Researchers warn more testing is needed ahead of schools reopening to prevent second wave while other experts criticise handling of crisis
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7.46am BST
EasyJet has said it is operating more flights than previously planned due to demand exceeding expectations.
PA Media reports:
The airline is expanding its schedule to 40% of normal capacity between July and September, compared with the 30% it predicted in June.
In the three months to the end of June, the budget carrier made just 7 million in revenue after the company’s fleet was grounded from 30 March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
7.45am BST
Local government minister Simon Clarke has defended the government’s test and trace system after a group of researchers warned authorities would need to boost capacity or risk a second-wave of coronavirus after schools open.
Clarke told Sky News:
It’s obviously vital that we always continue to keep up the progress that we’re making with test and trace, which is a massive national undertaking and it is working.
184,000 people, so far, have been contacted by the programme who have tested positive or their contacts. And those people have all been allowed to self-isolate, be removed from the community at a time where they could be at risk of spreading the virus and that’s obviously a massive success.
“Schools are going to reopen in the autumn, that is not up for debate.”
Local Government Minister @SimonClarkeMP tells @skynewsniall children will return to the classroom for the new school year despite concerns around the Government’s Test and Trace system. RC#KayBurley pic.twitter.com/A3tIVi2Prg
The success of September’s return to school rests as much on what happens outside the school gates as within. The government needs to ensure that everyone knows what actions they should be taking to keep everyone safe – we’re all going to need to work together to be successful.
Continue reading…Researchers warn more testing is needed ahead of schools reopening to prevent second wave while other experts criticise handling of crisisBoost test and trace before English schools reopen ‘or risk second wave’UK virologists criticise handling of Covid testing contractsGlobal coronavirus live: latest updates 7.46am BSTEasyJet has said it is operating more flights than previously planned due to demand exceeding expectations.PA Media reports:The airline is expanding its schedule to 40% of normal capacity between July and September, compared with the 30% it predicted in June.In the three months to the end of June, the budget carrier made just 7 million in revenue after the company’s fleet was grounded from 30 March because of the coronavirus pandemic. 7.45am BSTLocal government minister Simon Clarke has defended the government’s test and trace system after a group of researchers warned authorities would need to boost capacity or risk a second-wave of coronavirus after schools open. Clarke told Sky News:It’s obviously vital that we always continue to keep up the progress that we’re making with test and trace, which is a massive national undertaking and it is working. 184,000 people, so far, have been contacted by the programme who have tested positive or their contacts. And those people have all been allowed to self-isolate, be removed from the community at a time where they could be at risk of spreading the virus and that’s obviously a massive success. “Schools are going to reopen in the autumn, that is not up for debate.”Local Government Minister @SimonClarkeMP tells @skynewsniall children will return to the classroom for the new school year despite concerns around the Government’s Test and Trace system. RC#KayBurley pic.twitter.com/A3tIVi2PrgThe success of September’s return to school rests as much on what happens outside the school gates as within. The government needs to ensure that everyone knows what actions they should be taking to keep everyone safe – we’re all going to need to work together to be successful. Continue reading…