As it happened: Lowest number of UK virus deaths since lockdown

1. A further 77 UK coronavirus deaths are reported in the UK - the lowest daily total since 23 March
2. No deaths recorded in Scotland or Northern Ireland of patients who tested positive for coronavirus
3. However, the Scottish government warns this will be an under-estimate
4. Globally, more than 6.9 million infections and 400,000 deaths have been recorded - Johns Hopkins
5. Brazil has removed months of virus data from a government website amid criticism over its handling of the outbreak
6. Anti-racism protesters in cities including Madrid, Copenhagen and Rome defy warnings about spreading the virus

That's it from us for today

That's all from us today as we pause our live page.

Here is a reminder of some of the stories we have brought you throughout the day.

• The UK recorded its lowest daily coronavirus death figure since lockdown began, with Scotland and Northern Ireland recording no new deaths
• Sage scientist Prof John Edmunds told the Andrew Marr Show that delaying lockdown "cost lives", though Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted the government "took the right decisions at the right time"
• Black Lives Matter demonstrations have continued around the world despite health warnings against mass gatherings, with protesters in Bristol pulling down a statue of a slave trader
• The number of people confirmed to have died of coronavirus globally passed 400,000, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University
• In Brazil, the government has removed months of Covid-19 data from its website amid criticism of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic

• And the Vatican has announced there are no more cases of coronavirus among Holy See employees and others in the Vatican City

Those who contributed to the live page throughout the day included Paul Kirby, Alix Kroeger, Mal Sirat, Mary O'Connor, Saj Chowdhury, Jasmine Taylor-Coleman, Alex Therrien, Gary Rose, Alexandra Fouché, Doug Faulkner and Matthew Henry.

Thanks for joining us and have a good evening.

Coal mine linked to spike in Poland

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Poland recorded another 575 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the health ministry said, as the spike in cases in the country continues.

The increase is being linked to an outbreak at a coal mine, with Sunday's total following a record daily increase of 576 on Saturday.

The outbreak at the Zofiowka colliery in Upper Silesia accounted for 38% of all Sunday’s cases and 57% of total new cases came from the province.

Four more people died from the virus across Poland on Sunday bringing the total to 1,157 deaths from 26,561 cases.

What are the UK travel quarantine rules?

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A two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving in the UK will be enforced from Monday.

More than 200 travel companies have asked for the new rules to be scrapped and some MPs have also voiced concerns.

However, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the move would protect public health now that imported coronavirus cases ''pose a more significant threat''.

What are the new rules on arrivals into the country? Who is exempt from quarantine? Read our explainer here for more information.

Italy cases continue to fall but Russia's rise

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Many businesses have started to reopen in Italy after more than two months of a nationwide lockdown

Italy has reported 53 new coronavirus deaths - down from 72 the day before - and just 197 new cases.

The country's total death toll since the outbreak there started in February now stands at 33,899, the fourth highest in the world after the United States, UK and Brazil.

The picture also continues to improve in Canada, which reported 70 new deaths with the virus. That's an overall increase of 0.9% - from 7,703 to 7,773. Canada also reported 722 new cases on Saturday.

Russia, in contrast, recorded almost 9,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. It also reported 134 new deaths, taking the overall total to 5,859.

Copenhagen rally organisers ask protesters to observe 1m rule

Adrienne Murray

Copenhagen

BBC

Thousands of people have marched through Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, to protest against racism and police brutality in the US. Police estimate that 15,000 people turned out for the demonstrations which began outside the US embassy.

The organisers asked participants to observe social-distancing guidelines. In this country, that means keeping one metre (3ft) apart. At times, the protest was crowded. Many participants also wore face masks, which is unusual to see in Denmark.

“We’re here today to speak up for the rights of black people and say the silence and injustice is enough,” says Mattu Kanjia who took part in the march.

Young people and families carried placards as they marched through the city to the Danish parliament, Christianborg.

“As someone who has lived in the States, I do know what police brutality is,” Ricardo Passo told the BBC. “Of course, we can’t compare Denmark with the US, but it doesn't mean we can't really look and see other forms of oppression or privileges in this country.”

Holding a Black Lives Matter banner, 17-year-old Nora Blumegram said: “As a white girl, I think it's important that we don't just sit back and think this is not our fight.”

After the march, police thanked the protesters for holding an orderly rally.

Analysis: Tests for every care home will have to be repeated

Nick Triggle

Health Correspondent

Ministers in England say they have now supplied tests to all eligible care homes – around 9,000 in total.

The government says this meets its pledge to provide tests to the sector by 6 June.

Of course, this is not the same as having every resident and member of staff tested – as most have been posted out.

But to be fair to the government, care homes have expressed an interest in testing residents themselves, rather than getting the army-run mobile units to parachute in.

The wider – and more important point – is why it has taken so long in the first place to provide testing to every home.

After all, these residents are the most vulnerable group when it comes to coronavirus.

The concern is that asymptomatic transmission is causing outbreaks.

Under this initiative everyone can get tested – staff and residents – to see if they are infected but do not know it.

But to keep on top of the virus this is going to have to be repeated again and again. When that will happen is as yet unclear.

What's happening across the world?

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If you've just joined us then here are the latest headlines globally relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

• The number of people confirmed to have died of coronavirus has passed 400,000, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University.
• Brazil has removed months of data on Covid-19 from a government website amid criticism of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the outbreak. The country has already recorded almost 36,000 coronavirus-related deaths
• The row between the US and China over the coronavirus outbreak has flared again with a US senator accusing Beijing of trying to block the development of a vaccine in the West

• The Vatican has announced there are no longer any cases of coronavirus among employees of the Holy See - the governing body of the Catholic Church - and others inside Vatican City
• The pandemic is a "devastating blow" for the world economy, according to World Bank President David Malpass

Premier League clubs gear up for return

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Bruno Fernandes captained who Manchester United team against another side led by Harry Maguire

Premier League clubs have been holding inter-squad friendlies as they continue their preparation for the league's restart this month.

The English top-flight has been suspended since 13 March but will return on 17 June with an action-packed schedule.

To prepare, clubs have been playing matches amongst themselves or against lower-league opposition at their empty stadiums over recent days.

Rugby union is another sport trying to map out how it will look after the coronavirus pandemic.

The RFU is seeking clarity on whether the physical distancing rule can be reduced from two metres to one so they can admit 40,000 fans into Twickenham Stadium for the November internationals. That would still be well below Twickenham's 82,000 capacity.

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Arsenal beat Championship side Charlton Athletic 6-0 in a friendly at Emirates Stadium

Airlines write to UK government over 'unjust' quarantine rules

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Three airlines have written to the UK government to protest against its "wholly unjustified and disproportionate" quarantine rules due to come into force from Monday.

From 8 June almost all arrivals in the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and give details of their accommodation, measures that airlines fear will stop people wanting to come to the UK.

In England, a breach of rules will be punishable with a £1,000 fine.

The message from British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet is described as a "pre-action protocol letter", meaning it could be followed by legal action.

The airlines say the measures are harsher than those imposed on people confirmed to have coronavirus who are asked to isolate and do not face criminal sanctions for failing to do so.

Their letter also said it was "illogical and irrational" to impose quarantine on people arriving from EU countries that have lower infection rates than Britain.

The Channel Tunnel's owner has also written to Boris Johnson calling for his "urgent intervention" to solve issues around the quarantine rules.

Voice of German rail network debuts with virus announcement

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Rail passengers in Germany will start to hear a new voice on the loud speakers when the travel on the trains

The new voice of Germany's railway network gets rolled out across the country from Monday, with his first announcement being about the coronavirus pandemic.

At around 500 train stations, the voice of actor Heiko Grauel will soon become familiar to those travelling on the trains.

Grauel's first announcement will be to provide hygiene information, telling passengers "to protect yourself and others", as well as reminding people to keep the minimum safe distance and wear face masks.

Hancock: Tests delivered to every eligible care home in England

EPA

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that coronavirus tests have been delivered to every care home for over-65s, or those with dementia, in England - meeting his 6 June target.

A total of 1,071,103 test kits are said to have been delivered to 8,984 care homes across the country.

"We have now managed successfully to offer tests to every care home that is eligible, both for staff testing and for residents to be tested," England's health secretary said.

But Shadow Health Secretary Liz Kendall said it was "not good enough" the tests had only been "delivered" and not carried out.

She said: "Care home residents and staff need to be regularly tested if we are going to get to grips with this virus.

"And we swiftly need to move to regularly testing family members too, so they can safely visit their loved ones."

Will there be a post-Covid baby boom?

AFP

With people stuck at home with not much to do under lockdown, it was predicted that scores of new babies could make their appearance in a few months' time. This was based on previous baby booms after, for example, World War Two.

Not so says French newspaper Le Parisien, which has been speaking to couples about their baby plans.

Generally speaking, people like to feel secure before embarking on the biggest adventure of their lives, it says. But with mounting job uncertainty and financial insecurity, this is looking less likely for many.

“During the 2007-2008 financial crisis, fertility declined in most European countries,” says Gilles Pison, a demographer.

“When we look at past crises, we see above all a postponement of birth plans, but not an abandonment. These births generally recover once the crisis has passed. So I don't expect a baby boom in the short term."

People may not be intentionally having more babies. However, there were warnings early on in the crisis that lockdowns would restrict women’s access to contraception and family planning services, which could lead to millions of unplanned pregnancies.

Key UK coronavirus headlines

Coronavirus lockdown delay 'cost a lot of lives', says Sage member

If you're just joining us and wondering what happened to the UK daily coronavirus briefing, last week the government decided to not hold them at weekends because of poor viewing figures.

There has been plenty of other coronavirus news in the UK though:

• A further 77 UK coronavirus deaths have been reported, the lowest daily total since lockdown began on 23 March
• No deaths have been recorded in Scotland of patients who had tested positive for coronavirus - the first time this has happened since 20 March. However, the Scottish government warned this would be an underestimate
• Northern Ireland has recorded no new coronavirus deaths for the second time since lockdown started
• Prof John Edmunds, who advises the government on coronavirus, has said he wishes the UK had gone into lockdown sooner as the delay had "cost a lot of lives"
• Black Lives Matter protests have been attended by thousands of people in the UK, despite advice from Health Secretary Matt Hancock against large gatherings
• Places of worship will be allowed to open for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week

BBC

'Do it for grandparents' - Spanish PM urges youth to fight virus

EPA

Pedro Sánchez said it would be reckless to allow a second wave of cases in Spain

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged young people to follow hygiene measures such as regularly washing hands, wearing masks and socially distancing in order to protect the elderly.

"I beg you, do it for your parents, for your grandparents, for yourselves - but also for everyone else," Mr Sánchez said during a press conference today in Madrid.

He said that individual responsibility was essential in avoiding a second wave of cases in the country, and that future outbreaks would be down to recklessness, stressing that every person could be a barrier against the virus.

"I know it is difficult," he said, but if the young avoid becoming infected "they are protecting the elderly".

The Spanish leader also warned the younger generation: "You are not safe either."

Latest from Northern Ireland as no new deaths announced

BBC

Earlier we told you that Northern Ireland had recorded no new coronavirus deaths for the second time since lockdown came into effect.

Now the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, has issued a rallying call to younger members of the parishes to step up and help the transition back to public worship.

He said: "Some of our priests are cocooning and will be unable, at first, to provide their usual services and ministry.

"I also call on the younger members of our parishes to step forward in helping us manage the transition back to full parish life and celebration of the sacraments."

Here is what else has been happening:

• The chief executive of Retail NI has said the sector "needs a date" for when all shops will be able to reopen. Glyn Roberts said with the Irish government having set out a road map, businesses over the border also needed to be able to make plans or else would be at a competitive disadvantage
• Police have issued a "significant number" of fines after more than 1,000 people took part in the anti-racism demonstrations
• And as the lockdown eases tradespeople have been returning to work to tackle some of the botched DIY jobs that have taken place while they've been off

Lufthansa introduces 'homecoming flight guarantee'

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Airline Lufthansa will bring home any German passengers it flies abroad on holiday, the company's chief executive has promised.

The German government said on Wednesday it would not be repatriating travellers this summer, like it did when the pandemic struck earlier this year. The announcement prompted concern among some potential holidaymakers that they could end up stranded.

But Lufthansa's Carsten Spohr told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung: "We are aware of this (concern), which is why we are introducing a homecoming guarantee."

He said the airline would guarantee a return flight for any passenger who did not pass temperature checks on arrival in the foreign country, if a passenger found they would be placed under quarantine, or in the event of a virus outbreak meaning new lockdown measures had been introduced.

Channel Tunnel owner calls for 'urgent intervention' from PM

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Channel Tunnel owner Getlink has written to Boris Johnson asking for his "urgent intervention" to solve issues with the government's new quarantine measures due to come into force on Monday.

Jacques Gounon, head of Getlink, said the plans, which include a 14-day quarantine period for all arrivals into the UK, are "fraught with problems" and put "a serious risk on the efficiency of operations at the Channel Tunnel".

He said there had been "limited consultation" from the Home Office.

Channel Tunnel staff are exempt from the 14-day quarantine rule but Mr Gounon said requirements to fill out paperwork for each crossing were an "administrative burden". He also said tunnel emergency crews would be delayed as they responded to incidents.

Algeria's small businesses reopen

Algeria has allowed a number of businesses to reopen today as part of its plan to end the coronavirus lockdown.

Vegetable and fruit markets, pastry shops and barbershops have been able to resume trading.

The second stage of the lockdown relaxation will start on 14 June, when more businesses will be allowed to resume.

Algeria has had 698 deaths and 10,050 cases of coronavirus, according Johns Hopkins University.

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Barbershops are among those businesses allowed to reopen in Algeria from today

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Sandwich shops have also reopened as the country's economy starts to get going again

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Restaurants remain closed in Algeria but are expected to be allowed to reopen on 14 June

Scotland follows rest of UK on quarantine for travellers

PA Media

People arriving in Scotland from abroad will have to quarantine for 14 days or face a £480 fine, the Scottish justice secretary has announced.

Humza Yousaf confirmed that Scotland would be following the rest of the UK by introducing a quarantine for travellers. The UK government's quarantine starts on Monday.

All arrivals will be required to fill out forms detailing where they will be isolating and give their contact details. Border Force officers will be carrying out spot checks, with fines of up to £480 for giving false information or flouting the quarantine rules.

People believed to be repeatedly breaching the quarantine could face criminal prosecution, with fines of up to £5,000, although Mr Yousaf said this would be done "as a last resort".

Other announcements made at Scotland's daily briefing include:

• Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced £305,000 of extra funding to support young carers
• She also urged people to avoid travelling to beauty spots
• Humza Yousaf encouraged people to avoid mass gatherings, despite giving his support to the Black Lives Matter movement. He said the chief constable had told him there was good social distancing in place at protests

BreakingLowest daily death total in UK since lockdown began

There have been a further 77 coronavirus deaths reported across the UK, the lowest daily total since lockdown began on 23 March.

The Department of Health says the total number of deaths was at 40,542 as of 17:00 BST on Saturday.

Death figures are normally lower at the weekends due to a lag in testing and reporting.

Once again the government did not provide figures for the number of people tested for Covid-19, but said 142,123 had been delivered in the past day.

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