If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing – on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.
Ministers plan gentle path back to normal life
Talk of Britain’s lockdown “exit strategy” is widespread. But ministers have been told to abandon the phrase as they try to ease public fears about an eventual end to the most severe restrictions. Instead, they want to discuss moving to a gradual “unwinding” of social distancing rules. Political Editor Gordon Rayner explains concerns the Government’s success at convincing people of the need to stay at home means that it could prove difficult to persuade them it is safe to return to work again. Acting prime minister Dominic Raab has made clear that the lockdown will stay in place beyond a legally required review on Thursday, but said there were “positive signs” that Britain was “starting to win this struggle”. After Boris Johnson took his first steps outdoors at Chequers with fiancée Carrie Symonds as he recuperates from coronavirus, William Sitwell recommends a wartime dish to nurse him back to health.
Overnight, data showed the number of cases of coronavirus across the world has now passed two million – spreading to more than 185 countries and killing more than 119,000 people. Around 23,500 people have died in the US, the worst toll of any country. In a heated press briefing, President Donald Trump defended his response to the outbreak and lashed out at media coverage on gaps in official US policy. Search for confirmed cases in your area with our Coronavirus Live Tracker.
PS – News you can trust is more important than ever. 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-month trial – then save 50pc on your first three months.
Tick off neighbours for breaking rules, say police
Love thy neighbour… or tell on thy neighbour? Police are advising the public to confront people guilty of “one-off” breaches of lockdown rules rather than report them. It follows claims that some forces have been inundated with reports about people flouting the restrictions – with many including minor breaches, such as neighbours going on two runs in a day. Meanwhile, on the eve of a national review of Britain’s restrictions, one of the Government’s most senior advisers is urging officials to “call off the dogs” and stop “harassing’ sunbathers in parks”. Here is a reminder of what the current rules mean for your daily life.
Plane fares could double after virus lockdown
Many of us will be longing for a change of scene. But it has emerged that air fares could double when lockdown is lifted, making foreign holidays temporarily unaffordable for many families. Consumer Champion Katie Morley reports that ticket prices are set to surge once non-essential foreign travel is once again allowed. If you already have a trip booked, read how the virus will affect your plans – and your refund rights.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Comment and analysis
You Are Not Alone: Surviving coronavirus lockdown
- Thirteen’s a crowd | Interview with Dame Helena Morrissey on lockdown life
- History repeating itself | The plague village in lockdown once more
- The Corona Chronicles | Allison Pearson’s tale of non-domestic bliss – part five
Business and money briefing
‘European inadequacy’ | The eurozone’s emergency plan to fight coronavirus has unravelled within days. Italy’s prime minister has rejected the central element of the £470bn package as a “trap”. Ambrose Evans-Pritchard explains how the plan eschews joint debt issuance and amounts to extra debt for states already struggling with sustainability.
Gallery: Virus fightback around the world
Members of a privately funded non-governmental organisation disinfect a street to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in Nairobi. Read Adrian Blomfield‘s special report as the G20 is warned Africa will need debt relief on a massive scale and view our gallery of more world images.
Cleaning work in the Kibera slum – AP PHOTO/BRIAN INGANGA
Also in the news today
Family attacks | ‘Cinderella’ abuse by sisters and stepsisters has risen dramatically, as agencies warn that an increasing proportion of domestic abuse is perpetrated by women. As Home Affairs Editor Charles Hymas reports, figures from the Metropolitan Police show that domestic abuse offences committed by sisters have doubled in the last 10 years.
And finally… for this morning’s downtime
Will they… won’t they? | Everyone’s favourite violent sociopath and her obsessive enemy/lover are back. Series three of BBC drama Killing Eve has launched. But what began as an interesting look at female sexuality has been consumed by tired tropes, argues Eleanor Margolis, as she asks: How can Eve and Villanelle move on