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Wednesday morning news briefing: 'Road map' to avoid second wave

From next Friday, it will be compulsory to wear a face covering in shops - ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE
From next Friday, it will be compulsory to wear a face covering in shops - ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE

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Private talks with employers amid second wave fears

How long will we be living like this? Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out a fresh "road map" for his long-term strategy on Friday, when he will give details of how the country will get back to work without risking a second coronavirus spike. Officials have begun private talks with groups representing major employers amid growing fears over the prospect of a new wave of Covid-19 infections this autumn. The Telegraph has learnt face coverings could soon be recommended in all public places - including offices and other workplaces - after ministers introduced laws forcing people to wear them in shops. A council in Lancashire is the first to order face coverings to be worn in all workplaces and enclosed public spaces following a rise in cases. Our simple Q&A outlines the (likely) rules for easing back into office life.

The new laws on face masks in shops were unveiled yesterday amid growing confusion over the Government's strategy. From July 24, they will be mandatory in stores and police will be able to issue fines of up to £100. This is everything you need to know about the rules on compulsory coverings - and who is exempt from wearing one. Our face masks etiquette guide explains how best to wear and care for them. And Matt finds humour in the "new normal" for today's cartoon.

'Monster' Maxwell to spend year in jail as bail rejected

Ghislaine Maxwell will spend the next year in prison after she was denied bail by a US judge, who heard she was a "predator and a monster" from whom victims needed protecting. The longtime associate of the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein broke down in tears as she pleaded not guilty at a New York court to charges of luring girls for him to sexually abuse. The 58-year-old appeared via video link before US district judge Alison Nathan, who agreed with the prosecution that the British socialite was the "definition of a flight risk" due to her international connections, high-profile friends and vast hidden wealth. Read our full report by US Correspondent Josie Ensor.

Queen 'amused' at bobsleigh team's Mini training

As far as training goes, it is unorthodox to say the least. The Queen was left "quite amused" as she was told of the Jamaican bobsleigh team's lockdown regime: pushing a Mini Cooper around an industrial estate in Peterborough. She exclaimed "gosh" as she learnt of the fitness programme from L/Cpl Shanwayne Stephens of the Queen's Colour Squadron, saying: "I suppose that's one way to train." Hannah Furness reports on Her Majesty's second official engagement via video call.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Huawei ban | Tory rebels say "the fight is back on" after Boris Johnson failed to head off a revolt over Huawei - despite banning sales of its equipment from January and pledging to strip it from Britain's 5G network by 2027. Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope explains how the Chinese firm schmoozed its way into the heart of the British establishment. And these are the unanswered questions.

Around the world: Macron's mask promise

France will make it compulsory to wear masks in shops and other enclosed public spaces by next month, said Emmanuel Macron. The French president's pledge came as the nation honoured its health workers in a special Bastille Day parade, where doctors and nurses shared the limelight with soldiers. View more striking global pictures.

Gilets Jaunes protesters chant at a rally near Place de la Bastille in Paris. CREDIT: GETTY - Kiran Ridley /Getty
Gilets Jaunes protesters chant at a rally near Place de la Bastille in Paris. CREDIT: GETTY - Kiran Ridley /Getty

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

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  3. Home offices | How studies became the make-or-break feature of sales

Business and money briefing

Fast fashion | Asos axed contracts with a string of clothing suppliers after it uncovered possible serious threats to workers' health, safety or human rights. The company's inspectors found major ethical breaches at almost a quarter of suppliers visited in 16 countries, including seven sites in the UK, according to a 2018 report leaked to The Telegraph.

Sport briefing

Premier League at war | Manchester City are at war with their rivals over their scrapped European ban - as a fiery Pep Guardiola hit back at fierce criticism from Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp and demanded an apology over the club's treatment. Read how English football is at the centre of escalating tensions among its elite clubs.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Déjà vu | An old-style favourite has returned for the 2020s. But is the car industry moving backwards with two significant launches of rugged off-road vehicles? Motoring Correspondent Andrew English examines Ford's new-look rugged Bronco 4x4