If you’re just joining our live coverage of the global coronavirus pandemic, here are some key headlines today:
Trump to disband task force: The White House coronavirus task force will begin winding down later this month, according to a senior White House official. This comes just after new models show the US could see 3,000 people die of the virus each day, doubling the death toll to 134,000 by August 4.
US states may have to close again: More than half of the country’s states have started reopening, including many that have not met White House guidelines on when to do so. They may need to shut down again though.
Top UK advisor resigns: Neil Ferguson, the leading epidemiologist who advised the UK government on the coronavirus response, resigned on Tuesday after the Telegraph newspaper reported he broke lockdown rules by allowing a woman to visit his home. The country now has the highest confirmed death toll in Europe.
Germany lockdown: Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss loosening lockdown measures with the 16 state prime ministers today.
Back to school: Nearly 58,000 students returned to school today in Wuhan, China, the original epicenter of the outbreak. Wuhan began lifting restrictions in early April, after more than two months of total lockdown.
Infection slowdown: South Korea and mainland China both recorded no new local transmissions yesterday. South Korea has issued guidelines that offer an insight into the new post-lockdown normal.
In Japan: New guidelines for social distancing are provoking public backlash. The suggestions include mandatory face masks and outdoor dining at restaurants.
New findings: A genetic analysis found that the virus’ jump from animals to humans was “very recent,” and ruled out the possibility that it had been infecting people long before it was identified.
