Plus, the man running midnight lockdown marathons
| | | | More than six million people are currently on furlough - having 80% of their wages paid by the government while they're on temporary leave. The hugely expensive scheme - £14bn a month - is due to run out at the end of June. On Tuesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is widely expected to announce a gradual winding down, but also, perhaps, more flexibility for part-time work. Hard-hit industries fear widespread job losses if the support package is removed. It comes as the government continues to defend its return to work message, after criticism that it was issued without an explanation of how it could be safely achieved. Guidance has now been published for employers, which union leader Frances O'Grady said was a "step in the right direction". But she warned supplies of personal protective equipment for workers who need it must be guaranteed. How do you run a factory in a pandemic? Take a look. Guidance has also been published for schools on how they could reopen with social distancing from 1 June. Class sizes of no more than 15 and staggered break times are part of the plan. More guidance is also due on how to travel safely on public transport, including using face coverings. The bus network, in particular, says it faces big challenges. In other news, Northern Ireland's devolved government will publish its five-stage plan on lifting lockdown later - Scotland and Wales are already taking slower steps than England. And this year's summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge have been cancelled. Read the latest instalment of our doctor's diary, reporting on life on the coronavirus front line. And for a morning mood boost, see The Book of Hopes, which aims to lift children's spirits at this tough time. | |
| |
|
|
|
| In Washington, White House staff have been ordered to wear face masks after two aides tested positive. The president, though, continues to insist he doesn't need one because he keeps "far away from everyone". As deaths in the US pass 80,000, the BBC has looked at the six weeks when more could have been done to contain the country's outbreak. There's concern around a cluster of cases linked to nightclubs in South Korea's capital Seoul after social distancing measures there were eased. Elsewhere in Asia, Singapore is relaxing its restrictions slightly, and talks have been taking place between ministers in India about potentially doing the same, despite the steady rise in confirmed infections. France, like much of Europe, has begun its gradual reopening - the BBC has spoken to one hairdresser adjusting to the new normal. And we take a look at the situation in Sweden where pubs and bars have remained open throughout this period. Our live page has the latest from around the world. And read why patience seems to be waning in South Africa with the lockdown there. | |
| |
|
|
|
|
| | | | | At 02:00, Colin's phone alarm clock rings out to mark the start of his day. The 46-year-old warehouse worker slips into a pair of shorts, a vest, and a bright orange beanie, and grabs his head torch from the dining room table. He wolfs down a slice of toast and a bowl of porridge, before sharing a Snickers bar with his twin Keith, who he lives with. The brothers pull on their trainers - and then run a marathon on the quiet, locked-down, streets of south Leeds. | |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| | | | There's anger in several papers at the return to work message. The Financial Times says the call to the manufacturing and construction sectors, in particular, suggests a "cavalier attitude towards the welfare of blue-collar workers". The Daily Mirror thinks "the fight against coronavirus has tragically become a class war", and fears "there will be exploitative bosses who cut corners or do nothing" when it comes to workplace safety. The Guardian feels that in general there have been "mixed messages and confused assertions" on lockdown easing and the prime minister urgently needs to come up with a plan the country "can understand and unite around". On its front page, though, the Daily Mail tries to be more positive. It's happy that relatives who don't live together will be able to see each other, using the headline: "We ARE going to meet again." The Sun goes further, reporting on plans for a "Gran day out" with "hugs for grandkids from the first of June". | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Need something different? |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| Let us know what you think of this newsletter by emailing bbcnewsdaily@bbc.co.uk. If you’d like to recommend it to a friend, forward this email. New subscribers can sign up here. | |
| |
|
| | | | . | | Please note that some features and content in this newsletter are only available to people in the UK. You can update your personal details including your postcode and email address in your account settings. Find out everything you need to know about using your BBC account, all in one place. BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London W1A 1AA Copyright © 2019 BBC | |
| . |
|
| |
|
|
|