Friday evening UK news briefing: Covid data that puts June 21 in doubt

Danny Boyle
·6 min read
Your evening briefing from The Telegraph
Your evening briefing from The Telegraph
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Coronavirus cases in the UK have today risen by more than 4,000 for the first day in almost two months - with ministers warning the June 21 target for lifting all restrictions is not guaranteed.

Official figures show the biggest jump since April 1 and a 24 per cent increase on the previous seven-day average. View the latest data by postcode.

Meanwhile, the R number - how many people a Covid-positive person goes on to infect - rose above 1 this afternoon.

It came as scientists warned the next few weeks are crucial in determining whether or not the next stage of England's unlocking roadmap can proceed. Remind yourself of the plan.

The single-dose Covid-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen  - Getty
The single-dose Covid-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen - Getty

Despite the seemingly gloomy picture, Public Health England data shows that just two people have died with the Indian variant of Covid after receiving both vaccinations.

Science Editor Sarah Knapton says that suggests the jabs are playing a major role in preventing serious disease even for the mutation.

And a single-shot coronavirus vaccine from Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen has today been approved for use in the UK. Read everything we know about its effectiveness.

Fishmongers' Hall attack: 40 missed warning signs

MI5 and counter terror police were at fault for the Fishmongers' Hall attack in which two Cambridge graduates were killed by a convicted terrorist, a jury has found. Usman Khan fatally stabbed Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, at a prisoner rehabilitation conference in London Bridge in November 2019 before being shot dead by police. It was just 11 months after he was released from prison for terror offences. Crime Correspondent Izzy Lyons can reveal that - in the eight years leading up to Khan's attack - officials were aware of more than 40 warning signs that the convicted terrorist craved "martyrdom" in a suicidal jihadi outrage.

How to avoid common British 'heatwave' faux pas

After weeks of what seems like near-constant rain, the forecast looks dry, sunny and warm for many areas this Bank Holiday weekend. With thermometers set to nudge past 20C in the south east, you might like our guide to Britain's 20 best beaches or the ultimate checklist for a stress-free weekend getaway drive. Just try not to be one of the litter louts, bad drivers or irresponsible fire starters described by Rob Crossan in his article about everything that is dreadful about a "heatwave" in the UK.

At a glance: Coronavirus evening briefing

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Property portfolio | A Black Lives Matter co-founder has resigned from her role as executive director after hitting out at a "smear campaign" that revealed her $3m housing portfolio. It comes after a heated controversy over Patrisse Cullors' personal wealth. Despite describing herself as a "trained marxist", she owns numerous multi-million dollar properties.

Around the world: Will accountant bring down Trump?

The list of Donald Trump associates who have attempted to bring down the former president is as long as it is varied: from his lawyer, to his closest adviser, his ex-wife and his alleged lover. But like many powerful figures before him, it may well be his accountant that would be his undergoing. US Correspondent Josie Ensor explains that little-known Allen Weisselberg, 73, "knows where the bodies are buried".

Friday interview: Nicola Mendelsohn - 'My cancer means the vaccine doesn't work'

Facebook's Nicola Mendelsohn tells Rosa Silverman what Covid means for her family - and why she will fight to help others with her condition. Read the full interview.

Facebook's Nicola Mendelsohn - Rii Schroer for The Telegraph 
Facebook's Nicola Mendelsohn - Rii Schroer for The Telegraph

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice

  1. Royal fashion | Every detail of the Duchess of Cambridge's £8,445 Scotland tour wardrobe

  2. Midlife health | 'We started strength training in our 50s - it's transformed our bodies'

  3. Tuned in | 'GB News has BBC in its sights with slightly Partridge-esque promise'

Business and money briefing

Surprise setback | Emmanuel Macron's beleaguered presidency suffered another blow today as France tipped into a shock double-dip recession. The French economy shrank by 0.1pc in the first three months of 2020. Economics Editor Russell Lynch explains that the decline was driven by an unusually sharp slump in construction.

Sport briefing

Champions League | Chelsea and Manchester City face each other in Porto tomorrow in the final of Europe's premier club competition. Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace looks back at the early years of Man City boss Pep Guardiola. And Jamie Carragher explains how winning football's second biggest game (after the World Cup) changes your life.

Three things for tonight

And finally... for this evening's downtime

'Little rip in the fabric of reality' | The death of Paul Ritter put a full stop on the beloved sitcom Friday Night Dinner cast. Benji Wilson talks to Tamsin Greig about Channel 4's celebration that airs tonight, Friday Night Dinner: 10 Years and a Lovely Bit of Squirrel.

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