Boris Johnson sometimes uses experts to bolster his authority but his real guide is fear of being held responsible for bad governmentIt is clear from the volume and complexity of new hygiene guidelines that the grand reopening of England’s consumer economy, scheduled for 4 July, marks no return to normality. The long-deferred pleasure of the pub will be diluted by measures to enforce physical...

Compound issue | Quantum states | Brasserie | Latin etymology | Fascinating puzzleTo answer Karin Koller (Letters, 23 June), the French for bra, soutien-gorge, is masculine because compound words, consisting of a noun preceded by a verbal prefix, are nearly always masculine. The exceptions are when denoting women: for example, garde-malade, a home nurse. Nowadays, décolleté would be a more...

Rich countries’ governments are putting all their trust in a marriage of markets and philanthropy called GaviVaccines for Covid-19 are coming. Billions of dollars are flowing in, over 100 efforts are under way, and at least 13 leading candidates are already being tested on humans. But how will these vaccines reach the poorest people on the planet? This question haunts the fate of more than half...

Researchers found that air pollution, smoking and a person’s built environment may play role in obesity in children Air pollutants and population density are increasing the chances of childhood obesity, and scientists are just starting to understand which chemicals and urban factors are the riskiest, according to a new US study.Researchers reviewed 77 factors during pregnancy and 96 during...

The reduction of the 2-metre rule in England tells people we’re out of the woods, and they’ll behave accordinglyStephen Reicher is a member of SPI-B, the Sage subcommittee advising on behaviourAt the last daily press conference on Covid-19, Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, pleaded with the public: “If people don’t take mitigation seriously, if people hear a distorted...

The words of warning from England’s chief medical officer during the coronavirus crisisCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIn his frequent appearances at Downing Street press briefings, Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, has generally stood quietly as the prime minister, or one of his cabinet colleagues, has defended the government’s handling of the...

Your questions answered on what type of mask to wear to cut the risk of getting Covid-19Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageYes. Different types of mask offer different levels of protection. Surgical grade N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection against Covid-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks. However, these masks are costly, in limited supply,...

Three US states confirm record cases; Novak Djokovic tests positive for Covid-19; 200 cases at one South African school. Follow the latest updatesGlobal report: Covid-19 restricts hajj and Germany locks down districtSeven US states see record hospitalisationsBrazilian judge tells Bolsonaro to behave and wear a face maskNovak Djokovic tests positive for Covid-19 amid Adria Tour fallout 2.21am BST...

Man in his 80s dies as Victoria’s chief health officer announces 20 new cases of Covid-19Coronavirus Australia live blog: follow the latest news and updatesSign up for Guardian Australia’s coronavirus emailDownload the free Guardian app to get the most important news notificationsAustralia has recorded its first Covid-19 death in one month, with Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Brett...

Covid-19 has slashed donations to medical research funding, charities warn Boris JohnsonCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe discovery of new cancer treatments could be delayed, research institutes shut, and a whole generation of upcoming scientists lost because of a funding crisis in medical research, charities have warned.Covid-19 has caused fundraising to plummet,...