Outbreaks of infection have been recorded at a number of slaughterhouses in Germany and worldwideImage caption: Outbreaks of infection have been recorded at a number of slaughterhouses in Germany and worldwide Throughout the pandemic, we've seen significant outbreaks of coronavirus in confined workplaces including factories in the US and mines in Poland and South Africa. Now 400 workers at a slaughterhouse in Gütersloh in western Germany have tested positive since Monday. More employees at the Toennies plant are awaiting test results. Germany has had nearly 9,000 deaths from Covid-19, which is significantly less than some other western European countries, including the UK, France and Italy. But it is still dealing with localised outbreaks. Several schools and playgrounds in Magdeburg have closed, as more than 180 people have tested positive, 60 of them since Friday. And in Berlin at least 300 households in Neukölln are in quarantine after an outbreak in a block of flats. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told the House of Commons that efforts to find a coronavirus vaccine are "moving at pace". He told MPs that yesterday the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca had signed a deal for the manufacture of Oxford University's AZD1222 vaccine, which he described as "the world's most advanced in development". Meanwhile, Imperial College last week began the first phase of its human trials for a possible Covid-19 vaccine, which will involve 300 patients being given dosages. "Should they develop promising results, Imperial will move to a large phase three trial later this year," Hancock said. Prof Robin Shattock, who heads Imperial College London's vaccine team, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier that volunteers were "critically important" to its research. He said researchers were looking for more numbers of healthy participants to take part in the clinical trials - due to begin tomorrow. They hope that a viable vaccine could be ready by next spring. Shattock said they were starting with a very small number of volunteers "so we don't want people to be disappointed if they are not immediately engaged in the clinical trial". Scotland sees further nine coronavirus deaths A total of 2,462 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by nine from Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. The figures are lower than the 4,070 deaths given earlier by the National Records of Scotland as they do not include suspected and probable coronavirus infections. Speaking during First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said a further 21 people had tested positive for Covid-19 compared with the previous day. A beach in the popular Algarve. People can visit after the easing of lockdown measuresImage caption: A beach in the popular Algarve. People can visit after the easing of lockdown measures The mayor of Lagos, in Portugal's Algarve region, has called for the prosecution of the organisers of an illegal party on 7 June, after at least 16 people tested positive. The party, in a sports hall in the village of Odiáxere, drew more than 100 people, according to local officials, so flouting the current legal limit of 20. Some 100 tests have been done but tracing all who attended and their contacts has been difficult. Several businesses in Lagos, which is popular with tourists, have closed temporarily for deep cleaning after employees tested positive. Portugal has 37,336 cases and 1,522 deaths. BREAKINGSweden's coronavirus death toll tops 5,000 The number of people with coronavirus who have died in Sweden has now reached 5,041, health officials have announced. With a population of just over 10 million, Sweden has had a heavier toll compared to its neighbours and has been closely watched owing to its controversial decision not to impose a strict lockdown. Early this month, the man behind the policy, Anders Tegnell, acknowledged that the approach had resulted in too many deaths. Standing up in the Commons after questions to the UK Prime Minister, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been updating MPs on the steroid dexamethasone, which has been found to be an effective treatment for patients seriously ill with coronavirus. He says there are 240,000 doses in stock and on order. And that means it's already being used in the NHS. “It is not by any means a cure,” he says, “but it is the best news we've had.” This development is what “good science looks like”, he says, in terms of controlled research, and it means there is “objective proof this drug saves lives”, which will benefit thousands of people across the world. He says seven other drugs are being tested in the "recovery" trial and another nine as part of the ACCORD programme, which is looking at early stage treatments. Hancock thanks everyone involved, including deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam, NHS clinicians, scientific teams and the people who took part in the trial before they even knew it worked. More on that debate over council funding in England. During PMQs Sir Keir Starmer highlighted Conservative council leaders' concerns that local authorities were facing a funding shortfall of £10bn. "The PM must have known about this problem for months," Sir Keir said, asking: "Why has he been so slow to act?" The PM replied that the government had provided £1.6bn to support councils on the front line and £600m to social care, as well as £3.2bn to councils in general. "We want to tackle poverty," the PM said. Local authorities in England have responsibility to provide social care and have seen increased demand for services during the coronavirus crisis. Earlier, London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed he would take a 10% pay cut as the capital experienced "unprecedented challenges". Just a day after its launch, Germany's coronavirus tracing app has already been downloaded more than 6.5 million times - that's by about 7% of the population. Chief executive Christian Klein told reporters that the Corona Warn app's "big success" was a testament to the collaboration between SAP and Deutsche Telekom, which created it in six weeks. "There are well over six million reasons why the coronavirus has fewer chances in the future," Health Minister Jens Spahn said. Germany's downloads are far higher than other European countries like France with similar apps. Corona Warn uses Bluetooth and alerts users if they've been within two metres of someone who's tested positive, and complements a tracing and tracking system Germany has had in place since February. The app suffered initial setbacks to its development over concerns for data privacy. As a result, the released version only saves data on individual smartphones, not in a central database. National Health Service staff must be routinely tested for coronavirus up to twice a week, says Prof Derek Alderson, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, as the service tries to get fully back up and running. Speaking at a Health Select Committee meeting, he said it was vital to reassure patients but hospital trust bosses say they are still waiting for clarity on plans for regular testing. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was focusing on routine testing in care homes but had not committed to routinely testing NHS workers. One study found that as many as 30% of infections could be missed by a single swab test, giving an infected person a negative result. Experts also fear asymptomatic staff who don't know they are infected may potentially spread the virus to others. It was an interesting PMQs. We had the Speaker of the House of Commons referring to Sir Keir Starmer as the prime minister by accident, adding to the sense of chaos. Boris Johnson tried to turn the questions back on Sir Keir about the Labour leader's position on schools. I think it was a bit scrappy over child poverty and a bit of a dispute over the statistics and what Sir Keir was trying to refer to when he was pushing the PM for a response to child poverty. An important point was raised by Sir Keir on the pressure on local councils as a result of the coronavirus, pointing to a figure of £10bn shortfall in council budgets. That could be one for the long term as we emerge from the crisis. But what is Sir Keir's position on schools reopening? We are hoping for a briefing from Labour later on that. Theme parks, museums and leisure centres are working out how they could reopen safely, as lockdown restrictions start to ease in different parts of the UK. Even riding on a rollercoaster is going to require a face mask and social distancing when attractions open up again in England. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach has decided that, on a ride on which people scream, visitors will be more comfortable if they are made to mask up. It is also going to be a less sociable experience - the seats on its Icon ride are only a metre apart so there will be empty rows to allow social distancing. Coronavirus: Blackpool Pleasure Beach prepares to open Boris Johnson has warned of "tough times ahead" for the UK as it emerges from the coronavirus crisis. Answering a question about hard-pressed families from the Scottish National Party's Ian Blackford, Mr Johnson said the government was investing massively in benefits and the furlough scheme. He said the government had done "everything we possibly can" to help families in need, but he acknowledges, "There will be tough times ahead and we do stand by to do more where we can." Sir Keir now turns to the "other U-turn" - the immigration health surcharge. It's a charge for using the NHS which some workers from outside the UK are still having to pay, despite the government saying it would abolish it for health and care staff. "The government announced it would drop this deeply unfair charge," the Labour leader says but adds "nothing has happened". Boris Johnson says "it is vital that NHS workers get the support they need." "NHS or care workers who have paid the surcharge will be refunded," the PM says. "And we are getting on with instituting the new arrangements as fast as we possibly can." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he welcomes the UK government's U-turn on free school meals but that it is "just one step" to reducing child poverty. Mr Johnson replied during PMQs in the Commons: "I can tell him that on free school meals this government is very proud that we set up universal free school meals and I'm very pleased that we are going to be able to deliver a Covid summer food package to some of the poorest families in this country, and that is exactly the right thing to do. "But I must say that he is completely wrong in what he says about poverty. Absolute poverty, relative poverty, have both declined under this government. "There are hundreds of thousands, I think 400,000, fewer families living in poverty now than there were in 2010." Boris Johnson has insisted there has been a reduction in child poverty. The PM was challenged by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who said a UK government report produced last week suggested poverty had risen by 600,000 even before the impact of the coronavirus. But Mr Johnson said the government was "deeply concerned" about Covid-19's impact and that he was trying to minimise the impact on the poorest children. He said "the best way we can do that is making sure kids can go back to school" - and accused the leader of the opposition of dithering on the issue. Non-essential retailers in England are now allowed to reopen as long as they adhere to Covid-19 safety measures but food producers have been hard at it all the way through the crisis. Finnebrogue in Northern Ireland supplies sausages to most major supermarkets in the UK. While the thought of the virus has kept its technical director "up at night", Declan Ferguson says the company has managed to safely keep their absence rate at less than 2%. But how exactly do you do that in the midst of a pandemic? To school in a face mask in Abidjan, Ivory CoastImage caption: To school in a face mask in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that the spread of coronavirus was accelerating across Africa. Fast forward to today and the number of confirmed cases across the continent has risen to more than a quarter of a million, according to Johns Hopkins University in the US. Egypt remains the worst affected, with more than 76,000 cases, followed by South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Combined, all African countries account for about 3% of the global tally of infections. UK PM to face Commons questions UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces questions in the Commons shortly. Mr Johnson will answer Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as well as a selection of cross-party MPs in the weekly PMQs session. He's likely to be asked about job losses, since it's been revealed HSBC will resume a plan to cut around 35,000 jobs. The PM may also be asked about Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United footballer who this week led a successful campaign to keep the funding for free school meals for poorer pupils in England going throughout the summer. Rashford says he wants to do more to help those in need after the government's U-turn on the matter. Use dexamethasone on NHS patients today' The UK's chief medical officers say a steroid treatment shown in a trial to save the lives of some critically-ill Covid-19 patients should be used "with immediate effect". Dexamethasone, which is cheap and widely available, was shown to reduce deaths among patients on ventilators and among patients needing oxygen. In an urgent letter from the UK's four chief medical officers to NHS clinicians, they said dexamethasone had "a clear place in the management of hospitalised patients with Covid-19". And there are no issues with supplies of the medicine in the UK, after the government said it now had enough treatment for more than 200,000 people.

The chance of having a summer holiday seems remote - with many UK tourism businesses still shut and foreign travel difficult because of quarantine rules. What is the latest situation? Can I go on holiday in the UK? No - not until the start of July at the earliest. Lockdown restrictions are being eased slowly across the UK, but the tourist industry does not yet have the green light to reopen fully. You'll probably be able to get an ice cream at the seaside - and some restaurants and bars are doing takeaway food and drink - but hotels remain closed to all guests, except for a small number of specific groups. Government advice in England says businesses providing holiday accommodation - including hotels, campsites, caravan parks and short-term lets - should stay closed for leisure-related trips. No person should stay overnight away from their own home for a holiday or similar purpose, it adds. The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says he's keen get the tourism sector going as "rapidly as possible" with the government sticking to what it describes as an "ambitious target" to get England's tourism sector back by 4 July - "as long as it is safe to do so". "Self-contained accommodation has a lower risk than other areas," Mr Dowden told the Commons, "I would hope that that will be at the front of the queue." Hotels in Northern Ireland already have a confirmed date for reopening - Monday 20 July. Tourists are being asked to stay away from beauty spots like the Lake District Zoos and animal parks are shut, as are many national parks. Facilities such as car parks and toilets may not be open either. People are also being urged not to rush to beauty spots such as the Lake District. Visit Cornwall says that people should not travel to the area unless they can return home within 90 minutes. In addition, people who live in England cannot travel for recreation into Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Parts of Brecon Beacons national park to reopen for locals National Trust reopens some gardens and parks Zoo and park lockdown 'financially disastrous' Can I go on a foreign holiday? At the moment, it's difficult. British nationals are still being urged not to take any non-essential foreign travel. This means you are unlikely to get travel insurance, because insurers take their cue from the official advice. But the airlines are hopeful for the summer season. EasyJet plans to resume some flights this month, while Ryanair and British Airways plan to ramp up their services in July, But what if I do go? On 15 June the European Union lifted travel restrictions, leaving it to individual counties to decide if they're ready for tourists. Some, including France, Germany, Italy and Portugal are now welcoming travellers from the UK. Others, including Ireland and the Netherlands will force visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon entry. Greece is open, but tourists will have to be tested for coronavirus upon arrival. Anybody testing positive will have to quarantine for 14 days. British holidaymakers are currently unable to enter Australia, India and the US. They will also have to spend two weeks quarantined in a hotel upon arrival if they wish to visit New Zealand. Most travellers will also have to quarantine for 14 days upon their return to the UK. EasyJet's planes are currently all grounded UK aviation bosses are hoping a large number of so called "air bridges" will be in place by 29 June, when the UK travel quarantine measures are set to be reviewed. These would exempt travellers from quarantine, if they move between countries with low virus levels. Confusion over Spain rules for travellers from UK How is the lockdown being lifted across Europe Katya Adler: EU acts to rescue tourism from lockdown What about going away in the autumn? Again, it's impossible to say at this stage. Travel advice will need to have been updated, but it depends on the disease's progress. What about holidays already booked for this year? If your package holiday or flights have already been cancelled, then you are are entitled to a full cash refund. However, lots of people have been struggling to get their money back, and have been offered vouchers or rebooked trips instead. If you are offered a voucher, or a free rebooking instead of cash, you can accept or refuse it. But if the airline later folds, the voucher may no longer be valid. If your airline or holiday company hasn't cancelled your holiday yet, but you no longer wish to travel, you may not be entitled to a refund. However, some providers are allowing people to rebook trips for a later date at no cost.

As lockdown starts to ease, one of the next steps involves getting more shops open across England. From 1 June, open air markets and car showrooms are set to open followed by non-essential shops on 15 June. But some people who work in these places are worried about how safe it will be for them when they go back. Sarah (she didn't want to give her real name) is 24 and works at a stationery shop in Somerset. On a normal shift, she says she comes into close contact with "nearly everybody walking through the door." She's worried about going back to work - the shop is narrow and has lots of items out in the open to touch. "I haven't seen my family since January, they live three hours away and both of my family members are in the vulnerable category," she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat. Sarah says she would be "a lot more hesitant" to visit them if she had been in contact with customers at work. What should be in place? She wants to know what precautions should be put in place to make sure she's safe to return. We put her questions to Danielle Parsons - an employment lawyer for Slater and Gordon. The government has now published guidelines on how shops should enforce social distancing and Danielle says everyone who works in one should read up on them. You've probably already seen social distancing in supermarkets, which stayed open during lockdown. "Your employer should make a risk assessment on its premises and the dangers of getting Covid-19 and then set up a safe system of work " Danielle tells Newsbeat. "Two metres social distancing should be maintained wherever possible and this can be done by staggering work start times, creating one-way walkthroughs, opening more entrances and exits or changing seating layouts." When it comes to making sure everything is clean, Danielle also says workplaces should be cleaned more often too. "Close attention should be paid to high contact objects like door handles and employers should provide hand washing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points," she says. 'I'm worried about giving it to my mum' Georgia is 18 and works part time in Primark in Wolverhampton. She says she understands why the company wants to open its doors, because it "doesn't have any customers from online, so it's losing money." Georgia usually works on Saturdays, which she says are "really busy" That said, she says it will be hard to implement social distancing. "I know in grocery shops they set out a designated route around the store, making sure that people are two metres apart at all times," Georgia says. "I don't feel like we would be able to do that - we have the men's section, women's, kids, and not everyone will want to look at everything in the shop." Georgia normally works on the shop floor, putting stock out and dealing with customers. She says she's not confident that customers who need her help would keep their distance. What if you don't feel safe? Emily is 23 and works in a clothes shop in Westfield, London - one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe. She tells Newsbeat she "can't even walk to the shops and back without feeling safe," and so worries about going back to work as usual. Image copyrightEMILYImage captionEmily is apprehensive about going back to work in a big shopping centre In a one-to-one customer-facing role, Emily says she can't imagine how it will be possible to social distance. Danielle says Emily is within her rights to question her employer before she starts work again about what safety measures it's put in place. "If your employer is asking you to work somewhere that is unsafe, or if you have other issues which mean that you can't return to work, then this might not be a reasonable management request," Danielle says. "Many people are currently struggling with issues around transport, and childcare - I would suggest that you discuss your concerns with your employer in the first instance, and try to work with them to find a way forward but seek legal advice immediately if you can't." And what about PPE? Emily wanted to know whether she'll have to wear PPE when she goes back to work, "Workplaces shouldn't encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect against Covid-19 outside of clinical settings or when responding to a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19," advises Danielle. This means it's not compulsory, but your employer should do a risk assessment to see if anything extra is needed and if you feel like you're not protected enough, you should raise this with them. High streets which have been empty during lockdown, may soon come back to life If the worst does happen, and you lose your job because you complain or refuse to work in unsafe work conditions, you may have a legal claim against the company. "As long as you can show that the main or only reason you were dismissed was for taking action over a health and safety issue, then your dismissal will be automatically unfair. "If you think you have a potential legal claim, you should speak to an employment lawyer, a trade union representative or legal advice centre urgently to get advice on your rights," Danielle adds.

We are growing our own plants and after 4 days from today they started sprouting we are growing Carrots, quick fact if you plant carrot tops you can grow carrot leaves [ DISCLAIMER THIS WILL ONLY GROW CARROT LEAVES THIS WILL NOT GROW CARROTS ]

This guidance has been updated to reflect the announcement by the Prime Minister that the government’s 5 tests have been met and the decision, based on all the evidence, to move forward with wider opening of education and childcare settings. It also includes details on how primary schools can use flexibility to welcome back additional pupils this term, where they have capacity. As part of national social distancing measures to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we have had to limit the numbers of children and young people attending educational and childcare settings, to ensure that pupils and staff attending could do so safely. That is why, since 23 March 2020, education and childcare settings have only been open to priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers)1. As well as offering face-to-face provision for those able to attend, settings have also done a huge amount to support the remote education of those who have been staying at home. Innovative and fast-paced work has taken place, by committed staff, to develop resources to make this education the best it can be. Throughout this period, the work and dedication of critical workers has been crucial to our country. This of course includes all our critical workers working with children and young people – leaders, teachers, support staff, childcare workers, social workers and others, who have worked tirelessly to support the education and welfare of young people. As a result of the huge efforts everyone has made to adhere to strict social distancing measures, the government’s 5 tests have been met, meaning we can move forward with modifying measures which have been in place. Based on all the evidence, from 1 June 2020 we can welcome back more children to early years and primary school settings, and from 15 June 2020 to secondary school and further education settings. Schools, colleges and childcare providers have been planning on this basis, and confirmation that this could go ahead was provided by the Prime Minister on 28 May. We know that in some primary schools, there will be capacity to welcome more children back, in group sizes of no more than 15, before the summer holidays. This may be because, since 1 June, take-up amongst eligible children is lower than expected, or because there is additional space still available within the school and available staff to teach and supervise. There is no expectation on primary schools to welcome back additional children where they do not have capacity to do so, and they should only do so where they can accommodate more children while still following the approaches set out in this guidance and their own risk assessment. Where schools have capacity, they may choose to welcome back additional pupils. It is up to schools to decide which pupils to prioritise, based on their knowledge of their children and communities. We have worked closely with the sector, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks to support the wider opening of schools, colleges and childcare settings. In this document we are setting out the overarching aims and principles of this next phase, including information about protective measures which will be in place. We have worked with the profession to produce more detailed guidance to support planning. Next steps Education and childcare settings are already open to priority groups. Now that we have made progress in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) we are encouraging all eligible children to attend – it is no longer necessary for parents of eligible children to keep them at home if they can. In particular, as per the existing guidance on vulnerable children and young people, vulnerable children of all year groups continue to be expected and encouraged to attend educational provision where it is appropriate for them to do so. From the week commencing 1 June 2020, we are asking primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups. Primary schools that have capacity after making provision available for these groups can invite additional children to return, so long as they can accommodate more children while still following the approaches set out in the protective measures guidance and their own risk assessment. From 15 June, we are asking secondary schools, sixth form and further education colleges to offer some face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of year 10 and year 12 students and 16 to 19 learners in the first year of their course who are due to take key exams next year, alongside the full time provision they are offering to priority groups. We are also asking nurseries and other early years providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back children of all ages from 1 June. Alternative provision settings should mirror the approach being taken for mainstream schools and also offer some face-to-face support for year 10 and 11 students (as they have no year 12) from 15 June. Special schools, special post-16 institutions and hospital schools will work towards a phased return of more children and young people without a focus on specific year groups. We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers. Children returning to educational and childcare settings in greater numbers will also allow more families to return to work. We are therefore gradually increasing the numbers of children and young people attending schools and colleges. This decision is based on the latest scientific advice. By returning pupils gradually, settings can initially reduce the number of children and young people in classrooms compared to usual and put protective measures in place to reduce risks. Children and young people will need to stay within their new class/group wherever possible and we will ask settings to implement a range of protective measuresincluding increased cleaning, reducing ‘pinch points’ (such as parents dropping children off at the start and end of the day), and utilising outdoor space. Staff and pupils in all settings will be eligible for testing if they become ill with coronavirus symptoms, as will members of their households. A negative test will enable children and young people to get back to childcare or education, and their parents to get back to work. A positive test will ensure rapid action to protect their classmates and staff in their setting. Those who are clinically vulnerable, or are living with someone who is, should follow our protective measures guidance. In childcare settings, providers can welcome back all children from the week commencing 1 June 2020. Demand for childcare is likely to be lower than usual at first, and existing space requirements and staff to child ratios for these age groups should allow for small group working. Where the physical layout of a setting does not allow small groups of children to be kept at a safe distance apart, we expect practitioners to exercise judgement in ensuring the highest standards of safety are maintained. In some cases, it may be necessary for providers to introduce a temporary cap on numbers to ensure that safety is prioritised. From 1 June 2020, childminders can look after children of all ages, in line with usual limits on the number of children they can care for. Year groups in first phase of wider opening The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised because they are key transition years – children in Reception and year 1 are at the very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their peers. We know that attending early education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and supports children’s social and emotional development. Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and are preparing for the transition to secondary school, and will benefit immensely from time with their friends and teachers to ensure they are ready. We are prioritising younger children in the first phases of wider opening, for several reasons. Firstly, because there is moderately high scientific confidence in evidence suggesting younger children are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus (COVID-19); and secondly because evidence shows the particularly detrimental impact which time spent out of education can have upon them. In addition, older children are more likely to have higher numbers of contacts outside of school so pose a greater transmission risk, and they are typically better able to learn at home. The two year groups in mainstream secondary schools and colleges have been prioritised because they are preparing for key examinations next year, and are most at risk of falling behind due to time out of school or college. From 15 June 2020, secondary schools and colleges will be able to offer some face-to-face contact with year 10 and year 12 pupils or 16 to 19 learners in the first year of a two-year study programme. This will supplement their remote education, which should remain the predominant mode of education during this term. Our assessment, based on the latest scientific and medical advice, is that we need to continue to control the numbers attending school or further education settings to reduce the risk of increasing transmission. Therefore, schools are able to have a quarter of the year 10 and year 12 cohort (for schools with sixth forms) in school at any one time, and should refer to our guidance for advice on minimising risk. Likewise, for colleges and other FE settings, a quarter of 16 to 19 learners in the first year of a two-year study programme may attend at any one time. Schools and colleges should also ensure that the use of public transport for travel to and from school or college is minimised as far as possible. Where it is totally necessary, this should not be during peak times. Schools should introduce staggered start and end times as appropriate to help achieve this. Our approach is in line with other countries across Europe, who have begun to bring pre-school and school-age children back in a phased way and are focusing on primary schools and younger children. Approaches between countries will vary slightly based on different public health circumstances. We expect all mainstream schools and colleges, including independent schools, to follow the same approach. We encourage middle schools to do the same and welcome back children in year 6, to ensure national parity for children in this year group. Any educational or childcare settings which have closed should work towards reopening from the week commencing 1 June 2020 to cater for children in nurseries, Reception, year 1, year 6 and priority groups, and, from 15 June, to provide some face-to-face support to pupils in years 10 and 12, and 16 to 19 learners in the first year of their course. We have provided all educational and childcare settings with further guidance and support to help them to prepare for wider opening and continue to work closely with the sector. What the latest science tells us The above approach is underpinned by our latest understanding of the science, which indicates that we need to take a phased approach to limit the risk of increasing the rate of transmission (often referred to as R) above 1. We have factored in: severity of disease in children – there is high scientific confidence that children of all ages have less severe symptoms than adults if they contract coronavirus (COVID-19) the age of children – there is moderately high scientific confidence that younger children are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers of children going back – which needs to be limited initially then increased gradually as the science permits systems to reduce the size of the groups coming into contact with each other – such as smaller class sizes spread out across settings Approach: first phase of wider opening of educational and childcare settings From the week commencing 1 June 2020, we are asking nurseries and other early years settings to open to children of all ages, and primary schools to welcome back pupils to nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6 (including in middle schools). On 15 June, we confirmed that primary schools that have capacity, after making provision for these groups, can invite additional pupils to return, so long as they can accommodate more children while still following the approaches set out in our protective measures guidance. From 15 June, we are asking secondary schools and colleges to offer some face-to-face support for children and young people in year 10 and year 12, and 16 to 19 learners in the first year of their course, to supplement their remote education, alternative provision to mirror the approach being taken for mainstream schools and also offer some face-to-face support for year 10 and year 11 students (as they have no year 12), and special schools, special post-16 institutions and hospital schools to welcome back more pupils and students. We will assess the impact of these changes closely, working with medical and scientific advisers as well as sector leaders. When the most up-to-date assessment of the risk posed by the virus indicates that it is appropriate to do so, we will ask more primary year groups to return to school, and issue revised guidance. The following principles will apply to this phase of wider opening by settings: children and young people in eligible year groups are strongly encouraged to attend (where there are no shielding concerns for the child or their household), so that they can gain the educational and wellbeing benefits of attending vulnerable children of all year groups continue to be expected and encouraged to attend educational provision where it is appropriate for them to do so (for children with education health and care (EHC) plans this will be informed by a risk assessment approach) children, young people and staff who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. We do not expect people in this category to be attending school or college, and they should continue to be supported to learn or work at home as much as possible. Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). Few if any children will fall into this category, but parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category. Staff in this category should work from home where possible, and refer to the detail in our protective measures guidance a child/young person or a member of staff who lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, can attend their education or childcare setting if a child/young person or staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding, it is advised they only attend an education or childcare setting if stringent social distancing can be adhered to and, in the case of children, if they are able to understand and follow those instructions. This may not be possible for very young children and older children without the capacity to adhere to the instructions on social distancing. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend. They should be supported to learn or work at home staff and children or young people should not attend if they have symptoms or are self-isolating due to symptoms in their household protective measures will be put in place for staff and pupils, as far as is possible, to ensure that the risk of transmission is reduced Implementation: managing risk and rate of transmission Scientific advice indicates that a phased return that limits the number of children in education settings and how much they mix with each other will help to control the rate of transmission. This is set out in our guidance. There are a number of immediate issues which educational and childcare settings will need to consider. The following list of issues are the ones we have identified as the top priorities. We recognise that each setting and community is different, and that leaders will need to make their own judgements on the most important issues for them. We have published further advice for early years, primary schools, secondary schools and further education settings to help them prepare. Key issues Risk assessment Every setting should carry out a risk assessment before opening. The assessment should directly address risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19), so that sensible measures can be put in place to control those risks for children and staff. All employers have a duty to consult employees on health and safety, and they are best placed to understand the risks in individual settings. Class sizes and staff availability One of the protective measures we can take to reduce transmission is to have smaller group and class sizes. We know that, unlike older children and adults, early years and primary age children cannot be expected to remain 2 metres apart from each other and staff. In deciding to bring more children back to early years and schools, we are taking this into account. Schools should therefore work through the hierarchy of measures set out in our guidance: avoiding contact with anyone with symptoms frequent hand cleaning and good hygiene practices regular cleaning of settings and minimising contact and mixing as far as possible As well as the measures above, secondary schools and colleges should: ensure that only a quarter of pupils in year 10 and year 12 are in school at any one time aim to practise social distancing in line with the measures the government is asking everyone to adopt in public and in workplaces, including keeping pupils 2 metres apart from each other where possible plan that classes are no more than half their usual size, to allow sufficient distancing between pupils. However, this may vary due to individual school circumstances It is still important to reduce contact between children and staff as far as possible, and settings can take steps to achieve that and reduce transmission risk by ensuring children, and staff where possible, mix in a small group and keep that small group away from other people and groups. For pre-school children in early years settings, the staff to child ratios within Early Years Foundation Stage continue to apply, and we recommend using these to group children. In mainstream primary schools the basic principle is that classes should be halved. Normally one teacher should be allocated to a group but if there are any teacher shortages then support staff may be used to lead groups, under the direction of a teacher. In mainstream secondary schools and colleges, we recognise that the range of subjects and courses taught means that some mixing may be unavoidable to provide pupils with face-to-face support from subject/specialist teachers. We would expect that these groups are still smaller than normal. More detail is provided in our protective measures guidance. Public Health England are clear that if early years, school and college settings do this, and crucially if they also apply comprehensive infection control measures, such as taking steps to ensure symptomatic individuals do not attend settings, regular hand cleaning, respiratory hygiene and cleaning measures and handling potential cases of the virus as per our advice, then the risk of transmission will be lowered. Where settings can keep children and young people in those small groups 2m away from each other, they should do so. While in general groups should be kept apart, brief, transitory, contact such as passing in a corridor is low risk. Each setting’s circumstances will be slightly different. Any setting that cannot achieve these small groups at any point should discuss options with their local authority or trust. This might be because there are not enough classrooms / spaces available in the setting or because they do not have enough available teachers / staff to supervise the groups. Solutions might involve children attending a nearby school (on a consistent basis). If necessary, settings have the flexibility to focus first on continuing to provide places for priority groups and then, to support children’s early learning, settings should prioritise groups of children as follows: early years settings – 3 and 4 year olds followed by younger age groups infant schools - nursery (where applicable) and reception primary schools – nursery (where applicable), reception and year 1 Protective measures in education and childcare settings The DfE guidance on Implementing Protective Measures in Education and Childcare Settings contains detailed advice for settings on: cleaning, including supplies of cleaning and handwashing products testing and tracing personal protective equipment (PPE) what settings should do in response to a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) being confirmed Attendance No one with symptoms should attend a setting for any reason. Eligible children and young people - including priority groups - are strongly encouraged to attend their education setting, unless they are self-isolating or they are clinically vulnerable (in which case they should follow medical advice). If someone in their household is extremely clinically vulnerable, they should only attend if stringent social distancing can be adhered to, and the child is able to understand and follow those instructions. Families should notify their nursery/school/college as normal if their child is unable to attend so that staff can explore the reason with them and address barriers together. Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time, and schools and colleges will not be held to account for attendance levels. Schools and colleges should continue to inform social workers where children with a social worker do not attend. Schools and colleges should resume taking their attendance register and continue to complete the online Educational Setting Status form which gives the Department for Education daily updates on how many children and staff are attending. The Department will continue to monitor attendance at early years settings, via local authorities. This is to ensure that we have up-to-date information on available early years and childcare provision during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which children are accessing it and to monitor sufficiency in particular areas. Vulnerable children and young people There is a continuing expectation that vulnerable children and young people of all year groups will attend educational or childcare provision, where it is safe and appropriate for them do so. As per the current guidance, where these children and young people are currently not attending but attendance is appropriate, we expect providers and local authorities to consider how to encourage their attendance. Vulnerable children and young people in this context include those who: are assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, including children who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan or who are a looked-after child. Attendance is expected, unless their social worker decides that they are at less risk at home or in their placement. The educational provider should notify the social worker in cases where these children or young people do not take up their place at school or college have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and it is determined, following a risk assessment, carried out with educational providers and parents, that their needs can be as safely or more safely met in the educational environment have been assessed as otherwise vulnerable by educational providers or local authorities (including children’s social care services), and who are therefore in need of continued education provision - this might include children on the edge of receiving support from children’s social care services, adopted children, those at risk of becoming NEET (‘not in employment, education or training’), those who are young carers and others at the provider and local authority’s discretion Alternative Provision Alternative Provision (AP) settings should follow the same principles and guidance as mainstream schools and welcome back, from 1 June 2020, all children in Reception, year 1 and year 6. AP settings do not have a year 12, so, from 15 June, they they should also offer some face to face support for students in year 10 and year 11 to supplement their remote education, as they are approaching key transition points. In line with the advice above for mainstream provision, settings should limit the numbers in attendance at any one time and aim to keep students in small groups as set out in our guidance. Settings should also consider ways to minimise use of public transport to get to and from school at peak times, in consultation with local authorities. Priority groups of all ages should continue to be offered a place and strongly encouraged to attend. Special schools Special schools, special post-16 institutions and hospital schools should work towards welcoming back as many children and young people as can be safely catered for in their setting. They may want to prioritise attendance based on key transitions and the impact on life chances and development, and to consider creating part-time attendance rotas so that as many children as possible can benefit from attending their setting. Special settings should work with local authorities and families to ensure that decisions about attendance are informed by existing risk assessments for their children and young people, which should be kept up to date. Sixth form and further education (FE) colleges From 15 June, further education settings (including general further education colleges, sixth form colleges, and other providers) can offer face-to-face support to 16 to 19 learners. Remote education should remain the predominant mode of learning during this time. To help reduce the coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission risk, the number of learners attending at any one time will be limited to a quarter of those on the first year of a two-year 16 to 19 study programme. Further guidance is available here. Curriculum The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that schools and childcare settings must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. Early years settings should use reasonable endeavours to deliver the learning and development requirements as far as possible in the current circumstances, as set out here. Schools and colleges continue to be best placed to make decisions about how to support and educate all their pupils during this period, based on the local context and staff capacity. Where year groups are returning to school, we would expect school leaders and teachers to: consider their pupils’ mental health and wellbeing and identify any pupil who may need additional support so they are ready to learn assess where pupils are in their learning, and agree what adjustments may be needed to the school curriculum over the coming weeks identify and plan how best to support the education of high needs groups, including disadvantaged pupils, and SEND and vulnerable pupils support pupils in Year 6, who will need both their primary and secondary schools to work together to support their upcoming transition to Year 7 Schools should use best endeavours to support pupils attending school as well as those remaining at home, making use of the available remote education support. No school will be penalised if they are unable to offer a broad and balanced curriculum to their pupils during this period. Priority groups Settings will need to consider how they integrate children and young people from priority groups who are attending but not in any of the transition year groups into their education offer. Settings have the flexibility to make the right decision for their circumstances on how these pupils are supervised, continue to learn and are supported in school. Assessment and accountability There are no changes to the previously announced expectations on assessment and accountability. No examinations or assessments will take place this term and Ofsted will continue to pause routine inspection. Staff workload and wellbeing Governing boards and senior leaders should be conscious of the wellbeing of all staff, including senior leaders themselves, and the need to implement flexible working practices in a way that promotes good work-life balance and supports teachers and leaders. Workload should be carefully managed and schools and colleges should assess whether staff who are having to stay at home due to health conditions are able to support remote education, while others focus on face-to-face provision. Senior leaders and boards will want to factor this into their resource and curriculum planning, and consider where additional resource could be safely brought in if necessary. Transport Parents and children and young people should be encouraged to walk or cycle where possible, and avoid public transport at peak times. They should refer to guidance on safe travel, particularly on public transport. Home to school transport provided or organised by schools, trusts or local authorities varies widely. Schools, trusts and local authorities should work together and with relevant transport providers to put in place arrangements which fit the local circumstances, including the measures being put in place to reduce contact. Further guidance is available in Guidance on implementing protective measures. Food Schools should provide meals for all children in school, and meals should be available free of charge where pupils meet the free school meal (FSM) eligibility criteria. To ensure food is available for pupils who attend, educational settings are expected to reopen their kitchens and ensure that meals are able to be prepared and served safely. We are also continuing to ask schools to work with their food providers to offer meals or food parcels for benefits-related free school meal pupils not in school. Now that schools are opening more widely, school catering teams will be better placed to do this. The provision of food vouchers for those eligible under the benefits criteria will also continue to be available where needed. Information on supporting those in FE with free meals is in the FE operational guidance. Costs associated with opening for more children and young people As previously confirmed, schools will continue to receive their core funding allocations – as determined by the local authority for maintained schools and through the general annual grant (GAG) for academies. FE colleges continue to receive funding in line with the flexibilities that have been announced in recent weeks including payment on profile for 16 to 19 study programmes without reconciliation. In addition, we have announced a fund for schools to cover specific additional costs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – this remains open and should be used by schools as appropriate. Access to the wider business support schemes, including Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), can continue to be used for staff typically paid for through private income, on condition that the principles in Department for Education’s sector specific guidancecontinue to be met. For early years settings, the dedicated schools grant (DSG) should continue to be paid by local authorities for provision of free entitlements. Where parents are accessing hours beyond the free entitlements they are eligible for, early year providers should continue to charge parents in the normal way. The wider business support packages can continue to be used as appropriate, including the loan schemes and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), on condition that the principles in Department for Education’s sector specific guidance continue to be met. We are continuing to work with the childcare sector to understand how the early years sector can best be supported to ensure that sufficient safe, appropriate and affordable childcare is available for those returning to work now, and for all families who need it in the longer term. Further guidance and support We have published: supporting guidance on protective measures which should be implemented in education settings guidance for parents and carers a planning guide for early years and childcare settings a planning guide for primary schools guidance for secondary school provision guidance for further education providers This complements the existing guidance for schools and educational settings that continues to be relevant (and which will be updated in due course where needed). Throughout this document there is a distinction made between ‘vulnerable children’ which has a wide definition as described in this link and in the relevant section below; and those who are ‘clinically vulnerable’ to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Use this service to find out what help you can get if you’re affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). You can use it for yourself or someone else. You can find information about: what to do if you’re feeling unsafe where you live, or if you’re worried about someone else going in to work paying bills or being unemployed getting food having somewhere to live mental health and wellbeing, including information for children If you need medical help, go to NHS 111 online. You will not get direct support from the government or organisations through this service. Start now

Good afternoon and welcome back to Downing Street for the daily coronavirus briefing. I am delighted to be joined by the Baroness Dido Harding, the executive chair of NHS test and trace. Before we turn to test and trace let’s go through the daily slides. If we have the first slide, please. This slide shows testing and the number of new confirmed cases of coronavirus. And the figures show that as of yesterday there were 197,007 tests, bringing the total number of tests that have been done in this country to more than 6,240,801. And the number of confirmed cases as of yesterday was 1,266, bringing the total number of confirmed positive test results to 291,409. And you can see that despite the vast increase in the number of tests that have been carried out, the number of positive cases continues to fall, and has been falling on that 7-day rolling average, a little bit up from the very low figure yesterday of 1,003, but nevertheless continuing overall to fall. Next slide, please. This matches the data from hospitals, which shows that the number of new admissions with COVID-19, excluding Scotland, was 462 on the 8 June and this is down from 658 a week earlier on the first of June and down from a peak of over 3,000 in late March. Likewise, the number of those people on ventilator beds, mechanical ventilators, is down to 440. Down from 604 a week ago, and again, that was over 3,000 at the peak so it’s very good progress to see both of those numbers continuing to fall over recent days. If we turn now to the next slide, which shows the regional breakdown. Again, as it has throughout this crisis, this shows that the shape is broadly the same in most regions of the country and the downward trend persists everywhere, which is obviously very good news. If we turn now to the number of deaths, the final slide. The latest figures show that yesterday 151 people died with coronavirus, that’s the reported number, bringing the total to 41,279. Again, we can see this downward trend continues to come down and in fact the number of deaths over the past week is the lowest since the week ending on the 28 of March and this is good progress but clearly, clearly there is more to do. And these data show that this virus is in retreat. In summary, we’re working through our plan and the plan is working and that means we’re able to restore some of the freedoms that people hold so dear. And from the beginning of lockdown the challenge has been not just how to get the virus under control but how then to be able to ease the lockdown measures. I was really delighted by the announcement that the Prime Minister was able to make yesterday, allowing these bubbles so that single parents or those who live alone will be able to form a support bubble with one other household. I think this is a big step forward. It’s very difficult to imagine the impact if you haven’t lived on your own for 12 weeks and so I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to restore that human contact and the support that so many have been missing. And I know the Prime Minister’s announcement has given such hope and comfort to so many and I’m really pleased at the very positive reception that it’s got. To help us take more measures to come out of lockdown of course, the Prime Minister tasked Dido and I with delivering a test and trace system. Testing for the virus and tracing how it’s spread is critical to containing it locally so that we can ease the national lockdown. And it’s by isolating the virus that we can control it and we can stop it spreading through our communities. In this plan to lift lockdown test and trace is our radar if you like: it helps us identify where the virus is and trace how it’s spreading through the community. And you have your part to play. If you have symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate and get a test. It’s easy to get a test on NHS.UK or by dialling 119. If you test positive you must work with NHS test and trace to identify who you’ve been in close contact with and if you are asked by NHS test and trace to isolate, you must do so to break the chain of transmission and to stop the spread of the virus. I would even go so far as to say that participation with NHS test and trace is your civic duty. Please, do it to protect your loved ones, do it to protect your community, do it to protect the nation, and do it to protect the NHS. Today we’re able to publish some of the initial statistics about the first week of operation of NHS test and trace. Baroness Harding will take as through these figures in a moment, but I just wanted to put them in a bit of context. They paint a positive picture as we will see when we go through the figures. Firstly, remember that they represent just the first 7 days of this service and yet it’s already had a huge impact. The system is working well and as we both said at the start, we will keep improving it. It will keep getting better and I think you’ll see from these figures why we are confident that it will be world class. And I’m also delighted to say we still have spare capacity, and long may it remain so. This is a good thing. It’s a sign of the team’s success. And I just want to take this moment before I hand over, on behalf of us all, to thank Dido and her team, to thank the army of contact tracers, thank you, to thank the NHS and Public Health England who are playing such an important role, to thank the private companies without whom this would be impossible, including Boots and Amazon and Serco and Sitel. And finally, I want to thank you for your participation. It is brilliant that the vast majority of people have done their civic duty. And as we work through our plan and as we keep driving this virus down let us maintain that spirit and fortitude that has helped us throughout this pandemic. And that of course includes not attending large gatherings, including demonstrations, of more than 6 people. Now, I understand that people want to show their passion for a cause they care deeply about but this is a virus that thrives on social contact, regardless of what your cause may be. So please, for the safety of your loved ones, stay alert, control the virus and save lives. I am now going to hand over to Baroness Harding to take us all through the test and trace statistics.

There have been concerns that disadvantaged families are losing out when lessons are being taught online Free internet access is being offered for six months to help some disadvantaged youngsters study online. The scheme will provide 10,000 families in England with vouchers for internet access, funded by BT and distributed by the Department for Education. Most primary and secondary pupils are still out of school and learning online. But there have been concerns about a "digital divide" with poorer pupils missing out. School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said everything possible would be done to "make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus". Most pupils still studying from home until September Digital poverty in schools where few have laptops Laptops promised for disadvantaged teenagers studying at home But there have been warnings that a much greater number of poorer families do not have computer equipment or adequate internet access - and that a social divide in education is being made wider. Labour MP Siobhan McDonagh, leading a campaign for fairer online access, says there are 700,000 disadvantaged children without the technology needed to study online at home. Wayne Norrie, chief executive of the Greenwood Academies Trust, has warned that many families in his schools rely on mobile phone data for an internet connection. This is "not realistic" for online learning, he told the BBC when schools were switching online in the weeks after the lockdown. "Many don't have broadband contracts," said Mr Norrie. The scheme between BT and the Department for Education will give vouchers for free access to five million wi-fi hotspots. Local authorities and academies will be asked to bid for vouchers for families in their schools without internet access or who cannot afford data and the Department for Education will decide the allocations. A scheme launched in April promised to lend laptops to disadvantaged youngsters - with 100,000 so far delivered out of an intended 200,000. Marc Allera of BT said the free wi-fi scheme would allow thousands of children "to keep up with their important digital learning and online schoolwork for the rest of term and over the summer holidays as well as into autumn

At the start of the pandemic, government advisers were saying that 20,000 deaths would be a "good outcome" given what was happening. The UK has now seen double that - reaching 40,261 deaths on Friday. Was this loss of life inevitable? Or should more lives have been saved? How bad is our death toll? It should go without saying, the emergence of a new virus is bound to be a threat to life. Deaths have been recorded in every corner of the globe. International comparisons are difficult - the way coronavirus fatalities are recorded differs from country to country. In fact, there are actually two ways to measure coronavirus deaths in the UK. The 40,000 figure refers to deaths following a positive test. But death certificate mentions, which rely on the judgement of doctors, suggest the UK was actually close to 50,000 deaths by the end of May. Whichever way you look at it, the UK has certainly been among the worst affected countries. However, the UK is not an outlier. A number of our near neighbours - in particular Spain and Italy - have seen similar rates of fatalities if use deaths per head of population. The UK was vulnerable The UK was always going to face a challenge dealing with a virus that was both infectious and - for some - deadly. With London being a global hub, the virus arrived quickly. The first documented case was in February, but there are suggestions it was circulating before then. The capital also provided the perfect breeding ground, with its large and densely packed population. It is no coincidence that London saw a surge ahead of the rest of the UK. Combine that with the ageing population across the country - the elderly are the most at risk of dying if infected - and it's clear the demography of the UK left it vulnerable. Were we under-prepared? Of course, competent governments put plans in place to mitigate these sort of risks. Just last year a review was suggesting the UK was one of the best prepared countries for a pandemic. We may have been - if it had been flu. The procedures used in the early days - the so-called contain, delay and mitigate action plan - were based on the strategy for influenza not coronavirus. Prof Devi Sridhar, chairwoman of global public health at Edinburgh University, says this led to the assumption the virus could not be contained and instead had to be managed. Our leaders, she says, "failed to grasp the gravity of the situation". Other countries, such as Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea, thought and acted differently. With experience of dealing with the likes of Sars and Mers, the countries already had established testing and tracing networks in place. They were quickly deployed and between them they have seen around 300 deaths, despite having a combined population greater than the UK. Prof Sridhar says the approach of the UK smacked of "complacency" - but it is a criticism she also levels at the US and other European countries. Jeremy Hunt, chair of the House of Commons' health committee and a former health secretary, has gone even further, describing the failure to learn from Asian countries as "one of the biggest failures of scientific advice to ministers in our lifetime". Did we take too long to lock down? You could argue these criticisms are being levelled with a degree of hindsight. But even if you give the UK the benefit of the doubt for the lack of preparedness, when the gravity of the situation became clear were we too slow to act? By early March, government modellers had realised the virus was more widespread than had previously been assumed and with distressing scenes from Italy beginning to emerge, the government announced its next steps. Some measures started to be put in place, including asking people to isolate at home if they developed symptoms. But full lockdown was not announced until 23 March. During that time people were travelling around the country, commuters flooded in and out of London on busy trains, tubes and buses and major sporting events continued, including the Cheltenham Festival. Prof Sir David King, a former government scientific adviser, has argued it is clear we reacted "too late", warning every day of delay "cost lives". Modelling carried out for Channel Four Dispatches programme has suggested a lockdown on 12 March could have saved 13,000 lives, while one on 16 March might have saved 8,000. Mistakes made on testing The key to tackling coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization, was always "test, test, test". But the problem was the UK did not do this. In the early days of the pandemic, the government was quick to boast about its testing capacity. The ability to carry out 1,000 tests was quickly increased to 3,000. But as the outbreak spread, it quickly became clear there were not enough tests to go round. In mid-March the decision was taken to stop offering tests to people in the community so they could be reserved for hospital patients. Public Health England and health officials in the rest of the UK relied on eight small labs and their own testers at the time. That policy remained in place for weeks before the government entered into serious discussions with hospitals, universities and the private sector to increase testing capacity. It meant it was late April before it was able to test tens of thousands of patients a day as countries like Italy and Germany were doing. Quizzed on this recently by MPs, government officials admitted it would have been "beneficial" to have ramped up testing more quickly. Care homes have undoubtedly suffered Care homes, where nearly a third of deaths have happened, have perhaps been affected by the lack of testing more than anywhere else. Until mid-April tests were stopped once a care home passed five positive cases. What is more, staff and residents not showing symptoms were unable to get a test until late April despite concerns asymptomatic transmission was unwittingly causing outbreaks. Subsequent research has suggested in some care homes nearly half of staff and residents who have tested positive for coronavirus have not been showing symptoms. Sam Monaghan, chief executive officer of MHA, which runs 90 care homes, says this has cost lives. "A lot of people may not have ended up dying if we had earlier testing and we'd been better able to manage infections." Lessons will be learnt The problems have been further compounded by lack of protective equipment for staff - aprons, gloves and visors were prioritised for the NHS. The experience of other countries, including Canada, Israel and Germany, along with those in south-east Asia, shows high numbers of deaths are not inevitable however. As well as testing and protective equipment, there has been a specific focus on ensuring agency staff do not move from home to home. High vacancy rates in the UK mean many homes are heavily reliant on agencies. Everyone from public health directors and town hall chiefs to hospital bosses agree the historic under-funding of the care sector has left it particularly vulnerable. The handling of the pandemic in care homes - and across the whole of society for that matter - will undoubtedly be pored over in years to come. A public inquiry seems inevitable. It will no doubt show mistakes have been made. In a recent blog, the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, admitted as much himself. In years to come, he wrote, I know we will look back and we will have learned a lot - including how to do it better next time.

Pubs in the Republic of Ireland are to reopen at the end of the month Restaurants and bars in the Republic of Ireland that serve food may be able to cut two-metre physical distancing to one metre in certain circumstances. RTÉ News says the move is contained in draft guidelines issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Bars and restaurants are to reopen in the Republic at the end of June. It is understood the circumstances for reducing the distance include limiting the length of stay in the pub or restaurant to a maximum of 90 minutes. Customers would also have to pre book before making a visit. The draft document, 'Covid-19: Guidance for Food Service Businesses', was drawn up by the HPSC following a request for further clarity from tourism agency, Fáilte Ireland. In a statement, Fáilte Ireland said the guidance is aimed at facilitating the safe reopening of food service businesses, including pubs that serve food. "The guidelines refer to various measures and arrangements, including a potential reduction of the current two metre physical distancing restriction to one metre in certain circumstances," it said. However, neither Fáilte Ireland nor the HPSC would comment specifically on what those circumstances would be because the guidelines remain in draft form. But RTÉ says government sources have indicated they refer to a maximum length of stay of 90 minutes in a food service premises and the requirement for mandatory pre-booking by customers. 'Practical and sensible' Northern Ireland's hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes can reopen from 3 July, the Stormont Executive has confirmed. Image captionColin Neill said the difference between two metres and one metre can be the difference between being open or not Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster said the industry was keen to see what develops in the Republic of Ireland. "The difference between two metres and one metre can be the difference between being open or not," he told Good Morning Ulster. "With one metre, you can have 70% of turnover and you break even and then we can bring staff back and save jobs and regrow the industry." He said "practical and sensible" advice was needed. "If it happens in the Republic and it shows it's doable - we should be looking at timescales and other mitigations like face masks," he said. "I do feel England will move to something similar. It is the difference a small number of our premises being able to open and a lot."

Manufacturing was especially badly hit by Covid lockdown measures Scotland's economy began to contract as soon as coronavirus lockdown measures were imposed. Gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 2.5% in the first quarter of the year, with provisional figures for April showing an 18.9% decline. A more dramatic contraction is expected in the next set of figures for Scotland, reflecting the suspension of much economic activity. Figures for the UK as a whole showed a 20.4% decline in April. The largest declines came in the production sector, particularly manufacturing. What is GDP and how is it measured? Scottish government report on quarterly GDP figures Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the statistics showed how seriously lockdown had affected business. "The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is having an extremely serious impact on the economy right across the UK and - as these figures demonstrate - Scotland is no exception," she said. "Ever since the start of this crisis the Scottish government has been working tirelessly to keep businesses afloat and ensure as many people as possible keep their jobs, and we will continue to do that. "So far this has included a tailored package of more than £2.3bn in business support." The value of output from the Scottish economy during April fell by 18.9%, according to Scottish government economists. The worst affected areas were hospitality and the arts, following the start of lockdown in late March. That's an early estimate, while the Scottish government published the more reliable figure for output in the first three months of this year - down by 2.5%. That's slightly more than the 2% drop across the UK as a whole. Across the first quarter of the year, the biggest declines were in transport, manufacturing, oil and gas production and hospitality, while electricity was one sector to see a rise. It's expected that the sharp decline in output in the second quarter of this year will confirm the Scottish economy meets the definition of a recession. The monthly GDP figure is being published for the first time. The Scottish government said the monthly statistics should be seen as experimental but have been introduced to help track the economic impact of coronavirus. The estimated figure for March indicated an initial fall of 5%.

Thrill seekers will no longer be allowed on rollercoasters without a facemask Theme parks, museums and leisure centres are working out how they could reopen safely, as lockdown restrictions ease in the UK. Even riding on a rollercoaster is going to require a face mask and social distancing when attractions open up again. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach has decided that, on a ride on which people scream, visitors will be more comfortable if they are made to mask up. It is also going to be a less sociable experience - the seats on its Icon ride are only a metre apart so there will be empty rows to allow social distancing. After the opening of shops, Britain's leisure and cultural attractions are preparing for a government announcement that they too will be allowed to reopen. However, it will be months before many venues will be in a position to allow the public in again. A report from the Creative Industries Federation says 400,000 jobs are at risk and the cultural and creative economy is losing more than £1bn a week in revenue. Media captionThe BBC's David Sillito experienced a socially-distanced ride on a rollercoaster in Blackpool It's this dire situation that is driving planning to ensure institutions will be able to reopen quickly once the government gives the green light. Museums will be some of the first spaces to reopen their doors but it will be a different experience. The Design Museum in London is removing its ticket desks and is moving to an online ticketing system to avoid the need for physical tickets and queues. There will also be a strict 90-minute time limit to reduce crowding and everyone will be directed along a one-way route. Toilets will be one in, one out. It will be a similar experience at hundreds of other venues. James Adebayo from property consultants Tunji Adebayo has been advising on how to make socially distanced spaces. There are, he says, a series of measures that will become commonplace. Media captionThe BBC's David Sillito and consultant James Adebayo take us on a virtual tour inside a 'Covid-safe' gallery Venues will increasingly have designated viewing points with limits on how long you can linger. And there will in many places be strict one-way systems to stop dawdling and bumping in to fellow visitors. Every one of them will do things slightly differently but here is a list of things you could well experience on a day out. Ticket only - Even free museums are looking at introducing online ticketing to ensure that crowding is eliminated. Most places will no longer allow you to just wander in. Limited numbers - The number of people is going to be strictly limited to allow social distancing. Viewing points - There will be controls over how and where you can stop and linger. One-way - We have got used to queuing on marked out points, many museums and galleries will direct where and how you walk around. Time controls - Tickets will be for set arrival times. Also, some places will have to find a way to move people through a venue, so prepare for limits to how long you will be allowed to linger. Plastic - Staff will increasingly be protected behind screens. Toilets - One in, one out will become common. One reason to make visits swifter will be to reassure people who don't want to touch handles, taps or flushes. Food - Cafes and kiosks will be limited. Bringing your own lunch or booking your food via a phone app will become more common. Late night opening - With venues having to limit numbers the only way of meeting demand and breaking even will mean that many have to extend opening hours. Of course, this will only affect venues and attractions which can control the public. Some, such as live music venues, which rely on crowds standing together face a much longer wait and a huge hole in their revenue.

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Coronavirus: PM accused of misleading Commons on care homes advice - and urged to return to correct himself Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urges the PM to "accept that the government was too slow to protect people in care homes". PM pressed over 10,000 'unexplained deaths' Boris Johnson has been accused of misleading the House of Commons about government advice that people in care homes were "very unlikely" to contract coronavirus. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has written to the prime minister urging him to return to the House of Commons to "recognise" that this had been government advice earlier this year. During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Sir Keir highlighted official figures that showed deaths in care homes made up more than 40% of the overall number of recent COVID-19 deaths. The Labour leader told MPs: "Earlier this year, and until 12 March, the government's own official advice was, and I'm quoting from it, 'it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected'." Sir Keir urged Mr Johnson, who today announced a further £600m for infection control in care homes, to "accept that the government was too slow to protect people in care homes". The prime minister replied that it "wasn't true that the advice said that" and added: "We brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown." Labour sources later circulated a link to a government webpage, which relates "guidance for social or community care and residential settings on COVID-19".

Coronavirus: 'Lunatic' Donald Trump 'doesn't care how many die', Robert De Niro says The Hollywood star, a long-time critic of the president, says the situation in the White House is "Shakespearean". President Trump is a 'lunatic' who 'doesn't care how many people die', Robert De Niro said. Pic: CBS/The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Donald Trump is a "lunatic" who "doesn't care how many people die" from coronavirus, actor Robert De Niro has said. The Hollywood star, a long-time critic of the president, told Newsnight it was "Shakespearean, the whole thing, you've got a lunatic people are trying to dance around". He went on: "They're doing it in the [Senate] hearings a little more, trying to say tactfully that this is what will happen, Fauci is doing that... it's appalling. [Trump] wants to be re-elected. He doesn't care how many people die." Donald Trump points finger at China again over coronavirus Donald Trump has been widely criticised for his handling of the pandemic The US has more than 1.3 million coronavirus cases and over 83,000 deaths, more than any other country, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the illness. Asked whether Mr Trump's base would vote for him anyway, the actor said those supporters were "deluding themselves" by believing Mr Trump cared about them. "He doesn't care for those people, and the people he pretends to care about are the people he has the most disdain for," he added. New York, where the two-time Oscar winner, 76, is from, has been the epicentre of the US outbreak, but in contrast to his views on Mr Trump, De Niro heaped praise on New York governor Andrew Cuomo. He, the actor said, "has done a great job... he's done what Trump should have done but he doesn't have a clue how to do that". He even said he would like to play Mr Cuomo in a movie about the pandemic. The city, he said, "is kind of like a ghost town... it's surreal... then you see other parts of the world, other great big cities of the world, are also in the same situation". "It's interesting, it's kind of like a science fiction movie but it's real," he said. De Niro has been a frequent critic of Mr Trump since the former reality TV star entered the Oval Office in 2017. After the actor yelled "f*** Trump" at the Tony Awards in 2018, the president responded on Twitter. He said: "Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk'." Mr Trump has been widely criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, having made it clear he is keen to get the US economy moving again by having the public return to work as soon as possible. Dr Anthony Fauci, America's top leading infectious diseases expert, told a Senate hearing this week that rushing to reopen businesses and schools could have dire consequences. News Reporter: Dwayne Hards MK Local News And Awareness UK 3 MKLN&A-UK3

Nicola Sturgeon has warned against any "reckless" move to ease lockdown in Scotland despite a growing "economic crisis" and rising unemployment. The first minister spoke after the release of the latest jobless figures. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in Scotland between February and April, compared with a UK-wide rate of 3.9%. Ms Sturgeon said easing the lockdown "too quickly" would risk a resurgence of the virus which would cost lives and economic productivity. She said the progress made in suppressing Covid-19 so far could help build a "sustainable economy recovery". And she called on the UK government to extend the job retention "furlough" scheme, saying it was "almost certain" to be needed beyond October. Scotland is expected to move to the second phase of the government's "route map" towards lifting lockdown on Thursday, which could see a "safe re-opening" of more shops and workplaces. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics suggested that unemployment in Scotland had risen by 30,000 to 127,000 between February and April, covering the period when lockdown first hit the labour market. Ms Sturgeon said it was important to be "cautious" about drawing conclusions from the data. She said the protection of the furlough scheme "means these figures are likely to be an underestimate of the full impact of Covid-19 on business activity". However, she said it "undoubtedly" showed that "dealing with the public health crisis of Covid has created an economic crisis that demands our full focus and attention". She said: "These kinds of statistics and generally increasing economic anxiety will lead some to argue for a quicker than planned exit from lockdown. "But difficult though all this is, we must guard against a reckless relaxation of lockdown. If we ease restrictions too quickly and allow the virus to run out of control again, that would be economically unproductive and would cost more lives. "The progress we have made is an essential foundation for the sustainable economic recovery we want - the more we can suppress this virus now, the more normality we can restore as we do open up the economy and society." The latest review of Scotland's lockdown is to be held on Thursday, with the first minister saying she would "hope and expect" that Scotland could move to the second phase of her government's "route map". Measures included in phase two include letting people meet in larger groups outdoors, and with another household indoors. It could also see factories, warehouses, laboratories and small shops re-open and the construction industry begin to re-start. Ms Sturgeon said: "Not all major changes will happen overnight, but I do hope in the coming weeks that further important restrictions will be lifted so workers can return to factories, with strict hygiene and physical distancing measures in place, so the construction industry can continue its restart plan, and non-essential shops have a date for safe re-opening. "None of this will restore the economy immediately to full health but will be a sustainable improvement on our current position." The route map for easing lockdown The Scottish government has identified four phases for easing the restrictions: Phase 1: Virus not yet contained but cases are falling. From 28 May you should be able to meet another household outside in small numbers. Sunbathing is allowed, along with some outdoor activities like golf and fishing. Garden centres and drive-through takeaways can reopen, some outdoor work can resume, and childminding services can begin. Phase 2: Virus controlled. You can meet larger groups outdoors, and meet another household indoors. Construction, factories, warehouses, laboratories and small shops can resume work. Playgrounds and sports courts can reopen, and professional sport can begin again. Phase 3: Virus suppressed. You can meet people from more than one household indoors. Non-essential offices would reopen, along with gyms, museums, libraries, cinemas, larger shops, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and dentists. Live events could take place with restricted numbers and physical distancing restrictions. Schools should reopen from 11 August. Phase 4: Virus no longer a significant threat. University and college campuses can reopen in full, mass gatherings are allowed. All workplaces open and public transport is back at full capacity. The first minister said she had "zero interest in keeping any part of the country in lockdown any longer than is necessary", but said "patience will pay dividends in the future". She said: "A gradual re-emergence is crucial - it allows our businesses to start to operate and make money again, but we know that because this re-emergence is by necessity gradual it must be accompanied by continued support for business. "We have welcomed assistance from the UK government such as the job retention scheme, but it's essential this is extended if that proves necessary - which I think is almost certain." Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the UK government was providing "comprehensive coronavirus support packages" and that the furlough scheme and a similar system for the self-employed had "saved nearly 800,000 jobs across Scotland". More than a quarter of the UK's workforce is now covered by the furlough scheme, which is due to run until the end of October - although the amount of money firms have to contribute is to increase each month. 'Economic collapse' Ms Sturgeon also resisted calls to relax the 2m (6ft) physical distancing rule, saying it would hit businesses harder if the virus were to start spreading out of control again. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce said it was "essential" this rule be relaxed "to prevent wholesale economic collapse" of the retail, hotel and restaurant sectors. The Scottish Beer and Pub Association said the limit "simply does not make financial sense". Ms Sturgeon said the rule would be kept under review, but said it was better to re-open the economy "sustainably" than to "run the risk of having to shut it again weeks or months later" because of a resurgence of the virus.

With many shops in England starting to reopen, the number of people back at work is growing. Cafes, restaurants and pubs could follow as soon as 4 July. Many people fear contracting coronavirus once they return to work. So, what are your rights? Should I be returning to work? Employees who can work from home are advised by the government to continue to do so. For those who do return, full government guidance on working safely has been issued for everywhere from building sites to offices and shops. It includes separate advice for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Firms should be ready to "move quickly" if the rules change, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. That means employees might have little notice if their company wants them to get back to work. Can my boss make me work despite coronavirus? This may soon become an issue for workers in the hospitality sector, says employment law expert Simon Rice-Birchall from Eversheds Sutherland. After all, these are public-facing jobs and potentially carry a higher risk of catching the virus. Mr Rice-Birchall says that if people do not show up for work when asked, they should not expect to get paid. However, employers should be "extremely careful" about deciding to discipline or sack them. Under employment law, workers have the right to walk off the job to protect themselves from "serious and imminent" danger, he says. Firms may think they are enforcing social distancing rules, but "no employer can police a workplace properly," he adds. Will vulnerable people have to return to work? There are 1.5 million people in England classified as being at high-risk, including those who have received organ transplants or are on immunosuppression drugs. Employers must be "especially careful" to protect such people, says Tom Neil, senior adviser at arbitration service Acas. This may include varying their responsibilities, or keeping them on furlough until it is safer for them to return. "Particularly strict" social distancing rules should be in place to protect those who do return, says Mr Neil. What if I don't think my workplace is safe? Employers must follow a strict code of measures, which can include: Observing the 2m (6ft) rule of social distancing Introducing one-way systems to minimise contact Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces in retail environments Storing returned items for 72 hours before returning them to the shop floor If employees are unhappy and their employer has not addressed their concerns, they should contact their local authority or the Health and Safety Executive, who can force firms to take action. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) says companies should publish risk assessments, so employees know what safety measures are being taken. However, it says that not all firms have done so. "Employers who fail to keep their workers safe must be fined - and if necessary, shut down, " says TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady. How do I get to work safely? Many people are afraid that using public transport will expose them to the risk of being infected by coronavirus. Employers are being encouraged to stagger working times, so workers can avoid rush hour. They are being asked to consider parking and bike storage for people who want to drive or cycle. Acas says employers should discuss with returning staff how they will travel to and from work and offer help. How will people on furlough be affected? At least seven out of 10 UK firms have reported furloughing workers. From July, businesses will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time. But when the scheme finishes at the end of October, companies may not be able to pay all their workers and could cut jobs. Companies don't have to keep on employees when furlough ends and cannot use these payments to subsidise redundancy packages. But employers could face allegations of discrimination if they only keep on staff who worked through the crisis, says Acas. People with underlying health conditions might be more likely to go on furlough, while the woman in a household is more likely to be the one that stays at home with the children. If my children are at home, can I be forced to go to work? Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that if schools are not open and workers cannot get childcare, employers should not expect staff to return. While it is not necessarily legal protection if you refuse to go to work, Mr Johnson said parents and guardians who are unable to return "must be defended and protected on that basis".

Poundstretcher is considering closing more than half of its UK stores as part of a survival plan. Up to 253 shops are at risk of closure if landlords do not agree to rent cuts or holidays, the discount retailer said. A spokesperson said that the talks form part of a wider restructuring plan aimed at "stemming losses" from underperforming stores. It employs 5,500 people across 450 shops, its warehouse and head office. Poundstretcher, which also owns the Bargain Buys chain, has launched a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), an insolvency process that allows companies to continue trading while pushing through closures and rent cuts. How coronavirus will change the way we all shop What shops are open? It will be overseen by the accountancy firm KPMG. Under the proposals, 253 stores will pay full rent for an initial period of six weeks, "after which continued trading will depend on the commercial merits of each store with the relevant landlords' collaboration", KPMG said in a statement. The CVA also proposes slashing rents for another 84 shops by up to 40% for a period of three years. A further 23 stores could also shut as Poundstretcher plans to put a subsidiary group that owns them into administration before the deadline for voting on the plans. Retail woes Several big brands have been struggling in recent weeks due to lockdown measures introduced in March to stop the spread of Covid-19. Non-essential shops only reopened in England and Northern Ireland this week. But Will Wright of KPMG said the problems weren't entirely due to the virus: "Poundstretcher has suffered from significant impacts to profitability on several fronts over a sustained period, which were then further exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 on footfall." "With the directors of the business having explored a number of options, this CVA seeks to safeguard the long-term future of the business, across a smaller, more sustainable store estate." Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley and the UK arm of Victoria's Secret have all called in administrators. On Monday, the UK's biggest building merchant Travis Perkins announced the closure of 165 stores. Poundstretcher landlords and other creditors have until 2 July to vote on the CVA, which needs to be approved by at least 75% of its creditors.

The death of George Floyd in police custody has sparked six days of protests in the US, many of which have turned violent and led to further accusations of excessive use of force by officers. "I'm tired of being afraid," one protester said. These are some of the other reasons demonstrators across the country said they'd taken to the streets to protest.

Trump: 'Without police, there is chaos' US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing several police reforms while rejecting calls to defund or dismantle the police. His order offers federal grants to improve police practices, including creating a database to trace abuses by officers. The order comes amid anger over the killing of African Americans by police officers. Several US cities have proposed more radical reforms. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump began by saying he had met a number of African American families who had lost loved ones, including the relatives of Antwon Rose, Botham Jean and Ahmaud Arbery - the black jogger killed in Georgia earlier this year. No representatives of the families were present with Mr Trump, who spoke while flanked by law enforcement officers. What did Trump say? In his address, the president again defended police while condemning looters and "anarchy". "We have to find common ground," Mr Trump said. "But I strongly oppose the radical and dangerous efforts to defund, dismantle and dissolve our police departments." He added that "without police, there's chaos". "Americans believe we must support the brave men and women in blue who police our streets and keep us safe," Mr Trump said. "Americans also believe we must improve accountability, increase transparency and invest more resources in police training, recruiting and community engagement." The latest drive for reform began after the death in police custody of George Floyd last month. Image copyrightEPAImage captionThere have been huge Black Lives Matter protests across the US in recent weeks Mr Floyd died after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The killing spurred global protests led by the Black Lives Matter movement. There was fresh outrage after the death of another black man, Rayshard Brooks, who was shot during an attempted arrest in Atlanta last Friday. The struggle that cost Rayshard Brooks his life Why US protests are so powerful this time Media captionThe Wendy's drive-through restaurant was set on fire over Mr Brooks' shooting What does the Trump order include? The Trump announcement comes as Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress are developing reforms of their own. The president's executive order aims to provide incentives for police departments to improve by tying some federal grants to "best practices". It will create a federal database of complaints against officers. It will also encourage the deployment of social workers alongside officers to deal with non-violent cases involving drug addiction and homelessness. The White House has stressed the idea is to bring the police closer to communities. The order will also prioritise federal grants to departments that obtain certifications of high standards regarding de-escalation training and use of force. "As part of this new credentialing process, chokeholds will be banned except if an officer's life is at risk," Mr Trump said. "Everybody said it's time, we have to do it." The president said the government was looking into new "less lethal weapons to prevent deadly interactions". Mr Trump has described the Atlanta incident as "very disturbing", and said his initiative was "about safety". The president has also condemned George Floyd's death, but rejected suggestions of ingrained racism in police forces. Critics say the measures fall short of the deep reform that many are seeking. Following the announcement, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on lawmakers to pass bolder legislation. "Unfortunately, this executive order will not deliver the comprehensive meaningful change and accountability in our nation's police departments that Americans are demanding," he said. Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the order "falls sadly and seriously short of what is required to combat the epidemic of racial injustice and police brutality that is murdering hundreds of Black Americans". "During this moment of national anguish, we must insist on bold change, not meekly surrender to the bare minimum," she continued. The law-and-order president With the signing of the executive order, Trump caved - a bit. He has called himself a law-and-order president and taken a hard-line approach on the protestors. But on Tuesday, he spoke of changes within the police force. He used dramatic language, saying he was concerned about justice. He also described the executive order, saying some officers would, for example, now be accompanied by social workers when they go out to help drug addicts or homeless people. The executive order was hardly the sweeping reform that activists have called for, however. The president spoke with even more passion about the economy, and the White House was filled with staffers who were not wearing masks. They - like the president - were trying to convey the message that the nation and its economy are now returning to its once-healthy self. What other reforms have been proposed? In Minneapolis, some council members have announced plans to defund and dismantle the police department. In Atlanta, following Rayshard Brooks's death, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms demanded a series of changes concerning the use of lethal force by police. These include a "duty to intervene" if a police officer sees misconduct by a colleague. San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago are among the cities that have said they will reform their policies on the use of force, and root out racist officers. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Tuesday requiring state police troopers to wear body cameras and creating a new office to investigate police misconduct. At a federal level, the Democrats have introduced their own legislation into the House of Representatives. It calls for a ban on the chokeholds method of restraining suspects, and a ban on no-knock warrants - which allow police to enter a property without notifying residents.

Coronavirus in Scotland Protect yourself and others: stay at home only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people wash your hands regularly and as soon as you get home Scotland is at Phase 1 of the route map for moving out of lockdown.

A lack of personal interaction with teachers is one of the many ways children are missing out The vast majority of teachers (90%) say their pupils are doing less or much less work than they would normally at this time of the year, a study finds. The report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) says head teachers believe around a third of pupils are not engaging with set work. Limited or no access to technology was a problem for around a quarter (23%) of pupils, school leaders told the NFER. The government says it has committed over £100m to help home learning. The NFER report is based on findings from a survey of 1,233 school leaders and 1,821 teachers in England's state schools, carried out between 7 and 17 May. It raises particular concern about the impact of school closures, due to Covid 19, on the learning of pupils from the most disadvantaged areas, saying pupil engagement is lower in schools with the highest levels of deprivation. Free internet to help poorer pupils study online Delay over school return a 'national disaster' How will secondary schools reopen safely? Secondary schools with the highest number of children eligible for free school meals reported that 48% of pupils were engaged with learning activities, compared with 66% and 77% of pupils at schools in the middle and lowest brackets. Teachers told researchers the following pupils were finding it particularly difficult to engage in remote learning, compared to their peers: those with limited access to technology and/or study space vulnerable children those with special educational needs and disabilities and young carers. Parents' engagement Teachers say just over half (55%) of their pupils' parents are engaged with their children's home learning, according to the report. But teachers from the most deprived schools report a lower parental engagement, at 41%, than those from the least deprived schools, at 62%. There is concern that many young people are disengaging without the school routine NFER chief executive Carole Willis said: "There are considerable differences in the levels of pupil engagement in remote learning, particularly amongst the most disadvantaged pupils." There is a risk that the attainment gap will widen as a result of the pandemic, she added, calling for a "comprehensive and long-term plan to address this issue". Josh Hillman, director of education at the Nuffield Foundation, which funded the research, said: "The shift to remote learning during lockdown has made the implications of children and young people's unequal access to IT equipment and connectivity even more stark." Geoff Barton, general secretary of the heads' union ASCL, backed a national plan "to help these children to catch up". "This analysis shows that children who already face the greatest challenges have suffered the worst impact to their learning during the lockdown, and that the digital divide is largely to blame." A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "We will do whatever we can to make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus. "We are also considering, with a range of partner organisations, what more is required to support all pupils who have been affected by school closures." 'A generation losing out' The NFER study comes as a research paper from University College London's Institute of Education finds pupils across the UK are studying for an average of 2.5 hours a day during lockdown. This figure is about half that indicated by a previous survey by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, suggesting that learning losses could be much greater than previously thought. The UCL research, which examined data from a UK household longitudinal study covering 4,559 children, says one fifth of pupils (around two million children in the UK) did no schoolwork or less than an hour a day at home, while 17% put in more than four hours a day. It finds that the variability in the amount of schoolwork being done at home is adding to existing regional and socioeconomic inequalities, with pupils in London, the South East of England and Northern Ireland receiving more offline schoolwork, such as assignments, worksheets and watching videos, than elsewhere in the UK. In the South East, for example, 28% of children were receiving four or more pieces of offline schoolwork per day, compared with the countrywide average of 20%. No school: 'He's not getting up until one o'clock' The report also says children eligible for free school meals "appear to be additionally disadvantaged during lockdown", with 15% receiving four or more pieces of offline schoolwork compared with 21% of children not eligible for free meals. Prof Francis Green, who led the research, said it "painted a gloomy picture of lost schooling and low amounts of schoolwork at home". "The closure of schools, and their only-partial re-opening, constitute a potential threat to the educational development of a generation of children. "Everyone is losing out in this generation, some much more than others. "Better home schoolwork provision, and better still an early safe return to school for as many as possible, should now become a top priority for government."