With close to a million Australians unemployed, the government’s next run of decisions will need to be right, or at least right enoughScott Morrison has been musing out loud about crossroads. The brief foray into symbolism was prompted by the cluster of coronavirus infections at the Crossroads hotel in Casula in New South Wales. So far, state authorities seem to be on top of that outbreak....

Boris Johnson suggested that England could see something like normality by Christmas. Don’t count on itCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIn Aesop’s fable, the ant uses summer to prepare for the bleak months to come, while the grasshopper idles its time away, only to regret it as temperatures plummet. England must hope Boris Johnson remembers the tale, since as of...

Martin Clavane on what reports about Russian hacking reveal about how the world responds to threats such as Covid-19Reports about Russian hacking into Covid-19 research are very revealing (Russian state-sponsored hackers target Covid-19 vaccine researchers, 16 July). They raise fundamental questions about how the world should collectively respond to such existential threats to humankind.Why is it...

PM sets out workplace guidelines and gives local authorities powers to close premises and cancel eventsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson has unveiled his plan for a “more significant return to normality” by Christmas, as he revealed steps to encourage people back to work in England and sweeping measures that will allow ministers to issue stay-at-home...

Agriculture minister says origins of outbreak unclear after seven farm workers – and 87% of the mink – test positiveCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSpain has ordered the culling of nearly 100,000 mink on a farm and an estimated one million mink have already been culled on Dutch fur farms, as coronavirus wreaks havoc in the European fur farming industry. Joaquin...

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,...

Government unveils measures after marathon emergency cabinet session as infections riseCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageIsrael has reimposed some lockdown measures following a vigorous second surge in the number of coronavirus infections, putting in place stringent weekend shutdowns in which shops, hairdressers and attractions will be closed.The government announced...

News updates: PM set to make announcement in press conference on FridayPM promises extra £3bn for NHSMinisters urged to rescue Covid-hit early years education providersOxford vaccine team aim to start lab-controlled human trial soonUK government withdraws Randox test kits over safety issuesGlobal coronavirus updates - live 8.05am BST Speaking on BBC Breakfast, security minister James Brokenshire...

Comet Neowise was discovered on 27 March by Nasa’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission. Scientists say the comet is about 3 miles across. Its nucleus is covered with sooty material dating back to the origin of our solar system 4.6bn years ago. It is the brightest comet visible from the northern hemisphere in 25 years Continue...

Even though all the vaccinologists are flat out like a lizard drinking it’s going to take some time. Hang in there everyoneSign up here to get an email whenever First Dog cartoons are publishedGet all your needs met at the First Dog shop if what you need is First Dog merchandise and prints Continue...