Coronavirus news – live: Boris Johnson hints two-metre rule could be scrapped in schools, after Covid-19 alert level lowered

Indonesia update

Indonesia reported 1,041 new coronavirus infections on Friday, taking its total to 43,803.

Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there had been 34 more deaths, with total fatalities now at 2,373.

So far, 366,581 people have been tested, according to the country's Covid-19 task force. 

Government reduces alert level

The UK's coronavirus alert level has been lowered after the country's chief medical officers (CMO) said it should be reduced from 4 to 3.

Boris Johnson's government had sidelined the measure, which it created, in its decision-making regarding lockdown easing, preferring instead to use its "five tests" metric to guage the threat from Covid-19.

Matt Hancock welcomed the CMOs' recommendation, which has been taken up.

"There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over," the four CMOs said in a statement.

"The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur.

"We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue."

Only half of 200,000 laptops distributed to poorest children

Just over half of the 200,000 laptops to be provided to disadvantaged school children have been delivered two months after the government pledged to help vulnerable pupils through the coronavirus crisis, writes Ashley Cowburn.

Education minister Nick Gibb, who disclosed the figures, added it was the government’s “clear intention” to get all children back to school in September – after scrapping plans last week for all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays

Norway to maintain tough border restrictions, PM signals

Norway must maintain tight control of its borders to avoid importing Covid-19 cases from abroad, its prime minister has said.

The Scandinavian country has some of Europe's most stringent controls.

Erna Solberg said said the government feared a second wave of the pandemic as other countries lift their lockdowns ahead of the summer holidays.

"There is still a danger of new infections. Cases of infection coming from abroad is the biggest danger today," the PM told parliament. "So it is important to keep control."

Norway is not a member of the European Union but belongs to the passport-free Schengen travel zone.

More research needed into Covid-19 and pets, scientists say

More research into domesticated animals that are susceptible to the coronavirus, including pet cats and dogs, is needed to assess the likelihood they may re-infect humans who have worked hard to gain control over the disease, a team of British scientists have said, writes Kate Ng.

Professors Joanna Santini and Sarah Edwards, researchers from the University College London, wrote a comment paper calling for further research into the possible transmission cycle of Covid-19 from humans to animals and vice versa.

How strict are lockdowns around the world?

This infographic, created for The Independent by statistics agency Statista, compares the UK and a number of other countries.

Empire Strikes Back and The Dark Knight among re-releases timed for cinema reopening

A spate of popular films will be re-released as cinemas prepare to re-open across the UK after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, writes Louis Chilton.

Approximately 450 films, including the Harry Potter franchise, the Dark Knight trilogy and Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, will be coming to UK screens in the near future.

Queen sends personal message to business owners

The Queen has told business owners she is proud to see their work to "champion trade and rebuild communities" in the wake of coronavirus.

Elizabeth II recorded a personal message of support in what the British Chambers of Commerce said would be a "huge morale boost".

The monarch said: "As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world.

"At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities.

"As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, it gives me great pride to see the contribution you and your members are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities.

"I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead."

South Asian people most likely to die in hospital from Covid-19

South Asian people are at a greater risk of dying in hospital with coronavirus than other ethnicities, according to a new study, writes Zoe Tidman.

Researchers said this could partly be put down to a higher prevalence of diabetes.

The study looked at more than 30,000 patients in hospital with coronavirus between February and May – an estimated 40 per cent of the total number in England, Scotland and Wales at the time.

Many in public-facing jobs not wearing PPE, survey finds

About three in 10 workers working in jobs that requre direct physical contact with others said they had not worn protective gear (PPE) in their workplace in the last week, according to a survey.

Although some 45 per cent of 110 people who worked in these roles wore PPE always or often over the last seven days, 29 per cent had not worn any, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The ONS analysed responses from 1,896 adults in Great Britain aged 16 and over between 11 and 14 June.

Calls have been made for all employers to ensure face coverings or screens are used by their staff where social distancing is not possible.