Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday evening. We’ll have another update for you on Tuesday morning.
1. Call for review of 10pm pub curfew
There should be an “urgent review” of 10pm closure times for restaurants and pubs, according to Greater Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham. He said people had been gathering in homes and supermarkets that were “packed out to the rafters” once bars closed. Scenes of crowds forming after closing time have been filmed in UK cities including Liverpool and York. There are no specific plans to review the policy, but all measures are kept under review, the PM’s spokesman said. But what is the science behind the 10pm curfew? Read Reality Check’s analysis here.
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2. Political party conferences in the Covid age
Autumn is usually the time of year when UK politicians get together at their party conferences. But the coronavirus pandemic has put a temporary stop to the mingling, with this year’s events largely being held online. Conservatives, Labourites and Liberal Democrats have to watch their leaders speak via Zoom (other video-conferencing apps are available). The parties insist the events are as vibrant and interesting as possible, but what are the big things to look out for and what has changed? Read more on that here.
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PA Media
3. Scam firms used to claim virus loans
A BBC investigation has found criminals are setting up fake businesses on an industrial scale and successfully applying for government-backed Covid-19 emergency loans – with no intention of paying the money back. Builder Mark Telling had his details stolen to set up a bogus company – Tellings Home Made Furniture Service – that “borrowed” £50,000 from the scheme. Mark, who had no idea the company had been set up in his name, was horrified when the BBC told him what had happened. Victims like Mark could find themselves liable for the debt and have their credit rating badly affected.
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4. Police told not to download Covid-19 app
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has confirmed officers are being told not to install the NHS Covid-19 app – which detects when users have been close to someone with the virus – on their work smartphones. But some officers have been told they may not need to obey self-isolate alerts sent by the app on their personal phones, with Lancashire Constabulary telling staff to call its Covid-19 helpline instead. A source said the advice was due to “security reasons”. The NPCC said the work phones policy was in place across all forces and that it is conducting an urgent review.
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5. Lockdown technology drives ‘waist-up’ fashion
During lockdown, many of us have faced the awkward situation of unexpectedly appearing on a work video call wearing pyjamas or our ugliest moth-eaten jumper. Some of the world’s biggest fashion houses, including Prada and Valentina Karellas, have unveiled new “waist-up” outfits, featuring detailed necklines and relaxed trousers – a potential replacement for those tracksuit bottoms under the desk.
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Courtesy of Prada
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And don’t forget…
Find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page.
Tighter restrictions have been brought in across the UK to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Want a quick reminder of how to stay safe? Read our simple guide here.
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