critically-ill coronavirus patients.
More than nine million people have now been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, of which more than half are in Europe and the United States.
The United States is the worst hit country with 120,106 deaths. It is followed by Brazil with 50,617 deaths, Britain with 42,647, Italy with 34,657 and France with 29,663 fatalities.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that three players have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the team's tour of England next month.
Saudi Arabia announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, with pilgrims already in the kingdom allowed to take part.
Next year's Golden Globes will take place on February 28.
07:59 PM
Oxford coronavirus vaccine ready to roll out in October under 'best scenario'
The Oxford vaccine against coronavirus will not be ready to be rolled out until October, researchers have said.
But Professor Adrian Hill, the director of the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, told a webinar of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology that the "best scenario" would see results from clinical trials in August and September and deliveries from October.
The delay means Britain will be edging closer to the winter flu season and the possibility of a second coronavirus peak without a vaccine.
Read more from our science editor Sarah Knaptonhere.
07:45 PM
Senior civil servant defends Government's handling of care homes
The senior civil servant at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) defended the Government's handling of the coronavirus crisis in care homes after being accused of a "negligent" and "reckless" approach.
DHSC permanent secretary Sir Chris Wormald faced questions at the Commons Public Accounts Committee about the discharge of patients from hospitals to England's care homes without a rigorous coronavirus testing process.
Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown levelled the accusations of negligence at officials over their handling of the care homes crisis.
Sir Chris said hospitals needed to prepare for large numbers of Covid patients and people were only discharged if they were assessed to be clinically fit.
He acknowledged there had been "huge challenges" in care homes but "considerable progress" had been made.
07:29 PM
Watch again: Matt Hancock announces 'shielders' can see friends and family
Health Secretary Matt Hancock leads Monday's coronavirus update revealing those 'shielding' will be able to see relatives and friends from 4 July.
07:16 PM
Black Lives Matter protests have not caused spike in coronavirus cases, study finds
Black Lives Matter protests have not caused a spike in coronavirus cases, a new study has found.
The study, which assessed data from 315 US cities, hypothesised that protests would increase disease transmission, however, it was not borne out in the findings.
The researchers, from various American colleges including San Diego State University, concluded there was “no evidence” to suggest the demonstrations had actually led to a surge nearly three weeks on.
Titled "Black Lives Matter Protests, Social Distancing, and COVID-19," the study also found "strong evidence" that the protests actually increased stay-at-home adherence overall, likely because non-protesters chose to leave their homes less amid the demonstrations.
Saudi Arabia on Monday announced it would hold a "very limited" hajj this year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, with pilgrims already in the kingdom allowed to take part.
The decision, fraught with political and economic peril, comes as Saudi Arabia struggles to contain the virus amid a new spike in daily cases and deaths.
"It was decided to hold the pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers... with different nationalities in the kingdom," the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing the hajj ministry.
A volunteer checks the temperature of a man as he arrives to perform the dawn prayer at a mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca - AFP
The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, represents a major potential source of contagion as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites.
Any decision to limit the event risks annoying Muslim hardliners for whom religion trumps health concerns.
A watered-down hajj would represent a major loss of revenue for the kingdom, which is already reeling from the twin shocks of the virus-induced slowdown and a plunge in oil prices.
06:47 PM
WHO calls for increased production of steroid after successful trial drives surge in demand
Global demand for dexamethasone has surged since British researchers found the common steroid radically improves the chances of survival for critically ill Covid-19 patients, the World Health Organization has warned.
The UN agency has called for a rapid increase in production of the drug, an anti-inflammatory that has been on the market for some 60 years and is used to treat conditions including arthritis and severe asthma.
A member of staff at a pharmacy in London holds a packet of anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone - PA
“Although the data are still preliminary, the recent finding that the steroid dexamethasone has life-saving potential for critically ill Covid-19 patients gave us a much-needed reason to celebrate,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, told a virtual press briefing on Monday.
“The next challenge is to increase production and rapidly and equitably distribute dexamethasone worldwide, focusing on where it’s needed most. Demand has already surged, following the UK trial results showing dexamethasone's clear benefit.”
Charities have urged caution as the rules around shielding are relaxed, saying people must not be made to go back to work without proper safeguards in place.
They have said the move to end shielding would be welcomed by many but warned that people must not be forced back into offices and onto public transport.
Nick Moberly, chief executive of the MS Society, said people "are desperate to get back to normal life" but added: "We are gravely concerned that certain key support measures - such as food packages and Statutory Sick Pay - will be taken away prematurely.
"Without this help, and with many people still terrified of infection, for some the idea of normal life returning will feel more like a threat than an opportunity.
"Additionally, those who now may have no choice but to return to work must be given the right information so that - together with their employer - they can ensure their working environment is safe."
Alison Cook, director of external affairs at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said: "Most people will have a choice about what they are going to do, but for people who aren't able to work from home that may not be the case.
"It is vital that before anyone in the extremely clinically vulnerable group goes back to work that employers can clearly demonstrate how they are going to be able to keep people safe, whether that's through socially distancing or providing protective equipment."
06:15 PM
Listen to the latest episode of our Coronavirus podcast
Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast, Coronavirus: The Latest. The Telegraph's leading journalists bring you expert analysis on the impact of the outbreak on health, politics, business and travel in the UK and beyond. Listen for everything you need to know in just ten minutes (or thirty hand washes).
In this episode: Germany’s R-number shot to it’s highest level for weeks after more than 1300 abattoir employees tested positive for the virus.
In the UK, three outbreaks have been confirmed in meat processing factories, sparking concerns that not enough is being done to protect low-paid workers.
06:00 PM
Immunity to Covid-19 rapidly declines, research shows
Two new studies show that patients who have recovered from coronavirus rapidly lose antibodies, raising questions over how long immunity to the disease lasts and how reliable antibody testing is.
The studies also highlight the importance the development of a vaccine is to controlling the disease.
One study found that 10 per cent of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 in China had undetectable antibodies just weeks after recovering from the disease.
The study, published on the preprint server medRxiv and not yet peer reviewed, screened 1,500 coronavirus patients in Wuhan for antibodies.
They then compared antibody levels with nearly 20,000 members of the general population, 1,600 patients hospitalised for non-Covid-19 reasons and more than 3,800 health workers who the researchers assumed had been exposed to the virus and therefore had developed antibodies.
They found that one in ten patients who had contracted Covid-19 had no antibodies just weeks after recovering from the disease.
They also found that only five per cent of health workers had antibodies, despite the fact many of them had contracted the disease, and only between one and five per cent of the people in other groups had antibodies.
Some Lisbon nightlife back under curfew after illegal partying
Nightlife in and around the Portuguese capital Lisbon goes back under curfew from Tuesday in areas with the most new coronavirus cases, after the easing of restrictions led to a surge in illegal partying.
Over the weekend, police broke up parties and raves along the shoreline that exceeded a limit of 20 people per gathering. One beach party that spilled out of the parking lot of a restaurant near Lisbon had about 1,000 revellers.
Despite a relatively low coronavirus toll of 39,392 confirmed cases and 1,534 deaths, authorities are worried that several hundred new cases are being found every day in Greater Lisbon. But the government maintains that the outbreaks are localised and traceable to particular workspaces and crowded neighbourhoods.
People sit at a terrace bar in Cascais in the outskirts of Lisbon - AFP
"The nucleus of the problem is centred in just 15 neighbourhoods ... we need a stronger effort in these areas," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference after meeting local council leaders in Lisbon.
In these areas, the limit on gatherings will be halved to just 10 people, and commercial spaces with the exception of restaurants will close by 8 pm, Costa said. Restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve drinks after the 8 p.m. curfew, and drinking in public spaces outside of licensed esplanades will also be prohibited.
05:33 PM
Analysis: US death toll hits 120,000
The death toll from the coronavirus reached over 120,000 in the United States on Monday, as new cases spike in several states.
More Americans have now died from Covid-19 than were killed fighting in World War One.
About 800 Americans have died on average each day so far in June, down from a peak of 2,000 a day in April, according to the tally of state and county data on Covid-19 deaths.
Total US coronavirus cases are over 2.2 million, the highest in the world, followed by Brazil with more than 1 million cases, and infections are rapidly rising in India.
After weeks of declining, US coronavirus cases nationally are rising again with 12 states reporting record increases in cases last week as all states moved forward with reopening their economies.
On Saturday, over 30,000 new cases were reported, the highest daily total since May 1.
05:18 PM
Golden Globes follow Oscars with delays to 2021 award shows
The Golden Globes on Monday postponed its 2021 ceremony for film and television, after a two-month delay to the Oscars, in Hollywood's latest awards calendar shuffle caused by the coronavirus epidemic.
The Golden Globes ceremony, which kicks off Hollywood's awards season, will take place on February 28 instead of its usual slot on the first Sunday in January, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which hands out the trophies, said in a statement.
Last week the Oscars, the highest honors in the film industry, were postponed to April 25 from February 28. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the delay would allow filmmakers more time to finish their movies after production was shut down worldwide in mid-March and movie theaters were closed.
The HFPA said it would give details on a new date for Golden Globe nominations and eligibility criteria in the coming weeks.
05:02 PM
Localised shielding advice could be issued
The Health Secretary confirmed that localised shielding advice could be given out in future as outbreaks emerge.
"We will have the ability to do that," Matt Hancock said when the possibility was put to him. "We would consider that as part of a local lockdown if that is what was clinically advised."
Mr Hancock added that the Government was being "guided by the science" in easing the lockdown restrictions.
Dr Jenny Harries said even as the rules were relaxed people still needed to follow social distancing, including regular handwashing and good respiratory hygiene.
"There is a critical point here that says just because life is feeling a bit more back to normal don't suddenly jump to where you were this time last year. We need to learn to go forward with restrictions in our lives," she told the briefing.
04:53 PM
Low transmission rates means it is 'as safe as it will be for a while'
Dr Jenny Harries said the coronavirus transmission rate meant it was "as safe as it is likely to be for a while" for those shielding.
She said: "It is the epidemiology that is driving the programme - it is whether you are likely to meet, if you like, the virus when you head out.
"We can never say absolutely 100 per cent none of us will meet this virus at the moment - that's not possible
"But we can say that the levels are now so low. So as the Secretary of State said, the data at the week before last was that on average for people in our communities you would have to meet 1,700 people before you came across a case of infection.
"So it is trying to get that perspective and proportionality into people's understanding.
"Now is as safe as it is likely to be for a while. When it gets back to the winter, we're going to have a different tool and that is going to help the individual and the employer."
04:46 PM
Children missing school because of shielding would be better off in classrooms
Many children who are currently absent from school because they are shielding would be better off in the classroom, Dr Jenny Harries said.
"There is almost certainly a large number - a very large number - of children who are not going to school at the moment who could go, because parents are concerned that they should be shielding," Dr Harries said.
England's deputy chief medical officer told the Downing Street press conference that children with asthma which is under control should be in school.
"Those children are at very, very low risk from Covid, they are probably at very, very significant risk of getting left behind in their education.
"In terms of the long-term health outcomes, that would be far worse."
04:43 PM
Global concern continues
The rising number of global cases underlined the need for quarantine arrangements, according to Matt Hancock.
On Sunday more than 183,000 new cases of Covid-19 were reported to the World Health Organisation - the most in a single day so far.
The Health Secretary told the Downing Street press conference: "We look at what's happening around the world and this shows why it is important that we have a quarantine process in place because there are some parts of the world where, unfortunately, this virus is really shooting up."
04:40 PM
Shielding policy 'paused', not ended
Although the shielding programme will be reduced, it could be reinstated if the clinical guidance changes, Matt Hancock said.
The Health Secretary explained that the alteration in Government advice should be seen as a "pause".
"I use the word 'pause' very deliberately because the (shielding) list will continue and should the clinical advice be that we need to bring it back in, then that is what we will do," he told the daily briefing.
04:35 PM
Travel corridors will be announced soon
The Government will set out where travel corridors might be established before the June 29 deadline for reviewing the quarantine arrangements, Matt Hancock said.
The Health Secretary told the press conference: "A lot of work is being done on travel corridors, I've been working on it over the weekend.
"And we have a formal review date of the quarantine policy at the end of this month on June 29, and we'll make sure that in good time for that we publish what we plan to do next in terms of where we think - based on the epidemiological advice - we're able to formalise travel corridors.
"I know that people are really looking forward to getting this information, but we've got to make sure that we get it right and that work is going on right now."
04:30 PM
Take advantage of good weather, says Dr Harries
Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer, said those shielding should take advantage of the expected good weather this week to become accustomed to reintegrating themselves back into society.
"Now we're out of the peak of the epidemic in the UK and estimated levels of community transmission and infection are back to those before shielding commenced, we are in a position to start relaxing the shielding advice over the next few weeks.
"We may well have some summer weather a little in our favour too and therefore our advice to those shielding is to take some steps now to start coming back to a more normal lifestyle.
"This has been a very difficult and sometimes frightening period for people who have been shielding and therefore to give people time to prepare, we are setting out the advice in a stepped approach."
04:27 PM
Support for vulnerable will continue as measures are eased
Those who will be affected by the new measures will receive letters from Matt Hancock in the coming weeks, containing further guidance about what to expect.
Meanwhile, the Health Secretary reassured those on the shielding list that the majority of the support they have received during lockdown will continue, with any changes gradual.
"I know that after three months of shielding, it might take a bit of time to adjust to the new guidelines," Mr Hancock said. "So we're working closely with the NHS, with councils and with charities to make sure this updated advice is as clear as possible.
"If you are receiving centrally provided food boxes or medicine deliveries, this will continue until the end of July. I'm glad to say that seven supermarket companies have confirmed ongoing access to priority supermarket delivery slots for as long as they are needed.
"Support from NHS Voluntary Responders will continue, and so too will support from NHS Mental Health Services, for those struggling with their mental health."
04:19 PM
Those shielding can return to work from August 1
From August 1 the easing of restrictions for those who are shielding will go further still, Dr Jenny Harries announced.
Beginning at start of the month, those deemed “clinically extremely vulnerable” will no longer be advised to shield as long as they continue strict social distancing measures.
Those who cannot work from home will be able to return as long as their workplace adheres to Government guidance.
04:17 PM
Two million 'shielding' people will be able to visit relatives and see friends
Millions of vulnerable people told to shield themselves from the coronavirus will be able to meet friends and visit relatives’ homes from July 6, Dr Jenny Harries announced at today's briefing.
The deputy chief medical officer for England said that the easing of restrictions on these 2.2 million people will come in stages.
"To give people time to prepare, we're setting out the advice in a stepped approach," she said.
"First, from July the 6th, which is a time period from when other lockdown measures have been eased, we're advising that people who are shielding may want to start meeting groups of up to six people outdoors, including those outside their household.
"If you live alone or if you are a lone parent, you can think of forming a support bubble with another household."
04:11 PM
Every death is one too many, says Matt Hancock
Despite the lowest death toll since lockdown began, every death is one too many, Matt Hancock said at today's daily briefing.
As the Health Secretary presented the day's data, he reminded the public that each person to die from the coronavirus was someone's loved one.
The number of people to die after testing positive Testing and those who have tested positive
Nevertheless, Mr Hancock said there was reason to be optimistic going forward, with the number of people hospitalised with the virus and the number testing positive considerably lower than in March.
The daily number of people testing positive has fallen to below 1,000 for the first time since the peak of the epidemic, and there are now fewer than 5,000 people being treated in hospital for the virus.
"It shows that whilst there's still much to do, we are clearly making progress," he said. "We're working through our plan and this data shows that the plan is working.
"We've protected the NHS, and thanks to the patience and sacrifice of everyone watching, infections are falling, the NHS is restoring, and the virus is in retreat."
04:05 PM
Advice for those who are shielding to be released today
Matt Hancock is live from Downing Street with Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England.
At today’s briefing Dr Harries will set out the next steps for those who are shielding, the Heath Secretary said.
You can watch live via the video at the top of this page and follow our blog for updates as they come.
03:46 PM
Wales could impose first local lockdown
Wales could implement its first local lockdown following a coronavirus outbreak at a chicken processing plant, the First Minister has said.
Mark Drakeford said strict measures would only be reimposed for the island of Anglesey if there was a public health case for doing so, as officials wait to see if the outbreak has spread into the wider community.
Some 158 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni, Anglesey, where production was stopped on Thursday after the outbreak was declared and staff were told to self-isolate for two weeks.
On Monday Mr Drakeford said Government ministers and the island's local authority were reviewing the situation, while Wales' test, trace, protect system would "keep on top" of whether there has been a general spread of the virus.
"We will take the advice from those people who are dealing with the outbreak on the island to decide whether there is anything further that needs to be done that would impose restrictions on people more generally.
"You don't do that lightly, because these are people's lives and freedoms that you are interfering with. But if there is a public need to do so, we will.
"If the public health case isn't there to go beyond what we are doing already then we will take that advice equally seriously."
03:25 PM
New York City begins reopening
After more than 100 days of lockdown, New York City residents on Monday celebrated their progress in curbing the coronavirus pandemic by getting their first haircuts in months, shopping at long-closed stores, and dining at outdoor cafes.
Once the epicenter of the global outbreak, the city was the last region in New York state to move into Phase 2 of reopening with restaurants and bars offering outdoor service and many shops reopening. Barber shops and hair salons welcomed customers for the first time since mid-March.
Today was the first day of a phased reopening - REUTERS
Playgrounds were also due to reopen on Monday in the most populous U.S. city. The pandemic has killed nearly 120,000 Americans and is flaring up in a dozen states that reported record increases in cases last week.
Customers wearing face coverings lined up outside Clementine Bakery in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant on Monday, and a few enjoyed the warm summer morning sipping iced coffee at scattered tables on the sidewalk.
03:11 PM
Wildlife trade amplifies spread of coronaviruses, two studies find
Asia’s booming wildlife trade is fuelling the spread of coronaviruses by providing the ideal opportunity for animals to infect each other and potentially humans, two studies have found.
Across Asia, wild animals including rodents, pangolins and bats are transported and often smuggled thousands of miles in crowded and chaotic conditions for use in restaurants and traditional medicines.
Experts have long thought this amplifies the transmission of coronaviruses, making the possibility of a jump to humans more likely.
In one new study, published as a preprint without peer review, researchers analysed oral swabs from more than 2,000 field rats in three provinces in southern Vietnam. They found that the animals smuggled across the Mekong River Delta, from traders to restaurants, tested positive for six different coronaviruses. More significantly, the incidence of infection increased significantly along their journey.
Roughly 20 per cent of wild rats caught by traders tested positive for at least one coronavirus, rising to 32 per cent of rodents in large markets. In restaurants, the final step in the chain, 55 per cent of rats were infected.
Vulnerable children facing a crisis of mental health, charity warns
A crisis of mental health and unprocessed trauma "is only just beginning" for disadvantaged children emerging from the coronavirus lockdown, a leading charity has said.
A child studies on a marked table at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester. - Jacob King/PA
The 25 children interviewed by the Childhood Trust were "deeply disturbed, worrying extensively about their family's health, the closure of schools, a loss of routine, social connection and the future", its new report reveals.
Most of the children said they were scared about dying from the virus or worried about their family dying, according to the trust.
During the lockdown children in households where domestic, emotional and physical abuse is taking place have been less able to seek refuge and support elsewhere, with schools and youth clubs closed.
Chief executive Laurence Guinness said: "The Childhood Trust is extremely concerned about the ways in which this crisis is adversely and disproportionately affecting disadvantaged children and young people living in London.
"We have engaged directly with children and families living in poverty who have been severely affected by this crisis and are deeply worried that if we don't get immediate aid to children in need, the long term effects will be catastrophic for their mental health, education and future prospects.
"Disadvantaged and vulnerable children have been abandoned by the Government and whilst the lockdown might be easing, for many children living in poverty a very real crisis of mental health and unprocessed trauma is only just beginning."
02:47 PM
'The proposed restrictions are ludicrous' - Telegraph readers on plans to reopen pubs
As Boris Johnson considers reopening the hospitality sector, it’s been revealed that hotels and pubs could be given a "consumer mark" to show they are safe for customers to attend.
On Sunday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock conceded that customers in England may be asked to register when they arrive at pubs and restaurants as part of the Government’s plan for reopening the hospitality sector. Restaurants, pubs and bars may also be expected to introduce measures such as partitions between tables that are less than two metres apart.
When the doors to Britain’s pubs, restaurants and hotels do reopen, life will be very different for customers around the UK.
Click here to read what Telegraph readers think of the proposed new measures.
02:38 PM
Comment: 'Despite criticism, our civil servants have risen to the occasion of the pandemic'
Faced with immense and unforeseeable challenges, our remarkable public servants have moved quickly and efficiently to serve the nation, writes MP Therese Coffey.
Last week there was a significant moment in our fight against this terrible virus, when the national Covid-19 alert level was lowered by our chief medical officers.
As they have said, this does not mean the pandemic is over – far from it. But it is a welcome sign and shows that the collective sacrifice you, the British people, have made and are continuing to make is turning the tide on this assailant.
As such, this milestone lends itself to reflection, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the fine work of my department in supporting those in need through these arduous times, something that has been overlooked by many who have criticised the Government’s, and in particular civil servants’, response to the coronavirus.
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of being constantly critical, throwing stones from the outside and casting aspersions on civil servants who cannot publicly answer back.
Britons fear looming unemployment crisis, according to new analysis
Britons are deeply fearful of an unemployment crisis despite the economy’s reopening as analysts warn that consumer caution could hold back the recovery, reports Tom Rees.
Job security worries are “at extreme levels of pessimism” and have failed to pick up amid fears of a second wave of redundancies when the furlough scheme ends, IHS Markit’s household finance index revealed.
It came as business leaders urged the Chancellor to protect workers, and factory output hit fresh record lows in a new survey.
The household finances index, which measures Britons’ perception of their financial well-being, rebounded from an eight-year low to 40.7 in June, up from 37.8 last month. A score below 50 signals a deterioration in household finances.
However, the survey found that job security perceptions and incomes were deep in negative territory. The jobs gauge climbed to just 36.7 in June, up marginally from April’s record low of 32 but still at levels not seen before the Covid crisis.
02:15 PM
Disneyland Paris theme park to reopen on July 15
Disneyland Paris theme park will reopen in phases from July 15, the company have announced.
According to Natacha Rafalski, president of Disneyland Paris, the company expects to reopen Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney's Newport Bay Club hotel and Disney Village.
02:04 PM
Lack of global leadership is the 'greatest threat' in fighting Covid-19, says World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has called for global leadership and unity in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
"The world is in desperate need of national unity and global solidarity. The politicisation of the pandemic has exacerbated it," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual health forum in Dubai.
"The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself - it's the lack of global solidarity and global leadership."
01:49 PM
Breaking: UK coronavirus death toll rises by 15
The Department of Health and Social Care said 42,647 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Sunday, up by 15 from 42,632 the day before.
139,659 tests were carried out on June 21, and as of 9am on June 22, there have been 8,029,757 tests carried out in total.
As of 9am 22 June, there have been 8,029,757 tests, with 139,659 tests on 21 June.
305,289 people have tested positive.
As of 5pm on 21 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,647 have sadly died.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 22, 2020
01:47 PM
‘Covid-bill’ to help businesses to be introduced in House of Commons this week
Fresh proposals to help businesses "adjust" while social distancing measures remain in place will come before MPs this week, Downing Street has confirmed.
Number 10 said the Business and Planning Bill - which has been dubbed the Covid Bill by officials - is set to be introduced in the House of Commons in the coming days.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "There is a Covid Bill which will look at new ways of working as the country recovers from the disruption caused by coronavirus and which is intended to help businesses through the summer months in particular.
"I would expect that Bill to be introduced this week."
01:43 PM
Health workers in Afghanistan under attack as they try to tackle Covid-19
Afghanistan's shaky health system could buckle under Covid-19, but attacks on staff and facilities continue, reports Ben Farmer.
A security officer carries a baby after gunmen attacked a maternity hospital, in Kabul, Afghanistan - Rahmat Gul/AP
The Taliban and Afghan forces have both deliberately attacked health workers in recent months, even as medics are trying to cope with the coronavirus sweeping through Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's shaky health system is at risk of buckling under the weight of Covid-19 infections, but those fighting in the nation's long-running conflicts have failed to halt attacks on staff and facilities.
A United Nations report alleged a dozen deliberate attacks since mid-March, with eight carried out by Taliban insurgents and three carried out by government forces. The culprits behind the most horrifying attack, where gunmen went ward-to-ward executing mothers, infants and nurses in a Kabul maternity hospital, are still not known.
"At a time when an urgent humanitarian response was required to protect every life in Afghanistan, both the Taliban and Afghan national security forces carried out deliberate acts of violence that undermined healthcare operations," said Deborah Lyons head of the UN mission in Afghanistan.
01:28 PM
Coming out of lockdown will be more difficult then going into it, says former Chancellor
Former chancellor Ken Clarke has argued that a short term cut in VAT would be a 'sensible' measure.
Speaking to the BBC earlier today, he said: "I think coming out of the lockdown, sorting out the mess, including the recession after the coronavirus, is going to be even more difficult than going into it in the first place."
When asked whether a short-term cut in VAT was needed, Mr Clarke replied: "I think that's arguable. I would accept that. I think that might well be a sensible thing to do. But, again, as with furloughing, with a strict time limit.
"Because one of the things we are going to have to do is raise some taxation to pay for the much more interventionist things... the Government is going to have to do."
01:16 PM
Wales: Covid-19 death toll rises to 1,478
Public Health Wales said one further person had died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,478.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases within Wales now stands at 15,197 - an increase of 71
01:10 PM
Afternoon summary
If you are just joining us, here's a round up of today's stories...
UK news...
Doctors from black and ethnic minorities are twice as likely as white medics to be sent on the ward without Personal Protective Equipment, a major survey suggests.
Around four in 10 young people who say coronavirus has affected their wellbeing believe the lockdown has made their mental health worse, according to new analysis from the Office for National Statistics.
A weekly coronavirus testing regime using a "no-swab" saliva test is being trialled in Southampton
In a video message, The Prince of Wales paid tribute to doctors, nurses and others working on the front line as well as members of the black community who have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
No new coronavirus deaths have been registered in Scotland in the last 24 hours, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.
Stormont ministers are considering further easing of Northern Ireland's lockdown, with the executive poised to allow up to six people to gather in an indoor setting. No new coronavirus deaths were announced on Monday, meaning the country's death toll remains at 545.
News from around the world...
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the country would extend its ban on cruise ships arriving into the country.
Coronavirus cases in Africa are now beginning to rapidly increase and are expected to reach 300,000
Russia has reported 7,600 new coronavirus cases and 95 new deaths in the past 24 hours
Health authorities in South Korea have said the country is in the midst of a “second wave” of coronavirus.
In Brazil, the number of coronavirus deaths has risen to 50,617. Meanwhile, 1,085,038 cases have now been confirmed.
The French health authority has announced that it will be stepping up its monitoring of coronavirus cases in Sarcelles
01:08 PM
The majority of Bhopal's Covid-19 deaths were survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide gas tragedy, say survivors groups
Over three-quarters of Bhopal's coronavirus deaths were survivors of the 1984 Union Carbide gas tragedy, reports Joe Wallen.
Activists are concerned fatalities will surge as the virus now spreads in informal settlements inhabited by those who lived near to the plant.
Survivors' groups say the deaths 35 years later show exposure to methyl isocyanate vapour during the leak inflicted long-term damage to residents' immune systems, making them more vulnerable to coronavirus.
"They had suffered permanent damage. 81% of the deceased had comorbidities, which they acquired due to gas exposure," said Rachna Dhingra, of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action.
These comorbidities included pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions.
Some 600,000 people in the city were exposed to toxic gas during what is considered the world's worst industrial accident, with many survivors still trying to obtain compensation today.
The authorities in Bhopal said they are aggressively monitoring the spread of the virus in survivors' areas and encourage anyone with symptoms to speak to a healthcare professional immediately.'
12:53 PM
India: Record number of Covid-19 cases reported
India reported a record number of new coronavirus cases on Monday and a death toll of more than 400 people in the past 24 hours, Reuters have reported.
Foreign embassies have now warned their citizens living in India that hospitals might not have the beds for them.
According to Reuters, the German embassy sent messages to its citizens living in New Delhi warning them that there was "little to no chance" of admission to hospital for treatment for Covid-19.
12:37 PM
'Mini movies' are the future of Hollywood after Covid crisis, says Andrea Iervolino
He is one of Hollywood’s leading independent producers, making films with stars from Al Pacino to Antonio Banderas.
Now Andrea Iervolino is opening a huge studio that will focus on animation short films because he believes that ‘mini-movies’ for streaming and mobile phones are the future for the entertainment industry in a Covid-19 world.
Lady Monika Bacardi, Johnny Depp and Andrea Iervolino pictured last year - Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
In an interview with the Telegraph, he revealed that the first project is a series of 250 five-minute episodes - equivalent to about “14 movies if you put them all together - starring Johnny Depp. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor will be the voice of a puffin who speaks an entirely made-up language.
Mr Iervolino told The Telegraph that, while studios cannot get insurance to cover virus outbreaks on set, audiences are also wary of going to cinemas: “Covid-19 is a big limitation for cinema and live entertainment because people are worried about being in the same room.”
Northern Ireland: Ministers considering further easing of lockdown measures
Stormont ministers are considering further easing of Northern Ireland's lockdown, with the executive poised to allow up to six people to gather in an indoor setting.
The final decision will be made later today, at the meeting of the executive this afternoon, and will depend on the latest scientific evidence.
On Saturday, Northern Ireland's heath trust labs reported no new confirmed cases of coronavirus for the first time since lockdown.
The daily update from the Department of Health revealed there were no positive results in the 995 tests analysed in their labs through Friday.
It was the first day since March that no new positive tests had been reported in a 24-hour period by health trust labs across the region.
12:04 PM
Social distancing threatens survival of 400,00 small businesses
The Federation of Small Business warns that SMEs face big bills for measures that will allow them to start trading again following the pandemic, reports Tim Wallace.
Social distancing rules will make it impossible for 400,000 of Britain’s small businesses to reopen after lockdown, threatening to blow a major hole in the economic recovery.
About half the 5.7m small companies closed at the height of the pandemic and a third are still shut.
Of those, one in five cannot reopen with the two metre rule still in force and even those that can restart operations face major bills. A quarter expect to have to spend more than £1,000 to comply with the guidelines, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
The group has written to the Chancellor to call for a range of measures to help small businesses with the cost of reopening, to encourage the economic recovery and save more jobs.
11:51 AM
Scotland: No new coronavirus deaths reported
No new coronavirus deaths have been registered in Scotland in the last 24 hours, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.
A total of 2,472 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, no change on Sunday's figure.
The First Minister said 18,170 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 14 from 18,156 the day before.
Ms Sturgeon urged the public to remain vigilant, arguing that there remained a risk of a second wave. She said:
"The virus hasn't gone away, there are already countries - China and Germany for example - that are right now dealing with spikes in cases as a result of significant outbreaks. And health officials in South Korea have said they think the country is now experiencing a second wave."
"I know that when numbers of cases and deaths here are continuing to fall it is very tempting for all of us to think it is all over and we should just now quickly get back to normal."
"We are trying to get back to normal and we want to do that as quickly as possible, but let me reiterate my strong view that acting recklessly now would be a serious mistake."
11:49 AM
Beijing reports nine new cases suggesting wholesale market cluster is now under control
China reported a decline in domestic Covid-19 cases in Beijing on Monday since last week's spike in cases, suggesting the latest outbreak has been brought under control.
Health authorities in the Chinese capital found nine new local infection cases on Sunday, down from 22 new cases a day earlier after authorities relentlessly traced and contained the outbreak that was traced back to a food market.
People wearing face masks queue to take a swab test during mass testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Beijing - NOEL CELIS/AFP
Beijing has increased its Covid-19 testing capacity since the outbreak. The city added 30 more screening centres to 124 citywide. The capital can now handle up to 230,000 sample tests daily from a previous 100,000 samples a day.
Beijing will see a "cliff-like" drop in new cases in the current coronavirus outbreak by the end of this week, a Chinese health expert said over the weekend.
Comment: 'The government's U-turn on hairdressing is costing Britain more than just bad hair'
The government have said they 'can confirm there is no confirmed date'. So when is Boris going to sort it out, asks Sonia Haria.
The proposed date for the beauty industry reopening was always July 4, with many English salons preparing to open their doors on July 4 - less than two weeks away. And now it's looking even less likely that date will be met.
The government insider also said "I appreciate that the industry would need time to prepare and we are doing our best to get to a position where this information will be provided to you."
The last official line we heard from Boris about the beauty industry was back in May - yes, really! - to lump the industry in with the rest of hospitality with a possible reopening date of July 4. But, as he said at the time, it was ‘at the earliest’.
With such a lack of information, hairdressers up and down the country have already started taking bookings to clear the huge backlog of appointments from July 4, since there was no word about when they could reopen. The beauty industry - with 50,000 businesses in the UK, may I add - have been desperately clinging to the July 4 date.
French authorities monitoring Sarcelles near Paris, amid fears of a second wave
The French health authority has announced that it will be stepping up its monitoring of coronavirus cases in Sarcelles, reports Reuters.
The regional health authority for the Ile-de-France area which covers both Paris and Sarcelles, said recent tests had shown that the presence of the virus was above the average for the area.
11:09 AM
Report: Two players, one coach, one fitness trainer - Covid-19 outbreak at controversial Novak Djokovic event worsens
The outbreak of Covid-19 at Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour event in the Balkans is becoming more serious still, reports our Tennis Correspondent, Simon Briggs.
A second high-profile player – world No 33 Borna Coric – has revealed that he tested positive on Sunday night, while other reports suggest that Grigor Dimitrov’s coach and Novak Djokovic’s fitness trainer did too.
In this photo taken on Saturdat 20 June, Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, right, poses for cameras with Croatia's Borna Coric during their semifinal match at a tournament in Zadar, Croatia. - Zvonko Kucelin/AP
Meanwhile Djokovic’s representatives have confirmed that – as of Monday morning – he has yet to undergo a test. On Sunday night, all the other players and support staff reported for testing to the official event hotel in the Croatian city of Zadar. But Djokovic returned to Belgrade.
According to one Croatian report – which was described as accurate by a member of Djokovic’s team – he “decided not to be tested on the spot, because he does not feel any symptoms, nor anyone from his environment, including the professional staff”.
5G conspiracy theorists likely to experience paranoia and believe that violent behaviour is justified, new study shows
Psychologists have discovered that people who believe in conspiracy theories linking coronavirus to 5G are more likely to feel justified in having a violent response towards the technology.
The latest findings follow a series of arson attacks on masts across Europe, Canada and the US and New Zealand.
Experts have stressed that there is no link between 5G technology and the spread of coronavirus, however conspiracy theorists have mistakenly claimed that the technology’s radiation causes Covid-19 symptoms.
Psychologists from Northumbria University in Newcastle spoke to more than 600 people to study why people believing these theories could resort to violence.
Their findings, published in the British Journal of Psychology, found a correlation between those believing in the 5G conspiracy theories and their level of 'state anger' - temporary, short-lasting outbursts of anger.
Senior psychology lecturer Dr Daniel Jolley said:
"Disconcertingly, the consequences of conspiracy theories are significant and wide-ranging.
"Our novel findings extend our understanding and provide the first empirical link between 5G Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs and violent reactions, alongside uncovering why (anger) and when (paranoia) conspiracy beliefs may justify the use of violence."
10:43 AM
Coronavirus figures from around the world
Across the globe more than 8.9 million people have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, while the death toll stands at 468,374.
On Sunday, the World Health Organization reported a record increase in global Covid-19 cases.
Within the 24 hour period, the total number of cases increased by 183,020. The previous record for new cases was 181,232 on June 18.
Here are some of the latest figures from around the world...
Russia has reported 7,600 new coronavirus cases and 95 new deaths in the past 24 hours
In Italy, the number of Covid-19 cases has increased by 224 to 238,499. The country’s death toll now stands at 34,634 - a rise of 24.
The number of coronavirus cases in France has increased to 160,377, an increase of 284. The death toll in France now stands at 29,640
In Brazil, the number of coronavirus deaths has risen to 50,617. 1,085,038 cases have now been confirmed.
Indonesia has reported 35 news Covid-19 deaths, bringing the country’s death toll to 2,500. The number of confirmed cases within the country now stands at 46,845.
Hong Kong has reported 30 new coronavirus cases - all imported from abroad
What are your views on the proposals to reopen the hospitality sector?
As Boris Johnson considers reopening the hospitality sector we want to hear from you on what the Government should be doing to get hospitality back in business.
Should the two-metre rule be reduced, or scrapped completely? Is the suggestion of a “consumer mark” for restaurants, hotels and pubs unnecessary?
Is it realistic to ask pubs and restaurants to register customers’ contact details?
Share your view in the comments section below and your comment may be featured in an article online.
10:13 AM
In pictures: the coronavirus outbreak around the world
Indian healthcare workers and volunteers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) arrive to conduct medical check-up on residents at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, in Mumbai, India - DIVYAKANT SOLANKI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Students from Dr Michael M Krop High School celebrate graduation - Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America A cured patient from COVID-19 rings a bell as a sign of victory when he leaves the hospital in Saltillo, Mexico - MIGUEL SIERRA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Kindergarten school student wear masks during a photo session for graduation day in Banda Aceh, Indonesia - HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock
10:03 AM
Prince of Wales pays tribute to front line staff in Windrush Day tribute video
As part of his video message commemorating Windrush Day, the Prince of Wales has paid tribute to front line NHS staff and expressed his sympathies to members of the black community who have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
Speaking in a video message, Prince Charles said: "Today offers an opportunity to express the debt of gratitude we owe to that first Windrush generation for accepting the invitation to come to Britain and, above all, to recognise the immeasurable difference that they, their children and their grandchildren, have made to so many aspects of our public life, to our culture and to every sector of our economy."
The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to doctors, nurses and others working on the front line and members of the black community who have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
He added: "Now I hesitate to single out any area of this activity but, as coronavirus lockdown begins to ease, I did just want to say a particular word about our National Health Service, of which people of African and Caribbean descent have been an indispensable part since its very beginning."
"At the same time, I know that the black community has been hit particularly hard by this pernicious virus.
"To those who have lost their loved ones in such heartbreaking circumstances, when it has been impossible for them to comfort their relatives in hospital, I can only convey my most profound sympathy; and to everyone on the front line who has been put under such intense pressure over the last three months and risen heroically to the unprecedented challenge, I want to say on behalf of all of us how inordinately proud we are of them and the way they carry out their onerous duties."
Today marks 72 years since the 'Empire Windrush' ship arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, carrying around 500 people from Jamaica who hoped to begin a new life in the UK.
09:53 AM
Under-30s much more likely to feel lonely or bored during lockdown, ONS survey suggests
Three quarters of young people who said their wellbeing had been affected by the outbreak reported feeling bored and 51 per cent reported feeling lonely, a survey by the Office for National Statistics has revealed.
The ONS figures also revealed that young people were the least likely to have checked on their neighbours.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of 16-29-year-olds surveyed said that during the past seven days they had not checked on neighbours who might need help, compared with 30 per cent of those aged 30-59 years old and 25 per cent of people aged 60 and over.
The ONS survey analysed responses from 6,400 adults, including 740 aged 16 to 29 between April 3 to May 10.
Overall, using three measures of wellbeing: life satisfaction, feelings that things done in life are worthwhile, and happiness, young people reported much lower scores on average than those aged 60 and over.
09:43 AM
Weekly coronavirus testing scheme being trialled in Southampton
A weekly coronavirus testing regime using a "no-swab" saliva test is being trialled in Southampton, Reuters has reported.
Rather than taking a swab, participants will be asked to spit into a pot and will receive the result within 48 hours.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Saliva testing could potentially make it even easier for people to take coronavirus tests at home, without having to use swabs”.
“This trial will also help us learn if routine, at-home testing could pick up cases of the virus earlier.”
More than 14,000 doctors, essential workers and university staff will participate in the trial, which uses an Optigene test.
The pilot will be jointly led by the NHS, Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton and a network of public services in Hampshire.
09:28 AM
Spaniards 'slightly' concerned about UK coronavirus numbers
A Spanish minister has said there is "slight" concern from some in his country about UK's coronavirus numbers as Spain opens its borders to British tourists again.
In an interview with the BBC this morning, Manuel Muniz, of Spain's foreign ministry, said that UK tourists would need to undergo a temperature check, a visible check and fill in a health form.
Asked if some people in Spain were worried about infection rates in the UK now being higher than in their own country, Mr Muniz replied: "Slightly. But these are still low numbers of circulation."
British tourists travelling to Spain will not have to quarantine in the country, however anyone returning to the UK would still need to quarantine for 14 days under the Government plans for nearly all new arrivals.
Mr Muniz added:
"From the point of view of Spain we have always thought that we would open our border to the UK at the same time as we did with the rest of the European member states, which we have."
"We see the numbers in the UK also coming down, so there was no health reason for us to impose that quarantine on Brits coming in."
09:18 AM
Australia's second most populous state re-imposes coronavirus restrictions
Australia's second most populous state has re-imposed coronavirus restrictions after a surge in cases brought about through community transmission, Giovanni Torre reports.
A cleaner wipes down a pole in Melbourne's central business district as more Australians return to the city centre with a relaxing of the COVID-19 lockdown rules - WILLIAM WEST /AFP
Authorities in Victoria have dropped the number of people allowed inside a household back down to 5 from 20, after the state reported spikes in cases for five-days in a row.
Police will also begin patrolling coronavirus hotspots once more and punishing those found in breach of regulations. The state had shifted to merely warning rule-breakers.
The government has also extended its state of emergency for at least one more month.
Victoria has now had 1,836 total confirmed cases, a quarter of the cases in Australia, since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted.
09:10 AM
South Korea battling a ‘second wave’ of Covid-19
Health authorities in South Korea have said the country is in the midst of a “second wave” of coronavirus, Reuters have reported.
Speaking on Monday, KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said that the holiday weekend in May sparked a new wave of infections in the greater Seoul area, which had previously seen few cases.
09:00 AM
42 per cent of young people say their mental health has 'deteriorated' throughout lockdown, ONS analysis shows
Around four in 10 young people who say coronavirus has affected their wellbeing believe the lockdown has made their mental health worse, according to new analysis from the Office for National Statistics.
The findings cover the period between April 3 to May 10 and reveal that:
42 per cent of people aged 16-29 said their mental health had deteriorated, compared with 25 per cent of those aged 30-59 and 15 per cent of those people aged 60 and over.
Of those who said coronavirus had affected their wellbeing, 51 per cent of 16-29 year-olds felt lonely, compared with 27 per cent of 30-59 year-olds and 26 per cent of people aged 60 and over.
08:48 AM
Apple accused of failing to cooperate with 'democratically elected governments' over contact-tracing app chaos
The Health Secretary has accused Apple of refusing to cooperate with “democratically elected governments” after being forced to ditch the original version of the contact-tracing app due to issues with iPhones.
Signalling the frustration of ministers towards the tech giant, Matt Hancock on Sunday claimed that Apple was being “intransigent in the face of perfectly reasonable requests” as he highlighted previous rows over terrorism.
With work now underway on a “hybrid” app, which will seek to incorporate components of the NHS version and one produced by Apple and Google, he also rejected claims the companies had not been consulted on the new plan.
However, ministers were themselves facing accusations of being obstructive on Sunday evening as the developers of rival apps to the NHS version claimed they had been blocked and “treated like the enemy.”
Harry Yorke and Laura Donnelly have the full story here.
08:39 AM
Africa expected to reach 300,000 Covid-19 cases
Coronavirus cases in Africa are now beginning to rapidly increase and are expected to reach 300,000 today, reports Will Brown.
It is likely that the real caseload is much higher than recorded numbers show. In recent months, many African countries have struggled to conduct mass testing, as richer countries have bought up large supplies of testing kits and lab materials.
The latest news follows warnings by the World Health Organisation which indicated that Covid-19 cases were rapidly spreading out of cities and towns into rural areas, where healthcare services are limited. South Africa has the lion’s share with almost 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
South Africa has conducted well over 1.3 million tests, more than ten times the amount carried out by Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.
08:29 AM
Special report: Why dementia and Covid are such a deadly combination
Dementia and Alzheimer’s were the most common pre-existing conditions found among deaths involving coronavirus in April, reports Lauren Libbert.
Kelly Molloy was close to her father, Mike Palmer
Kelly Molloy’s father, Mike Palmer, died five weeks ago and she’s convinced that social isolation combined with Covid and dementia played a big part in his death.
A former sports journalist, Palmer, 75, had been living in a care home in Whitstable, Kent for 18 months when Covid-19 struck. The home immediately went into lockdown and all family visits were suspended.
"My dad had broken his hip and was wheelchair-bound but my husband, daughter and I would normally visit at least three or four times a week and push him out for fresh air, by the sea, to eat some fish and chips," recalls Kelly, 50, a teacher from Herne Bay in Kent. "When we had to stop visiting, I was so worried he’d think we abandoned him. Those thoughts still plague me."
With visits suspended, Kelly tried calling her dad on the phone but the calls were extremely distressing.
"He sounded so much more confused and didn’t even know who we were, which wasn’t like him at all," says Kelly. "Although dementia took his memory away, he was normally very articulate and had a hilarious sense of humour and was always keeping the nurses on their toes with his banter. He was very tactile too and loved a hug. But Covid changed everything.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the country would extend its ban on cruise ships arriving into the country.
Speaking at a news conference, she said: "We are extending the current cruise ship ban which was due to expire on the 30th of June".
08:08 AM
BAME doctors twice as likely as white colleagues to be sent onto wards without adequate PPE
Doctors from black and ethnic minorities are twice as likely as white medics to be sent on the ward without Personal Protective Equipment, a major survey suggests.
The polling of almost 7,500 doctors by the British Medical Association shows 39 per cent of BAME doctors had felt pressured to see a patient when they did not have adequate protection.
In total, 19 per cent of white doctors said they had been in this situation. And seven per cent of BAME doctors said they often experienced this situation, compared with 2 per cent of white doctors.
Two months ago, health chiefs issued guidance saying all BAME staff should be risk-assessed before being sent on the ward.
Pope Francis: Crisis should lead to more integrity and less hypocrisy
The coronavirus crisis should lead to more integrity and less hypocrisy in politics and society, Pope Francis has said.
A highlight from an interview for the BBC was translated on Radio 4's Today programme, with the Pope saying: "This crisis is affecting us all, rich and poor alike.
"And putting a spotlight on hypocrisy.
"I am worried by the hypocrisy of certain political personalities who speak of facing up to the crisis.
"Of the problem of hunger in the world, but who in the meantime manufacture weapons.
"This is a time to be converted from this kind of function of hypocrisy."
07:26 AM
Minister says 2m rule will be informed by 'best, most up-to-date science'
When asked if the two-metre social distancing rule is going to be reduced, Security Minister James Brokenshire told BBC Breakfast:
"There has been a great deal of work that's been taking place at pace over the last number of days, informed by the science, informed by experience from around the world as well, as to how we can appropriately look at easements and appropriately also reflect on the two-metre rule as well."
He added the international experience and understanding of the virus had evolved in recent weeks and the decision would be informed by "the best, most up to date science" and medical experience.
07:21 AM
AA launches 'Covid Confident' scheme for restaurants – but will customers be reassured?
The AA last week launched an accreditation scheme that it hopes will give customers the confidence to visit bars, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs (not to mention campsites and golf courses) once lockdown measures are lifted, writesPip Sloan.
Its new Covid Confident scheme has been backed by 19 hospitality trade bodies, and promises to be a vital support for the hospitality industry in rebuilding a customer base that feels comfortable going out once stricter social distancing measures are eased.
Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, which represents hotels, bars and restaurants, said a third of hospitality businesses (30,000 or 40,000 firms, employing one million people) could start redundancy processes this week if there was no clarity, with firms having to fund an increased proportion of the salaries of furloughed workers from the end of July.
Professor Peter Piot, the director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has joined a growing list of MPs, scientists and business leaders calling for Boris Johnson to ditch the policy.
Discussing the effectiveness of the blanket travel restrictions, which require all overseas arrivals to isolate for 14 days, Prof Piot said the move would only have “made sense at the very beginning, before we had cases”.
He said that due to the UK’s relatively high infection rates, the quarantine would “not contribute much” towards suppressing coronavirus and was simply inflicting “enormous” damage to the economy.
06:49 AM
Matt of the day
Here is Matt's take on the weekend's coronavirus news.
China's dog-meat festival opens in spite of opposition
China's notorious dog-meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak, but activists are hopeful its days are numbered.
The annual 10-day festival in the southwestern city of Yulin usually attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom buy dogs for the pot that are on display in cramped cages, but campaigners said the numbers this year have dwindled.
The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, and campaigners are hoping that this year will be the last time the festival is held.
"I do hope Yulin will change not only for the sake of the animals but also for the health and safety of its people," said Peter Li, China policy specialist with the Humane Society International, an animal rights group.
"Allowing mass gatherings to trade in and consume dog meat in crowded markets and restaurants in the name of a festival poses a significant public health risk," he said.
06:12 AM
PM: 'I've changed a lot of nappies' during lockdown
Changing nappies has kept Boris Johnson busy at home during lockdown, it has been reported.
The Prime Minister and Carrie Symonds welcomed their son Wilfred at the end of April - just weeks after the PM was discharged from intensive care where he battled coronavirus.
The couple named him Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson in a tribute to their grandfathers and the doctors who helped save Mr Johnson's life.
The Prime Minister said he has been heavily involved in the seven-week-old child's daily life.
"I've changed a lot of nappies, I want you to know," Mr Johnson said on Friday during a visit to a Hertfordshire school, in comments carried by the Daily Mail.
05:55 AM
Today's front page
Here is your Daily Telegraph on Monday, June 22.
dt
05:53 AM
PM to discuss reopening pubs on July 4
Boris Johnson will discuss reopening the hospitality sector and loosening the two-metre social-distancing rule in England with his top Cabinet colleagues and scientists today.
The Prime Minister and his most senior ministers will on Monday discuss the next steps for the lockdown with chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty.
Mr Johnson will then on Tuesday outline the plans to Parliament for pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers to reopen in England from July 4, and a likely loosening of the distance rule to aid the restart to the economy.
It comes as a Tory former minister said the Government appeared "a bit knackered" as it responded to the challenges of post-outbreak Britain.
Tim Loughton MP told BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour: "The last few weeks the Government has taken a battering and I think it's proving more challenging to come out of lockdown that it was to go into lockdown.
"Let's remember, it's only a few weeks ago that the Prime Minister was in intensive care and for him to come back so quickly at the helm, I think, is slightly concerning."
05:43 AM
New Zealand's cruise ship ban to continue
New Zealand said on Monday it was extending a ban on cruise ships arriving in the country.
New Zealand wants to safeguard its borders as new cases emerge of people arriving in the country with coronavirus.
"We are extending the current cruise ship ban which was due to expire on the 30th of June," Prime Minister Jaicnda Ardern said in a news conference.
Young Japanese baseballers' hearts to heal - with dirt
Japanese high school baseball players - heartbroken because their annual tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic - are getting a consolation prize: a spoonful of dirt.
It's not just any soil - it's from Koshien Stadium. It holds special meaning to all who love the game in the baseball-mad country.
Every year, more than 3,000 teams go through competitive regional playoffs to advance to the finals at Koshien in Nishinomiya city, central Japan - the prized stage that's seen the likes of major leaguers Ichiro, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Matsui.
Players of the Japanese professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers show dirt they collected from the grounds of Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan, on Tuesday - Yohei Fukuyama/Kyodo News In August 2019, Akashi Commercial High School baseball players collected dirt from the grounds after being defeated at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan - Kyodo News via AP
And every year, after a team loses, the players, many weeping uncontrollably, scrape the dirt near the dugout to take home as a memento.
On a recent afternoon, it was the members of the professional club, the Hanshin Tigers, who were digging with their hands to collect dirt from Koshien, their home stadium.
The dirt will be put in transparent balls hanging from key chains and sent to 50,000 high school baseball players.
Hanshin Tigers manager Akihiro Yano puts dirt he collected from the grounds into a bag at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan - Yohei Fukuyama/Kyodo News
05:16 AM
Stars team up for global fundraising gig
David Beckham will be among international celebrities taking part in a globally televised and streamed fundraising concert on Saturday to help fight Covid-19.
It is part of a joint initiative by the advocacy group Global Citizen and the European Commission.
"Global Goal: Unite For Our Future" will aim to raise billions of pounds in private and public donations to help lessen the impact of the pandemic on marginalised communities.
Speaking at an online panel ahead of the event, pop star Miley Cyrus said the pandemic was hitting the world's poor and marginalised people the hardest.
She urged donors committing funds for tests, treatments and vaccines to ensure they are developed in ways that everyone everywhere has access to them.
04:18 AM
EU and China aim to cool tensions
The European Union and China will seek to cool tensions on Monday at a video summit, their first formal talks since ties soured over European accusations that Beijing has spread disinformation about coronavirus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel - the EU's chief executive and chairman - will hold video conferences with Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping.
"We are ready to work with China. But we also expect China to assume its responsibilities as one of the world's largest economies," said a senior official helping prepare the summit.
"The pandemic has heightened some (EU) concerns."
No joint statement is expected after the summit, scheduled to start at 8am.
EU officials say China has sought to pressure EU countries that criticise its handling of coronavirus, using social media to spread fake reports of European neglect of Covid-19 patients.
Beijing has denied any wrongdoing.
03:44 AM
Seoul transmissions linked to churches and door-to-door salespeople
South Korea has reported 17 new cases - the first time its numbers have reduced to the teens in nearly a month.
Health authorities are scrambling to contain a resurgence of the virus centred around the capital.
The figures released by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought the national caseload to 12,438 cases, including 280 deaths.
The country over the past two weeks have been reporting 40 to 50 new cases per day amid increased public activity and eased attitudes on social distancing.
There has also been an uptick in imported cases, mostly from passengers arriving from south-west Asia.
In Seoul, authorities have struggled to keep track of hundreds of transmissions linked to nightspots, restaurants, church gatherings and workers such as door-to-door salespeople and warehouse employees.
People wear face masks while praying at a service at the Chogyesa temple in South Korea - AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
03:10 AM
New Yorkers unwilling to part with contacts information
Since June 1, 3,000 people have been working in the city to identify all those who have come into contact with someone who tested positive for the disease. Contact testing is widely agreed to be a vital key to stop the virus from spreading.
New York City has had more than 200,000 cases, with 17,500 confirmed deaths and 4,700 probable deaths.
Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed that the city was on track to start Phase 2 of reopening on Monday.
Paul Manship's 'Youth' statue in Rockefeller Centre wears a mask to coincide with New York City moving into phase two re-opening - Cindy Ord/Getty Images
01:44 AM
Airport wants travellers to wear masks
London City Airport reopened for passenger flights on Sunday after a three-month shutdown, according to a statement by the airport.
New safety features include temperature checks, signs and floor markings to help with social distancing and crowd-tracking technology so staff can monitor and direct passengers in large crowds to quieter areas.
Passengers are also being asked to wear face masks.
Novak Djokovic receives emergency test for Covid-19
In this photo taken on June 18, Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, rear, plays basketball with Serbia's Novak Djokovic in Zadar, Croatia - AP Photo/Zvonko Kucelin
Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday that he had tested positive for Covid-19, making him the highest-profile tennis player to reveal he has the disease.
The Telegraph's Tennis Correspondent, Simon Briggs, has more details:
World No 1 Novak Djokovic was among the players undergoing emergency Covid-19 tests in Croatia on Sunday night after it emerged that Grigor Dimitrov – the Bulgarian who performed in Adria Tour exhibition events over the past two weekends – has contracted the virus.
Tournament organisers were forced to cancel Sunday night’s scheduled final between Djokovic and Andrey Rublev as the players were ordered back to the official hotel for tests.
The possibility of contagion is high, especially in light of the breathtaking lack of regard for safety precautions that has been shown throughout the event.
An official wears a protective suit to spray disinfectant on passing cars in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia - DEDI SINUHAJI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Indonesia reported 862 new infections on Sunday, taking its total number of cases to 45,891. Fatalities have now reached 2,465 - the highest coronavirus death toll in East Asia outside of China.
Germany's coronavirus reproduction rate jumped to 2.88 on Sunday, up from 1.79 a day earlier. The R rate is showing that infections are rising above the level needed to contain the disease over the longer term. The rise brings with it the possibility of renewed restrictions on activity in Europe's largest economy.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday reported 2,248,029 cases; an increase of 32,411 cases from its previous count. The number of deaths rose by 560 to 119,615.
Researchers in China started a second-phase human trial of a possible coronavirus vaccine, the Institute of Medical Biology at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences said on Sunday, in efforts to assess effectiveness and safety.
The number of deaths in France from Covid-19 increased by seven from the previous day to stand at 29,640, the country's national health service said on Sunday. The number of confirmed cases rose by 284 to 160,377.
Coronavirus had been spreading faster in the past 10 days in French Guyana and the French government would not rule out imposing a new lockdown on the French overseas territory, the prime minister's office said on Sunday.
Italy reported 24 deaths from Covid-19 on Sunday, compared with 49 a day earlier, the Civil Protection Agency said. The daily tally of new cases stood at 224 from 262 on Saturday. The country's death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 34,634 - the world's fourth-highest after the United States, Brazil and the UK.
12:25 AM
Chinese capital can check nearly one million people - each day
Beijing is capable of screening almost one million people daily for coronavirus, an official said on Sunday.
Testing continues across the city to try to contain the spread of a fresh outbreak.
More cases at North Wales chicken processing plant
About 158 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at a chicken processing plant in North Wales, health authorities said.
Production was stopped at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni, Anglesey, on Thursday after the outbreak was declared and staff told to self-isolate for two weeks.
Public Health Wales said it recorded an increase of 83 confirmed positive cases identified over the 24 hours to 3pm on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 158.
Dr Christopher Johnson, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: "Since we commenced targeted testing last Thursday, over 400 members of staff have provided samples so far. Testing of employees continues, and it is likely that some additional cases will be identified in the coming days."
It comes amid concerns over how coronavirus outbreaks are announced, with another cluster at the Kober meat processing plant in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, confirmed by owner Asda on Friday.
On Thursday, the 2 Sisters Food Group announced it was "doing the right thing" and would cease work on site for 14 days with immediate effect.
Production at the factory, where 560 people are employed, will be transferred to other company locations until July 2.
The 2 Sisters Food Group is one of the largest food producers in the UK, with brands including Fox's Biscuits and Holland's Pies.
The Llangefni site does not supply retail or branded food service customers, the company said.
Also on Thursday, in Wrexham, North Wales, 38 staff at the Rowan Foods factory tested positive for the virus, though bosses said the cases showed an increase in the locality rather than a spread within the site.
Safer conditions for Mexicans working on Canadian farms
Temporary foreign workers harvest mushrooms at the Highline Mushrooms farm, Canada's largest mushroom grower, in Leamington, Ontario - REUTERS/Mark Blinch
Mexico will resume sending temporary farmworkers to Canada after the two countries reached an agreement on improved safety protections for workers on Canadian farms during the coronavirus pandemic, the Mexican government said on Sunday.
Mexico said last Tuesday it would pause sending workers to farms with infections after at least two of its nationals died from Covid-19 after outbreaks on 17 Canadian farms.
Canadian farmers rely on 60,000 short-term foreign workers - predominantly from Latin America and the Caribbean - to plant and harvest crops.
Mexico's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two nations "reached an agreement to improve the sanitary conditions of the nationals who work on farms".
11:37 PM
WHO reports record daily increase in cases
The World Health Organisation reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period.
The biggest increase was from North and South America, with more than 116,000 new cases.
Total global cases are above 8.7 million with more than 461,000 deaths, according to WHO.
The previous record for new cases was 181,232 on June 18.
11:35 PM
Expanded 'bubbles' can reunite grandparents with their families
The Telegraph's Political Editor, Gordon Rayner, reports on the "expansion of social bubbles"
Boris Johnson will announce an expansion of household “bubbles” on Tuesday that could mean millions more grandparents being reunited with their grandchildren.
In a widespread easing of remaining lockdown measures, the Prime Minister will also put pubs, restaurants and hairdressers on notice to reopen on July 4 and cut the two metre rule to one metre. Staycations will also be opened up to millions of families.
The move is designed to save tens of thousands of businesses from going under, and bring the country closer to normality than at any time since the lockdown started in March.
It also has the potential to allow more schools to reopen before the summer.
Pubs and restaurants to register customers' contact details
Pubs and restaurants might have to take a register of customers as one of the conditions for allowing them to open on July 4, Matt Hancock said.
Boris Johnson will announce plans for getting the hospitality industry back up and running as part of a widespread easing of the lockdown that will also include changes to the two metre rule.
Mr Johnson has been studying a system used in New Zealand - which has had one of the world’s lowest rates of coronavirus infections - for allowing pubs and eateries to keep track of their customers so they can be contacted quickly if they come into contact with someone who has the virus.
Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.
Former NBA guard Darius Morris has died at the age of 33. He played for five teams during his four NBA seasons. Morris played college basketball at Michigan.
It’s key to note that we’re not saying the “best team” or “best roster.” Instead, we’re talking about the best confluence of factors that can outline a path for survival and then success.
Teams have made their big splashes in free agency and made their draft picks, it's time for you to do the same. It's fantasy football mock draft time. Some call this time of year best ball season, others know it's an opportunity to get a leg up on your competition for when you have to draft in August. The staff at Yahoo Fantasy did their first mock draft of the 2024 season to help you with the latter. Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens are here to break it all down by each round and crush some staff members in the process.
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