Johnson makes face coverings compulsory in England’s shops

Youth sports to resume with ‘field bubbles’ in Scotland

Youth sports including football and rugby can begin again, though the rules allowing physical contact will only apply to “field bubbles” on the pitches themselves. Organised contact sports for those aged 17 and under can resume from Monday, as part of the third phase of Scotland’s easing of lockdown restrictions. Official guidance from the Scottish Government says that outwith the “field bubbles”, normal physical distancing rules still apply. National clinical director Jason Leitch said clubs and community groups will also have to follow guidelines from professional associations and appoint a “Covid officer” responsible for hygiene measures.

Baby success for England’s first reintroduced pine martens

The first pine martens to be reintroduced to England have had kits, marking a milestone in efforts to boost their recovery, conservationists said.The native carnivores all but vanished from England in the face of extensive hunting and loss of their woodland homes over the past two centuries, and were pushed to a stronghold in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.Though the species has made a comeback in Scotland, they remain very rare in England, prompting the first formal reintroduction scheme in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, to boost the recovery of the mammals in the country.

Sturgeon sets out easing of restrictions in Scotland

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sets out the restrictions which have been lifted in Scotland from today as the nation moves from phase two to phase three of their Covid-19 lockdown. Report by Bassaneseg. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sturgeon announces easing of restrictions in Scotland

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, announces the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Scotland, as indoor bars, restaurants and hairdressers can reopen. Report by Bassaneseg. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Government preparing ‘biggest flu vaccination programme in history’

Credit: National Pharmacy AssociationThe Government has procured enough supplies for the “biggest flu vaccination programme in history”, the Health Secretary has said. Matt Hancock said planning is under way for the expected surge in demand on the NHS due to seasonal pressures over winter, including flu. Speaking at the National Pharmacy Association virtual conference on Monday, Mr Hancock said that following the coronavirus outbreak he was expecting high demand for flu jabs over winter, but enough vaccine had been procured for the “biggest flu vaccine programme in history”, although it would be a “big task”.

Hancock: Medical safety review is a ‘wake-up call’

Health secretary Matt Hancock apologises on behalf of the government after a review into medical interventions such as pelvic mesh identified significant failings. Report by Browna. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Hancock avoids apologising over PM remarks on care homes

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has praised the 'amazing work' of care homes during the coronavirus pandemic following Boris Johnson's recent remarks on correct procedures not being followed. Report by Bassaneseg. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ashworth calls on Hancock to apologise for PM’s 'crass remarks' on care homes

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called on Matt Hancock to apologise for the Prime Minister’s “crass remarks” on care homes.Mr Hancock paid tribute to care homes which have "done so much to care for the most vulnerable throughout this crisis".

COVID-19: Recovery rate in India improved to 63.02%

18,850 people have been recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total cumulative number of recovered cases among COVID-19 patients to 5,53,470. The recovery rate has further improved to 63.02% today. The Government of India on July 13 informed that 19 states have a recovery rate higher than the national average. 6,497 COVID-19 cases, 4,182 discharged and 193 deaths were reported in Maharashtra today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,60,924, including 1,44,507 discharged, 1,05,637 active cases and 10,482 deaths. 4,328 new cases, 3,035 discharged and 66 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today.