Covid-19 update: UK debt jumps to 98 per cent of GDP

The Spectator brings you the latest insight, news and research from the front line. Sign up here to receive this briefing daily by email, and stay abreast of developments both at home and abroad.

News and analysis 

• The UK’s two metre social distancing rule could be relaxed according to medical director of Public Health England Yvonne Doyle, speaking at a science and technology committee hearing.
• The UK government borrowed £62.1 billion in April, sending net debt to a record 98 per cent of GDP. Details below.
• Foreigners and UK nationals will be fined £1,000 if they refuse to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in Britain. They must share contact details with authorities and will then be subject to spot checks in homes by health officials and police.
• Some 1,000 furloughed Carluccio’s workers have been laid off, as it decided most of its 71 restaurants would not survive when the economy reopens.
• Trials have begun on a Covid-19 antigen test that gives results in 20 minutes.
• Homeowners