Advertisement

Friday morning news briefing: Are pubs really driving a Covid rise?

Who is leading the direction of the Government’s coronavirus strategy? - BOB
Who is leading the direction of the Government’s coronavirus strategy? - BOB

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.

Data used to shut down pubs was 'cobbled together'

The decision to close pubs and restaurants in the North now looks inevitable. But ministers have been accused of justifying the move with "cobbled together" statistics, including a three-month-old survey carried out in the US. MPs in local lockdown areas were yesterday shown an "early analysis" purporting to prove that pubs were the biggest spreaders of Covid-19. But Science Editor Sarah Knapton explains in this analysis that no published figures show that to be the case. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer accuses Boris Johnson of causing "confusion, chaos and unfairness" by waiting until next week to announce a new local lockdown system. Read his article for us, in which the Labour leader says "all we want is a prime minister with a plan". Fraser Nelson argues that Sir Keir's move to the attack spells danger for the Tories. And the plight of pubs (and drinkers) is the inspiration for Matt's latest cartoon.

Meanwhile, the NHS is encouraging people to visit hospitals and GP surgeries during the second wave of the pandemic after thousands were turned away during lockdown. The Help Us to Help You campaign tells patients they will not be viewed as a "burden" if they seek help for non-Covid ailments this winter. A return to the "Protect the NHS" mantra - which is feared to have led to thousands of patients not seeking help - would be an "unwelcome step backwards", says our leader column.

'I don't think I'm contagious at all,' says Donald Trump

One week after being diagnosed with coronavirus, Donald Trump insists he feels "perfect" and wants to hold a rally tomorrow night. "I don't think I'm contagious at all," the US President said in an interview. Mr Trump, who was released from a three-day hospital stay on Monday, said he would "probably" take a Covid-19 test today. Confined to the White House with an illness he has sought to play down, Mr Trump is itching to return to the campaign trail as he trails Democratic candidate Joe Biden in national polls ahead of the November 3 election. Follow our poll tracker. For expert insight, I can recommend our US 2020 newsletter.

Check your teeth to see if you are highly evolved

Babies are no longer born with wisdom teeth as the human race continues to evolve faster than at any time in the past 250 years, according to a study. Shorter faces, extra bones in feet and legs and an artery in the forearm are among the anatomical differences recorded in modern humans. Scientists say humans are experiencing a microevolution, where changes take place over a short period of time. Jessica Carpani explains the other human features made redundant.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Wanted for BBC news, staff who boast state education | The BBC is to direct its revamped recruitment policies at news and current affairs after figures showed the department has the highest proportion of privately educated staff. Anita Singh has data from the corporation's Equality Information Report, which found that almost a quarter of BBC news employees went to independent or fee-paying schools.

Around the world: Covid street protest in Brazil

A man in Rio de Janeiro walks past graffiti depicting a cleaner in a hazmat suit spraying coronavirus bugs that bear the face of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's president. The number of Covid-19 cases in the country has exceeded five million, the third highest in the world. View more striking pictures from around the globe in our daily gallery.

Bolsonaro has been criticised for his handling of the pandemic - RICARDO MORAES /REUTERS
Bolsonaro has been criticised for his handling of the pandemic - RICARDO MORAES /REUTERS

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. John Lennon at 80 | Long-read: Imagining the Beatle today

  2. Emily in Paris | The Netflix show with clothes so bad it is good

  3. Getaways | Most exclusive rural hideaways to book (and bookmark)

Business and money briefing

Bidding war | A British investment firm has emerged as a surprise bidder for viral video app TikTok as the Beijing-based company's attempt to team up with Oracle awaits US and Chinese approval. Centricus - a four-year-old London firm - is said to have been negotiating for weeks.

Sport briefing

England 3 Wales 0 | Dominic Calvert-Lewin marked his England debut with a goal as Gareth Southgate's experimental side beat a much-changed Wales in a friendly last night. Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace, reporting from an empty Wembley Stadium, says the young Lions are bringing back pride. Read our player ratings.

Tonight's dinner

Twice baked potatoes with mushrooms, blue cheese and balsamic onions | This dish by Eleanor Steafel might be retro, but the most delicious things often are. Read the recipe.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

'Too sexual, too violent, too communist' | Firings, protests, Kirk Douglas stranded in his loin cloth… Alexander Larman explains the Spartacus controversy that almost tore Hollywood apart.