Coronavirus UK news LIVE: Clap for Carers returns for NHS birthday after Super Saturday mayhem and deaths hit 44,198
Clap for Carers is set to return to tonight to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS.
The last Clap for Carers took place on May 28, and the event is making a one-off return to celebrate, while public buildings are being lit up in blue.
It comes as pubs, restaurants and hairdressers opened up across England for the first time in months in day dubbed 'Super Saturday'.
But boozing Brits caused mayhem as thousands of revellers hit pubs and bars up and down the country.
The chairman of the police federation said it was 'crystal clear' today that drunk Brits cannot socially distance
Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in the UK rose to 44,198 after 67 more deaths in Britain and Northern Ireland, making it the lowest Saturday death toll since lockdown began.
Follow our live blog for the latest news and updates on coronavirus…
HELP FOR SOMALIA
An EU humanitarian flight has today arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia from Brindisi, Italy, carrying medical supplies including personal protective equipment (PPE).
Two other flights to Somalia will take off from Brindisi in the coming days, with additional material on board, bringing the total of cargo to 42 tonnes.
Somalia has suffered for decades from prolonged conflict combined with extreme weather, especially recurrent droughts and floods.
Against a background of widespread poverty, it is now also facing the worst desert locust infestation in 25 years and a rapidly escalating coronavirus outbreak, says the EU.
OVER-70 ‘NOT HIGHER RISK’
Defiant Stanley Johnson disputes the government's definition of those over 70 being at 'high risk' due to coronavirus.
Boris Johnson's outspoken dad, 79, has risked his son's wrath in Saga Magazine.
He wrote: “I know that, being over 70 years old, I officially fall into the 'high risk' category in this Covid-19 pandemic.
“Frankly, I query that definition.
“There are almost nine million over-70s in the UK, and it is inconceivable that we are all at 'high risk'.
“More to the point, I would be deeply worried if use of such terminology encouraged the government to relax lockdown rules for everyone else, while keeping restrictions for the over-70s.
“I am against ageism in all its forms, especially when applied to me!”
MET POLICE: ‘NO WORRIES’
The Metropolitan Police said today there were “no significant issues” across London on Saturday as members of the public flocked to pubs and bars across the capital.
Commander Bas Javid said: “Yesterday saw lockdown restrictions lifted further and many Londoners attended pubs and bars last night to enjoy themselves.
“The majority of the public complied with social distancing guidelines and remained vigilant.
“While some areas were notably busy such as Soho and Portobello Road, we are pleased there were no significant issues or incidents in the capital.”
FLOOD OF ‘LOCKDOWN PUPPIES’
With months of working from home and a seemingly endless amount of free time, lockdown seemed – for some – like the perfect time to get a puppy.
But it seems the ‘puppymoon’ is coming to an abrupt end as the country slowly returns to work.
Animal charities fear more pets will be abandoned or sold, as owners no longer feel able to take care of them.
Disgusted Facebook users recently hit out at a dog owner who advertised on a local Facebook group in Kent.
The person announced they were having to sell their 13-week-old fox terrier puppy because, “I’m back at work so do not have the time for him”.
To read the full story, see HERE
VOUCHERS TO BOOST SPENDING?
Finance minister Rishi Sunak is considering plans to hand out vouchers of £500 for adults, and £250 for kids to boost the UK's economy.
To help sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis, the Guardian reported that proposals are being drawn up by the Resolution Foundation think tank.
The group recently held talks with the Treasury, the newspaper added.
These vouchers are to be spent only in sectors such as hospitality and “face-to-face” retail, as opposed to online buying.
Sunak is set to make an announcement in a few days on the government’s job support schemes and its plans to steer the economy through the pandemic.
CORONAVIRUS DOESN’T STOP HOT-DOG EATING CONTEST
The coronavirus put a damper on this year’s Fourth of July celebrations in New York.
But, the killer bug failed to stop competitive eater Joey Chestnut from breaking the hot dog-eating world record – by chomping through 75 hot-dogs!
Although he beat his 2018 mark of 74 by just one hot-dog, he proudly declared “there is still room,” and patted his full stomach.
Chestnut and Miki Sudo were again hailed men’s and women’s champions at Saturday’s Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot-dog eating contest.
Sudo downed an impressive 48 1/2 wieners and buns in a contest that took place at an undisclosed location with no in-person spectators, because of coronavirus restrictions.
SPORTS STARS EXEMPT FROM UK QUARANTINE
The government says selected sports stars are to be exempt from quarantine requirements when competing in England.
However, those involved will have to live and work in “bubbled” environments behind closed doors, UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced on Sunday.
The new measures will allow Formula One, international soccer, golf and snooker events to take place.
Competitors involved in these events will be granted quarantine exemptions.
International cricketers are also now formally exempt, although individual special arrangements have already been made for the touring West Indies and Pakistan teams this summer.
FAMILY SHOCKED AFTER BEING ASKED TO REMOVE NHS TRIBUTE RAINBOW DOOR
A family who painted a beautiful rainbow around their front door in tribute to the NHS have been asked to remove the paintwork.
The Hemmings family painted a bright, colourful rainbow around their door in Bewdley, Worcestershire, to thank those risking their lives on the coronavirus frontline.
But miserable boffins at Wyre Forest District Council wrote to the family demanding the paintwork be “rectified within 14 days”.
The Hemmings were told that as their home is a Grade II listed property their art could not remain.
The council demanded it be removed by today, July 5.
Luckily for the family, though, their plight attracted attention from hundreds of supporters on social media and caused a huge outcry from unimpressed Brits.
In the end, the bureaucrats backed down, and in a temporary U-turn said the Hemmings could leave the rainbow on the entrance until September 7.
WHICH PUBS HAVE REOPENED AND WHAT ARE THEIR HOURS?
The majority of major pub brands reopened at least some of their pubs yesterday.
You can see the full list of chain pubs and their opening house here.
UK FREE GLOBAL TRADE BID BOOSTED BY COVID PANDEMIC
The UK is planning on worldwide free trade once the EU’s shackles are released on New Year’s Eve 2020.
The government will lobby for low tariffs and greater powers for the World Trade Organisation, according to an exclusive in The Mail on Sunday.
The aim is for the UK to use its year-long presidency of the G7 to work out free trade with like-minded states, such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The “top priority” plan has been boosted since the coronavirus pandemic, with some blaming the spread on international supply chains.
CELEBS HIT BOOZERS ON SUPER SATURDAY
Louise Redknapp and Laura Whitmore were among celebs who hit boozers yesterday as pubs reopened their doors for the first time in months.
Louise Redknapp declared “yasss we're going for a pint”via Instagram from the back of a car on her way to a boozer.
PRET A MANGER SET TO CLOSE 45 STORES
Sandwich chain Pret A Manger is set to close to 45 stores, putting 800 jobs at risk.
The company has been struggling during the coronavirus lockdown with the company already confirming that it's been losing “tens of millions of pounds each month”.
Pano Christou, the cafe chain's chief executive, will make an announcement on the future of the stores this Wednesday, June 8, according to The Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reports how the move is set to impact almost one in ten of Pret's 434 UK branches, as well as up to 800 of its 8,000 employees.
A Pret spokesman told The Mail on Sunday: “We will update our team members in early July once the plan has been finalised.”
MATT HANCOCK SAYS ‘MOST’ REVELLERS FOLLOWED NEW PUB RULES
Matt Hancock has insisted that “most people” followed social distancing rules as pubs reopened yesterday.
Mr Hancock told Sky News: “Largely, although there are some pictures to the contrary, people have acted responsibly.
“Overall I am pleased with what happened yesterday,” he added.
DONALD TRUMP CLAIMS 99 PER CENT OF COVID CASES ARE ‘HARMLESS’
Donald Trump has claimed 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are “harmless”.
The states has seen a huge spike in infections recently.
In an Independence Day speech at the White House, the President insisted his strategy for dealing with the pandemic was “moving along well”.
Trump said 40 million people had tested positive for coronavirus and added: “By so doing, we show cases – 99 per cent of which are totally harmless.
“Results that no other country can show because no country has testing that we have, not in terms of the numbers or in terms of the quality.”
INSIDE HOLLY WILLOUGHBY'S LAVISH LONDON LOCKDOWN PAD
Holly Willoughby has been spending lockdown at her lavish London lockdown pad.
The five bedroom house is worth £3 million.
She has given her Instagram followers a sneak peak inside her home – read the full article here.
WHAT IS RISHI SUNAK SET TO ANNOUNCE IN HIS MINI BUDGET THIS WEEK?
- EXTRA funding for a huge expansion in apprenticeships and skills training.
- TAX breaks and other incentives for companies who take young people on to their payroll.
- A MASSIVE investment in the careers service and work coaches to mentor young job-seekers.
- SUBSIDIES for struggling firms who keep young employees in work.
RISHI SUNAK TO PUMP BILLIONS INTO JOB SCHEME FOR UNDER 25s
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will put young people at the centre of his coronavirus job recovery scheme.
Mr Sunak fears the young are most at risk of redundancy and long-term unemployment when furlough ends in October.
A source close to Mr Sunak said: “The Chancellor’s focus is on protecting and creating jobs and supporting people back into employment, particularly the young.
“Those leaving school or college are going to be entering a tough labour market and if we can’t get them into work quickly, it will have a long-term impact on their lives.”
HERO NURSES AMONG FIRST BACK IN PUBS
Hero NHS nurses were some of the first customers back at the bar as pubs reopened this weekend.
Nurses Alex Macey and Becky Nolan had just finished a gruelling night shift when they were served their drinks at 9am.
As she sipped a strawberry and lime Kopparberg cider, Alex, 21, said: “It’s really exciting. We thought it was a perfect way to finish off our night shift.
“We wanted to be the first ones.”
‘DRUNK PEOPLE CAN’T SOCIAL DISTANCE,’ COPS SAY
The chairman of the Police Federation has said drunk people can’t social distance properly.
John Apter said: “What was crystal clear is that drunk people can’t, won’t socially distance.
“It was a busy night but the shift managed to cope. I know other areas have had issues with officers being assaulted.”
SUPER SATURDAY BOOZER SAYS HE MISSED PUB ‘MORE THAN EX-WIFE’
A desperate boozer has said he missed pubs while they were closed during lockdown more than his ex-wife.
He said his first pint was “heaven”.
He added: “I've missed this more than my missus when she left,” he told Sky News.
“You can drink at home but you can't get this feeling anywhere else.”
Another keen boozer named Jimmy said he couldn't wait to enjoy a beer at his local in Manchester this morning.
Straight off night shift, and without any sleep, he grabbed a pint at The Shiredale.
“Having my first Carling was like an angel p***ing on the tip of my tongue,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
SUPER SATURDAY CHAOS
Scenes of chaos were witnessed across the country yesterday as pubs reopened.
Thousands of thirsty Brits poured into pubs and restaurants to mark Super Saturday today after three months in lockdown.
Rowdy boozers were seen emerging from busy pubs in London, Blackpool and Newcastle.
However pubs in four Nottinghamshire towns were closed early due to bad behaviour, and four people were arrested.
Inspector Craig Berry from Nottinghamshire Police said: “Officers were quickly on the scene to deal with a number of alcohol related anti-social behaviour reports including a smashed window and minor assault.
“As a result four arrests were made by officers and we supported licensees who chose to close their own premises.”
A pub in Narborough, Leicestershire, also had to shut early after a punter was assaulted and suffered neck injuries.
Meanwhile a vicious brawl broke out on the High Street in Brentwood, Essex, where another four people were arrested.
ONLINE REHAB SERVICES TO LAUNCH FOR CORONAVIRUS SURVIVORS
Tens of thousands of the most seriously affected coronavirus survivors will be offered online recovery services in the coming months.
The NHS is launching an online portal, Your Covid Recovery, for people who are suffering with breathing difficulties, muscle damage from being on a ventilator, or from mental health problems such as PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Advice about recovering from the virus is accessible via the portal from later in July.
Through the portal, they will be able to speak with nurses and physiotherapists over the phone, join a survivors' community, follow exercise tutorials to help regain muscle strength and lung function, and access mental health support.
HIGH END STARS TO BE GIVEN QUARANTINE EXEMPTIONS TO RESUME FILMING IN UK
Filming on the latest Mission: Impossible movies will be able to resume in England as the Government looks to exempt high-end stars from quarantine.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is said to have spoken to the franchise's 58-year-old star Tom Cruise earlier in the week about how the production will be able to continue.
Both Mission: Impossible 7 and 8 – which feature American actor and director Cruise – are being shot at the Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire.
The Government said it will publish guidance this week allowing “small numbers” of essential cast and crew to travel to the UK without having to quarantine for 14 days.
Exempted individuals will instead have to live and work in controlled “bubbled” environments – such as filming locations – for the same period of time.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The world's biggest blockbusters and high-end TV shows are made in Britain.
“Our creativity, expertise and highly successful tax reliefs for our screen industries means that we are an in demand location that in turn delivers a great return for our economy.
“We want the industry to bounce back and exempting small numbers of essential cast and crew from quarantine is part of our continued commitment to getting cameras rolling safely again.”
The exemption applies to individuals coming to England specifically to work on film and television productions which qualify as British, the Government said.
GHANA'S PRESIDENT IN SELF-ISOLATION
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo will self-isolate for 14 days on the advice of doctors after a person in his close circle tested positive for coronavirus, the government said in a statement late on Saturday.
“He has, as at today, tested negative, but has elected to take this measure out of the abundance of caution,” the statement said.
The president will continue to work during the period, in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Ghana has recorded 19,388 coronavirus cases, one of the highest number of cases in sub-Saharan Africa, with 117 deaths.
The West African nation's deputy trade and industry minister Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah resigned on Friday for violating coronavirus self-isolation measures after he tested positive for the virus.
SUPER SATURDAY REVELLERS LOOK WORSE FOR WEAR AS SOME PUBS CLOSE EARLY
Some drinking holes were forced to close early due to 'major disorder' as thousands of thirsty Brits poured into pubs and restaurants.
Rowdy boozers were seen emerging from busy pubs in London, Blackpool and Newcastle.
Pubs in four Nottinghamshire towns were closed early tonight due to bad behaviour, and four people were arrested.
A pub in Narborough, Leicestershire also had to shut early after a punter was assaulted and suffered neck injuries.
Meanwhile a vicious brawl broke out on the High Street in Brentwood, Essex, where another four people were arrested.
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