Summary

  • All the latest from Beds, Bucks, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Northants and Suffolk

  • Latest govt statistics show a rise of six in the number of daily Covid-19 deaths

  • Litter blights waterside nature reserve after the weekend

  • More calls for zoos to reopen as 'social distancing can be easily maintained'

  • Stately home's cafe to offer takeaway food upon reopening

Live Reporting

  1. 'We're not able to show compassion the same way'

    How are hospital and hospice chaplains managing to provide comfort for dying patients?

    Read More

  3. Number of school children returning 'lower than expected'

    Jason Noble
    Suffolk Local Democracy Reporter

    Fewer than one in five eligible primary pupils returned to school in Suffolk last week, according to data collected by the local education authority.

    Generic classroomGetty Images

    While about 70% of primary schools opened to three year groups, according to Suffolk County Council data just 16% of reception pupils returned, 14% of Year 1 and 17% of Year 6.

    The council’s education team said the number of pupils was much lower than had been indicated by parent surveys the week before, but the return of children had largely been positive.

    Assistant director for education and learning, Adrian Orr, said the low numbers had probably been down to "parent caution".

    He added that schools were now "getting lots of requests" to take more children back, but "schools just need a bit more time to organise the bubbles".

    Councillor Mary Evans, cabinet member for education, said: "There will be children in our schools who have lost their grandparents.

    "That’s a very difficult thing."

  4. Woman, 94, raises thousands with sit-down 'cancan'

    Emma Gough has been sponsored for each kick after being inspired by the feats of Captain Tom Moore.

    Read More

  5. Six more coronavirus deaths in the East

    Julian Sturdy
    BBC Look East

    Government statistics recording the latest daily coranavirus deaths show there was an increase of six deaths in the region's hospitals, taking the total number to 3,775.

    The deaths, listed by NHS trust, are:

    • Norfolk Community Health and Care: 1
    • North West Anglia (Peterborough and Hinchingbrooke hospitals): 2
    • Northampton General Hospital: 2
    • Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge: 1

    Friday's statistics showed a rise of 19 deaths, with a rise of 29 in Thursday's figures.

    The total number of Covid-19 associated UK deaths now stands at 40,542.

  6. High school band added to 6 Music playlist

    A high school band whose drummer is 13 say it is "strange, but cool" to be heralded by BBC 6 Music.

    Read More

  7. Quarantine rules come into place as flights head to Luton

    London Luton Airport

    The government's controversial quarantine rules have come into force this morning - requiring most travellers arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days.

    A number of airlines, including Luton-based Easyjet, are taking legal action.

    Wizz Air flights are due to arrive at Luton Airport today from Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia.

  8. Welcome to Monday's coronavirus updates

    We will be bringing you all the latest pandemic news from across the East of England - from the latest statistics to how key workers and our communities are coping.

    If you have a story you wish to share - good or bad - please contact BBC News Online (East).

    Reach us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email us.