The total deaths as a result Coronavirus now stands at 42,647, an increase of 15 as of today. For the first time since the peak the number of positive cases is below 1,000, at 958. In the daily briefing Matt Hancock stated that these positive figures show that the government has made good progress with their attempts to combat the virus. 

Hancock, alongside the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, also announced changes to the Government’s shielding guidelines for vulnerable people. Dr Jenny Harries set forward a two-step plan for the loosening of social distancing guidelines for people that have been asked to shield themselves from the wider public. 

From 6 July people that are shielding can meet with groups of up to six people outdoors. People living alone can also form support bubbles with another household and sleep over if they chose to. 

From 1 August people will be able to return to work and attending public gatherings. 

In the coming days the Health Secretary will write to everyone that has been asked to shield to give them information on how these changes will affect them. Centrally provided medical and food deliveries for people that have been asked to shield will stop on 1 July. Money has also been made available to local councils to help people struggling to pay bills and buy food.