Wednesday morning news briefing: 'We all suffer if we get this wrong'

Danny Boyle
·5 min read
Deep clean: A member of easyJet staff wears protective clothing to decontaminate an aircraft - part of measures to prevent a second wave of coronavirus - MATT ALEXANDER/PA
Deep clean: A member of easyJet staff wears protective clothing to decontaminate an aircraft - part of measures to prevent a second wave of coronavirus - MATT ALEXANDER/PA

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Patel: 'We owe it to the victims to impose quarantine'

Priti Patel is on the defensive. The Home Secretary has warned that quarantining people arriving in the UK is crucial to preventing a second coronavirus peak, as she prepares to defend the controversial policy to MPs today. Read her article for The Telegraph in which she and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warn: "We will all suffer if we get this wrong." Arguing that tourism will be up and running faster if all people arriving in the UK are told to self-isolate for 14 days, they add: "We owe it to the thousands who have died." The article refers to air corridors (or air bridges), which would see restriction-free travel between the UK and some countries. This is how they would work. And Matt finds a silver lining to the post-holiday quarantine for today's cartoon.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is to take direct control of the Government's handling of the coronavirus crisis after a chaotic fortnight. A shake-up in Downing Street will see the Prime Minister spearhead two committees, covering strategy and operational delivery. As Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope exclusively reveals, Tory MPs claimed it could weaken the influence of chief aide Dominic Cummings - who was himself accused of breaking lockdown rules.

Virus tracking team fails to follow up half of cases

Fewer than half of those whose details have been handed to the NHS test and trace scheme because they are at risk of coronavirus have been contacted, leaked documents suggest. The system launched with 25,000 contact tracers in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Health Editor Laura Donnelly reports that, since then, there have been claims that many workers have been left with nothing to do. Read our simple guide to how the test and trace scheme works - and what you need to do.

Buyers' market as shops fight for their futures

If you have managed to save money during lockdown, it could soon be the time to spend (some) of it. New figures show that shoppers are enjoying the biggest ever drop in prices, as businesses try to weather the coronavirus storm by enticing customers. In a bid to lure them back to buying, there has been a rush of online sales and deals. Consumer Affairs Editor Sam Meadows rounds up the best bargains. PS: For shopping and style tips, sign up to our Stella Daily newsletter. For unlimited access to our journalism, try our subscription offer. Take a free one-month trial - then save 50pc on your first three months.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

US protests | The Archbishop of Canterbury has joined US religious leaders in criticising Donald Trump after protesters outside the White House were teargassed, creating space for a presidential photo opportunity in front of a church. The Most Rev Justin Welby weighed in behind critics of the president. After the eighth night of protests, Tim Stanley says there is a risk Mr Trump's anger will seduce America.

You Are Not Alone: Getting you through the crisis

  1. The new rules for sex | If you are not living together, is your love life now illegal?

  2. From loo roll to hot tubs | The story of lockdown, told in 10 consumer trends

  3. The Covidiocy Chronicles | Gordon Ramsay is the git who just keeps on giving

Comment and analysis

Life after lockdown: Parisians' taste of freedom

Paris gleefully tucked into a movable feast yesterday as cafés, bars and restaurants around France finally reopened - albeit with strict social distancing rules - after 10 weeks of solitary confinement. Read this dispatch from Henry Samuel and view a gallery of more pictures from around the world of how lockdown is being lifted.

A waitress at La Palette, in Paris, uses protective equipment and hygiene spray while serving at outdoor tables - BRUNO FERT
A waitress at La Palette, in Paris, uses protective equipment and hygiene spray while serving at outdoor tables - BRUNO FERT

Business and money briefing

Furlough scheme | More than a quarter of all workers are now on state-funded furlough as firms scramble to sign up for support ahead of a deadline next week. With a total of 8.7million workers across 1.1million firms using the job retention scheme, Tim Wallace writes that it highlights the scale of the battle ahead to restart Britain's economy.

Sport briefing

Exclusive | The Premier League has given clubs the green light to play friendlies. Ahead of the anticipated season restart on June 17, the games will be played at either stadiums or training grounds. But there is a strict list of conditions to ensure hygiene and social distancing.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Something to raise a glass to | Where do you store your wine? I would wager not somewhere as extravagant as this. Wine correspondent Victoria Moore looks inside the most incredible cellars of the ultra rich - and meets the man who designs them.