Coronavirus news: Education secretary insists ‘no child should be out of school’ after government issues long-awaited guidance on pupils returning to classroom
Follow the latest updates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Schools have been given new guidance that says teachers should socially distance from one another and older pupils from September. Officials have also set out how mobile testing units will respond to outbreaks at schools.
Meanwhile, a coronavirus outbreak that forced the reimposition of lockdown conditions in Leicester has no obvious source, Public Health England has said. The embattled body suggested the spike could have been driven by community transmission.
In the US, officials recorded the country’s biggest-yet daily rise in Covid-19 infections with about 50,700 new cases on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. Donald Trump said yesterday he hoped the virus would “sort of, just disappear”.
Lab staff 'paid to stay away' due to lack of samples
Dozens of shifts at one of the government’s coronavirus mega-labs have been cancelled and staff paid to stay away because of a lack of test samples, a whistleblower has revealed.
A member of staff at the Alderley Park Lighthouse Laboratory has shared a tranche of emails sent from lab bosses to staff during May and June with The Independent.
Experts urge government to focus on 'green recovery'
An inquiry into the government’s progress on reaching net zero emissions by 2050 has been told the UK is “clearly not” making sufficient progress to hit the legally binding target.
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s inquiry into net zero and the UN climate summits was told by expert witnesses that following the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the only way to coherently create jobs, stimulate spending and future-proof the British economy was to prioritise a green recovery.
Herman Cain in hospital with Covid-19 days after attending Trump rally
Trump update
Donald Trump urged Americans to "wash your hands" but excluded a call for them to wear masks as he declared his administration has "put the flame out" from coronavirus even though it is spreading in some states at a record pace.
Rio beaches reopen
Brazilians returned to the beaches, bars, restaurants and gyms of Rio as the lockdown was eased today, as the country's death toll passed 60,000.
While sunbathing is not allowed yet, people can take to the sand for individual exercise.
"It is a relief and provides hope that things can get better," said Flavio Vicente, 38, as he worked out on Copacabana Beach.
In Rio alone, 6,618 people have died of Covid-19 in the past four months. Only 14 countries in the world have a death toll higher than the city. Public hospitals are at 70 per cent capacity.
Drinkers at a bar in Rio (Reuters)
Ireland's CMO steps down
Ireland's chief medical officer is stepping aside to care for his terminally ill wife.
Dr Tony Holohan has been the Irish government's key adviser and at the forefront of public health messaging on combating coronavirus.
He said his wife was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012 and had been admitted for palliative care last Saturday.
Dr Holohan added: "A plan has been put in train for others to take over responsibility for different aspects of my role."
His deputy, Dr Ronan Glynn, will take over responsibility on an acting basis.
Dr Holohan said: "As a husband and father and as a public health doctor, I am conscious that we have been through tough times."
Where are the latest potential hotspots?
Scientists have identified Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall as three local authorities at risk of following Leicester in emerging as a coronavirus hotspot.
Leicester is already back in increased lockdown after a rapid rise in new Covid-19 cases, with non-essential shops ordered to close and people urged not to travel in or out of the area.
Pub register for customers 'not mandatory', guidance reveals
Pubs, restaurants, museums and cinemas will be asked to collect customer contact details to help coronavirus contact tracers track possible infections, under new guidance issued today.
Ministers hope the move will help suppress Covid-19's spread by easing the efforts of tracers to track down and isolate anyone who may have come into contact with an infected individual.
However the move is not mandatory and customers can refuse to give their details, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
NHS Test and Trace executive chair Baroness Harding said: "The virus has not gone, but we can live more safely alongside it. As we all start to visit more places and come into contact with a wider group of people in the coming weeks, we now need businesses and the public to play their part in this new national effort by sharing their contact details.
"That way, if someone does test positive our dedicated team at NHS test and trace can quickly spring-into-action to contact those who may be at risk and advise them to self-isolate, helping everyone stay safe."
Firms are asked to record visitors' arrival and departure time alongside their contact details for 21 days before safely deleting the details.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments