Summary

  • UK PM Boris Johnson announces a "conditional plan" to reopen society

  • From Wednesday people will be able to do more outdoor exercise in England

  • Primary schools may begin reopening in June, as may shops, and some of the hospitality industry in July

  • People in England should be "actively encouraged" to go to work if they cannot work from home

  • Johnson says it will "soon be the time... to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air"

  • Leaders of the UK's devolved nations reject new "stay alert" advice in favour of keeping the "stay at home" message

  • Infections have risen in Germany, official data shows, just days after the country eases its lockdown restrictions

  • In South Korea, renewed restrictions are imposed after a series of transmissions linked to Seoul's leisure district

  • Global confirmed cases of Covid-19 have passed four million, with more than 281,000 deaths

  1. The end to Sunday's coveragepublished at 22:44 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Thank you for joining us throughout the day as we brought you the latest news and BBC analysis about the coronavirus pandemic around the world.

    Sunday's live page was written and edited by: Vicky Baker, Lauren Turner, Katie Wright, Dulcie Lee, Kelly-Leigh Cooper, Joel Gunter, Saj Chowdhury, Joshua Nevett, Kate Whannel, Henri Astier, Ben Collins, Jennifer Scott, Emlyn Begley and Holly Honderich.

    Our team in Singapore will be resuming our coverage in a few hours time.

  2. What happened today?published at 22:42 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    It seems tomorrow won't be the "magic Monday" that many of Britain's newspapers hinted at, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the public now was "not the time simply to end the lockdown".

    • In his speech to the nation, Johnson announced a "conditional" plan to reopen parts of society in England
    • Schools could return on 1 June, and parts of the hospitality industry and more shops could open from July, dependent on the data
    • People will be "actively encouraged" to go to work if they cannot work from home and allowing people to take "unlimited exercise" from Wednesday
    • The "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" slogan was replaced with "stay alert, control the virus, save lives" in England
    • But Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are sticking with "stay at home" as their primary messaging, with leaders in three devolved nations saying Johnson had not consulted them on the new message
    • A new Covid alert system will track the virus in England
    • People coming to the country by air will be put in quarantine for 14 days
    • The UK death toll reached 31,855 - a rise of 269 in the past 24 hours
    • The government missed its 100,000 testing target for the eight day in a row

    Around the world:

    • In South Korea, fears of second wave prompted renewed restrictions, after a series of transmissions linked to Seoul's leisure district
    • Spain reported its lowest daily death toll in two months, as it emerges from strict lockdown restrictions. The health ministry said 143 people died over a 24-hour period, taking the total number of deaths to 26,621
    • The reproduction rate of the virus in Germany has risen above one, causing concern days after some restrictions were eased
  3. Evangelical leader packs up NY hospital amid controversypublished at 22:36 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Two people protest against what they claim was bigotry again the Samaritan's Purse organization who ran a field hospital in Central Park across the street from Mt. Sinai Hospital on 4 May, 2020 on the Upper East Side neighborhood in New York CityImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Two people protest the presence of Samaritan's Purse in New York City's Central Park

    Evangelical organisation Samaritan's Purse has dismantled its Central Park field hospital amid controversy over the group's conservative stances.

    Doctors and nurses with Samaritan's Purse - led by Reverend Franklin Graham, the son of leading US evangelist Billy Graham - treated more than 300 New Yorkers through the peak of the virus outbreak.

    But the presence of the group, and Graham in particular, incited sharp criticism over the reverend's past comments on LGBT people and minority groups.

    The group requires employees and volunteers sign a statement of faith, affirming their believe that "marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female".

    Graham told the New York Times that the group had never denied care because of a difference of belief.

  4. In pictures: Rainbow portraits thanking the NHSpublished at 22:23 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Composite of three different windows with children standing with rainbowsImage source, Tom Skipp

    When the UK began its lockdown, photographer Tom Skipp had been due to visit his mother, who lives in a care home about four hours' drive from him.

    No longer able to travel, he decided instead to photograph the many rainbows that had sprung up in and around Bristol.

    Millie, Sophia and Maddie look out the window of their rainbow-chalked houseImage source, Tom Skipp
    Image caption,

    "Millie, Sophia and Maddie coloured the bricks all the way across their adjoining houses," Skipp said. "It made it look like one home, bringing them together."

    Finn stands in his window covered with a rainbow and two cartoon minionsImage source, Tom Skipp
    Image caption,

    "When Finn found out that somebody wanted to take a photo of him in the window he had created, he was very excited," Skipp says. "He asked if it would be OK if he dressed up as a superhero. I was greeted by Spider-Man."

    Toby and Lara are still going to school, because their mum is a doctor.Image source, Tom Skipp
    Image caption,

    Toby and Lara are still going to school, Skipp explained, because their mum is a doctor. "When I met them after the school day, they were really tired because they had been doing 'sports' all day. They lit up when they got to the window - they worry about their mum working in the NHS."

    See all his pictures here.

  5. The pandemic is far from over - nursing chiefpublished at 22:19 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Dame Donna Kinnair (file photo)Image source, PA Media

    Nursing staff across the UK are "imploring" the public to remember that the pandemic "is far from over", the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing Dame Donna Kinnair says.

    "Please think about our health and care workers, working under tremendous pressure, and respect the guidance being given.

    "The prime minister has said it is important to ensure nurses and key workers have the protective equipment and testing they need. This has to be a priority," she says.

    "Until our members report they are getting all they need, it is hard to see how the lockdown could be relaxed further."

  6. The smiles behind the maskspublished at 22:14 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Laura Fuchs has been capturing New Yorkers who are trying to stay positive during the pandemic.

    It is easier to see a smile through a mask than you might expect. Check some of the photos out on our video below.

    Media caption,

    The smiles behind the mask

  7. More Indian migrants die trying to get homepublished at 22:10 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Five migrant workers have died in India while trying to get home amid a travel lockdown.

    The workers had been hiding in a truck carrying mango crates when the vehicle overturned on a highway late on Saturday.

    The deaths came just two days after 16 other workers were killed by a freight train in Maharashtra.

    The fatalities have put a spotlight on strict travel restrictions in India, which have hit the country's poorest hardest.

    The country's lockdown, implemented suddenly in March, left millions of migrant workers stranded away from their homes.

    As we reported earlier, a partial train service is set to resume from 12 May.

    Train guards, wearing masks, and some passengers seen in file photoImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Officials have tried to arrange special transport, but the problem is vast and ongoing

  8. Cluster of California cases traced to birthday partypublished at 22:04 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    A concentration of Covid cases in California has been traced back to a birthday party in Pasadena, north-east of Los Angeles.

    A "large number of extended family member and friends" attended the event, which took place after the statewide stay-home order was issued on 22 March, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department. Attendees did not practice social distancing.

    One patient at the party was coughing and not wearing a face covering, officials said. Five cases have been confirmed, while "many more" have fallen ill.

    There are 66,826 confirmed cases across California, with 2,695 deaths.

  9. Zambia praises sex workers over 'virus tracing'published at 21:59 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    File photo showing sex workers and a lorry driver, their identities annonymousImage source, AFP
    Image caption,

    Lorry drivers are seen as a high-risk group in the country (file photo)

    Sex workers in Zambia have been praised by the country's health minister for helping trace people who have contracted coronavirus in the border town of Nakonde.

    A recent surge has seen dozens of new cases reported in the northern town, mostly among sex workers or lorry drivers known to use their services.

    Chitalu Chilufya has praised the group for helping officials contract trace those who may be at risk from the recent outbreak.

    Read more on this story

  10. Watch: Different messaging but no dramatic changes across UKpublished at 21:50 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Media caption,

    BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg gives her analysis of the prime minister's speech

  11. Tourism bosses 'shocked' by PM's planpublished at 21:43 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    The Lake DistrictImage source, Getty Images

    Tourism bosses in Cumbria have said they are "shocked" by the "timing and short notice" of Boris Johnson's announcement.

    Cumbria's tourism board tweeted:, external "We are awaiting further details but the safety of residents must come first. For now, tourism businesses in Cumbria remain closed and we urge everyone to continue to stay home."

    As part of the PM's plans to reopen society, he said from Wednesday people in England would now be able to leave home as many times as they wish for exercise and drive to other destinations in the country for exercise.

    People have previously been warned to avoid travelling to beauty spots like the Lake District in Cumbria, as the county still had high infection rates.

  12. Police chief: We need crystal clear guidance not loose rulespublished at 21:40 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    John ApterImage source, Police Federation

    John Apter, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, says the work of the police must be based on "crystal clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation".

    Apter calls on the government must provide "clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance", adding that any lack of clarity "will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging".

    He says the UK government's changes in England follow "a week of mixed messages and the release of some information which, fuelled by media speculation, meant many people acted as though the lockdown had already ended".

    "If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear, then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible," he says.

  13. India to resume train servicespublished at 21:35 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    tranded migrant labourers walk carrying their belongings to board a special train from MGR Central railway station after the government eased a nationwide lockdown imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Chennai on May 10, 2020Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Certain services have already been organised for some stranded migrant workers

    The Indian Railway ministry says it will partially restart passenger train services from 12 May, as the government eases restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

    Special trains will run from Delhi to a number of cities next week and services will then be gradually increased.

    The government stopped air, train and bus services with four hours notice in late March, stranding millions of people across the country.

    Officials say it will be mandatory for the passengers to wear masks and undergo screening at departure terminals.

  14. London businesses advised 'not to change plans'published at 21:26 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    A man on a building siteImage source, Getty Images

    A business group has advised companies in London "not to change" their plans for Monday despite the prime minister saying people who could not work from home should return to the workplace.

    Richard Burge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses should wait until the government has given them guidance on how they can prepare for ensuring their employees can commute safely to work and be kept safe in the workplace.

    Mr Burge told its members:, external "You have not been given sufficient information on how to get your employees safely to work, nor how to keep them safe while they are there."

    Boris Johnson said in his address that those who could not work from home would now be encouraged to return to work - but they should avoid using public transport to get there if possible.

  15. Chicago venue offers mini-gigs on front lawnspublished at 21:19 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Jason Narducy playing a gig in a customer's front lawnImage source, Space

    We've seen restaurants and breweries offering delivery services for food and drink, but a US music venue has gone a step further - a gig on your front lawn.

    Space, in Evanston, Illinois - 12 miles north of Chicago - is offering 30-minute mini-concerts with local rock artist Jason Narducy, including drinks and dinner. The cost is $450 (£362).

    "Outdoor activities" - not limited to exercising - are one of the exceptions allowing Illinoisans to leave their houses. The gig takes place on either a customer's front lawn or backyard.

    "They’re designed for one family to enjoy," Space talent buyer Jake Samuels told the BBC. "If neighbours want to watch from their own property they’re welcome to. We are not allowing crowds to form and have signage making clear to keep distanced.

    They had 60 applicants for their first five gigs on Saturday - with more planned during the week.

    Samuels said: "The idea was born out of several urgent needs; to keep the lights on at the music venue, to provide work for our beloved staff and local musicians, and to continue our role as providers of joy and music for our community."

  16. NI ministers meeting on Monday to discuss planpublished at 21:08 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Arlene FosterImage source, PA Media

    The Northern Ireland Executive says it will "consider its plan for a phased, strategic approach to recovery" at a meeting on Monday.

    First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill took part in a call on Sunday afternoon with Boris Johnson, who later unveiled his plan for reopening society.

    Mrs Foster said in a statement on Sunday: "As the executive begins to finalise our plans for recovery, we need to strike the balance between continuing to protect lives and the health service and give people hope for the future.

    Ms O'Neill added: "We know that six weeks into the restrictions, people need some light at the end of the tunnel."

    Read the full story here.

  17. Justification for Johnson's lockdown changes queriedpublished at 20:58 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Sir Ed DaveyImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey

    The Liberal Democrats say Boris Johnson's message "risks what people have fought so hard for" in tackling the coronavirus.

    The party's acting leader, Sir Ed Davey, says people across the UK "have made enormous personal sacrifices to slow the spread of Covid-19, protect others and protect our NHS and care services".

    But he accuses the PM of not providing the country "with any evidence or justification for this change", adding: "Instead, he risks creating more confusion than clarity by badly communicating his government's plans."

    He called on the government to "radically expand" its capacity for testing and tracing, and for Johnson to "come forward with greater transparency about the science behind these key decisions and a far better clarity in communicating what people need to do to play their part".

  18. Has the UK public got used to staying at home?published at 20:49 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Philippa Roxby
    Health reporter, BBC News

    government sign advising people to "Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save LivesImage source, AFP
    Image caption,

    "Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives" was the previous government slogan

    Go back to work if you cannot work from home, says the PM. And do as much exercise as you like outdoors.

    But how easy will it be to persuade people to leave their homes now that the advice in England has changed?

    For weeks, people have been told to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives. They have got used to the idea that leaving their home puts themselves and others at risk of infection.

    Now the slogan has changed to "stay alert".

    Psychologists say it’s a “woolly message” which won’t help anxious individuals feel reassured by the next steps.

    It’s possible that many will find it hard to return to work and travel distances unless they are told how safe it’s going to be.

    The coming weeks will confirm just how successful this latest guidance has been.

  19. Germany may need to bring back restrictionspublished at 20:43 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Damien McGuinness
    BBC News, Berlin

    A member of medical personnel refills a disinfectant dispenserImage source, Reuters

    The latest figures appear to show that the number of Covid-19 infections in Germany may be rising faster again.

    The reproduction rate has risen to 1.1, meaning 10 people will infect 11 others on average. To keep the pandemic in check this level should be below one.

    This is an estimate and officials warn against reading too much into short-term changes.

    But this all comes as Germany is easing restrictions in some of the most risky sectors, such as restaurants, hotels and football.

    So the government will be watching closely. And if the virus is spreading more rapidly, some restrictions could be reimposed.

    At the same time, the daily death toll in Germany is the lowest it’s been in more than a month. As of 9 May, Germany had recorded 7,369 deaths, a rise of 103 compared with the previous day, according to the Robert Koch Institute, external.

  20. Leading UK trade union cautious about return to workpublished at 20:38 British Summer Time 10 May 2020

    Factory workersImage source, Getty Images

    The general secretary of a leading union is calling on the government not to "cut corners" or "play fast and loose with employees' safety" as people are encouraged to go back to work.

    Speaking after the PM's speech, the general secretary of Unison, Dave Prentis, warns: "If safety isn't paramount, then infections will increase and there'll be a second wave that risks overwhelming the NHS and social care."

    He says many health, care and other key workers use trains, buses and the Tube to get to work, saying their safety "must not be compromised by crowded public transport".

    And he says the government "must ensure the NHS and the care sector have guaranteed supplies of protective equipment and there's a comprehensive test, track and trace programme in place before any mass return to work".