Summary

  • India has recorded 57,000 new corona virus cases - the highest daily total to date

  • Maharashtra - home to the financial capital, Mumbai - is still the worst affected state

  • In the UK, shielding ends for some two million people - while further easing of restrictions in England is halted

  • Pubs or "other activities" in England may need to close to allow schools to reopen next month, a leading scientist says

  • Mexico's coronavirus death toll is now the world's third highest, with only the US and Brazil recording greater numbers

  • The US top infectious diseases expert has said he is 'optimistic' a US-developed vaccine will be available by end of 2020

  • Millions of Americans are set to lose a $600 benefit after US politicians failed to agree a deal on its extension

  1. Businesses fear collapse after lockdown easing delaypublished at 14:18 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Mary-Ann Russon & Robert Plummer
    Business reporters, BBC News

    Gita Lavingia standing outside her shopImage source, Gita Lavingia
    Image caption,

    Gita Lavingia says she now cannot see 80% of her clients

    A decision on Friday to put lockdown easing on hold in England for at least two weeks has caused confusion and dismay for businesses which were looking forward to reopening today.

    Beauty salons, casinos and bowling alleys are among those that had been preparing to welcome customers for the first time since March.

    "We're in absolute shock," Gita Lavingia, owner of Lavingia Beauty, Clapham, south London told the BBC shortly after the announcement.

    "We literally found out this afternoon, with less than 24 hours' notice, and we have clients booked in for tomorrow."

    Ms Lavingia says that 80% of her business is focused on facials. Because the treatments involve close contact with a customer's face, the continuation of restrictions means that her firm will have to cancel most of the bookings it has lined up.

    "We lose £800 in revenue for each day, we cannot fully-operate. And many of our therapists are self-employed, so they are earning nothing at all," she added.

    "It's make or break for our business now - there's a big question mark about how long we can stay open for."

    Read more here.

  2. The latest developments in Asiapublished at 14:10 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    A man wears a protective mask as he drives past a banner promoting prevention against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hanoi, Vietnam, 31 July, 2020.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Vietnam reported its first coronavirus fatalities on Friday

    Here's a quick roundup of some of the biggest developments from across Asia:

    • The Philippines reported almost 5,000 new coronavirus cases, in a record daily increase for the country. Dozens of medical associations signed a letter urging President Rodrigo Duterte to tighten recently eased lockdown measures
    • The health ministry in Vietnam reported 40 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections to 586. It came after the country reported its first Covid-19 fatalities on Friday
    • Japan's Okinawa prefecture has declared a state of emergency, with people urged to stay at home for two weeks amid a spike in infections
    • India has reported more than 57,000 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, marking a record daily total
    • The leader of a sect at the centre of the early coronavirus outbreak in South Korea has been arrested for allefedly obstructing a tracing investigation
    • Hong Kong has turned its AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition centre into a temporary hospital with 500 beds amid a surge in coronavirus cases
  3. You're finally abroad, but was it worth it?published at 14:03 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Queuing to get a socially-distanced sunbathing spot on the beach. Wearing your face mask to the hotel bar. Finding out halfway through your trip that you'll have to quarantine when you get home.

    People are going abroad for holidays for the first time in months, but as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, is it worth the hassle?

    The BBC's Alice Evans has been finding out. , external

    A woman on a beach in Ibiza, SpainImage source, Getty Images
  4. The latest headlines in the UKpublished at 13:54 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Good afternoon and welcome to those of you just joining us. Let's take a look at today's headlines from around the UK:

    • Pubs or "other activities" in England may need to close to allow schools to reopen next month, a scientist advising the government has said. Prof Graham Medley told the BBC there may need to be a "trade-off", with the re-opening of schools seen as "a priority" for children's wellbeing.
    • More than two million people shielding against coronavirus in most of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can now leave their home and return to work.
    • Residents in popular resorts have said they are "too scared" to go food shopping because of visitors pouring down narrow streets and ignoring social distancing.
    • Businesses that have furloughed staff during the coronavirus pandemic must now start contributing to the government's job retention scheme.
    • The Coastguard had its busiest day for more than four years on Friday, when the UK recorded its third hottest day ever, dealing with more than 300 incidents, external.
  5. Spain tracks Covid-19 - in the sewerspublished at 13:33 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Covid-19 has been called the “invisible enemy” by world leaders. Health experts say that to defeat the disease we need to find out where it is by tracking and tracing it.

    In the Spanish city of Valencia, a new track-and-trace method has been pioneered by a team of engineers and scientists.

    It involves collecting human waste in sewers and testing those samples for traces of Covid-19.

    Watch the video below to see how the method works.

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus: Tracking new outbreaks in the sewers

  6. ‘Corona-denier’ protesters descend on Berlinpublished at 13:21 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Damien McGuinness
    BBC News, Berlin

    Demonstrators hold banners reading "Stop! It is enough! Enough is enough" during a demo in BerlinImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Demonstrators held banners reading "Stop! It is enough! Enough is enough"

    Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the German capital Berlin to take part in dozens of protests over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Some are right-wing extremists, with far-right flags and symbols. Others are conspiracy theorists, who don’t believe Covid-19 even exists.

    And some of the demonstrators are people who simply object to the German government’s approach to the pandemic.

    What they all have in common is that they want an end to the government’s measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.

    Demonstrators march during a protest against the government's restrictions amid the coronavirus diseaseImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Around 20,000 people were estimated to show up for the protests

    The so-called corona deniers have come in specially organised coaches from all over the country, and are calling their demonstration “The Day of Freedom”.

    Counter-protests against right-wing extremism were planned, but so far the mood is peaceful.

    Hardly anyone is wearing a face-covering or keeping the required distance from other protesters, despite police urging them to do so.

    What’s not clear, is what the police can do if such large numbers of people refuse to stick to the rules.

    Demonstrators hold banners during a protest against the government's restrictions amid the coronavirus diseaseImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The protests were mostly against the government's Covid-19 restrictions

  7. Poland sees record daily rise in casespublished at 13:01 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Adam Easton
    Warsaw Correspondent

    Veteran of the Warsaw Uprising Stanislaw Lipinski wearing a protective face shield attends a ceremony marking the upcoming 76th anniversary of Warsaw UprisingImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Poland has fared better than many European countries, but cases are rising

    Poland recorded its highest number of new Covid-19 cases for a third day in a row on Saturday, with 658 in the previous 24 hours, its health ministry has said.

    The previous daily highs were 657 on Friday and 615 on Thursday.

    The recent spike in new cases has been mainly caused by outbreaks at three Silesian coal mines and among miners’ families in southern Poland.

    Health minister Lukasz Szumowski said on Saturday that restrictions may be reimposed on weddings, where currently up to 150 guests are allowed.

    The totals so far are 46,346 cases, 1,721 deaths and 34,374 recoveries in Poland.

    Poland has recorded much fewer cases and deaths than many western European countries.

  8. What are the rules on weddings now?published at 12:51 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Eleanor Lawrie
    BBC News

    Pairs of socially distanced people sitting in every other row of chairs inside a church watch two people get marriedImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Weddings - like this one in Dunstable, Bedfordshire - look quite different under the current rules

    People getting married in England can currently have up to 30 people at their ceremony - but not at the reception.Many were hoping for a change in the rules this weekend, but a relaxation in restrictions to allow a total of 30 people to attend wedding receptions from 1 August has been put back until 15 August at the earliest.

    This means that receptions can only be attended by six people outside, or two households inside.

    A bride shows off her wedding ring to her parents through a windowImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Restrictions on wedding numbers mean people have had to get creative with sharing their big moment

    The government has published guidance on having a "Covid-secure" wedding, which includes:

    • Ceremonies should be as short as possible
    • No food or drink should be consumed unless essential
    • Group singing and playing of instruments should be avoided
    • The venue should keep a temporary record of visitors for 21 days for contact tracing
    • Social distancing must be observed at all times

    Northern Ireland has allowed outdoors weddings with 10 people present since early June.

    Wales and Scotland also now allow wedding ceremonies to take place, but social distancing must be observed, and big gatherings are not allowed.

    Attending a wedding or getting married soon? Read this.

  9. Scientific adviser thinks England may have to close pubs to reopen schoolspublished at 12:40 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Primary school children in a classroom

    In the face of rising infections in England, many are wondering how schools will be impacted as they prepare for the autumn term.

    England's chief medical officer said yesterday that sending children back to school was an "absolute priority" - but he warned there could be trade-offs needed to reopen society.

    This morning, a member of the government's scientific advisory group, Professor Graham Medley, suggested pubs in England may need to shut in order for schools to open next month.

    He said: "I think we're in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and wellbeing of children, and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households.

    "And so actually, closing some of the other networks, some of the other activities, may well be required to enable us to open schools."

    The disease-modelling expert added: "It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other - and then that's a matter of prioritising, do we think pubs are more important than schools?"

    Read the story in full here.

  10. Concerns over Russia's plan for mass vaccination by Octoberpublished at 12:27 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    A scientist prepares samples during the research and development of a vaccine against the coronavirus diseaseImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Health experts are doubtful of Russia's progress on vaccine development

    Russian officials have said the country is on track to become the first to approve a vaccine against Covid-19, raising concerns over the effectiveness and safety of its efforts.

    Health minister Mikhail Murashko on Saturday said Russia will seek to roll out a mass vaccination programme against Covid-19 in the country from October this year.

    He told Russian news agency RIA, external that clinical trials of the vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, had been completed.

    In briefings to CNN, external and Reuters news agency, external, Russia officials said they expect the vaccine to be approved by regulators by August.

    Murashko said doctors and teachers would be the first to receive doses of the vaccine.

    But the progress Russia says it has made on a coronavirus vaccine has been met with scepticism by health officials and media outlets in the US and Europe.

    They fear Russia may be cutting corners in its attempts to win what it has likened to the space race contested by the Soviet Union and the US during the Cold War.

    Because Russia has released no scientific data on its vaccine testing, it is not possible to verify its claims.

    At a congressional hearing in the US on Friday, leading infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci expressed doubts about the rigour of the testing process in fast-track vaccine efforts in Russia and China.

  11. Okinawa declares state of emergencypublished at 12:17 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    A resident has her temperature checked as she arrives at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa, JapanImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Japan has seen record rises in cases across the country in recent days

    The Japanese prefecture of Okinawa has declared a state of emergency following a surge in coronavirus infections.

    The regional governor, Denny Tamaki, called on people to remain at home for the next two weeks.

    He said hospitals were being overwhelmed by the surge.

    "A dramatic surge in infections has been seen, and a collapse of the health-care system must be prevented at all costs,” Tamaki said, local media reported, external.

    Okinawa reported 71 new cases on Friday, bringing the total to just under 400. More than half of those infected are US military personnel based on the island.

    The 15-day state of emergency will come into effect on 1 August, Tamaki said.

    On the Japanese mainland, some restrictions are being reintroduced next week after the number of daily cases reached a new record.

  12. India reports record case rise and other news...published at 12:06 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    If you’re just tuning in to our coverage, hello and welcome. A lot has been happening around the world on Saturday. Here are some of the main developments:

    • Mexico has become the country with the third-highest coronavirus death toll, with only the US and Brazil recording greater fatalities
    • A $600 (£459) jobless benefit paid weekly to tens of millions of unemployed Americans struggling during the pandemic expired overnight after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a deal on its extension
    • Shielding for those most at risk from coronavirus has ended in the UK, while the government also slammed the brakes on the planned easing of some lockdown restrictions
    • India has recorded more than 57,000 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours - the highest daily total to date
    • America’s top infectious diseases expert has said he is “optimistic” a US-developed vaccine will be available by the end of 2020
    • A South Korean sect leader, whose church accounted for many of the country’s early coronavirus cases, has been arrested by authorities for allegedly obstructing a tracing investigation

    We've been tracking the trajectory of coronavirus infections and deaths globally since the start of the pandemic. Read our analysis of the data to keep yourself up to date.

    A graphic showing the total number of cases and deaths globally
  13. How Leicester's Muslims are marking Eid in lockdownpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Sandish Shoker
    BBC News, East Midlands

    Jawaahir Daahir and her familyImage source, Jawaahir Daahir
    Image caption,

    Jawaahir Daahir said Eid is usually a time for families to plan days out and get-togethers

    When Muslims are describing Eid celebrations to people from other faiths, many will say it's the equivalent of Christmas - a noisy, joyous festival of prayer, present-giving and fun with friends and family.

    But in Leicester - one of Britain's most vibrant multi-cultural cities - this year's Eid al-Adha is looking rather more muted.

    With the city still in lockdown and restrictions not due to be lifted until Monday, everyone has been encouraged to stay at home.

    Usually, Jawaahir Daahir's house would be full of family members right now.

    After going to the mosque for prayer, there would be hugs with friends, sweets for the children and an array of specially-prepared dishes and presents at home.

    Instead, she had to explain to her three-year-old grandson Kamil that she wouldn't be seeing him.

    "He was on the phone telling me 'I want to come to your house grandma, I want to come to your house' and I was telling him 'you can't come right now' because I live in Leicester," she says.

    "It's so sad - what can you say? It is so hard for the children to understand."

    Keep reading here.

  14. And what about the new restrictions in parts of northern England?published at 11:48 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    After a spike in coronavirus cases, some restrictions were reintroduced for Greater Manchester, east Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire on Friday.

    The health secretary said data showed the rise was down to households meeting, but not following social distancing.

    In response, new rules mean people from separate households in these areas are not allowed to mix with each other in their homes or gardens, or in pubs and restaurants.

    People will only be able to visit such hospitality venues with members of their own household.

    Matt Hancock said the move was not an attempt to curtail Eid celebrations - due to start this weekend - after Miqdaad Versi, from the Muslim Council of Britain, said the restrictions were likely to have a "large impact" on festivities.

    Graphic showing areas affected by the new restrictions

    In Leicester, where a local lockdown has been in force for several weeks, restrictions are also in place on household visits.

    However, from 3 August pubs and restaurants in the city will be allowed to reopen.

  15. Which of England's lockdown rules are not being eased?published at 11:32 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    People playing musical instruments on a stageImage source, PA Media

    Earlier we told you how people in many parts of the UK will no longer have to shield from today, while other lockdown measures will not be eased due to rising infection rates in England.

    Several changes, which were supposed to come into force today, have been delayed until 15 August at the earliest:

    • Indoor venues such as casinos, ice skating rinks and bowling alleys, which were due to reopen, will remain closed
    • Live indoor theatre and concerts, which were due to resume with socially distanced audiences, will not take place
    • Pilot sporting events allowing limited numbers of spectators at Goodwood, the Crucible and The Oval, will not go ahead
    • Wedding receptions with up to 30 guests cannot yet happen

    Separately, face coverings will be compulsory in more indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with people they do not know, such as museums and places of worship - from next weekend. They are already required in shops, banks, airports and other indoor transport hubs.

    The prime minister said the rules for face coverings would be enforceable in law from 8 August.

    Read more: All you need to know about the new measures

  16. PM slams the brakes: What Saturday's papers saypublished at 11:16 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    The i newspaper 01.08.20
    Image caption,

    The i weekend's headline carries a stark warning: "Not so fast: UK infections rising again." The paper is one of several to lead with Boris Johnson putting the brakes on the easing of lockdown restrictions in England for at least two weeks following a spike in coronavirus cases.

    Daily Telegraph front page 01.08.20
    Image caption,

    The prime minister slams the breaks, the Daily Telegraph says. It says Mr Johnson was right to heed the "warning light on the dashboard" amid concerns of a second wave.

    Daily Mail front page 01.08.20
    Image caption,

    Carrying an even stronger warning, the Daily Mail leads with: "Get set to lose more freedom." Describing the Downing Street press conference as "gloomy", the paper notes that the announcement came hours before a swathe of businesses were due to reopen.

    See the rest of Saturday's papers here.

  17. Face it - you will probably get Covid-19, Bolsonaro sayspublished at 10:59 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Everyone will probably contract coronavirus at some point, so face up to it, Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has told his compatriots.

    Bolsonaro tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month and on Friday said he was taking antibiotics for a lung infection.

    "I knew I was going to catch it someday, as I think unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually,” he told reporters during a visit to the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

    “What are you afraid of? Face up to it," he said. "I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life."

    Bolsonaro has repeatedly called Covid-19 a "little flu", saying he would not be seriously affected. He has opposed lockdowns, which he says hurt the economy.

    Brazil has the second-highest number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in the world, after the US.

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus: Brazil's President Bolsonaro on his positive test result

  18. UK businesses begin to pay towards furlough schemepublished at 10:45 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    A worker does someone's nails in a nail barImage source, EPA

    Businesses that have furloughed staff during the coronavirus pandemic must now start contributing to the UK government's job retention scheme.

    From Saturday, UK firms must pay national insurance and pension contributions until the scheme ends in October.

    It comes as the Resolution Foundation think tank suggests more than half of the people furloughed during the pandemic are now back at work.

    The government said millions of jobs had been saved because of the scheme.

    But Labour's shadow business secretary, Ed Miliband, said businesses "now face the stark choice of letting go of their staff or facing a hefty financial burden to keep them on".

    Read more here.

  19. What did a socially distanced Baftas look like?published at 10:30 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Steven McIntosh
    Entertainment Reporter

    "It's been a while since I played to a place this empty," joked Adrian Lester as he took to the stage of the Bafta TV Awards to present best leading actress.

    Things looked pretty different at the dramatically pared-down ceremony.

    There was no red carpet or live audience on Friday evening, and winners dialled in remotely to accept their prizes.

    Not everybody had to dial though - Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal were in the studio to present an award.

    But prior to the ceremony, the pair ensured they were fully compliant with social distancing guidelines, by bringing a measuring tape with them.

    Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal hold a measuring tape between themImage source, PA Media

    And - as is compulsory in the age of video-calls - Fleabag stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sian Clifford suffered "up to the the wire" problems with internet connection.

    The issue meant they had to break in to their friend's house to get a good enough signal (fortunately they asked permission first).

    See all the highlights from the ceremony here.

  20. India sees highest daily jump in casespublished at 10:09 British Summer Time 1 August 2020

    Jill McGivering
    South Asia editor

    Officials in India say the country recorded more than 57,000 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours - the highest daily total to date.

    This was the third day in a row that India has recorded more than 50,000 new cases of coronavirus, as daily totals continue to climb steadily.

    Maharashtra - home to the financial capital, Mumbai - is still the worst affected state.

    But there are rapid rises in many other parts of the country too - including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Assam.

    India's testing programme has expanded - but claims are being investigated that in the city of Pune in July, hundreds of suspected cases were never added to official figures because tests were never carried out.