news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: 'Test and protect' programme in Scotland to be rolled out this week

The programme to `` Test and Protect '' people in Scotland against coronavirus will begin on Thursday , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said .
At her regular daily news briefing , she said that health authorities now have the capacity to begin 15,000 coronavirus tests a day and the programme will be rolled out across all of Scotland 's 14 health boards .
She said a planned total of 2,000 tracers had been recruited , 700 of whom would be used in the early phase of contact tracing from the end of the week .
A couple of weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed down , she said , adding that a digital platform - which has already been on trial - would be provided for people to enter their contacts online .
It means that anyone in Scotland who has coronavirus symptoms will be able to get a test , and have their contacts traced if they return a positive result .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` This is a system that will operate at a scale not seen before in Scotland .
`` We have , of course , had testing and contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scale .
`` Over the first couple of weeks it will need to bed down but introducing it at the same time as we take the first very cautious steps out of lockdown gives us the opportunity to address any operational issues ahead of a potentially more substantial easing of restrictions at the next review date in three weeks . ''
She added that public health software that is already used to trace the contacts of those with other infectious illnesses has been scaled up , and urged people with symptoms not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone test positive for coronavirus , they will be asked to hand over the names of those they have been with face-to-face at a distance of less than two metres and for more than 15 minutes , who in turn will be contact told to self-isolate .
For privacy reasons , those contacted will not be told who tested positive .
Guidance for employers will be published by the Scottish government that will make it clear `` they should support any member of staff who is asked to self-isolate through Test and Protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Sturgeon added she has spoken to Westminster to `` ensure that employment rights and entitlement to benefits , including statutory sick pay , take account of the fact that people might be off work or unable to attend appointments through no fault of their own '' .
Being asked to isolate in this way is `` something that over the months ahead could happen to any of us on more than one occasion '' , Ms Sturgeon said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times during this process , '' she added , saying the information of tested persons will not be accessible by the Scottish Government and will be handled within the NHS .
The programme launch came as another 18 people died with COVID-19 in Scotland on Monday , with 29 people testing positive for the virus .

The programme to "Test and Protect" people in Scotland against coronavirus will begin on Thursday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
At her regular daily news briefing, she said that health authorities now have the capacity to begin 15,000 coronavirus tests a day and the programme will be rolled out across all of Scotland's 14 health boards.
She said a planned total of 2,000 tracers had been recruited, 700 of whom would be used in the early phase of contact tracing from the end of the week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:06 Up to 41,220 COVID-19 deaths recorded
A couple of weeks would be needed for the system to bed down, she said, adding that a digital platform - which has already been on trial - would be provided for people to enter their contacts online.
It means that anyone in Scotland who has coronavirus symptoms will be able to get a test, and have their contacts traced if they return a positive result.
Ms Sturgeon said: "This is a system that will operate at a scale not seen before in Scotland.
"We have, of course, had testing and contact tracing before, but we are substantially increasing the scale.
"Over the first couple of weeks it will need to bed down but introducing it at the same time as we take the first very cautious steps out of lockdown gives us the opportunity to address any operational issues ahead of a potentially more substantial easing of restrictions at the next review date in three weeks."
She added that public health software that is already used to trace the contacts of those with other infectious illnesses has been scaled up, and urged people with symptoms not to delay taking a test.
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Should someone test positive for coronavirus, they will be asked to hand over the names of those they have been with face-to-face at a distance of less than two metres and for more than 15 minutes, who in turn will be contact told to self-isolate.
For privacy reasons, those contacted will not be told who tested positive.
Guidance for employers will be published by the Scottish government that will make it clear "they should support any member of staff who is asked to self-isolate through Test and Protect".
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Ms Sturgeon added she has spoken to Westminster to "ensure that employment rights and entitlement to benefits, including statutory sick pay, take account of the fact that people might be off work or unable to attend appointments through no fault of their own".
Being asked to isolate in this way is "something that over the months ahead could happen to any of us on more than one occasion", Ms Sturgeon said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Drones trialled to deliver medical supplies in remote Scotland
"Your privacy will be respected at all times during this process," she added, saying the information of tested persons will not be accessible by the Scottish Government and will be handled within the NHS.
The programme launch came as another 18 people died with COVID-19 in Scotland on Monday, with 29 people testing positive for the virus.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Huge spikes in people searching for beer deliveries during lockdown

With pubs and bars being closed for more than two months now , many people are missing their favourite tipple from their local .
But amid the coronavirus lockdown , Britons have found a way to make do , with a huge rise in people searching for alcohol delivery services on Google .
In a big boost for doorstep booze services , data from eventsupplies.co.uk shows that searches for the delivery of beer have shot up by more than 2,000 % in parts of the UK .
In April , Edinburgh and Glasgow saw a whopping increase of 2,127 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same month last year .
The two cities also saw an increase of more than 40 % between March and April .
The people in the northern cities of Sheffield , Newcastle and Leeds have also taken to Google to find drink delivery services in their droves , with massive spikes in searches of 1,731 % , 1,556 % and 1,420 % respectively in April 2020 compared to April 2019 .
Londoners have made 1,232 % more searches for alcohol delivery services than this time last year , while those in Manchester searched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interest in alcohol delivery will likely be sustained well into the summer , with pubs and bars not to be allowed to reopen until 4 July at the absolute earliest .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokesperson for Event Supplies said : `` We 've been blown away by the figures in Scotland , with cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh showing more than 2,000 % year on year increases for beer delivery .
`` The hot weather is making more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pub , they are bringing the pub home .
`` The customer demand is also helping many businesses to find a way through the COVID-19 crisis .
`` Many companies were staring into the abyss as lockdown continues , but we are all now adapting to new operational practices , and it seems that we 're on the cusp of a boom for our economy . ''
Alcohol sales were up by 67 % before the UK went into lockdown , with many drinking at home in isolation .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effects of increased dependency could `` last a generation '' .

With pubs and bars being closed for more than two months now, many people are missing their favourite tipple from their local.
But amid the coronavirus lockdown, Britons have found a way to make do, with a huge rise in people searching for alcohol delivery services on Google.
In a big boost for doorstep booze services, data from eventsupplies.co.uk shows that searches for the delivery of beer have shot up by more than 2,000% in parts of the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
In April, Edinburgh and Glasgow saw a whopping increase of 2,127% and 2,100% respectively compared to the same month last year.
The two cities also saw an increase of more than 40% between March and April.
The people in the northern cities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Leeds have also taken to Google to find drink delivery services in their droves, with massive spikes in searches of 1,731%, 1,556% and 1,420% respectively in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
Londoners have made 1,232% more searches for alcohol delivery services than this time last year, while those in Manchester searched for doorstep booze 829% more.
The list in full:
Edinburgh - 2,127%
Glasgow - 2,100%
Sheffield - 1,731%
Newcastle - 1,556%
Leeds - 1,420%
London - 1,232%
Liverpool - 1,200 %
Bristol - 1,024%
Manchester - 829%
Birmingham - 781%
Nottingham - 685%
Cardiff - 500%
Interest in alcohol delivery will likely be sustained well into the summer, with pubs and bars not to be allowed to reopen until 4 July at the absolute earliest.
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A spokesperson for Event Supplies said: "We've been blown away by the figures in Scotland, with cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh showing more than 2,000% year on year increases for beer delivery.
"The hot weather is making more people thirsty and instead of heading out to the pub, they are bringing the pub home.
"The customer demand is also helping many businesses to find a way through the COVID-19 crisis.
"Many companies were staring into the abyss as lockdown continues, but we are all now adapting to new operational practices, and it seems that we're on the cusp of a boom for our economy."
Alcohol sales were up by 67% before the UK went into lockdown, with many drinking at home in isolation.
According to data in the British Medical Journal, the effects of increased dependency could "last a generation".


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: PM hit by resignation as battle over fate of adviser Dominic Cummings grows

Police have begun investigating Dominic Cummings 's alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules as anger continues to grow among Conservative MPs about the actions of the prime minister 's chief adviser .
More than 30 Tory MPs are now publicly calling for Mr Cummings , who is Boris Johnson 's most senior aide , to resign or be sacked .
The burgeoning revolt within the Conservative Party has also seen one government minister quit .
Retired chemistry teacher Robert Lees , who made a complaint to police after claiming he saw Mr Cummings and his family on 12 April at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sky News that he was interviewed by two police officers on Monday night .
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said : `` We can confirm that , over the last few days , Durham Constabulary has received further information and complaints from members of the public and we are reviewing and examining that information . ''
Mr Cummings is accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling with his wife and child from London to Durham , where they isolated with suspected coronavirus at a property on his parents ' farm .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Downing Street rose garden , Mr Cummings said he would not apologise , had no regrets and had not considered resigning .
The former Vote Leave boss said he had `` exceptional circumstances '' to decamp 260 miles north , after his wife came down with COVID-19 symptoms and he sought childcare help from his family in case the couple were incapacitated .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As well as the public calls from Tory backbenchers for Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moray MP Douglas Ross quit as a government minister on Tuesday .
He said Mr Cummings 's claim he had a valid excuse to travel during the coronavirus outbreak was `` not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked '' .
And an MP yet to go public with their concerns told Sky News : `` This is our Black Wednesday '' - in reference to the 1992 financial crisis suffered by former prime minister John Major 's Tory government .
Mr Ross stepped down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Mr Johnson published on Tuesday morning .
He wrote : `` I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgement on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family .
`` However , these were decisions many others felt were not available to them .
`` As a father myself , my instinct is to always do what is best for my son and wife .
We have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus but if we did , we are prepared to follow the government advice and stay at home to contain this virus .
`` While the intentions may have been well-meaning , the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings ' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked .
`` I have constituents who did n't get to say goodbye to loved ones ; families who could not mourn together ; people who did n't visit sick relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
`` I can not in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right . ''
His letter was followed minutes later by praise by the former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson , who said she was `` sorry '' to see a `` talented '' minister go .
Adam Tomkins , a Tory MSP , called the resignation a `` disaster '' and warned : `` It shows exactly why Cummings should be sacked .
I suspect others will follow where Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wragg added his voice to the calls , tweeting : `` We can not throw away valuable public and political good will any longer .
`` It 's humiliating and degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an adviser . ''
A Number 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had thanked Mr Ross for his service and `` regrets '' his decision to quit .
Labour said Mr Ross had `` done the decent thing '' and understood `` it 's not acceptable to have one rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another for everybody else '' .
Meanwhile , the Scottish National Party said it shows `` this issue transcends politics - it is about protecting trust and confidence in the public health advice '' .
A YouGov poll carried out after Mr Cummings 's lengthy statement on Monday found 71 % of Britons thought he did break lockdown rules - up 3 % from Sunday .
That includes a majority of Labour ( 88 % ) , Liberal Democrat ( 86 % ) and Conservative ( 56 % ) supporters , and Remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 63 % ) backers .
In total 59 % of those surveyed said Mr Cummings should resign , including a majority of Labour ( 76 % ) and Lib Dems ( 71 % ) as well as Remain ( 71 % ) and Leave ( 52 % ) voters - but falling to 46 % among Conservatives .
Mr Johnson has stood by Mr Cummings for moving to his parents ' farm in Durham from London at the start of March while Britons were told to `` stay at home '' at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted for the first time on Monday he made a trip to a beauty spot in the town of Barnard Castle , a 30-minute drive away , saying he wanted to check he could see well enough to drive back to London because his eyesight had been affected by the virus .
He has been defended for the journey , where he was spotted by a witness walking by a river , by senior colleagues .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the decision to have a `` test drive '' was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast on Tuesday : `` He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road ... '' I can understand why he just wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel . ''
Analysis : 'As an ex-referee , he believes in rules' You 've probably never heard of Douglas Ross .
But that 's partly why his resignation is significant .
Unlike some in parliament , he is not a trouble-maker .
Widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talented communicator , Mr Ross backed Boris Johnson to be Conservative leader last Summer .
In contrast to many of the older Tory MPs speaking out against Mr Cummings , Douglas Ross is young in political terms and had a bright future ahead of him .
He is 37-years-old and recently became a father .
As a former professional football referee , he believes in rules .
And with a small majority of just 513 , he knows he needs to be in step with the views of his constituents , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` did n't get to say goodbye to loved ones '' and `` could not mourn together '' .

Police have begun investigating Dominic Cummings's alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules as anger continues to grow among Conservative MPs about the actions of the prime minister's chief adviser.
More than 30 Tory MPs are now publicly calling for Mr Cummings, who is Boris Johnson's most senior aide, to resign or be sacked.
The burgeoning revolt within the Conservative Party has also seen one government minister quit.
Retired chemistry teacher Robert Lees, who made a complaint to police after claiming he saw Mr Cummings and his family on 12 April at Barnard Castle in County Durham, confirmed to Sky News that he was interviewed by two police officers on Monday night.
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: "We can confirm that, over the last few days, Durham Constabulary has received further information and complaints from members of the public and we are reviewing and examining that information."
Mr Cummings is accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling with his wife and child from London to Durham, where they isolated with suspected coronavirus at a property on his parents' farm.
In an unprecedented news conference on Monday, held in the Downing Street rose garden, Mr Cummings said he would not apologise, had no regrets and had not considered resigning.
The former Vote Leave boss said he had "exceptional circumstances" to decamp 260 miles north, after his wife came down with COVID-19 symptoms and he sought childcare help from his family in case the couple were incapacitated.
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As well as the public calls from Tory backbenchers for Mr Cummings to resign over the row, Moray MP Douglas Ross quit as a government minister on Tuesday.
He said Mr Cummings's claim he had a valid excuse to travel during the coronavirus outbreak was "not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked".
A senior Conservative figure predicted more resignations will follow.
And an MP yet to go public with their concerns told Sky News: "This is our Black Wednesday" - in reference to the 1992 financial crisis suffered by former prime minister John Major's Tory government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 What does the public think of top aide's explanation?
Mr Ross stepped down as a junior Scotland Office minister in a letter to Mr Johnson published on Tuesday morning.
He wrote: "I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgement on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family.
"However, these were decisions many others felt were not available to them.
"As a father myself, my instinct is to always do what is best for my son and wife. We have been fortunate not to have caught this awful virus but if we did, we are prepared to follow the government advice and stay at home to contain this virus.
"While the intentions may have been well-meaning, the reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked.
"I have constituents who didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn't visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government.
"I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right."
Image: Mr Cummings said he travelled to Durham to seek childcare
His letter was followed minutes later by praise by the former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson, who said she was "sorry" to see a "talented" minister go.
Adam Tomkins, a Tory MSP, called the resignation a "disaster" and warned: "It shows exactly why Cummings should be sacked. I suspect others will follow where Douglas has led."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Conservative backbencher William Wragg added his voice to the calls, tweeting: "We cannot throw away valuable public and political good will any longer.
"It's humiliating and degrading to their office to see ministers put out agreed lines in defence of an adviser."
Image: Mr Cummings claimed he drove his family to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight
A Number 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had thanked Mr Ross for his service and "regrets" his decision to quit.
Labour said Mr Ross had "done the decent thing" and understood "it's not acceptable to have one rule for Boris Johnson's closest adviser, another for everybody else".
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party said it shows "this issue transcends politics - it is about protecting trust and confidence in the public health advice".
Image: Douglas Ross in 2017. Pic: Peter Jolly/Shutterstock
A YouGov poll carried out after Mr Cummings's lengthy statement on Monday found 71% of Britons thought he did break lockdown rules - up 3% from Sunday.
That includes a majority of Labour (88%), Liberal Democrat (86%) and Conservative (56%) supporters, and Remain (81%) and Leave (63%) backers.
In total 59% of those surveyed said Mr Cummings should resign, including a majority of Labour (76%) and Lib Dems (71%) as well as Remain (71%) and Leave (52%) voters - but falling to 46% among Conservatives.
Mr Johnson has stood by Mr Cummings for moving to his parents' farm in Durham from London at the start of March while Britons were told to "stay at home" at the start of lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Mr Cummings also admitted for the first time on Monday he made a trip to a beauty spot in the town of Barnard Castle, a 30-minute drive away, saying he wanted to check he could see well enough to drive back to London because his eyesight had been affected by the virus.
He has been defended for the journey, where he was spotted by a witness walking by a river, by senior colleagues.
Image: Britons have been told to 'stay at home' since late March
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the decision to have a "test drive" was "wise".
He told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast on Tuesday: "He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road...
"I can understand why he just wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Cummings 'could have' gone straight to London
Analysis: 'As an ex-referee, he believes in rules'
By Joe Pike, political correspondent
You've probably never heard of Douglas Ross. But that's partly why his resignation is significant. Unlike some in parliament, he is not a trouble-maker.
Widely regarded as loyal, thoughtful and a talented communicator, Mr Ross backed Boris Johnson to be Conservative leader last Summer.
In contrast to many of the older Tory MPs speaking out against Mr Cummings, Douglas Ross is young in political terms and had a bright future ahead of him. He is 37-years-old and recently became a father. As a former professional football referee, he believes in rules.
And with a small majority of just 513, he knows he needs to be in step with the views of his constituents, some of whom he said in his resignation statement "didn't get to say goodbye to loved ones" and "could not mourn together".


news--2020-05-26--'Biggest step forward since crisis began': NHS to treat severe COVID-19 patients with Ebola drug

Some NHS patients with severe coronavirus symptoms will be treated with an Ebola drug after trials proved it led to a quicker recovery .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has hailed the development as the `` biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began '' .
The antiviral medicine remdesivir was developed for Hepatitis C and Ebola , but initial trials on COVID-19 patients showed it reduced the length of time they experienced symptoms from 15 days to 11 by working to stop the coronavirus reproducing .
It will now be prescribed for some adults and teenagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having been given the green light as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme .
The scheme , launched by the UK government in 2014 , tries to make certain drugs available for the seriously ill before they have market authorisation .
Mr Hancock said during the Downing Street daily briefing on Tuesday : `` Today I can announce we are beginning a new trial for selected NHS patients of an antiviral drug called remdesivir .
`` There have already been some promising results on coronavirus patients , with early data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around four days .
`` As you can understand , we 'll be prioritising the use of this treatment where it will provide the greatest benefit .
`` This is probably the biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News ' health correspondent Ashish Joshi says that while the search for a vaccine continues , this is the closest thing doctors `` have to a cure or treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Only a few patients will be given the drug and the government wo n't say how many , or how soon .
`` Matt Hancock is clearly very excited about this drug but we need to temper our expectations .
`` That 's because remdesivir is in extremely short supply .
Its producer has said it is increasing the global supply but it expects availability to be extremely limited for the next few months . ''
The Department for Health and Social Care worked with pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Products Regulatory Agency to clear remdesivir for use in the UK , a government spokesman said .
It has already been made available under similar initiatives in the US and Japan , following trials on 1,000 patients from the UK , US , France , Italy and China earlier this month .
President Donald Trump has said the US government is putting its `` full power and might '' behind remdesivir .
Mr Trump has promoted a number of existing disease treatments as possible options for coronavirus patients , most notably the anti-malaria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for taking the drug in a bid to ward off the virus , with the World Health Organisation having stopped trialling the treatment over fears it could cause more deaths in COVID-19 patients .
Innovation minister Lord Bethell said of the remdesivir decision : `` This shows fantastic progress .
`` As we navigate this unprecedented period , we must be on the front foot of the latest medical advancements , while always ensuring patient safety remains a top priority .
`` The latest expert scientific advice is at the heart of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to monitor remdesivir 's success in clinical trials across the country to ensure the best results for UK patients . ''

Some NHS patients with severe coronavirus symptoms will be treated with an Ebola drug after trials proved it led to a quicker recovery.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has hailed the development as the "biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began".
The antiviral medicine remdesivir was developed for Hepatitis C and Ebola, but initial trials on COVID-19 patients showed it reduced the length of time they experienced symptoms from 15 days to 11 by working to stop the coronavirus reproducing.
It will now be prescribed for some adults and teenagers suffering serious coronavirus symptoms in NHS hospitals, having been given the green light as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
Image: The drug has been trialled by Gilead Sciences in the US. Pic: Gilead Sciences
The scheme, launched by the UK government in 2014, tries to make certain drugs available for the seriously ill before they have market authorisation.
Mr Hancock said during the Downing Street daily briefing on Tuesday: "Today I can announce we are beginning a new trial for selected NHS patients of an antiviral drug called remdesivir.
"There have already been some promising results on coronavirus patients, with early data suggesting it can shorten recovery time by around four days.
"As you can understand, we'll be prioritising the use of this treatment where it will provide the greatest benefit.
"This is probably the biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began."
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Sky News' health correspondent Ashish Joshi says that while the search for a vaccine continues, this is the closest thing doctors "have to a cure or treatment for the disease".
He said: "Only a few patients will be given the drug and the government won't say how many, or how soon.
"Matt Hancock is clearly very excited about this drug but we need to temper our expectations.
"That's because remdesivir is in extremely short supply. Its producer has said it is increasing the global supply but it expects availability to be extremely limited for the next few months."
The Department for Health and Social Care worked with pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, the NHS, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to clear remdesivir for use in the UK, a government spokesman said.
It has already been made available under similar initiatives in the US and Japan, following trials on 1,000 patients from the UK, US, France, Italy and China earlier this month.
President Donald Trump has said the US government is putting its "full power and might" behind remdesivir.
Mr Trump has promoted a number of existing disease treatments as possible options for coronavirus patients, most notably the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.
He has been criticised for taking the drug in a bid to ward off the virus, with the World Health Organisation having stopped trialling the treatment over fears it could cause more deaths in COVID-19 patients.
Innovation minister Lord Bethell said of the remdesivir decision: "This shows fantastic progress.
"As we navigate this unprecedented period, we must be on the front foot of the latest medical advancements, while always ensuring patient safety remains a top priority.
"The latest expert scientific advice is at the heart of every decision we make, and we will continue to monitor remdesivir's success in clinical trials across the country to ensure the best results for UK patients."


news--2020-05-26--Tui share price leaps by more than 50% as Spain says it will welcome tourists from July

Shares in travel company Tui have rocketed by more than 50 % on the news that Spain will welcome tourists from July .
The Anglo-German firm gained 52.4 % by the close of trading on Tuesday , one of a number of travel stocks which got a boost after the southern European country said it will reopen its tourism industry without quarantine requirements .
Other big gainers included British Airways owner IAG which rose by 22.5 % and easyJet up by 19.3 % .
Ryanair climbed almost 12 % after confirming plans to resume 40 % of its normal schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come as a relief to many holidaymakers , as Spain is a popular destination for Britons .
It is also a good sign for Spain 's economy - tourism accounts for 12 % of the country 's GDP .
Spain was among a number of European travel destinations that would usually have been preparing for a busy summer when the coronavirus pandemic struck , killing more than 26,000 people in the country .
Greece , meanwhile , has said it will have cheaper tickets for sea travel from the mainland to Greek islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a list of countries - some of them from outside the EU - whose nationals will be allowed to enter without restrictions .
In Germany , all eyes are on 15 June , when the country is expected to lift an advisory against all international travel , in a move that would be welcomed by the many countries that benefit from German tourists .
German news agency DPA reported that a similar travel warning for the UK , the rest of the EU , and the four non-EU members of the Schengen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Liechtenstein - would be lifted on the same day , depending on continuing improvement in the coronavirus situation .
Hotels and cruise stocks also benefited from the renewed optimism on Tuesday : InterContinental was up 9.3 % , Park Plaza owners PPHE were up 7.3 % and Hilton Hotels in the US was up almost 5 % .
Also in the US , cruise company Carnival was up 13 % and Royal Caribbean Cruises rose by 12.3 % .
Travel and leisure stocks across Europe were up by almost 7 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.24 % by the close of trading .
The more UK-focused FTSE 250 was up just over 3.2 % .
But not everyone is positive .
Christopher Peel , the chief investment officer of Tavistock Wealth , said : `` Investors are trying to be optimistic here and think that everything is going to be ok. '' You ca n't fight it ...
I 'm not trying to fight it .
But it is totally disconnected from economic reality . ''
And the gain for Tui shares still leaves it around 52 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
IAG is down around 63 % from where it was at the same time .

Shares in travel company Tui have rocketed by more than 50% on the news that Spain will welcome tourists from July.
The Anglo-German firm gained 52.4% by the close of trading on Tuesday, one of a number of travel stocks which got a boost after the southern European country said it will reopen its tourism industry without quarantine requirements.
Other big gainers included British Airways owner IAG which rose by 22.5% and easyJet up by 19.3%. Ryanair climbed almost 12% after confirming plans to resume 40% of its normal schedule from 1 July.
Image: Beaches like this one in Palma de Mallorca could welcome British tourists from July
The news will come as a relief to many holidaymakers, as Spain is a popular destination for Britons. It is also a good sign for Spain's economy - tourism accounts for 12% of the country's GDP.
Spain was among a number of European travel destinations that would usually have been preparing for a busy summer when the coronavirus pandemic struck, killing more than 26,000 people in the country.
Greece, meanwhile, has said it will have cheaper tickets for sea travel from the mainland to Greek islands from the beginning of June and has published a list of countries - some of them from outside the EU - whose nationals will be allowed to enter without restrictions.
In Germany, all eyes are on 15 June, when the country is expected to lift an advisory against all international travel, in a move that would be welcomed by the many countries that benefit from German tourists.
German news agency DPA reported that a similar travel warning for the UK, the rest of the EU, and the four non-EU members of the Schengen zone - Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein - would be lifted on the same day, depending on continuing improvement in the coronavirus situation.
Hotels and cruise stocks also benefited from the renewed optimism on Tuesday: InterContinental was up 9.3%, Park Plaza owners PPHE were up 7.3% and Hilton Hotels in the US was up almost 5%.
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Also in the US, cruise company Carnival was up 13% and Royal Caribbean Cruises rose by 12.3%.
Travel and leisure stocks across Europe were up by almost 7% and the progress helped the FTSE 100 gain 1.24% by the close of trading. The more UK-focused FTSE 250 was up just over 3.2%.
But not everyone is positive.
Christopher Peel, the chief investment officer of Tavistock Wealth, said: "Investors are trying to be optimistic here and think that everything is going to be ok.
"You can't fight it ...I'm not trying to fight it. But it is totally disconnected from economic reality."
And the gain for Tui shares still leaves it around 52% down from where it started the year. IAG is down around 63% from where it was at the same time.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Liam Gallagher and Mark Owen to lead mass doorstep singalong for Manchester

Oasis star Liam Gallagher and Take That 's Mark Owen are leading a mass doorstep singalong to unite people in their home city of Manchester .
Together In One Voice will also see Tim Booth from James , Emeli Sande , Tom Walker and The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray introduce live renditions of their songs , with the public providing a chorus from their homes .
The aim of the one-off event is to celebrate the importance of community during the coronavirus lockdown , which has just entered its 10th week in the UK , and `` help combat feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health challenges '' .
Take That and Oasis were the two biggest acts to come out of Manchester in the 1990s , and fans can join in with opener Shine , introduced by Owen , while Gallagher - who has been keeping his followers amused with regular Twitter updates while he is stuck indoors - will introduce Wonderwall to close the show .
Featuring about 20 different community choirs and 30 musicians from across the city area , all those taking part have spent the last few weeks recording themselves playing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of Greater Manchester are being encouraged to join in and sing loudly from their doorsteps , windows , balconies and streets , with the artists introducing the setlist of songs via a live stream alongside other well-known showbiz faces .
Dan McDwyer , the event 's musical director , said : `` It 's been a huge task recording the choirs and 30 musicians including rhythm , horns and strings , plus coordinating sound engineers and mixing vocals from around 20 different choirs - all recording from their own homes safely within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment it 's going to be when those choirs , all singing in their bedrooms , are amplified by thousands of voices across Greater Manchester . ''
The songs will be streamed for people to join in via MIF Live - Manchester International Festival 's online channel - and broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester , alongside introductions and contributions from the stars behind the songs .
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said : `` It 's a moment to celebrate the strength of our communities and what people have done to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together In One Voice will help us all feel connected , despite the need to keep a distance , and will be one of those incredible occasions which make Greater Manchester so special . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The singalong is being captured on the night with drones , street cameras and residents ' own film clips , which will be edited together and shown online on Sunday .
You can join in at 7.30pm on Thursday , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clap for our Carers .

Oasis star Liam Gallagher and Take That's Mark Owen are leading a mass doorstep singalong to unite people in their home city of Manchester.
Together In One Voice will also see Tim Booth from James, Emeli Sande, Tom Walker and The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray introduce live renditions of their songs, with the public providing a chorus from their homes.
Image: Emeli Sande and Tom Walker (pictured below) are also taking part
The aim of the one-off event is to celebrate the importance of community during the coronavirus lockdown, which has just entered its 10th week in the UK, and "help combat feelings of isolation, depression, and other mental health challenges".
Take That and Oasis were the two biggest acts to come out of Manchester in the 1990s, and fans can join in with opener Shine, introduced by Owen, while Gallagher - who has been keeping his followers amused with regular Twitter updates while he is stuck indoors - will introduce Wonderwall to close the show.
Featuring about 20 different community choirs and 30 musicians from across the city area, all those taking part have spent the last few weeks recording themselves playing their instruments for the soundtrack.
And the residents of Greater Manchester are being encouraged to join in and sing loudly from their doorsteps, windows, balconies and streets, with the artists introducing the setlist of songs via a live stream alongside other well-known showbiz faces.
Together In One Voice playlist Take That Shine Martha And The Vandellas Dancing In The Streets Emeli Sande You Are Not Alone Tom Walker Leave A Light On James Sit Down M People Search For The Hero Oasis Wonderwall
Dan McDwyer, the event's musical director, said: "It's been a huge task recording the choirs and 30 musicians including rhythm, horns and strings, plus coordinating sound engineers and mixing vocals from around 20 different choirs - all recording from their own homes safely within social distancing.
"But what a moment it's going to be when those choirs, all singing in their bedrooms, are amplified by thousands of voices across Greater Manchester."
The songs will be streamed for people to join in via MIF Live - Manchester International Festival's online channel - and broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, alongside introductions and contributions from the stars behind the songs.
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Image: Fans of The Courteeners and James (below) can sing along to their hits
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: "It's a moment to celebrate the strength of our communities and what people have done to help each in these difficult times.
"Together In One Voice will help us all feel connected, despite the need to keep a distance, and will be one of those incredible occasions which make Greater Manchester so special."
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 Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The singalong is being captured on the night with drones, street cameras and residents' own film clips, which will be edited together and shown online on Sunday.
You can join in at 7.30pm on Thursday, just before what could be the last mass Clap for our Carers.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Deaths linked to COVID-19 have fallen to six-week low, official figures show

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in six weeks , according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics .
It said 4,210 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in the seven days to Friday 15 May .
That is the lowest total since week ending 3 April , when 3,801 were registered .
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has now exceeded 47,000 , according to Office for National Statistics figures .
There were 42,173 fatalities in England and Wales up to 15 May ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , the National Records of Scotland said 3,546 deaths involving COVID-19 had happened north of the border up to 17 May .
Also last week , the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said 664 deaths involving COVID-19 had been registered there up to 20 May .
Those figures together amount to 46,383 fatalities .
In addition , NHS England published figures on Monday showing a further 964 deaths between 16 and 24 May , bringing the total to more than 47,300 .
In its latest update , the ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` continued to decrease across all English regions '' .
The highest regional number of COVID-19 deaths in the country - 620 - was in the North West for the second consecutive week .
In Wales , 180 deaths were registered in the week to 15 May , accounting for 23.3 % of the total .
Across England and Wales as a whole , the number of fatalities from all causes was 14,573 .
That is 3,380 lower than a fortnight before , but 4,385 more than the five-year average .
The greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those aged 90 and over .
In the week to 15 May , 37.2 % of deaths in care homes in England and Wales involved COVID-19 , down from 39.2 % two week before .
The Department of Health 's figure for the total number of coronavirus-related UK deaths rose by 134 to 37,048 on Tuesday .
The news is bad - but not quite as bad as it looks .
In the week ending 15 May there were 4,385 more deaths in England and Wales than would historically happen in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase on the previous week and looking at the numbers alone , you might start to worry that the country is facing a second wave of deaths from the disease .
Indeed , look across the whole of the UK and with excess deaths it 's a similar picture .
But do n't despair too much because in large part these deaths are the product of a registration anomaly .
The previous week , week 19 , included the VE Day bank holiday , which meant one fewer day to register deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might seem trivial but such things matter .
The likelihood is that the number of excess deaths across the country is still on its way down , but at more gradual a rate than you might have thought , to judge from last week 's numbers .
But the overall picture is still of a country where more people are dying of the disease and , perhaps , of other causes , than you would expect at this time of year .
In many other countries which have faced COVID-19 outbreaks - France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people dying is now close to seasonal average levels .
In the UK , excess deaths remain elevated .
And when you look at where those deaths are happening another thing becomes apparent : the epicentre remains in care homes , where there are more excess deaths taking place than in hospitals or other settings .
In short , the mortality crisis has not gone away yet .
Look through the statistical anomalies and it 's not clear we are facing a second wave ; but the first wave is taking longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had hoped .

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in six weeks, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
It said 4,210 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in the seven days to Friday 15 May.
That is the lowest total since week ending 3 April, when 3,801 were registered.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has now exceeded 47,000, according to Office for National Statistics figures.
There were 42,173 fatalities in England and Wales up to 15 May (and registered up to 23 May).
Last week, the National Records of Scotland said 3,546 deaths involving COVID-19 had happened north of the border up to 17 May.
Also last week, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency said 664 deaths involving COVID-19 had been registered there up to 20 May.
Those figures together amount to 46,383 fatalities.
In addition, NHS England published figures on Monday showing a further 964 deaths between 16 and 24 May, bringing the total to more than 47,300.
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In its latest update, the ONS said the percentage of deaths involving coronavirus "continued to decrease across all English regions".
The highest regional number of COVID-19 deaths in the country - 620 - was in the North West for the second consecutive week.
In Wales, 180 deaths were registered in the week to 15 May, accounting for 23.3% of the total.
Across England and Wales as a whole, the number of fatalities from all causes was 14,573.
That is 3,380 lower than a fortnight before, but 4,385 more than the five-year average.
The greatest number of coronavirus fatalities continues to be in those aged 90 and over.
In the week to 15 May, 37.2% of deaths in care homes in England and Wales involved COVID-19, down from 39.2% two week before.
The Department of Health's figure for the total number of coronavirus-related UK deaths rose by 134 to 37,048 on Tuesday.
Analysis - Ed Conway, economics editor
The news is bad - but not quite as bad as it looks.
In the week ending 15 May there were 4,385 more deaths in England and Wales than would historically happen in that week of the year.
That marked an increase on the previous week and looking at the numbers alone, you might start to worry that the country is facing a second wave of deaths from the disease.
Indeed, look across the whole of the UK and with excess deaths it's a similar picture. But don't despair too much because in large part these deaths are the product of a registration anomaly.
The previous week, week 19, included the VE Day bank holiday, which meant one fewer day to register deaths at offices around the country.
That might seem trivial but such things matter. The likelihood is that the number of excess deaths across the country is still on its way down, but at more gradual a rate than you might have thought, to judge from last week's numbers.
But the overall picture is still of a country where more people are dying of the disease and, perhaps, of other causes, than you would expect at this time of year.
In many other countries which have faced COVID-19 outbreaks - France, Italy, Spain - the number of people dying is now close to seasonal average levels. In the UK, excess deaths remain elevated.
And when you look at where those deaths are happening another thing becomes apparent: the epicentre remains in care homes, where there are more excess deaths taking place than in hospitals or other settings.
In short, the mortality crisis has not gone away yet. Look through the statistical anomalies and it's not clear we are facing a second wave; but the first wave is taking longer to come to an end than many had hoped.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Shops reopening not 'like a tap turned back on', warns retail industry chief

The reopening of high street shops is not going to be `` like a tap turned back on '' with a return to business as usual , a retail industry boss has warned .
Speaking to Sky News ' Ian King Live programme , Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , suggested she expected that - following an initial uplift in trade with the easing of coronavirus restrictions - demand would remain subdued .
Her comments came as the Bank of England 's chief economist Andy Haldane warned there would be a period of `` prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted - and highlighted the risk of an extended `` lopsided V '' -shaped recovery .
However , while Mr Haldane thought the UK economy had probably shrunk by more than a fifth in the current quarter , the data was `` just a shade better '' than forecast .
Meanwhile , the markets responded positively with a hike in shares after Boris Johnson announced outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - as long as they kept customers safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets - can follow suit two weeks later , from 15 June .
Employers will face `` spot checks '' to make sure they are implementing social distancing , and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers .
Ms Dickinson told Sky News that non-essential retailers could learn safety measures from those shops that had remained open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think what we have seen in other markets is that on the immediate days after restrictions are lifted then there is an uptick of some pent-up demand .
`` But the real big question is what that looks like on an ongoing basis .
`` I think there is absolutely widespread recognition across the industry that there is no way that it 's going be like a tap turned back on and suddenly it will be completely business as usual .
`` I think demand will remain subdued both because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people can actually enter a shop at any particular point and because I think we all , as members of the public , will want to be confident and careful , and have a responsibility to do that too , in the way that we shop . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff , including : • Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor • Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas • Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly , including self-checkouts , trolleys , coffee machines and betting terminals Mr Johnson unveiled the next steps in his plan to `` unlock the lockdown '' on Monday , some nine weeks after strict `` stay at home '' measures began .
The announcement came as he faced continued questions about his support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser 's movements during lockdown .

The reopening of high street shops is not going to be "like a tap turned back on" with a return to business as usual, a retail industry boss has warned.
Speaking to Sky News' Ian King Live programme, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, suggested she expected that - following an initial uplift in trade with the easing of coronavirus restrictions - demand would remain subdued.
Her comments came as the Bank of England's chief economist Andy Haldane warned there would be a period of "prolonged caution" by people and businesses after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted - and highlighted the risk of an extended "lopsided V"-shaped recovery.
Image: Employers will face 'spot checks' to make sure they are implementing social distancing
However, while Mr Haldane thought the UK economy had probably shrunk by more than a fifth in the current quarter, the data was "just a shade better" than forecast.
Meanwhile, the markets responded positively with a hike in shares after Boris Johnson announced outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - as long as they kept customers safe.
All other non-essential retailers - including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets - can follow suit two weeks later, from 15 June.
Employers will face "spot checks" to make sure they are implementing social distancing, and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
Ms Dickinson told Sky News that non-essential retailers could learn safety measures from those shops that had remained open, such as supermarkets.
She added: "I think what we have seen in other markets is that on the immediate days after restrictions are lifted then there is an uptick of some pent-up demand.
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"But the real big question is what that looks like on an ongoing basis.
"I think there is absolutely widespread recognition across the industry that there is no way that it's going be like a tap turned back on and suddenly it will be completely business as usual.
"I think demand will remain subdued both because of the physical restrictions in terms of how many people can actually enter a shop at any particular point and because I think we all, as members of the public, will want to be confident and careful, and have a responsibility to do that too, in the way that we shop."
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
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff, including:
Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance
Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas
Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals
Mr Johnson unveiled the next steps in his plan to "unlock the lockdown" on Monday, some nine weeks after strict "stay at home" measures began.
The announcement came as he faced continued questions about his support for Dominic Cummings following controversy over the senior adviser's movements during lockdown.


news--2020-05-26--JK Rowling surprises fans by announcing new children's book to be released during lockdown

JK Rowling has announced she is set to release a previously unseen fairy tale story online for children in lockdown .
Revealing details of The Ickabog in a lengthy thread on Twitter , the author made it clear the story is nothing to do with her most famous creation , Harry Potter , but a stand-alone tale originally read to her own children at bedtime .
Written more than 10 years ago , it is a story Rowling says she always intended to publish , but never got round to it after writing two novels for adults after the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement announcing the details on her website , the writer says The Ickabog is `` a story about truth and the abuse of power '' , although answering the obvious question , `` is n't intended to be read as a response to anything that 's happening in the world right now '' .
The only other people who know The Ickabog are her two youngest children , she says , and she had begun to think of it as simply a family story .
However , with the UK in lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searched for the manuscript in her attic and has decided to serialise the story for free online , starting with the first two chapters at 3pm today .
She has also called on children to provide illustrations for a physical book , to be published in November .
Rowling says royalties from sales of The Ickabog will go to projects assisting groups particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Before that , there will be a total of 34 daily instalments online , with translations in other languages as well as English , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until Friday 10 July .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In her statement , Rowling says : `` The idea for The Ickabog came to me while I was still writing Harry Potter .
I wrote most of a first draft in fits and starts between Potter books , intending to publish it after Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows ... '' Over time I came to think of it as a story that belonged to my two younger children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in the evenings when they were little , which has always been a happy family memory .
`` A few weeks ago at dinner , I tentatively mooted the idea of getting The Ickabog down from the attic and publishing it for free , for children in lockdown .
`` My now teenagers were touchingly enthusiastic , so downstairs came the very dusty box , and for the last few weeks I 've been immersed in a fictional world I thought I 'd never enter again .
`` As I worked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapters nightly to the family again .
This was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my writing life , as The Ickabog 's first two readers told me what they remember from when they were tiny , and demanded the reinstatement of bits they 'd particularly liked ( I obeyed ) . ''
Rowling says the story was written as a read-aloud book but should be suitable for children aged seven to nine to read by themselves .
This is not the first initiative launched by the author for children in lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Potter At Home digital hub to provide entertainment for youngsters .
And at the beginning of May , Harry Potter himself , Daniel Radcliffe , returned to the wizarding world to recite the first chapter of the first ever book , Harry Potter And The Philosopher 's Stone , in an ongoing storytelling project also involving stars such as Stephen Fry and David Beckham .
On Sunday , Rowling offered to pay a year 's salary to the person responsible for a tweet from the Civil Service 's official account , which appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` arrogant , offensive truth twister '' .
The tweet , which was retweeted more than 32,000 times before it was deleted , was posted shortly after the prime minister used his Downing Street press conference that day to defend his chief adviser Dominic Cummings .
Cummings later went on to give his own press conference on Monday after the backlash to his lockdown trip to Durham from London continued to grow .

JK Rowling has announced she is set to release a previously unseen fairy tale story online for children in lockdown.
Revealing details of The Ickabog in a lengthy thread on Twitter, the author made it clear the story is nothing to do with her most famous creation, Harry Potter, but a stand-alone tale originally read to her own children at bedtime.
Written more than 10 years ago, it is a story Rowling says she always intended to publish, but never got round to it after writing two novels for adults after the final book in her wizarding series.
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In a statement announcing the details on her website, the writer says The Ickabog is "a story about truth and the abuse of power", although answering the obvious question, "isn't intended to be read as a response to anything that's happening in the world right now".
The only other people who know The Ickabog are her two youngest children, she says, and she had begun to think of it as simply a family story.
However, with the UK in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rowling searched for the manuscript in her attic and has decided to serialise the story for free online, starting with the first two chapters at 3pm today.
She has also called on children to provide illustrations for a physical book, to be published in November.
Rowling says royalties from sales of The Ickabog will go to projects assisting groups particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before that, there will be a total of 34 daily instalments online, with translations in other languages as well as English, each weekday on a new Ickabog website up until Friday 10 July.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In her statement, Rowling says: "The idea for The Ickabog came to me while I was still writing Harry Potter. I wrote most of a first draft in fits and starts between Potter books, intending to publish it after Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows...
"Over time I came to think of it as a story that belonged to my two younger children, because I'd read it to them in the evenings when they were little, which has always been a happy family memory.
"A few weeks ago at dinner, I tentatively mooted the idea of getting The Ickabog down from the attic and publishing it for free, for children in lockdown.
"My now teenagers were touchingly enthusiastic, so downstairs came the very dusty box, and for the last few weeks I've been immersed in a fictional world I thought I'd never enter again.
Image: The Ickabog is not a spin-off of Rowling's most famous creation, Harry Potter
"As I worked to finish the book, I started reading chapters nightly to the family again. This was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my writing life, as The Ickabog's first two readers told me what they remember from when they were tiny, and demanded the reinstatement of bits they'd particularly liked (I obeyed)."
Rowling says the story was written as a read-aloud book but should be suitable for children aged seven to nine to read by themselves.
This is not the first initiative launched by the author for children in lockdown - she also set up the Harry Potter At Home digital hub to provide entertainment for youngsters.
Image: Daniel Radcliffe has narrated the first chapter of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, with stars including David Beckham (below) also set to take part
Image: Five points for Gryffindor, Becks!
And at the beginning of May, Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, returned to the wizarding world to recite the first chapter of the first ever book, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, in an ongoing storytelling project also involving stars such as Stephen Fry and David Beckham.
On Sunday, Rowling offered to pay a year's salary to the person responsible for a tweet from the Civil Service's official account, which appeared to accuse Boris Johnson of being an "arrogant, offensive truth twister".
The tweet, which was retweeted more than 32,000 times before it was deleted, was posted shortly after the prime minister used his Downing Street press conference that day to defend his chief adviser Dominic Cummings.
Cummings later went on to give his own press conference on Monday after the backlash to his lockdown trip to Durham from London continued to grow.


news--2020-05-26--George Floyd: Protests as unarmed black man dies after police officer filmed kneeling on his neck

Protesters have clashed with police in the US following the death of an unarmed black man , who pleaded he could not breathe as a white officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest .
Footage of the restraint was shared widely online after a bystander filmed the policeman pinning the shirtless suspect , George Floyd , to the ground in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
Four officers involved in the arrest have since been fired , with the city 's mayor Jacob Frey saying : `` This is the right call . ''
Demonstrators took to the streets where Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying banners that read `` I ca n't breathe '' , as they marched towards a police station , where windows and a patrol car were damaged and graffiti was sprayed on the building .
A line of riot police eventually confronted them , firing tear gas and projectiles , which protesters kicked back towards them .
Some of the demonstrators used shopping trolleys to make a barricade at a nearby supermarket , and tense scuffles continued late into the evening .
One photographer tweeted a photo of what appeared to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullet wound , accompanied with the words `` spoke with Chris after he says he was hit by a rubber bullet as protest picks up '' .
The FBI and state agents are investigating after the death on Monday night .
The suspect can be heard saying `` please , please , I ca n't breathe '' in the footage .
He then adds : `` My stomach hurts .
My neck hurts .
Everything hurts . ''
Onlookers can be heard urging the police officer kneeling on the man to get off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect was not resisting arrest .
Police chief Medaria Arradondo said his department would conduct a full internal investigation , and prosecutors will decide whether to file criminal charges against the officers involved .
Officers had been called at about 8pm local time ( 2am UK time ) to a report of forgery at a business , police spokesman John Elder said .
Police found Mr Floyd , believed to be in his 40s , matching the suspect 's description in his car .
Mr Elder said in a statement : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car .
After he got out , he physically resisted officers .
`` Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress . ''
Police said Mr Floyd was taken by ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Centre where he died a short time later .
The names of the fired officers have not been released .
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension ( BCA ) has joined the FBI in its investigation .
All body camera footage has been turned over to the BCA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-custody deaths .
Nekima Levy-Armstrong , a prominent local activist , said watching the footage that was shared on social media made her `` sick to her stomach '' .
She told the Star Tribune in Minnesota : `` Whatever the man may have done should not have ended in a death sentence .
`` What started as an alleged economic incident once again turned deadly for a black man . ''
Ms Levy-Armstrong said it reminded her of the case of Eric Garner , an unarmed New York man who died after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police in 2014 .
He had pleaded for his life and said he could not breathe during the incident .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved , sparking protests around the country .
Mr Frey has urged those who might protest to take precautions and practice social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak on Tuesday .
Police in Minneapolis have come under scrutiny in recent years for deadly run-ins with citizens .
Jamar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot in the head and died in 2015 after a confrontation with two white officers responding to a reported assault .
A county prosecutor declined to prosecute the officers , saying Mr Clark was struggling for one of the officers ' guns when he was shot .
Meanwhile , a white woman , Justine Rusczcyk Damond , died in 2017 when she was shot in the stomach by a Minneapolis officer responding to her 911 call .
That officer , who is black , was convicted of manslaughter and murder and is @ @ @ @ @ @

Protesters have clashed with police in the US following the death of an unarmed black man, who pleaded he could not breathe as a white officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest.
Footage of the restraint was shared widely online after a bystander filmed the policeman pinning the shirtless suspect, George Floyd, to the ground in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Four officers involved in the arrest have since been fired, with the city's mayor Jacob Frey saying: "This is the right call."
Image: George Floyd could be heard saying he couldn't breathe as he was pinned to the ground
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Police officer kneels on neck of man who later died
Demonstrators took to the streets where Mr Floyd died, with some chanting and carrying banners that read "I can't breathe", as they marched towards a police station, where windows and a patrol car were damaged and graffiti was sprayed on the building.
A line of riot police eventually confronted them, firing tear gas and projectiles, which protesters kicked back towards them.
Some of the demonstrators used shopping trolleys to make a barricade at a nearby supermarket, and tense scuffles continued late into the evening.
One photographer tweeted a photo of what appeared to be a man whose leg had suffered a rubber bullet wound, accompanied with the words "spoke with Chris after he says he was hit by a rubber bullet as protest picks up".
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The FBI and state agents are investigating after the death on Monday night.
The suspect can be heard saying "please, please, I can't breathe" in the footage.
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He then adds: "My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts."
Image: People gathered to protest against the death of Mr Floyd
Image: Demonstrators at the scene where the suspect was detained
Onlookers can be heard urging the police officer kneeling on the man to get off him, with one pointing out the suspect was not resisting arrest.
Police chief Medaria Arradondo said his department would conduct a full internal investigation, and prosecutors will decide whether to file criminal charges against the officers involved.
Image: The police officer was seen kneeling on the suspect
Officers had been called at about 8pm local time (2am UK time) to a report of forgery at a business, police spokesman John Elder said.
Police found Mr Floyd, believed to be in his 40s, matching the suspect's description in his car.
Mr Elder said in a statement: "He was ordered to step out from his car. After he got out, he physically resisted officers.
"Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress."
Image: Police clashed with protesters following George Floyd's death
Police said Mr Floyd was taken by ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Centre where he died a short time later.
The names of the fired officers have not been released.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has joined the FBI in its investigation.
All body camera footage has been turned over to the BCA, which investigates most police shootings and in-custody deaths.
Image: The suspect died in hospital shortly after his arrest
Nekima Levy-Armstrong, a prominent local activist, said watching the footage that was shared on social media made her "sick to her stomach".
She told the Star Tribune in Minnesota: "Whatever the man may have done should not have ended in a death sentence.
"What started as an alleged economic incident once again turned deadly for a black man."
Ms Levy-Armstrong said it reminded her of the case of Eric Garner, an unarmed New York man who died after he was placed in a chokehold by police in 2014.
He had pleaded for his life and said he could not breathe during the incident.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved, sparking protests around the country.
Mr Frey has urged those who might protest to take precautions and practice social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak on Tuesday.
Police in Minneapolis have come under scrutiny in recent years for deadly run-ins with citizens.
Image: Jamar Clark was shot in November 2016
Image: A memorial where Jamar Clark was shot by police
Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old black man, was shot in the head and died in 2015 after a confrontation with two white officers responding to a reported assault.
A county prosecutor declined to prosecute the officers, saying Mr Clark was struggling for one of the officers' guns when he was shot.
Meanwhile, a white woman, Justine Rusczcyk Damond, died in 2017 when she was shot in the stomach by a Minneapolis officer responding to her 911 call.
That officer, who is black, was convicted of manslaughter and murder and is serving a 12-year prison sentence.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte didn't visit dying mother due to lockdown restrictions

The Dutch prime minister did not get to visit his dying mother in her final weeks because he was following lockdown restrictions , his office has said .
Mark Rutte 's mother Mieke Rutte-Dilling died aged 96 at her care home in The Hague on 13 May , the PM said in a statement .
He was unable to visit her before she died because he was following his government 's guidelines about not visiting care homes , with his office saying : `` The prime minister has complied with all directives . ''
Mrs Rutte-Dilling did not die of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease at her residential home , Dutch media reported .
Paying tribute to her , Mr Rutte said : `` In addition to the great sadness and all fond memories , my family and I also have a feeling of gratitude that we were allowed to have her with us for so long . ''
He added that he had `` said goodbye to her in a family circle '' before the Netherlands ' COVID-19 lockdown was imposed on 20 March .
It comes amid a furious backlash in the UK over Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London home to his parents ' farm in County Durham during lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Boris Johnson 's senior aide has refused to apologise and says he will not resign because his move was in `` exceptional circumstances '' .
Dutch officials reintroduced social visits to some care homes on Monday , which will be extended across the board on 15 June .
The Netherlands has imposed an `` intelligent lockdown '' with fewer restrictions than many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus deaths and 45,445 infections , compared to 36,996 deaths in the UK and 262,547 confirmed cases .

The Dutch prime minister did not get to visit his dying mother in her final weeks because he was following lockdown restrictions, his office has said.
Mark Rutte's mother Mieke Rutte-Dilling died aged 96 at her care home in The Hague on 13 May, the PM said in a statement.
He was unable to visit her before she died because he was following his government's guidelines about not visiting care homes, with his office saying: "The prime minister has complied with all directives."
Mrs Rutte-Dilling did not die of coronavirus, despite an outbreak of the disease at her residential home, Dutch media reported.
Paying tribute to her, Mr Rutte said: "In addition to the great sadness and all fond memories, my family and I also have a feeling of gratitude that we were allowed to have her with us for so long."
He added that he had "said goodbye to her in a family circle" before the Netherlands' COVID-19 lockdown was imposed on 20 March.
It comes amid a furious backlash in the UK over Dominic Cummings's decision to travel from his London home to his parents' farm in County Durham during lockdown.
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Boris Johnson's senior aide has refused to apologise and says he will not resign because his move was in "exceptional circumstances".
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Dutch officials reintroduced social visits to some care homes on Monday, which will be extended across the board on 15 June.
The Netherlands has imposed an "intelligent lockdown" with fewer restrictions than many other European countries.
There has been 5,830 virus deaths and 45,445 infections, compared to 36,996 deaths in the UK and 262,547 confirmed cases.