Summary

  • More than 100,000 new cases have been reported in nine of the past 10 days - WHO chief

  • Lockdowns have saved more than three million lives in Europe, an Imperial College study estimates

  • Global economy tipped to contract by 5.2% this year - World Bank

  • UK records its lowest daily rise in coronavirus deaths since before lockdown on 23 March

  • Most people arriving in the UK have to quarantine for two weeks

  • New York City begins reopening, with as many as 400,000 people getting back to work

  1. South African children return to schoolpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    A pupil at the Winnie Mandela Secondary School has her temperature measured as she enters the schoolImage source, Getty Images

    In South Africa, children are returning to school as the government continues to ease what was one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

    Initially, only pupils in grades seven and 12 will return to class, with other years phased in gradually.

    The reopening had been delayed after teaching unions said schools lacked sufficient health and hygiene measures.

    However, not all schools are reopening. Some, particularly in rural areas, have no running water, making hand-washing nearly impossible.

    Education Minister Angie Motshekga says 95% of schools had met requirements for safe reopening and promised to work with those that have not.

    Since the start of the pandemic South Africa has reported nearly 50,000 cases and almost 1,000 deaths.

    A pupil sanitises his hands before entering a classroomImage source, Getty Images
  2. Scrap quarantine and start testing at UK airports - Labourpublished at 11:40 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    People at an airport in the UKImage source, AFP

    People coming into the UK should be tested for coronavirus "within days" of their arrival, the leader of the Labour opposition party, Sir Keir Starmer, has said.

    From Monday, most people arriving in the country must quarantine for 14 days.

    Starmer said the new rule was a "blunt instrument" used too late, at a time when other countries were lifting travel restrictions.

    "I actually would much prefer to see some sort of testing regime at the airport" or "within days of [people] coming in", he told LBC Radio.

    The quarantine has also provoked fierce criticism from the aviation and travel industries, with the boss of Ryanair labelling it ineffective and a "political stunt".

    Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the measures were designed "to prevent a second wave" of coronavirus.

  3. Paris returns to (outdoor) cafe lifepublished at 11:28 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    People sit outside cafes in ParisImage source, Getty Images

    Cafes and bars - and the people-watching terraces that they provide - are a cornerstone of Paris city life.

    So the reopening of venues (with outdoor seating only) has come as a relief to many in the city.

    "I've been waiting for this," said 88-year-old Mathilde, sitting on the terrace of her local bistro in Paris, hours after it reopened.

    "To be surrounded by people, not to be alone anymore!"

    There was something about the emptiness of Paris, in particular, during lockdown that felt especially poignant, said Joan Dejean, an author and historian of French culture.

    "Paris was intentionally constructed for people in the streets, to be viewed, to be appreciated visually," she said.

  4. How to make your own face maskpublished at 11:16 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    People across the UK are being advised to wear face coverings in certain circumstances when out of the house, to help limit the spread of coronavirus. From 15 June, you must wear one on public transport in England.

    While medical face masks and respirators are being prioritised for health and care workers, you might want to try making your own face covering, wherever you live.

    Here's our guide to some different types and step-by-step instructions on how to make them.

    And here's one of the easier options.

    Face mask explanation
  5. Tests offered at Vienna airport to avoid quarantinepublished at 11:06 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus: People arriving in Austria can take a €190 test

    Controversial new rules requiring all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days have come into effect.

    But in Austria, people travelling through Vienna Airport can take Covid-19 tests, at departure and on arrival.

    It allows them to avoid 14 days of quarantine.

    The test results are available within around three hours, and cost €190 (£169).

  6. Virus and no-deal Brexit 'risk UK drug stockpiles'published at 10:56 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Dover ferry crossingImage source, AFP

    The UK's stockpile of medicines, built up in case of a no-deal Brexit, has been drained during the pandemic, drug companies have warned.

    In a private industry memo, seen by the BBC, pharmaceutical firms also stress that the UK now needs to store a wider list of crucial medicines after a massive increase in demand for items such as inhalers.

    But they fear stockpiles cannot feasibly be built back up in time, with trade talks due to end at the end of 2020.

    The UK government has said "robust contingency plans are in place".

    It comes as Brexit negotiations reach a crucial point, ahead of a summit expected later this month.

    The UK has until the end of June to ask for the "transition period"- during which the country remains in the single market and customs union - to be extended. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled this out.

  7. Indian capital's chief minister 'unwell' as city battles viruspublished at 10:45 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind KejriwalImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Arvind Kejriwal is the chief minister of Delhi

    Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has a fever and cough, common symptoms of the coronavirus, according to media reports. He is expected to be tested later today.

    The news comes as the Indian capital struggles to cope with a spike in infections - it has confirmed more than 27,000 cases and 761 deaths so far.

    And Kejriwal said on Sunday that hospital beds in the city would be reserved for residents amid reports that patients are struggling to get admitted for treatment.

    Meanwhile, India has taken steps to further relax its stringent lockdown - shopping centres, restaurants, temples and offices are open from Monday.

    Delhi is the second-worst affected state in India, which, overall, has recorded 256,611 cases.

  8. How my carer saved me during lockdownpublished at 10:33 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Shannon (L) fell ill with coronavirus, her carer CarolineImage source, Image copyrightCAROLINE SINFIELD
    Image caption,

    When Shannon (L) fell ill with coronavirus, her carer Caroline (R) took matters into her own hands

    Throughout lockdowns around the world extraordinary stories have emerged of people helping those most in need - stories like those of Shannon and her carer Caroline Sinfield in the UK.

    In just a few months Shannon, who has Down's Syndrome, lost her mother, broke her ankle, entered lockdown ...and then contracted Covid-19.

    As a result, she faced moving into a secure unit far away from her family. So Caroline came up with a plan.

    She told her bosses that she would move in with Shannon while she recovered from Covid-19, if they could find them somewhere to stay.

    Read what happened next.

  9. Fleeing Britain for a Swedish haircutpublished at 10:21 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Media caption,

    WATCH: The tourists swapping lockdown for Sweden

    The UK's lockdown is being eased throughout June.

    But hairdressers, restaurants and bars are currently expected to stay closed.

    So when news hit British shores of Sweden's lighter touch, some people decided to cross the North Sea in search of something closer to normality.

    Londoner Oana Marcu, 34, has been telling the BBC why she made the trip.

    And one British expat barber, living in Stockholm, also gave his thoughts on those making the near 900-mile trip for a haircut.

  10. How to wear a face coveringpublished at 10:04 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus and face coverings: the correct way to wear them

    Face coverings are being made compulsory for people travelling on public transport in England from 15 June.

    This includes buses, trains, aircraft and ferries - all to stop coronavirus from spreading.

    Very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties will be exempt.

    But how do you put one on and take it off safely? And how do you wash it?

    Watch our video guide above.

  11. Surprise lockdown apology from my expublished at 09:51 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Typewriter with letter saying 'I know you weren't expecting to hear from me'Image source, Somsara Rielly

    We've all been contacted by people when we weren't expecting it...

    But a Reddit post by a woman explaining her mixed emotions on receipt of an out-of-the-blue apology from her first boyfriend during lockdown has prompted dozens of others to share details of their own experiences.

    The BBC spoke to a man who has sent two unexpected lockdown apologies for past misdeeds - and to a woman who has received one.

    So have they found forgiveness, a sense of closure or did it just open up old wounds?

  12. No, a coronavirus 'cure' is not being secretly poisonedpublished at 09:34 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Reality Check

    Students at a Madagascar school down Covid-Organics before classes beginImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Students at a Madagascar school down the unproven "Covid-Organics" before classes begin

    As coronavirus cases spread in Africa, misleading information continues to be shared on social media and online.

    One conspiracy theory revolves around Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, and the unproven herbal tonic, Covid-Organics, which he's been promoting to treat coronavirus.

    Social media posts have been circulating that claim he's been offered large amounts of money by the World Health Organization (WHO) to secretly poison the drink.

    The baseless theory suggests that the WHO wants to prove that African countries can't be self-reliant and find their own cure for Covid-19.

    It reportedly first appeared in a French-language post on a Facebook account operated from Angola and DR Congo on 23 April.

    The WHO has told the BBC that the story is fake. The Madagascar government has also dismissed the allegations.

    Read more about the misinformation that's spreading in Africa.

  13. Dentists can reopen in England - but will yours?published at 09:21 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    A person in the dentists chairImage source, Getty Images

    Dental practices in England are able to reopen from this week - as long as they have safety measures in place.

    But some dentists say they still lack they lack the necessary kit - and were not given enough warning ahead of the government's announcement 10 days ago.

    Only about one in three dentists are expected to be reopening on Monday, according to one poll.

    However, it is hoped the move will help bring an end to people venturing into their toolboxes to perform DIY dentistry.

    Like many patients, Debroy Parrington decided to take his oral health into his own hands - alongside a pair of pliers.

    Hear more stories like his, and get advice from (actually qualified) dentist Catherine Tannahill in this short video.

    Media caption,

    DIY dentistry: What is safe to do to your own teeth?

  14. New Zealand steps fully out of lockdownpublished at 09:10 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Jacinda ArdernImage source, Getty Images

    While most of the world is only ever so gradually easing restrictions, New Zealand will be officially out of lockdown by midnight (12:00 GMT).

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters she did "a little dance" when she was told that, as of Monday, the country no longer had any active cases. The last known transmission of the virus occurred 17 days ago.

    At midnight, New Zealand will move to alert level 1, which means all domestic restrictions will be lifted. The only things that won't change for now are quarantine measures for arriving New Zealanders and a ban on foreign arrivals to stop the virus from coming back into the country.

    Ardern warned that New Zealand would "certainly see cases again", adding that "elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort".

  15. Pubs in England 'could reopen on 22 June'published at 08:57 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Man stands outside a London pubImage source, Getty Images

    June 22 is the target date identified by ministers for pubs and restaurants to reopen outdoors in England, the Financial Times (FT) reports, external, nearly two weeks earlier than previously planned.

    The reported plans are part of an effort to get the economy moving again and to save millions of jobs in the hospitality sector. The date has not yet been signed off but will be discussed in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the FT says.

    Half a dozen ministers - dubbed the "save summer six" - are spearheading the push for an earlier reopening. The hospitality sector had not been due to open until July 4.

    Business Secretary Alok Sharma is reportedly pushing for the 2m (6ft) social distancing rule to be cut to 1m, to make reopening more commercially viable.

  16. The five countries with the most virus casespublished at 08:43 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Brazilians took to the streets for rival demonstrations and against Bolsonaro, who has been widely criticized over his response to the coronavirus pandemic.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Brazilians have been protesting over their government's weak response to the pandemic

    Five countries account for more than half of the world's Covid-19 cases, which now stand at just over seven million, according to the map and dashboard from Johns Hopkins University, external.

    The United States has the highest number of confirmed cases so far - with more than 1.9 million.

    With nearly 700,000 cases, Brazil comes second, followed by Russia (467,073), the UK (287,621) and India (257,486).

    But testing rates vary widely across these countries - testing availability in the US has improved in recent weeks, but experts say Brazil and India, which have been testing too little, are likely to have far more infections than reported.

    Of course, difference in population sizes are important to consider. The US has about 330 million people, while India has more than 1.3 billion. And there are a host of smaller nations which have more cases relative to their population sizes than these five big countries.

  17. Ryanair boss slams 'stupid, ineffective' UK quarantine rulespublished at 08:28 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Ryanair planes pictured on the apron at Manchester AirportImage source, Getty Images

    Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary says new rules requiring all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days will cause “untold devastation” to the British tourism industry.

    The government says the measures are designed to help prevent a second wave of the virus, but O’Leary told the BBC they were “irrational, ineffective and completely unimplementable.”

    “It will cause untold devastation, not just to the airlines but to British tourism,” the boss of Europe's largest budget airline said.

    “The thousands of hotels, the thousands of visitor attractions, restaurants in the next couple of months – July and August are the two key months for British tourism.

    “We’re facing thousands of jobs losses because of a stupid, ineffective quarantine.”

    O’Leary added that while bookings were down by about 50% on the same time last year, outbound flights from the UK were full and he had no intention of cancelling flights, with British people likely to “ignore” the new rules.

  18. Lockdown eased in Republic of Ireland and Northern Irelandpublished at 08:18 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    Man walks down street in Republic of IrelandImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    The Republic of Ireland is preparing to reopen shops as it eases lockdown restrictions

    Lockdown measures are being eased today in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

    In the Republic of Ireland, all high street shops can now resume their business while enforcing social distancing.

    People will be able to travel up to 20km from their home or anywhere in their own county - up to now, the restriction was five kilometres.

    In Northern Ireland, vulnerable people who were advised to shield can now go outdoors.

    Large retailers, including car showrooms and shops in retail parks, can also reopen, and outdoor weddings with 10 people present can take place.

    See here for more on the easing in the Republic of Ireland and here for Northern Ireland.

  19. Leading scientist backs concerns about N England infection ratepublished at 08:07 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    A leading UK scientist says he has “some sympathy” with mayors in northern England who are worried about high infection rates.

    Many schools in the north-west have delayed reopening over concerns the R value is on the rise.

    Speaking to the BBC, Prof Tom Solomon, director of the UK’s emerging infections research unit, said: “I think they are right to be concerned.

    “An R number that appears at one or greater now is not going to be reflected in hospitals today. It’s likely going to be in a couple of weeks, and an increase in deaths would be a couple of weeks after that."

    Prof Solomon added that UK-wide anti-racism protests were also likely to set back attempts to get the virus under control:

    “It is very unfortunate timing for this to happen at the time we are trying to get this outbreak under control. If you have got thousands of people together then there is an increased chance of the virus spreading, you don’t need to be a scientist to work that one out.“

  20. In pictures: The virus in DR Congopublished at 07:56 British Summer Time 8 June 2020

    People in a crowded boatImage source, MOSES SAWASAWA FOR FONDATION CARMIGNAC

    A collaborative online project is documenting the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo as it tackles Covid-19, measles and Ebola in 2020.

    Congo in Conversation , externalchronicles the country's human, social and ecological challenges in the current health crisis through photos and reports from people on the ground.

    Women wearing face masksImage source, JUSTIN MAKANGARA FOR FONDATION CARMIGNAC

    Much of the country is under lockdown, but millions of Congolese rely on the informal economy to survive and live life on the margins with little to no social safety net.

    Street vendors, traders and motorcycle-taxi drivers rely on what they earn for the day and frequently lack property or savings.

    According to the UN, nearly half of all workers throughout the African continent could lose their jobs.

    DR Congo has had more than 4,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 85 deaths.

    Red cross medicsImage source, FINBARR O'REILLY FOR FONDATION CARMIGNAC
    Women at the marketImage source, LEY UWERA FOR FONDATION CARMIGNAC