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Warning of ‘trade-offs’ to prevent second wave of virus
This is the long haul. The Chief Medical Officer has told Britain to prepare for another year of “disruptive” social distancing measures. Saying that it was time to be “realistic” with the public, Professor Chris Whitty said the UK’s lockdown would not come to a quick end. Giving the most detailed explanation to date of how the restrictions will eventually be eased, he warned that ministers would have to consider “trade-offs” to avoid a second wave of coronavirus. For a reminder of the (current) new rules for daily life, read our ultimate lockdown Q&A. Matt also uses the social restrictions as inspiration for today’s cartoon.
A second peak – far higher than the first – is now a near certainty. That has major implications for how Britain must exit the lockdown if such a catastrophe is to be avoided. Science Editor Sarah Knapton has what we know about a second wave and how it impacts Britain’s strategy. One clear route is a vaccine. The UK is leading the way, with human trials starting today, but ministers refuse to guarantee that Britons will be the first to be treated if the taxpayer-funded programme proves successful.
PS – With developments coming thick and fast, stay informed with our liveblog, daily Global Health Bulletin, WhatsApp group, coronavirus podcast and index page with all our articles. We have a special offer when you take out a new Telegraph subscription that allows you to access all our newspaper and online articles without leaving home. Sign up for a free one-week trial – then save 50pc on your first three months.
Public may be urged to wear masks as rules eased
Ministers are ready to recommend that face masks are worn by the public “in certain circumstances” (such as when on public transport and for shopkeepers) to ease the lockdown next month. The Cabinet is expected to discuss the issue when it meets today to consider the latest advice from Government scientific advisers. But Health Secretary Matt Hancock made it clear he will not supply disposable masks to the public. Follow our guide to making your own. And Zoe Strimpel writes about her experience of wearing an “uncomfortable, sweaty, and oppressive” disposable mask to the shops (spoiler: she threw it in the bin).
Royal pictures: Birthday prince’s helping hands
It is the time of the week when the nation salutes our NHS carers by clapping at 8pm. And Prince Louis has been pictured getting in the spirit of supporting the health service. He has made rainbow handprints to put in the windows of the Cambridge family’s Norfolk home as he celebrates his second birthday today. The prince was photographed by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, at Anmer Hall, where Prince George and Princess Charlotte are being home-schooled. View the pictures.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Comment and analysis
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Business and money briefing
Trump golf courses | The Trump Organisation is reportedly seeking financial help from the UK and Irish governments to ease the impact of the coronavirus crisis. As US Editor Ben Riley-Smith reports, the company – now run by the president’s sons – is said to be looking into schemes that help cover salaries for workers at their UK golf courses.
Life after lockdown: Berlin
Optimism and ‘ordnung’ | Crowds flocked back to the streets of Berlin yesterday as the German capital lifted its lockdown and shops reopened for the first time in a month. Read Justin Huggler‘s dispatch from a city that is being brought back to life. And view our world picture gallery.
A masked mannequin practises social distancing outside a clothes shop – GETTY
Also in the news today
Reassignment ban | Children who wish to undergo surgery to change their gender will be banned from doing so in future, the equalities minister has announced. Liz Truss said that the Government will set out details of the landmark plans later this summer. Gabriella Swerling reports that the move has been criticised by trans rights charities as introducing “a new form of inequality into British medical practice”.
And finally… for this morning’s downtime
‘We don’t care about money!’ | Balanced cryptically between the innocent and the sinister, Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy album cover depicted a strange, tinted shot of naked children climbing a mystical rock formation towards a glowing light. Neil McCormick has the full story behind the 1973 record