Michael Gove says it is his “fervent hope” that England’s new lockdown will end on 2 December – but that ministers will be “guided by the facts”. “We do need to get the R rate below 1,” the Cabinet Office minister told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. The strict measures are due to come into force from Thursday. Pubs, restaurants, gyms, non-essential shops and places of worship will close, but schools, colleges and universities can stay open.

The prime minister is expected to deliver a statement in the Commons on Monday before a vote on the latest restrictions on Wednesday. Labour has said it will back the lockdown.  Boris Johnson said he expects the lockdown to last until 2 December, after which England’s regional tiered system will be reintroduced. But Mr Gove told the BBC decisions would “obviously be guided by the facts”.(BBC)…[+]

Australia has recorded its first day of no local cases of Covid-19 in almost five months. Zero cases were reported in the 24 hours between 20:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Saturday – the first time this has happened since 9 June. The state of Victoria – epicentre of Australia’s second wave – recorded zero cases for the second day in a row after a 112-day lockdown. Health officials say more restrictions may be eased in the coming days. “Thank you to all of our amazing health & public health workers & above all else the Australian people,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said on his Twitter account. Australia has recorded some 27,500 infections and 900 deaths to Covid-19 since the pandemic started – far fewer than many nations.(BBC)…[+]