news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Tesco to take hit of up to £925m due to COVID-19

Tesco has warned that it could take a hit of up to £925m due to the coronavirus , according to its latest set of results .
The supermarket chain estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic would be between £650m and £925m , including significant cost increases in payroll , distribution and store expenses .
In its results statement , Tesco said the full financial impact for the crisis in 2020/21 was `` impossible to predict with a high degree of certainty '' and that it `` would not be prudent to provide financial guidance '' .
Supermarkets have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open during the UK 's coronavirus lockdown .
In the days leading up to the restrictions , many outlets saw panic buying as people stocked up on items such as hand sanitiser , pasta and toilet paper .
Industry data last week said UK grocery sales leapt by more than a fifth to a record £10.8bn in the four weeks to 22 March , which included that period .
Tesco said `` significant panic buying '' had cleared its supply chain of certain items and caused sales to jump by around 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company said `` more normal sales volumes are being experienced '' .
But the supermarket 's wholesale business is likely to have been hit by the closure of bars and restaurants under the virus lockdown .
Also , social distancing measures have restricted the number of shoppers allowed in store at any one time .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The company recruited 45,000 more workers to cope with the demand and make up for absence among staff who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave Lewis said on Wednesday that 55,000 employees were currently absent from work .
Mr Lewis said : `` In this time of crisis we have focused on four things ; food for all , safety for everyone , supporting our colleagues and supporting our communities .
`` There are significant extra costs in feeding the nation at the moment but these are partially offset by the UK business rates relief .
Tesco is a business that rises to a challenge and this will be no different .
`` I would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers for their help and understanding .
Together , we can do this . ''
Mr Lewis also defended the decision to have Tesco pay out £900m in dividends to investors , despite securing a £585m tax break as part of the business rates holiday for the current financial year .
The government measures are aimed at supporting companies affected by the virus .
Mr Lewis said the cash payout was `` reflective of last year 's performance and the strength of the business '' , adding : `` We looked at whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most stressed scenario and it was decided we do not .
`` We have a strong balance sheet and we do not need surplus cash . ''
Tesco shareholders will receive 9.15p per share - the company 's first shareholder dividend in five years .
Tesco , which has a 27 % share of the UK grocery market , reported a 14 % rise in underlying operating profit for the year ending 29 February , broadly in line with expectations .
The company has around 3,800 stores in the UK and Ireland @

Tesco has warned that it could take a hit of up to £925m due to the coronavirus, according to its latest set of results.
The supermarket chain estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic would be between £650m and £925m, including significant cost increases in payroll, distribution and store expenses.
In its results statement, Tesco said the full financial impact for the crisis in 2020/21 was "impossible to predict with a high degree of certainty" and that it "would not be prudent to provide financial guidance".
Image: Tesco had some empty shelves a few weeks ago as shoppers stocked up in panic
Supermarkets have been among the few businesses allowed to remain open during the UK's coronavirus lockdown.
In the days leading up to the restrictions, many outlets saw panic buying as people stocked up on items such as hand sanitiser, pasta and toilet paper.
Industry data last week said UK grocery sales leapt by more than a fifth to a record £10.8bn in the four weeks to 22 March, which included that period.
Tesco said "significant panic buying" had cleared its supply chain of certain items and caused sales to jump by around 30%.
The situation has since stabilised and the company said "more normal sales volumes are being experienced".
But the supermarket's wholesale business is likely to have been hit by the closure of bars and restaurants under the virus lockdown. Also, social distancing measures have restricted the number of shoppers allowed in store at any one time.
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The company recruited 45,000 more workers to cope with the demand and make up for absence among staff who were sick or self-isolating.
Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis said on Wednesday that 55,000 employees were currently absent from work.
Mr Lewis said: "In this time of crisis we have focused on four things; food for all, safety for everyone, supporting our colleagues and supporting our communities.
"There are significant extra costs in feeding the nation at the moment but these are partially offset by the UK business rates relief. Tesco is a business that rises to a challenge and this will be no different.
"I would like to thank colleagues for their unbelievable commitment and customers for their help and understanding. Together, we can do this."
Mr Lewis also defended the decision to have Tesco pay out £900m in dividends to investors, despite securing a £585m tax break as part of the business rates holiday for the current financial year.
The government measures are aimed at supporting companies affected by the virus.
Mr Lewis said the cash payout was "reflective of last year's performance and the strength of the business", adding: "We looked at whether the business needs more liquidity even in the most stressed scenario and it was decided we do not.
"We have a strong balance sheet and we do not need surplus cash."
Tesco shareholders will receive 9.15p per share - the company's first shareholder dividend in five years.
Tesco, which has a 27% share of the UK grocery market, reported a 14% rise in underlying operating profit for the year ending 29 February, broadly in line with expectations.
The company has around 3,800 stores in the UK and Ireland.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Husband pays tribute to 'amazing' mother of quadruplets

The husband of a mother of five who died after contracting coronavirus has told Sky News of his `` huge loss '' after his `` amazing '' wife was buried in Pakistan .
Shabnum Sadiq , who lived with her family in Slough , Berkshire , passed away after suffering `` complications '' from COVID-19 on 6 April .
The Labour councillor , who caught the virus in Pakistan , had travelled to the country to attend a relative 's wedding with her husband Khizwan Sadiq .
Mr Sadiq said just hours after the 39-year-old 's funeral on Wednesday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was an amazing mother .
`` I was married to her for 23 years .
All my life she 's looked after everything in the house .
Basically I 'm like the sixth child in the house , and it 's a huge loss for me .
`` The kids will recover from this but this is hard for me .
I 'm lost .
I am so lost .
I do n't know what 's going to happen to me . ''
Mr Sadiq had also contracted coronavirus but recovered after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the illness , he continued : `` To be honest with you , it 's really dangerous .
People should care about themselves , we were the unlucky ones in this .
`` People have to be very careful - it 's not a joke . ''
Mrs Sadiq 's brother Kamran Sheraz , who lives in Ilford , east London , has said he `` still ca n't believe it '' after her death .
He tearfully told Sky News : `` She was on a ventilator for nearly 24 days and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with blood tests etc .
`` Everything was working fine , so we were very hopeful and then all of a sudden on Monday , I got the phone call I think at about 2pm that she 'd passed away .
`` I could n't believe it , I still ca n't believe it .
`` It 's sad that I ca n't go and say my goodbyes to her , just to be near her somehow .
I wo n't ever see her again . ''
He added : `` She had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realised things were getting serious , because of COVID-19 .
`` It 's no joke , it 's definitely serious and its pulling families apart . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mrs Sadiq suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital after she tested positive for coronavirus .
Reflecting on the children and husband she has left behind , her brother continued : `` The family is always going to be there for them .
`` But obviously your mum 's your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can replace . ''
Mrs Sadiq had been a Labour councillor in Slough for four years .
The council 's deputy leader Sabia Akram told Sky News : `` What Shabnum did really well was show a really softer side to politics .
`` To show a kinder side of politics , and in recent times there 's been a lot of media hype around what that looks like .
`` I think she was the epitome of that . ''
A Slough Council spokesman has said on Tuesday it was flying flags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mrs Sadiq .

The husband of a mother of five who died after contracting coronavirus has told Sky News of his "huge loss" after his "amazing" wife was buried in Pakistan.
Shabnum Sadiq, who lived with her family in Slough, Berkshire, passed away after suffering "complications" from COVID-19 on 6 April.
Her five children included 13-year-old quadruplets.
The Labour councillor, who caught the virus in Pakistan, had travelled to the country to attend a relative's wedding with her husband Khizwan Sadiq.
Mr Sadiq said just hours after the 39-year-old's funeral on Wednesday: "She was an amazing wife. She was an amazing mother.
"I was married to her for 23 years. All my life she's looked after everything in the house. Basically I'm like the sixth child in the house, and it's a huge loss for me.
"The kids will recover from this but this is hard for me. I'm lost. I am so lost. I don't know what's going to happen to me."
Image: Shabnum and Khizwan Sadiq both contracted coronavirus
Mr Sadiq had also contracted coronavirus but recovered after self-isolating for 14 days.
Speaking about the illness, he continued: "To be honest with you, it's really dangerous. People should care about themselves, we were the unlucky ones in this.
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"People have to be very careful - it's not a joke."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Victim's brother: 'I won't ever see her again'
Mrs Sadiq's brother Kamran Sheraz, who lives in Ilford, east London, has said he "still can't believe it" after her death.
He tearfully told Sky News: "She was on a ventilator for nearly 24 days and every day we were getting results back with blood tests etc.
"Everything was working fine, so we were very hopeful and then all of a sudden on Monday, I got the phone call I think at about 2pm that she'd passed away.
"I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe it.
"It's sad that I can't go and say my goodbyes to her, just to be near her somehow. I won't ever see her again."
He added: "She had breathing difficulties and that's when I realised things were getting serious, because of COVID-19.
"It's no joke, it's definitely serious and its pulling families apart."
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Mrs Sadiq suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital after she tested positive for coronavirus.
Reflecting on the children and husband she has left behind, her brother continued: "The family is always going to be there for them.
"But obviously your mum's your mum. That's something that nobody can replace."
Image: Mrs Sadiq is seen with her 13-year-old son Zyaan
Image: Mrs Sadiq's quadruplets are now teenagers
Mrs Sadiq had been a Labour councillor in Slough for four years.
The council's deputy leader Sabia Akram told Sky News: "What Shabnum did really well was show a really softer side to politics.
"To show a kinder side of politics, and in recent times there's been a lot of media hype around what that looks like.
"I think she was the epitome of that."
A Slough Council spokesman has said on Tuesday it was flying flags at half-mast at its offices in tribute to Mrs Sadiq.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Tui cancels beach holidays for five weeks due to pandemic

The UK 's largest travel firm has cancelled its beach holidays for the next five weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Tui said on Wednesday that all trips up to and including 14 May were being axed and its Marella Cruises sailings have been suspended until at least June .
It comes amid global travel restrictions due to COVID-19 , which has infected more than 1.4 million people worldwide , with more than 82,000 deaths .
A Tui spokeswoman said : `` We are constantly monitoring the situation and will start taking people on holiday again as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At this point in time , nobody can accurately predict when that will be , so for the time being we will keep a close eye on our programme and continue to amend and adapt timings in line with the latest global travel advice . ''
Customers who have had their booking cancelled `` will be able to amend their holiday to any other Tui package holiday on sale '' on its website , she added .
The firm did not clarify whether consumers would have their bookings refunded .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refund customers within 14 days if their package holiday is cancelled but , facing many thousands of cancellations in recent weeks , the industry has warned that many firms will not survive if forced to do this immediately .
Travel industry body ABTA has called for the UK government to allow holiday companies to issue refund credit notes instead of cash refunds due to the high number of claims caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date with protection from ABTA or ATOL .
The protection would last until the end of July at which point , if the credit has not been used , a customer can get a cash refund .
Customers would have the comfort of knowing they will get their money back if they can not use the credit or if the travel company collapses , while helping travel companies to stay afloat as they work through the large number of cancellations .
ABTA said on Wednesday that it is still waiting for action and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Portuguese Hospitality Association has said around 85 % of the country 's hotel workers will be temporarily laid off in April due to the virus 's effect on the tourism industry .
It said 93.8 % of Portuguese hotels will or have already applied to be able to temporarily lay off workers .

The UK's largest travel firm has cancelled its beach holidays for the next five weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tui said on Wednesday that all trips up to and including 14 May were being axed and its Marella Cruises sailings have been suspended until at least June.
It comes amid global travel restrictions due to COVID-19, which has infected more than 1.4 million people worldwide, with more than 82,000 deaths.
A Tui spokeswoman said: "We are constantly monitoring the situation and will start taking people on holiday again as soon as we are able to do so.
"At this point in time, nobody can accurately predict when that will be, so for the time being we will keep a close eye on our programme and continue to amend and adapt timings in line with the latest global travel advice."
Customers who have had their booking cancelled "will be able to amend their holiday to any other Tui package holiday on sale" on its website, she added.
The firm did not clarify whether consumers would have their bookings refunded.
Under the law, travel companies must offer to refund customers within 14 days if their package holiday is cancelled but, facing many thousands of cancellations in recent weeks, the industry has warned that many firms will not survive if forced to do this immediately.
Travel industry body ABTA has called for the UK government to allow holiday companies to issue refund credit notes instead of cash refunds due to the high number of claims caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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This would allow customers to rebook for another date with protection from ABTA or ATOL. The protection would last until the end of July at which point, if the credit has not been used, a customer can get a cash refund.
Customers would have the comfort of knowing they will get their money back if they cannot use the credit or if the travel company collapses, while helping travel companies to stay afloat as they work through the large number of cancellations.
ABTA said on Wednesday that it is still waiting for action and guidance from the UK government.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Hospitality Association has said around 85% of the country's hotel workers will be temporarily laid off in April due to the virus's effect on the tourism industry.
It said 93.8% of Portuguese hotels will or have already applied to be able to temporarily lay off workers.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: 'I think I have COVID-19, when can I hug my family again?'

With tens of thousands of people testing positive for coronavirus in the UK , many Britons will have gone through the illness and now recovered .
Although the exact number of people who have returned to normal health in the UK is not known , all of those who have experienced symptoms of coronavirus should have gone through at least seven days of isolation ( and 14 days if someone in the household develops symptoms ) .
This isolation , set out in the government 's guidelines to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 , is intended to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spoken to Dr Ellie Cannon , an NHS GP , to find out more about how and when people who may have had coronavirus can begin to interact with the people they live with again .
If someone has had symptoms of COVID-19 , as a rough guide , when can they start interacting with people again ?
Dr Ellie : Essentially when they have cleared seven days since the first day of symptoms or after all of their symptoms have completely gone .
Does that mean that if the person has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is showing symptoms , should they remain in isolation ?
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What if the person 's symptoms go away before seven days has passed , should they come out of isolation ?
Dr Ellie : No , it 's a minimum of seven days for everyone .
If after seven days their symptoms have gone completely can they return to normal behaviour , as they would have before the outbreak ?
Dr Ellie : No , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing like everyone else .
Their chance of passing on the virus is very low .
A person with the virus can pass it on to others .
Even after the seven-day isolation and once symptoms have gone , does a person continue to shed the virus and for how long ?
Dr Ellie : We do n't know for sure .
It could be as long as a month but that does n't mean you are infectious for all of that time .
It 's complicated .
You might have the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on once symptoms settle .
Certainly people are most infectious just before symptoms and at the time of symptoms .
Some data suggests viral shedding can last as long as two to three weeks in some cases , but if you are not coughing or sneezing then chances to pass on the virus go right down .
After self-isolation is finished , can they begin to do things like speak closely to or hug family members and friends that they have not seen for a while ?
Dr Ellie : No , absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are all doing , and only interact with their household in this way .
The only people they can talk to within a two-metre distance are those who are in their household .
The person will have had the virus and ca n't pass it on anymore .
If their family are incubating it , then they have already it .
So hugging within the household is not a problem .

With tens of thousands of people testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, many Britons will have gone through the illness and now recovered.
Although the exact number of people who have returned to normal health in the UK is not known, all of those who have experienced symptoms of coronavirus should have gone through at least seven days of isolation (and 14 days if someone in the household develops symptoms).
This isolation, set out in the government's guidelines to help minimise the spread of COVID-19, is intended to prevent the spread of the virus.
Image: Dr Ellie Cannon
Sky News has spoken to Dr Ellie Cannon, an NHS GP, to find out more about how and when people who may have had coronavirus can begin to interact with the people they live with again.
If someone has had symptoms of COVID-19, as a rough guide, when can they start interacting with people again?
Dr Ellie: Essentially when they have cleared seven days since the first day of symptoms or after all of their symptoms have completely gone.
Does that mean that if the person has finished seven days of isolation but still is showing symptoms, should they remain in isolation?
Dr Ellie: Absolutely, yes.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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What if the person's symptoms go away before seven days has passed, should they come out of isolation?
Dr Ellie: No, it's a minimum of seven days for everyone.
If after seven days their symptoms have gone completely can they return to normal behaviour, as they would have before the outbreak?
Dr Ellie: No, they would then have to practise normal social distancing like everyone else. Their chance of passing on the virus is very low.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:12 Police disperse cricket game in London park
A person with the virus can pass it on to others. Even after the seven-day isolation and once symptoms have gone, does a person continue to shed the virus and for how long?
Dr Ellie: We don't know for sure. It could be as long as a month but that doesn't mean you are infectious for all of that time. It's complicated. You might have the virus but not be able to pass it on once symptoms settle.
Certainly people are most infectious just before symptoms and at the time of symptoms.
Some data suggests viral shedding can last as long as two to three weeks in some cases, but if you are not coughing or sneezing then chances to pass on the virus go right down.
Image: A sign on the front door of a house in self-isolation in Cardiff
After self-isolation is finished, can they begin to do things like speak closely to or hug family members and friends that they have not seen for a while?
Dr Ellie: No, absolutely not. They need to do what we are all doing, and only interact with their household in this way.
The only people they can talk to within a two-metre distance are those who are in their household. The person will have had the virus and can't pass it on anymore. If their family are incubating it, then they have already it. So hugging within the household is not a problem.


news--2020-04-08--Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprise pupils with virtual school visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have surprised children of key workers in Lancashire with a virtual school visit .
From their home in Norfolk , William and Kate dialled into Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley on a video call .
They wanted to thank the teachers who have been keeping the school open for children who need it , as well as speak to some of the pupils whose parents are still having to work in places like Burnley Hospital nearby .
The couple , who seemed incredibly relaxed , introduced themselves to the children as Catherine and William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see them laughing and joking with the teachers and schoolchildren , who were all dressed in bunny ears for their Easter activities .
Kate joked , `` We should have our bunny ears on '' , while also teasing Prince William for eating all the chocolate in the house as the teachers wished them a Happy Easter .
But the duke and duchess also spoke at length to the teachers about the challenges they 're facing as a result of the restrictions put in place due to COVID-19 .
Speaking to school staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , honestly to you and everyone who 's in during this time .
`` It must be such a relief for all the parents who are key workers to know that the normality is there for their children - they 've got the structure and they 've got a safe place for them to be , so really really well done to all of you . ''
Prince William said : `` We just want to say a huge thank you to you guys and well done in keeping it all going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for all the staff and all the volunteers - they 're doing a great job . ''
The school has remained open as a hub for the five academies , and even though it 's the Easter holidays , it is still open to children of key workers and those who are vulnerable .
Several children showed the couple pictures they had drawn of their parents and explained why they were proud of them .
Anita Ghidotti , chief executive of the Pendle Education Trust , of which the school is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really exciting thing to happen for any school , at any time , but the situation we 're in and with all the bad news stories we 're looking for any positives we can find .
`` This was absolutely a positive experience for everyone involved , for the staff as well as the children , and they were beaming as they came out the children , proud of themselves and very excited . ''
Outside of school , teachers have also been helping with those who usually have free school meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported emotionally through mental health provision .
Leala Porter , from the children 's charity Place2be , of which Kate is Patron , said : `` The anxieties have n't been directly about the coronavirus itself because there 's been so much information that 's being given out , that 's at a child friendly level for them to access and understand it .
`` It 's been more around the having to go to three shops or five shops because they could n't get bread , and not being able to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe and those things that are the normal things in their lives .
She added : `` Not being able to see grandparents , especially the younger ones , again having an understanding of that .
And coming back to the routine and them not having a routine , that really has been the sense of the anxiety . ''
This virtual school visit was a first for the royal family , as they have all been forced to carry out engagements and work in different ways due to coronavirus .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A photograph of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall showing them dressed in casual clothes was released to mark their 15th wedding anniversary .
It 's the first time we 've seen the couple together since they came out of isolation , following the prince testing positive for COVID-19 .
As they are both over 70 they are now working from home , carrying out all their work over the phone or video calls .
In the photo , the couple are holding their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beth , and the duchess is holding Bluebell , both Jack Russell Terriers that were rescued by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home , of which the Duchess of Cornwall is royal patron .
The photograph was taken in the front porch of Birkhall , their Scottish home on the Balmoral estate , by a member of staff .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have surprised children of key workers in Lancashire with a virtual school visit.
From their home in Norfolk, William and Kate dialled into Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley on a video call.
They wanted to thank the teachers who have been keeping the school open for children who need it, as well as speak to some of the pupils whose parents are still having to work in places like Burnley Hospital nearby.
Image: Pupils at Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley show their artwork to the duke and duchess. Pic: Kensington Palace
The couple, who seemed incredibly relaxed, introduced themselves to the children as Catherine and William.
On the video call you also see them laughing and joking with the teachers and schoolchildren, who were all dressed in bunny ears for their Easter activities.
Kate joked, "We should have our bunny ears on", while also teasing Prince William for eating all the chocolate in the house as the teachers wished them a Happy Easter.
But the duke and duchess also spoke at length to the teachers about the challenges they're facing as a result of the restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.
Speaking to school staff, the duchess said: "Well done, honestly to you and everyone who's in during this time.
"It must be such a relief for all the parents who are key workers to know that the normality is there for their children - they've got the structure and they've got a safe place for them to be, so really really well done to all of you."
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Prince William said: "We just want to say a huge thank you to you guys and well done in keeping it all going. Please pass on many messages of support for all the staff and all the volunteers - they're doing a great job."
The school has remained open as a hub for the five academies, and even though it's the Easter holidays, it is still open to children of key workers and those who are vulnerable.
Image: The royals were in high spirits as they spoke to the children. Pic: Kensington Palace
Several children showed the couple pictures they had drawn of their parents and explained why they were proud of them.
Anita Ghidotti, chief executive of the Pendle Education Trust, of which the school is part of, said: "This is a really exciting thing to happen for any school, at any time, but the situation we're in and with all the bad news stories we're looking for any positives we can find.
"This was absolutely a positive experience for everyone involved, for the staff as well as the children, and they were beaming as they came out the children, proud of themselves and very excited."
Outside of school, teachers have also been helping with those who usually have free school meals and making sure children are still being supported emotionally through mental health provision.
Leala Porter, from the children's charity Place2be, of which Kate is Patron, said: "The anxieties haven't been directly about the coronavirus itself because there's been so much information that's being given out, that's at a child friendly level for them to access and understand it.
"It's been more around the having to go to three shops or five shops because they couldn't get bread, and not being able to go out to the shops with their mum maybe and those things that are the normal things in their lives.
She added: "Not being able to see grandparents, especially the younger ones, again having an understanding of that. And coming back to the routine and them not having a routine, that really has been the sense of the anxiety."
This virtual school visit was a first for the royal family, as they have all been forced to carry out engagements and work in different ways due to coronavirus.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A photograph of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall showing them dressed in casual clothes was released to mark their 15th wedding anniversary.
It's the first time we've seen the couple together since they came out of isolation, following the prince testing positive for COVID-19.
Image: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall with their dogs Beth and Bluebell. Pic: Clarence House.
As they are both over 70 they are now working from home, carrying out all their work over the phone or video calls.
In the photo, the couple are holding their pet dogs; the prince is holding Beth, and the duchess is holding Bluebell, both Jack Russell Terriers that were rescued by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, of which the Duchess of Cornwall is royal patron.
The photograph was taken in the front porch of Birkhall, their Scottish home on the Balmoral estate, by a member of staff.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Seven residents at care home die after contracting COVID-19

Seven residents at a care home in east London have died after contracting coronavirus .
Hawthorn Green Residential and Nursing Home , in Stepney Green , confirmed the residents had died three weeks after the home had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
One of the victims was Jamshad Ali , who is believed to have previously been a tailor for fashion company Burberry .
All of the patients who died also had multiple , chronic , underlying health conditions .
A total of 21 residents are also showing at least one sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently in the 60 capacity care home .
Mr Ali 's daughter , Luthfa Hood , paid tribute to her father , who came to England in 1962 from Bangladesh and settled in east London .
She told Sky News : `` He was very friendly , always liked to invite people in for supper and lunch , even when he was in the care home , he used to be really friendly with the doctors and nurses .
He was n't a shy person at all .
`` He worked very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed in working hard .
He always provided for us .
There was four of us and there was always food on the table . ''
Mr Ali , who died aged 87 , worked for Burberry until he was 73 .
`` He always looked smart regardless of what day or time it was , '' she said .
`` Dressing up was kind of essential .
And he always wanted other people , especially us , to look good . ''
A further 12 workers at the care home are self-isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms themselves or their family members showing symptoms .
Each worker has been supplied with PPE ( personal protective equipment ) to ensure the safety of the other residents and staff , a spokesman for Hawthorn Green said .
Proper hand-washing techniques and additional training for staff is taking place , he added .
Staff at the care home are remaining in contact with NHS and all relevant bodies to follow advice and procedures regarding infection control and barrier nursing .
The spokesman said : `` We wish to send our sincerest condolences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed away last month .
Mr Ali was a much-loved member of Hawthorn Green Care Home and he will be greatly missed - our hearts go out to his family .
`` Like many care homes across the UK , Hawthorn Green is now caring for residents who are symptomatic with COVID-19 .
`` We set a very low threshold for implementing our protocols and immediately upon detecting either a high temperature , a cough , shortness of breath or any combination of these each resident is cared for in isolation in accordance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have been advised that testing is not available in care homes in England .
`` During this challenging time , we have been communicating regularly and openly with all families regarding COVID-19 .
As soon as we were aware of the first suspected cases we wrote to families and staff that very same day and again when a resident tested positive in hospital . ''
It comes as three residents from a care home in Bexleyheath , south east London , have also died in hospital after contracting COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been admitted for illnesses not related to COVID-19 but then tested positive for the virus during their stay in hospital .
A spokeswoman for the care home said there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the care home for both staff and residents .
A total of nine people have died at the care home over the past six weeks , but none of them were suspected of having COVID-19 .
Six were on end of life care .
The spokeswoman added : `` The health and well-being of our residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are monitoring residents and colleagues closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and have put in place a number of measures to safeguard our residents , including asking that non-essential visitors do not visit the home and implementing our comprehensive and robust infection control processes .
`` We continue to work alongside Public Health England and the NHS to keep our residents and colleagues well during this time . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker NHS England announced on Wednesday another 828 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness .
The total number of deaths stands at 6,483 .
The latest figures count newly-confirmed deaths of hospital patients who have COVID-19 , reported up until 5pm on Tuesday .
They were aged between 22 and 103 , and 46 ( aged 35 to 96 ) had no known underlying health conditions .

Seven residents at a care home in east London have died after contracting coronavirus.
Hawthorn Green Residential and Nursing Home, in Stepney Green, confirmed the residents had died three weeks after the home had its first confirmed case of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
One of the victims was Jamshad Ali, who is believed to have previously been a tailor for fashion company Burberry.
All of the patients who died also had multiple, chronic, underlying health conditions.
Image: Jamshad Ali died aged 87 after contracting COVID-19 Pic: Luthfa Hood
A total of 21 residents are also showing at least one sign of COVID-19 out of 48 residents who are currently in the 60 capacity care home.
Mr Ali's daughter, Luthfa Hood, paid tribute to her father, who came to England in 1962 from Bangladesh and settled in east London.
She told Sky News: "He was very friendly, always liked to invite people in for supper and lunch, even when he was in the care home, he used to be really friendly with the doctors and nurses. He wasn't a shy person at all.
"He worked very, very hard. And he always believed in working hard. He always provided for us. There was four of us and there was always food on the table."
Mr Ali, who died aged 87, worked for Burberry until he was 73.
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"He always looked smart regardless of what day or time it was," she said. "Dressing up was kind of essential. And he always wanted other people, especially us, to look good."
A further 12 workers at the care home are self-isolating, with seven of them either having symptoms themselves or their family members showing symptoms.
The care home employs 114 people.
Each worker has been supplied with PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure the safety of the other residents and staff, a spokesman for Hawthorn Green said.
Proper hand-washing techniques and additional training for staff is taking place, he added.
Staff at the care home are remaining in contact with NHS and all relevant bodies to follow advice and procedures regarding infection control and barrier nursing.
The spokesman said: "We wish to send our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr Ali who passed away last month. Mr Ali was a much-loved member of Hawthorn Green Care Home and he will be greatly missed - our hearts go out to his family.
"Like many care homes across the UK, Hawthorn Green is now caring for residents who are symptomatic with COVID-19.
"We set a very low threshold for implementing our protocols and immediately upon detecting either a high temperature, a cough, shortness of breath or any combination of these each resident is cared for in isolation in accordance with strict infection control measures. Currently, we have been advised that testing is not available in care homes in England.
"During this challenging time, we have been communicating regularly and openly with all families regarding COVID-19. As soon as we were aware of the first suspected cases we wrote to families and staff that very same day and again when a resident tested positive in hospital."
It comes as three residents from a care home in Bexleyheath, south east London, have also died in hospital after contracting COVID-19.
The residents, from Maples Care Home, had been admitted for illnesses not related to COVID-19 but then tested positive for the virus during their stay in hospital.
A spokeswoman for the care home said there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the care home for both staff and residents.
A total of nine people have died at the care home over the past six weeks, but none of them were suspected of having COVID-19. Six were on end of life care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 How does coronavirus attack the body?
The spokeswoman added: "The health and well-being of our residents is our absolute priority.
"We are monitoring residents and colleagues closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and have put in place a number of measures to safeguard our residents, including asking that non-essential visitors do not visit the home and implementing our comprehensive and robust infection control processes.
"We continue to work alongside Public Health England and the NHS to keep our residents and colleagues well during this time."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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NHS England announced on Wednesday another 828 patients have died in hospital after contracting the illness.
The total number of deaths stands at 6,483.
The latest figures count newly-confirmed deaths of hospital patients who have COVID-19, reported up until 5pm on Tuesday.
They were aged between 22 and 103, and 46 (aged 35 to 96) had no known underlying health conditions.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson remains in ICU but is 'responding to treatment'

The prime minister remains in intensive care but is responding to treatment , Downing Street has said .
Boris Johnson remains in `` good spirits '' after spending his third night in hospital , his spokesman said .
The PM was admitted to St Thomas ' in London on Sunday night for tests after continuing to display symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
He was subsequently moved to intensive care on Monday night after his condition worsened .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson is no longer working while following the advice of doctors .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment '' and is `` breathing without any other assistance '' , his spokesman said .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been asked to step in for the PM where necessary , once again chaired the government 's daily coronavirus meeting on Wednesday morning .
Asked if anyone has been in contact with Mr Johnson , the spokesman responded : `` The PM is not working , he 's in intensive care , he has the ability to contact those that he needs to , he 's following the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that Number 10 was `` hugely grateful '' for the messages of support that have been sent to the PM since his hospital admission .
Britain is currently in the midst of a lockdown designed to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
When he announced the measures last month , Mr Johnson said they would be reviewed every three weeks .
On Easter Monday , it will be three weeks since the lockdown was imposed .
But the PM 's admission to hospital - and subsequent move to intensive care - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into question and raised fears of a power vacuum .
Downing Street said the three-week review of the lockdown will go ahead as planned , but that the public needed to `` stick with it '' at a `` critical time '' in the COVID-19 outbreak .
The PM 's spokesman said the review would take place `` on or around '' Easter Monday .
`` Our focus for now needs to be relentlessly upon stopping the transmission of this disease while building capacity in the NHS .
That is how we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We need to keep delivering a very clear message to the public that while this is difficult we need to stick with it .
`` We are at a critical time in our fight against coronavirus and they need to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
A health minister earlier told Sky News that it was `` not the right moment '' for the UK as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will be led by the scientific evidence of when is the right moment for the changes to be made , '' Edward Agar told Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
`` At the moment that is not the right moment . ''

The prime minister remains in intensive care but is responding to treatment, Downing Street has said.
Boris Johnson remains in "good spirits" after spending his third night in hospital, his spokesman said.
The PM was admitted to St Thomas' in London on Sunday night for tests after continuing to display symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Can government function without the PM?
He was subsequently moved to intensive care on Monday night after his condition worsened.
Downing Street said Mr Johnson is no longer working while following the advice of doctors.
He is receiving just the "standard oxygen treatment" and is "breathing without any other assistance", his spokesman said.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been asked to step in for the PM where necessary, once again chaired the government's daily coronavirus meeting on Wednesday morning.
Asked if anyone has been in contact with Mr Johnson, the spokesman responded: "The PM is not working, he's in intensive care, he has the ability to contact those that he needs to, he's following the advice of his doctors at all times."
He added that Number 10 was "hugely grateful" for the messages of support that have been sent to the PM since his hospital admission.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Theresa May on PM and cabinet leadership
Britain is currently in the midst of a lockdown designed to halt the spread of COVID-19.
When he announced the measures last month, Mr Johnson said they would be reviewed every three weeks.
On Easter Monday, it will be three weeks since the lockdown was imposed.
But the PM's admission to hospital - and subsequent move to intensive care - has thrown the timing of the review into question and raised fears of a power vacuum.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 'PM is a fighter - I'm confident he'll pull through'
Downing Street said the three-week review of the lockdown will go ahead as planned, but that the public needed to "stick with it" at a "critical time" in the COVID-19 outbreak.
The PM's spokesman said the review would take place "on or around" Easter Monday.
"Our focus for now needs to be relentlessly upon stopping the transmission of this disease while building capacity in the NHS. That is how we will save lives," he said.
"We need to keep delivering a very clear message to the public that while this is difficult we need to stick with it.
"We are at a critical time in our fight against coronavirus and they need to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
A health minister earlier told Sky News that it was "not the right moment" for the UK as a whole to consider relaxing the restrictions.
"We will be led by the scientific evidence of when is the right moment for the changes to be made," Edward Agar told Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"At the moment that is not the right moment."


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Claims of power vacuum as PM battles COVID-19 in intensive care

Senior cabinet ministers are facing questions about who is making the big decisions in government while Boris Johnson battles coronavirus in intensive care .
After England 's chief medical officer suggested mistakes had been made in the UK 's approach to testing , a strategy for increasing the number of COVID-19 tests is a key issue confronting the cabinet in the prime minister 's absence .
But the biggest dilemma for ministers is how and when to end the coronavirus lockdown .
Dominic Raab , the PM 's stand-in , has refused to confirm whether a decision on easing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he suggested it could be delayed .
There are now claims of a power vacuum at the heart of government after Downing Street revealed there are strict limitations on Mr Raab 's powers while he is deputising for Mr Johnson in key meetings .
There are also doubts in Whitehall about whether critical decisions on the lockdown can be taken without Mr Johnson 's input .
Mr Raab , who is first secretary of state as well as foreign secretary , has struggled to answer questions on whether he has the authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for a caretaker prime minister to be appointed - and Lord Heseltine , who was deputy prime minister under John Major , has called for greater clarity on the powers handed to Mr Raab .
`` There must come a time when a deputy is effectively prime minister , '' Lord Heseltine told The Daily Telegraph .
`` I do n't think we 've probably quite got to that now .
`` But the present urgency of the situation and the potential decisions that may need to be taken does mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discretion and know when to act . ''
When Mr Johnson announced the lockdown in his TV address on 23 March , he said it would be reviewed after three weeks .
But at the latest Downing Street news conference , Mr Raab said : `` We 're not at that stage yet . ''
After two nights in intensive care battling the virus , Mr Johnson 's condition is stable and he is in good spirits , according to Number 10 .
He is receiving oxygen but is not on a ventilator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM `` a colleague and a friend '' , Mr Raab said : `` I 'm confident he 'll pull through because if there 's one thing I know about this prime minister , he 's a fighter and he 'll be back at the helm leading us through this crisis in short order . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But it was plain from the PM 's most recent video appearance , last Friday , that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was admitted to St Thomas ' Hospital in London on Sunday evening .
Mr Johnson has now spent a third night in hospital - and since a large part of the 55-year-old 's stay has been spent in intensive care , Mr Raab 's claim that Mr Johnson will soon be back leading the government 's fight against coronavirus looks optimistic .
Prompting alarm among Tory MPs , medical experts are claiming Mr Johnson may be off work for at least a month , and his recovery from the shock of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the summer .
Professor Paul Hunter , an expert in infectious diseases at the University of East Anglia , told the Daily Mail : `` If you have been sick enough to go on intensive care and you survive - and only about half of patients survive - clearly you will need some time to recover .
`` I would expect most people who were that ill , to need at least a month or possibly two to be sufficiently back and to be able to function . ''
Professor Mike Grocott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and vice president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists , said : `` On average a person who spends a while in intensive care on oxygen therapy alone , but basically immobile , would have a decrease in physical function for a period of time , that was likely to extend into weeks .
`` A period of inactivity will have an effect on physical function , typically characterised by a loss in muscle mass and strength .
It depends on how bad the duration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also depends on the quality and amount of time invested in rehabilitation . ''

Senior cabinet ministers are facing questions about who is making the big decisions in government while Boris Johnson battles coronavirus in intensive care.
After England's chief medical officer suggested mistakes had been made in the UK's approach to testing, a strategy for increasing the number of COVID-19 tests is a key issue confronting the cabinet in the prime minister's absence.
But the biggest dilemma for ministers is how and when to end the coronavirus lockdown.
Image: Staff at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust wish the PM a speedy recovery
Dominic Raab, the PM's stand-in, has refused to confirm whether a decision on easing restrictions would be taken on Easter Monday - and he suggested it could be delayed.
There are now claims of a power vacuum at the heart of government after Downing Street revealed there are strict limitations on Mr Raab's powers while he is deputising for Mr Johnson in key meetings.
There are also doubts in Whitehall about whether critical decisions on the lockdown can be taken without Mr Johnson's input.
Mr Raab, who is first secretary of state as well as foreign secretary, has struggled to answer questions on whether he has the authority to change course.
Some MPs are calling for a caretaker prime minister to be appointed - and Lord Heseltine, who was deputy prime minister under John Major, has called for greater clarity on the powers handed to Mr Raab.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 'PM is a fighter - I'm confident he'll pull through'
"There must come a time when a deputy is effectively prime minister," Lord Heseltine told The Daily Telegraph. "I don't think we've probably quite got to that now.
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"But the present urgency of the situation and the potential decisions that may need to be taken does mean that Dominic Raab will have to use his discretion and know when to act."
When Mr Johnson announced the lockdown in his TV address on 23 March, he said it would be reviewed after three weeks.
Image: Flowers have been delivered to Downing Street while Boris Johnson is treated in intensive care
But at the latest Downing Street news conference, Mr Raab said: "We're not at that stage yet."
After two nights in intensive care battling the virus, Mr Johnson's condition is stable and he is in good spirits, according to Number 10. He is receiving oxygen but is not on a ventilator and does not have pneumonia.
Calling the PM "a colleague and a friend", Mr Raab said: "I'm confident he'll pull through because if there's one thing I know about this prime minister, he's a fighter and he'll be back at the helm leading us through this crisis in short order."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But it was plain from the PM's most recent video appearance, last Friday, that he was struggling to throw off the virus - and he was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday evening.
Mr Johnson has now spent a third night in hospital - and since a large part of the 55-year-old's stay has been spent in intensive care, Mr Raab's claim that Mr Johnson will soon be back leading the government's fight against coronavirus looks optimistic.
Prompting alarm among Tory MPs, medical experts are claiming Mr Johnson may be off work for at least a month, and his recovery from the shock of a spell in intensive care may last until the summer.
Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of East Anglia, told the Daily Mail: "If you have been sick enough to go on intensive care and you survive - and only about half of patients survive - clearly you will need some time to recover.
"I would expect most people who were that ill, to need at least a month or possibly two to be sufficiently back and to be able to function."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Liquid oxygen delivered to NHS Nightingale
Professor Mike Grocott, a consultant in critical care medicine at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and vice president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said: "On average a person who spends a while in intensive care on oxygen therapy alone, but basically immobile, would have a decrease in physical function for a period of time, that was likely to extend into weeks.
"A period of inactivity will have an effect on physical function, typically characterised by a loss in muscle mass and strength. It depends on how bad the duration and magnitude of illness was and it also depends on the quality and amount of time invested in rehabilitation."


news--2020-04-08--Priti Patel in bitter clash with Yvette Cooper over Commons committee no-show

Priti Patel is involved in a bitter clash over coronavirus with Labour 's Yvette Cooper , who has accused the home secretary of dodging scrutiny by MPs .
But in a furious exchange of letters Ms Patel has accused Ms Cooper , who chairs the House of Commons home affairs committee , of being `` adversarial '' and wasting civil servants ' time during the coronavirus crisis .
The row is over demands by Ms Cooper - in no fewer than six letters - for the home secretary to appear before her committee to answer questions about the Home Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegation against Ms Patel of evading scrutiny comes as her non-appearance , so far , at any of the daily Downing Street briefings on coronavirus is also being criticised , given the Home Office 's key role .
There will also be a suspicion that Ms Patel does not want to appear before Ms Cooper 's committee because she would be asked about bullying allegations and the resignation of her former Home Office permanent secretary Sir Philip Rutnam .
Ms Patel strenuously denies all allegations against her , which are still the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooper says MPs want to quiz Ms Patel about issues arising out of the coronavirus crisis ; such as domestic violence , policing and enforcement , testing and personal protection equipment for frontline staff , and quarantine arrangements .
But an angry Ms Patel has told Ms Cooper : `` I am disappointed at the increasingly adversarial tone of our exchanges and I am very sorry that you have declined my offer of regular briefings with officials and ministers at the Home Office .
`` I feel my proposal strikes an important balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny , while ensuring the committee can receive operationally sensitive , and sometimes classified , updates at this time of national emergency .
`` As I have said to you before , I am absolutely committed to ensuring the Home Office is better open to scrutiny and transparency .
`` But I am conscious of the need to give Home Office members of staff the time and space they need to carry out their essential duty of keeping the British public safe during this national crisis .
`` Nonetheless , I will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a session with the committee , on our response to COVID-19 , towards the end of the month . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Home Office spokesperson said : `` The home secretary has accepted the invitation to appear in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee before the end of April .
`` As expected , she is currently leading the Home Office response during this national crisis , working tirelessly to keep the British public safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not good enough , according to Ms Cooper , who wants the committee to question the home secretary next week , on April 15 , before the Commons is due to sit again after Easter on 21 April .
`` We believe that there is no reason for any delay beyond this date given the importance of timely public information on the Home Office response to coronavirus , '' Ms Cooper wrote in her latest letter .
She added her committee wants Ms Patel and the new permanent secretary - the Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` provide public information , answer urgent questions , and provide any reassurance that is needed that the Home Office is properly dealing with this crisis '' .
Ms Cooper wrote : `` These are urgent issues with serious consequences for the spread of the disease and the safety of the public which are for the most part neither operationally sensitive nor classified and on which public information is needed . ''
Since she became home secretary last July , Ms Patel has clashed several times with Ms Cooper , who has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Priti Patel is involved in a bitter clash over coronavirus with Labour's Yvette Cooper, who has accused the home secretary of dodging scrutiny by MPs.
But in a furious exchange of letters Ms Patel has accused Ms Cooper, who chairs the House of Commons home affairs committee, of being "adversarial" and wasting civil servants' time during the coronavirus crisis.
The row is over demands by Ms Cooper - in no fewer than six letters - for the home secretary to appear before her committee to answer questions about the Home Office's role in battling COVID-19.
Image: Yvette Cooper has written to Ms Patel six times
The allegation against Ms Patel of evading scrutiny comes as her non-appearance, so far, at any of the daily Downing Street briefings on coronavirus is also being criticised, given the Home Office's key role.
There will also be a suspicion that Ms Patel does not want to appear before Ms Cooper's committee because she would be asked about bullying allegations and the resignation of her former Home Office permanent secretary Sir Philip Rutnam.
Ms Patel strenuously denies all allegations against her, which are still the subject of an ongoing Whitehall inquiry.
Ms Cooper says MPs want to quiz Ms Patel about issues arising out of the coronavirus crisis; such as domestic violence, policing and enforcement, testing and personal protection equipment for frontline staff, and quarantine arrangements.
But an angry Ms Patel has told Ms Cooper: "I am disappointed at the increasingly adversarial tone of our exchanges and I am very sorry that you have declined my offer of regular briefings with officials and ministers at the Home Office.
"I feel my proposal strikes an important balance between ensuring the department receives that vital scrutiny, while ensuring the committee can receive operationally sensitive, and sometimes classified, updates at this time of national emergency.
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"As I have said to you before, I am absolutely committed to ensuring the Home Office is better open to scrutiny and transparency.
"But I am conscious of the need to give Home Office members of staff the time and space they need to carry out their essential duty of keeping the British public safe during this national crisis.
"Nonetheless, I will make myself and my permanent secretaries available for a session with the committee, on our response to COVID-19, towards the end of the month."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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A Home Office spokesperson said: "The home secretary has accepted the invitation to appear in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee before the end of April.
"As expected, she is currently leading the Home Office response during this national crisis, working tirelessly to keep the British public safe."
But the end of the month is not good enough, according to Ms Cooper, who wants the committee to question the home secretary next week, on April 15, before the Commons is due to sit again after Easter on 21 April.
"We believe that there is no reason for any delay beyond this date given the importance of timely public information on the Home Office response to coronavirus," Ms Cooper wrote in her latest letter.
She added her committee wants Ms Patel and the new permanent secretary - the Home Office's top civil servant - to "provide public information, answer urgent questions, and provide any reassurance that is needed that the Home Office is properly dealing with this crisis".
Ms Cooper wrote: "These are urgent issues with serious consequences for the spread of the disease and the safety of the public which are for the most part neither operationally sensitive nor classified and on which public information is needed."
Since she became home secretary last July, Ms Patel has clashed several times with Ms Cooper, who has a reputation as a formidable committee chair.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Trump threatens to cut off US funding to World Health Organisation

Donald Trump has threatened to cut off US funding to the World Health Organisation - accusing it of `` missing the call '' on the coronavirus pandemic .
The US president claimed the UN health agency has made errors of judgement in its handling of COVID-19 .
He also described the WHO as `` very China-centric '' - appearing to suggest the organisation went along with Beijing 's efforts to minimise the severity of the crisis .
The WHO has praised China for its transparency on the coronavirus , despite the fact there is reason to believe the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of fatalities .
Beijing is another major financial contributor to the UN health agency , prompting critics to claim that the WHO lacks the independence needed to properly fulfil its role .
During his daily White House press briefing , Mr Trump initially vowed that he was putting a hold on US funding .
He later backtracked and said he would `` strongly consider '' such a move .
The US is one of the World Health Organisation 's biggest financial backers .
In February , Mr Trump 's administration had called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from $ 122.6m ( £99.5m ) to $ 57.9m ( £47m ) .
Earlier on Tuesday , the president had tweeted : `` The WHO really blew it .
For some reason , funded largely by the United States , yet very China-centric .
We will be giving that a good look .
`` Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on .
Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation ? ''
The WHO has firmly rejected Mr Trump 's claims , with UN spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that the WHO has done tremendous work on COVID-19 .
`` In supporting countries with millions of pieces of equipment being shipped out , on helping countries with training , on providing global guidelines - WHO is showing the strength of the international health system . ''
Asked about Mr Trump 's remarks , the WHO official said on Wednesday that the acute phase of the pandemic `` is not the right time to cut back on funding '' .
He also addressed the president 's remarks that the virus was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was important to learn from the Chinese about the early stages of the outbreak , `` it had nothing to do with China specifically '' .
The president 's attack may be an attempt to deflect criticism about his handling of the pandemic , with the US now having the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide .
Mr Trump played down memos written by a senior adviser in January that warned a pandemic was possible - and that the crisis could cost the US trillions of dollars and put millions of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president claimed that he had not seen the memos at the time , adding that he would not have wanted to act prematurely .
He said : `` I do n't want to create havoc and shock and everything else .
I 'm not going to go out and start screaming 'This could happen , this could happen ' .
I 'm a cheerleader for this country . ''
The World Health Organisation had declared COVID-19 a public health emergency on 30 January , almost a month before Mr Trump tweeted `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the USA '' .
That declaration also came 43 days before Mr Trump declared a national emergency in the US .
Health experts have warned that weekly death totals will reach a new high in the US this week .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker More than 12,000 Americans have now died after testing positive for the virus , and there are approximately 380,000 confirmed infections .
Mr Trump says the US is starting to see glimmers of hope despite a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York state recorded 731 new coronavirus deaths on Tuesday , its biggest one-day jump yet .
In total , more than 4,000 people in New York City have now died after testing positive for COVID-19 - eclipsing the number of people who lost their lives on 9/11 , the deadliest terror attack to ever happen on US soil .

Donald Trump has threatened to cut off US funding to the World Health Organisation - accusing it of "missing the call" on the coronavirus pandemic.
The US president claimed the UN health agency has made errors of judgement in its handling of COVID-19.
He also described the WHO as "very China-centric" - appearing to suggest the organisation went along with Beijing's efforts to minimise the severity of the crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Light show as Wuhan opens up after lockdown
The WHO has praised China for its transparency on the coronavirus, despite the fact there is reason to believe the country's official tally does not reflect the true number of fatalities.
Beijing is another major financial contributor to the UN health agency, prompting critics to claim that the WHO lacks the independence needed to properly fulfil its role.
During his daily White House press briefing, Mr Trump initially vowed that he was putting a hold on US funding. He later backtracked and said he would "strongly consider" such a move.
The US is one of the World Health Organisation's biggest financial backers. In February, Mr Trump's administration had called for America's contribution to be slashed from $122.6m (£99.5m) to $57.9m (£47m).
Earlier on Tuesday, the president had tweeted: "The WHO really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China-centric. We will be giving that a good look.
"Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?"
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Image: Donald Trump conceded that the US is suffering a 'very, very painful week'
The WHO has firmly rejected Mr Trump's claims, with UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying: "It is clear that the WHO has done tremendous work on COVID-19.
"In supporting countries with millions of pieces of equipment being shipped out, on helping countries with training, on providing global guidelines - WHO is showing the strength of the international health system."
Asked about Mr Trump's remarks, the WHO official said on Wednesday that the acute phase of the pandemic "is not the right time to cut back on funding".
He also addressed the president's remarks that the virus was "China-centric" and said that while it was important to learn from the Chinese about the early stages of the outbreak, "it had nothing to do with China specifically".
The president's attack may be an attempt to deflect criticism about his handling of the pandemic, with the US now having the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 COVID-19 death rates soar in New York
Mr Trump played down memos written by a senior adviser in January that warned a pandemic was possible - and that the crisis could cost the US trillions of dollars and put millions of Americans at risk of illness or death.
The president claimed that he had not seen the memos at the time, adding that he would not have wanted to act prematurely.
He said: "I don't want to create havoc and shock and everything else. I'm not going to go out and start screaming 'This could happen, this could happen'. I'm a cheerleader for this country."
Image: Mr Trump initially vowed to cut off funding - but backtracked when pressed by a reporter
The World Health Organisation had declared COVID-19 a public health emergency on 30 January, almost a month before Mr Trump tweeted "the coronavirus is very much under control in the USA".
That declaration also came 43 days before Mr Trump declared a national emergency in the US.
Health experts have warned that weekly death totals will reach a new high in the US this week.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
More than 12,000 Americans have now died after testing positive for the virus, and there are approximately 380,000 confirmed infections.
Mr Trump says the US is starting to see glimmers of hope despite a "very, very painful week".
New York state recorded 731 new coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, its biggest one-day jump yet.
In total, more than 4,000 people in New York City have now died after testing positive for COVID-19 - eclipsing the number of people who lost their lives on 9/11, the deadliest terror attack to ever happen on US soil.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Another 938 patients die in UK - taking total to 7,097

Another 938 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals , taking the total to 7,097 .
The Department of Health said as of 9am on Wednesday , 232,708 people have been tested , of which 60,733 tested positive .
Overall , 282,074 tests have been carried out , with 14,682 tests on Tuesday .
In England , there have been 828 more deaths , with the total now 6,483 .
The latest figures , released by NHS England , count newly-confirmed deaths of hospital patients who have COVID-19 , reported up until 5pm on Tuesday .
Patients were aged between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 35 to 96 ) had no known underlying health condition .
The highest number of coronavirus fatalities came in London , with 201 , followed by 171 in the Midlands , where a temporary mortuary is nearing completion at Birmingham Airport .
Also reporting three figures were the North West with 128 the South East with 120 , and the North East with 101. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There were 70 deaths recorded in the East of England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the largest overall increase reported by NHS England so far .
The other home nations have also reported increases in deaths : • Five in Northern Ireland - total is 78 Those figures combined with NHS England 's total took the nationwide daily rise to 936 .
But the different home nations collate their figures at different times throughout the day , so there are sometimes discrepancies between the UK government 's total when adding up the individual numbers .
The latest increase came amid a growing sense that the UK lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which comes to an end on Monday .
Britons have been living under stringent restrictions on movement in the last few weeks since the prime minister announced unprecedented measures in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 disease .
Health minister Edward Argar told Kay Burley @ Breakfast it was `` not the right moment '' to make changes , with any decision likely to be made by the cabinet in the absence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
He remains in intensive care but is said to be responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales ' devolved government has already confirmed its measures will remain in place beyond the Easter weekend , taking the lockdown further than the three-weeks laid out by Downing Street last month .

Another 938 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals, taking the total to 7,097.
The Department of Health said as of 9am on Wednesday, 232,708 people have been tested, of which 60,733 tested positive.
Overall, 282,074 tests have been carried out, with 14,682 tests on Tuesday.
In England, there have been 828 more deaths, with the total now 6,483.
The latest figures, released by NHS England, count newly-confirmed deaths of hospital patients who have COVID-19, reported up until 5pm on Tuesday.
Patients were aged between 22 and 103, and 46 (aged 35 to 96) had no known underlying health condition.
The highest number of coronavirus fatalities came in London, with 201, followed by 171 in the Midlands, where a temporary mortuary is nearing completion at Birmingham Airport.
Also reporting three figures were the North West with 128 the South East with 120, and the North East with 101.
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There were 70 deaths recorded in the East of England and 37 in the South West.
It is the largest overall increase reported by NHS England so far.
Image: The NHS Nightingale has taken on its first patients
The other home nations have also reported increases in deaths:
70 in Scotland - a rise to 366
33 in Wales - total is 245
Five in Northern Ireland - total is 78
Those figures combined with NHS England's total took the nationwide daily rise to 936.
But the different home nations collate their figures at different times throughout the day, so there are sometimes discrepancies between the UK government's total when adding up the individual numbers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Can government function without the PM?
The latest increase came amid a growing sense that the UK lockdown will be extended beyond its original timeframe, which comes to an end on Monday.
Britons have been living under stringent restrictions on movement in the last few weeks since the prime minister announced unprecedented measures in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
Health minister Edward Argar told Kay Burley@Breakfast it was "not the right moment" to make changes, with any decision likely to be made by the cabinet in the absence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He remains in intensive care but is said to be responding to treatment for his coronavirus symtoms.
Wales' devolved government has already confirmed its measures will remain in place beyond the Easter weekend, taking the lockdown further than the three-weeks laid out by Downing Street last month.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Dr Anton Sebastianpillai dies at Kingston Hospital after testing positive

An NHS consultant has become the latest healthcare worker to die in the UK after contracting coronavirus .
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai was a long-serving member of the team at Kingston Hospital in southwest London .
His final shift as a consultant geriatrician came on 20 March , and after becoming ill with COVID-19 he was admitted to the hospital 's intensive care unit on 31 March .
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it was `` with great sadness '' that it could confirm Dr Sebastianpillai had passed away on Saturday after four days in intensive care due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Dr Sebastianpillai completed his last shift with us on 20 March and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family . ''
Dr Sebastianpillai , who was in his 70s , qualified as a doctor in Sri Lanka in 1967 .
The country 's high commission in London has hailed him as a `` distinguished alumnus '' of Peradeniya University 's medical school , and tweeted to say it was sad to learn of his death .
The Royal College of Physicians ( RCP ) also paid tribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the RCP family '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Dr Anton Sebastianpillai who died on Saturday , another valued member of the RCP family , '' the college tweeted .
`` Our thoughts are with his family , friends and colleagues at this devastating time . ''
The Liberal Democrats ' acting leader Sir Ed Davey , who is the MP for Kingston and Surbiton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` extremely sad news '' .
He tweeted to say he was `` hugely respected as a consultant and author '' who he had been `` privileged '' to have met , adding that a book the doctor had written about the history of Sri Lanka was `` world class '' .
`` My thoughts are with Dr Sebastianpillai 's wife and son , '' he added .
Sir Ed also tweeted to say that Dr Sebastianpillai had returned to the frontline to help the NHS with the pandemic , however his hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was still working and did not come out of retirement .
British Medical Association chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul told Sky News on Wednesday morning that 10 doctors had now died in the UK after contracting the disease .
Among those to have died are Dr Alfa Saadu , 68 , who was described as a `` living legend '' after answering the government 's call to return to the frontline to help combat the pandemic .
The first NHS doctor to die after testing positive for the illness was Dr Adil El Tayar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned whether he was given the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) he needed to work safely .
Several nurses have also died after contracting the coronavirus , including 36-year-old Areema Nasreen , who had no known underlying health conditions , and 39-year-old Aimee O'Rourke .

An NHS consultant has become the latest healthcare worker to die in the UK after contracting coronavirus.
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai was a long-serving member of the team at Kingston Hospital in southwest London.
His final shift as a consultant geriatrician came on 20 March, and after becoming ill with COVID-19 he was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit on 31 March.
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it was "with great sadness" that it could confirm Dr Sebastianpillai had passed away on Saturday after four days in intensive care due to the coronavirus.
The trust's spokesperson added: "Dr Sebastianpillai completed his last shift with us on 20 March and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:44 'My gratitude for the NHS has no limits'
Dr Sebastianpillai, who was in his 70s, qualified as a doctor in Sri Lanka in 1967.
The country's high commission in London has hailed him as a "distinguished alumnus" of Peradeniya University's medical school, and tweeted to say it was sad to learn of his death.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) also paid tribute, describing him as a "valued member of the RCP family".
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"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Dr Anton Sebastianpillai who died on Saturday, another valued member of the RCP family," the college tweeted.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time."
The Liberal Democrats' acting leader Sir Ed Davey, who is the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said Dr Sebastianpillai's death was "extremely sad news".
He tweeted to say he was "hugely respected as a consultant and author" who he had been "privileged" to have met, adding that a book the doctor had written about the history of Sri Lanka was "world class".
"My thoughts are with Dr Sebastianpillai's wife and son," he added.
Sir Ed also tweeted to say that Dr Sebastianpillai had returned to the frontline to help the NHS with the pandemic, however his hospital trust confirmed to Sky News that he was still working and did not come out of retirement.
British Medical Association chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul told Sky News on Wednesday morning that 10 doctors had now died in the UK after contracting the disease.
Among those to have died are Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, who was described as a "living legend" after answering the government's call to return to the frontline to help combat the pandemic.
The first NHS doctor to die after testing positive for the illness was Dr Adil El Tayar, 64, whose family have since questioned whether he was given the personal protective equipment (PPE) he needed to work safely.
Several nurses have also died after contracting the coronavirus, including 36-year-old Areema Nasreen, who had no known underlying health conditions, and 39-year-old Aimee O'Rourke.