Monday evening news briefing: Half a million children stuck at home as schools stay shut

Your evening guide: Councils in England defy plan to send reopen schools and what the new lockdown rules mean for you

A socially-distanced Reception class at Abbotsweld Primary Academy in Harlow, Essex, as some pupils returned to the classroom
A socially-distanced Reception class at Abbotsweld Primary Academy in Harlow, Essex, as some pupils returned to the classroom Credit: HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY FOR THE TELEGRAPH

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Half a million pupils stuck at home as schools stay shut

Up to 550,000 primary school pupils were kept at home this morning after more than 50 councils opposed Boris Johnson's plan to reopen classrooms to Reception, Year One and Year Six students. Councils across England sided with teaching unions that have argued it is still not safe to send pupils back to school, with the rate of coronavirus infection in some areas still high. At least 54 councils told schools not to reopen on June 1, or left the decision up to headteachers. With pictures of some pupils showing up for school wearing face masks, is it safe for them to return? Here is what we know about how easily they can catch and spread Covid-19. If your children have not gone back yet, here is how to prepare them.

It comes as members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - which advises the government on the Covid-19 response - have warned the easing of lockdown has come too soon and could cause a spike in the spread of coronavirus. Infection rates in England's northern regions are now nearly double that in London according to a new estimate. The figures suggest the daily rate of infection is sitting at around 11,000 across the UK. At this evening's Downing Street press conference, Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed another 111 people have died from coronavirus - the lowest daily increase since the lockdown began - taking the UK's official death toll to 39,045.

From BBQs to policing: What new rules mean for you

Police in England have been told they cannot go into homes or gardens to check if lockdown rules are being breached, according to new guidance. Officers can tell people to leave someone's home if they are breaking new rules - but cannot make them leave. Managing the loosening of lockdown is a growing headache, with Nicola Sturgeon threatening a five-mile legal travel limit in Scotland after thousands flouted new guidelines. So what are you allowed to do? This Q&A outlines what the rules mean across the UK. Barbecues with friends are back on the cards in English gardens. But what if someone needs the loo? Here is the unofficial guide to a socially-distanced garden party.

Arthritis drug may aid virus fight, French doctors say

An arthritis drug may be a life-saving treatment for Covid-19 and could reduce the need for patients to be placed on ventilators, according to French doctors. They compared the progress of patients who received anakinra, an anti-inflammatory drug normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, with that of a group of 44 historical coronavirus patients at the Saint-Joseph public hospital in Paris who were not treated with the drug. The results initially appear positive but the doctors, perhaps mindful of controversies over the anti-malarial hydroxychloroquine, which Donald Trump claims to have taken, have appeared cautious. Details here.

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At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news today

US unrest | The number of cities where protests have erupted following the death of George Floyd has doubled overnight to 140, as former president Barack Obama has written how the "justifiable anger" could become "a real turning point in our nation’s long journey". Read on for the latest on the protests, which Rosa Prince believes have capped off what will become the worst summer in American history. Meanwhile, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg faces a growing internal revolt over how to handle President Donald Trump's posts on the social network.

You Are Not Alone - Getting you through the crisis

  1. Size matters Is NHS-funded weight loss surgery really a 'quick fix' for coronavirus?
  2. Becoming a mother | 'Lockdown made me realise I want a baby, even on my own'
  3. Monday Moan | Boris, please end the lockdown before the house falls apart

Comment and analysis

Video: Boy, 9, with cerebral palsy walks marathon

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy - named Captain Tobias by supporters - has completed his "ginormous challenge" to walk a marathon for charity. Tobias Weller was described as "incredible" and "an inspiration" by celebrities and sports stars as he walked 26.2 miles on the streets around his home over 70 days using a walker. Raising more than £46,000, watch him complete the challenge to cheers from crowds.

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Business and money briefing

Primark rejects 'flash sale' | The hopes of bargain-hunters seeking a discount bonanza have been dashed by Primark as it prepares to reopen all 153 shops in England this month. The fast-fashion retailer is preparing to come out of lockdown as soon as restrictions are relaxed on June 15 — but finance chief John Bason warned it has no plans for a massive clearance sale despite a mountain of unsold stock. Here is why.

World news: The one story you must read today...

Military 'massacres' | More than 100 men are missing and dozens are feared dead after soldiers in Niger allegedly went on a rampage to avenge a spate of deadly jihadist attacks. Documents seen by The Telegraph allege that Niger's security forces took part in a series of massacres, extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. If true, the allegations mark a dangerous turning point in the battle south of the Sahara desert.

Sport briefing

Sport returns | Racing has got underway at Newcastle and snooker has been played at Milton Keynes. Follow the latest on the first day of elite professional sport post-lockdown, as other sports prepare to come back.

Tonight's TV  

Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace, ITV, 9pm | By combining DNA technology with detective work, this documentary enables people who were abandoned as babies to piece together their identities. Read on for more.

And finally... for this evening's downtime

Alexander Armstrong interview | The Pointless host has a new Classic FM show and talks about going viral in lockdown, and how Dominic Cummings "looked like Sharon Stone" when they both attended the same school. Read on for more.

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