news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Summer holidays in doubt after two-week quarantine rule imposed - how will it work?

Questions remain over whether Britons will be able to go on holiday abroad this summer after the home secretary announced two-week quarantines will be imposed on new arrivals to the UK and returning citizens from 8 June .
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on Friday , Priti Patel also said the government 's guidance continued to be that all but essential travel abroad was advised against .
The mandatory self-isolation measure is aimed at preventing a new wave of coronavirus from overseas .
People coming from Ireland , medics tackling COVID-19 and seasonal agricultural workers will be exempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a form providing their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise .
They will also be contacted regularly during the 14 days to ensure their compliance .
Those who breach the terms of self-isolation will be hit with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or a prosecution with an unlimited fine .
Devolved nations can set out their own enforcement approaches .
Today , the French government revealed that any UK passengers arriving in France from 8 June onwards will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be asked to quarantine for two weeks from Monday , it added .
Across the channel , UK Border Force will be able to refuse entry to foreign citizens who are not UK residents during checks , while removal from the country could be used as a last resort , the Home Office said .
Arrivals will be advised to use personal transport to head to their accommodation and once there not leave for 14 days .
They will also not be allowed to accept visitors , unless they are providing essential support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy food or other essentials `` where they can rely on others '' , the Home Office added .
The department said if accommodation does not meet necessary requirements , with hotels or with friends and family listed as options , the person will have to self-isolate in `` facilities arranged by the government '' .
The Home Office also said arrivals would be encouraged to download the NHS contact-tracing app at the border `` once rolled out nationally '' .
Ms Patel said : `` As the world begins to emerge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border .
`` We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave .
`` I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures .
But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others . ''
The announcement is likely to anger the aviation industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be disastrous for them .
Ministers were continuing to consider forging so-called air bridges with other nations that have low transmission rates in order to allow some international travel .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Fresh questions will also be asked why the measure was not imposed early on in the pandemic .
Home Office chief scientific adviser Professor John Aston said : `` The scientific advice so far has been clear : while there has been significant community transmission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of putting in place additional border restrictions would have been negligible to the spread of the virus .
`` However , the spread of the virus within the UK is now lessening .
We have been successful in getting the reproduction number R - the average number of new people infected by one infected person - below 1 .
`` As the number of infections within the UK drops , we must now manage the risk of transmissions being reintroduced from elsewhere . ''
A full list of exemptions from the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will include : • Medical professionals travelling to help the coronavirus effort • Anyone moving from within the common travel area covering Ireland , the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man • Seasonal agricultural workers who will self-isolate on the property they are working

Questions remain over whether Britons will be able to go on holiday abroad this summer after the home secretary announced two-week quarantines will be imposed on new arrivals to the UK and returning citizens from 8 June.
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on Friday, Priti Patel also said the government's guidance continued to be that all but essential travel abroad was advised against.
The mandatory self-isolation measure is aimed at preventing a new wave of coronavirus from overseas.
People coming from Ireland, medics tackling COVID-19 and seasonal agricultural workers will be exempt.
Passengers will have to fill in a form providing their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise.
They will also be contacted regularly during the 14 days to ensure their compliance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Home Secretary Priti Patel - £1,000 fines for passengers breaking isolation rules
Those who breach the terms of self-isolation will be hit with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or a prosecution with an unlimited fine. Devolved nations can set out their own enforcement approaches.
Today, the French government revealed that any UK passengers arriving in France from 8 June onwards will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days.
Spanish passengers arriving in France will be asked to quarantine for two weeks from Monday, it added.
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Across the channel, UK Border Force will be able to refuse entry to foreign citizens who are not UK residents during checks, while removal from the country could be used as a last resort, the Home Office said.
Arrivals will be advised to use personal transport to head to their accommodation and once there not leave for 14 days.
They will also not be allowed to accept visitors, unless they are providing essential support, and should not go out to buy food or other essentials "where they can rely on others", the Home Office added.
The department said if accommodation does not meet necessary requirements, with hotels or with friends and family listed as options, the person will have to self-isolate in "facilities arranged by the government".
The Home Office also said arrivals would be encouraged to download the NHS contact-tracing app at the border "once rolled out nationally".
Ms Patel said: "As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border.
"We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave.
"I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures. But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others."
The announcement is likely to anger the aviation industry, with airlines warning the measures could be disastrous for them.
Ministers were continuing to consider forging so-called air bridges with other nations that have low transmission rates in order to allow some international travel.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Fresh questions will also be asked why the measure was not imposed early on in the pandemic.
Home Office chief scientific adviser Professor John Aston said: "The scientific advice so far has been clear: while there has been significant community transmission of the virus within the UK, the impact of putting in place additional border restrictions would have been negligible to the spread of the virus.
"However, the spread of the virus within the UK is now lessening. We have been successful in getting the reproduction number R - the average number of new people infected by one infected person - below 1.
"As the number of infections within the UK drops, we must now manage the risk of transmissions being reintroduced from elsewhere."
A full list of exemptions from the measure will be published online, but it will include:


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: 'COVID-19 crisis has brought us closer together', say Northern Ireland's political lead

Coronavirus: 'COVID-19 crisis has brought us closer together', say Northern Ireland's political leaders

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland 's devolved government say their response to COVID-19 shows unionists and nationalists can work together .
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had been sharing power for just 10 weeks when confronted with the global coronavirus pandemic .
Mrs Foster , the DUP leader , said in an interview aired on Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` We had to deal with that in a very fast time and I think we have shown we can work together in difficult times .
`` I 'm not saying it 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic but I think it shows that we have come together and that we can work together in the way that we have , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill , who disagreed on the timing of school closures at the start of the crisis , dismissed it as `` a difference of emphasis but not necessarily in approach '' .
The Sinn Fein leader at Stormont told Sky News : `` Executive colleagues have worked very closely together to try to chart our way through this as best we can with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives . ''
Mrs Foster is staunchly pro-Union and Ms O'Neill passionate about Irish unity but they insist their polar-opposite views on the constitutional question are no hindrance to their political partnership .
The DUP leader said : `` Michelle and I come from completely different political backgrounds , we have different political philosophies but there are things that we share in common .
`` It 's the common ground which we 've been trying to concentrate on during this crisis and indeed throughout the devolved experience and that 's what 's driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from time to time .
I think Michelle has used the phrase 'to differ but to differ well ' and I think that is the key to all of this , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill agreed : `` I believe the past number of months , because of COVID-19 probably , has brought us all closer together in so far as we are having to work around the clock to take this on .
`` When I walk through the door of the Assembly or the Executive , I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm here as a partner in a power-sharing government .
I 'm here to try to make it work .
`` Neither of us is going to cease to have that view , it 's legitimate for us both to have that view but it 's our job to govern for people here . ''
`` Whilst I make the case of Irish unity and Arlene will make the case for maintaining the link with Britain , that 's just politics , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill revealed that both their mothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks and said they had worries like everyone else .
She said : `` Sometimes people think politicians are a people apart , that somehow we live a different reality , our reality 's the same as everybody else 's . ''
When asked what she was finding difficult about lockdown , Mrs Foster conceded : `` I miss my hairdresser… and I miss congregational singing in church . ''

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland's devolved government say their response to COVID-19 shows unionists and nationalists can work together.
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had been sharing power for just 10 weeks when confronted with the global coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Foster, the DUP leader, said in an interview aired on Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We had to deal with that in a very fast time and I think we have shown we can work together in difficult times.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:51 Foster: We need to prevent a second spike in NI
"I'm not saying it's a good thing we've had a global pandemic but I think it shows that we have come together and that we can work together in the way that we have," she added.
Ms O'Neill, who disagreed on the timing of school closures at the start of the crisis, dismissed it as "a difference of emphasis but not necessarily in approach".
The Sinn Fein leader at Stormont told Sky News: "Executive colleagues have worked very closely together to try to chart our way through this as best we can with that one objective, to try to save lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Power-sharing resumes in NI Assembly
Mrs Foster is staunchly pro-Union and Ms O'Neill passionate about Irish unity but they insist their polar-opposite views on the constitutional question are no hindrance to their political partnership.
The DUP leader said: "Michelle and I come from completely different political backgrounds, we have different political philosophies but there are things that we share in common.
Image: Mrs Foster is staunchly pro-Union
"It's the common ground which we've been trying to concentrate on during this crisis and indeed throughout the devolved experience and that's what's driving us."
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"We will differ from time to time. I think Michelle has used the phrase 'to differ but to differ well' and I think that is the key to all of this," she added.
Ms O'Neill agreed: "I believe the past number of months, because of COVID-19 probably, has brought us all closer together in so far as we are having to work around the clock to take this on.
Image: Ms O'Neill is passionate about Irish unity
"When I walk through the door of the Assembly or the Executive, I don't cease to be a republican but I'm here as a partner in a power-sharing government. I'm here to try to make it work.
"Neither of us is going to cease to have that view, it's legitimate for us both to have that view but it's our job to govern for people here."
"Whilst I make the case of Irish unity and Arlene will make the case for maintaining the link with Britain, that's just politics," she added.
Ms O'Neill revealed that both their mothers had been admitted to hospital in recent weeks and said they had worries like everyone else.
She said: "Sometimes people think politicians are a people apart, that somehow we live a different reality, our reality's the same as everybody else's."
When asked what she was finding difficult about lockdown, Mrs Foster conceded: "I miss my hairdresser… and I miss congregational singing in church."


news--2020-05-22--Piers Morgan's lockdown behaviour 'irresponsible and disgusting', Lord Sugar says

Lord Alan Sugar has accused Piers Morgan of `` scaremongering '' during the coronavirus pandemic , calling his behaviour `` disgusting '' .
Speaking to Sarah-Jane Mee on her new Sky News podcast In This Together , The Apprentice star said : `` He 's just gone completely over the top and in the early stages of [ the COVID-19 pandemic ] scaremongering , and his constant hammering of the government is absolutely irresponsible and disgusting to be honest . ''
When asked by Mee whether their friendship was beyond repair , Lord Sugar said : `` I basically do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frank .
I think he 's enjoyed it , enjoyed trying to make a name for himself .
`` When this is all over who knows .
Do I care ?
No .
I could n't give a damn to be honest with you .
But I 'm not going to stand by and remain silent when I see him spewing out so much rubbish unfairly against the government . ''
Clarifying his political position , Lord Sugar added : `` Let me make it perfectly clear , the government 's not perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're learning as we 're going along . ''
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The 73-year-old 's sparring with Morgan , 55 , began in 2007 , when the journalist took part in a charity version of The Apprentice , and was swiftly fired by the businessman .
They have locked horns many times over the ensuing years , with their public spats frequently playing out on social media .
Up until now , the bickering has been in relatively good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just last year Lord Sugar appeared on Piers Morgan 's Life Stories .
Last year they even holidayed in the south of France together .
However , their love-hate relationship took a turn for the worse earlier this year , after Morgan spoke out against Boris Johnson 's government for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
And just this month , Lord Sugar riled his ex-pal after asking him if he 'd `` been buying followers '' on Twitter .
Morgan has 7.5 million followers , while Lord Sugar has 5.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sugar as `` a former friend '' .
Assessing the government 's management of the global health crisis thus far , Lord Sugar admits : `` We 've got caught with our trousers down , so to speak .
`` I mean no one has ever been through anything like this and we have to learn as we go along what to do and I think it 's unreasonable to expect that the government should be fully aware of what they need to do .
`` It 's kind of a learning curve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best they possibly can .
I do n't think they 're deliberately going out of their way not to help , but it is a learning curve . ''
Lord Sugar also praised the resourcefulness of the nation 's businesses throughout the lockdown .
`` That 's the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur or good business people to realise what they can do rather than sit back and moan , just to get on and do something about it .
`` Restaurants have been doing takeaway for example , some people have jumped on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have realised that there is a business to be had in the healthcare industry , so they 've adapted very well and good luck to them . ''
The full interview with Lord Sugar is included in Mee 's In This Together podcast , which aims to celebrate uplifting moments during the coronavirus outbreak .
Comedian Katherine Ryan also joins in the podcast chat .
# InThisTogether is available on Spotify , Apple Music and wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts .

Lord Alan Sugar has accused Piers Morgan of "scaremongering" during the coronavirus pandemic, calling his behaviour "disgusting".
Speaking to Sarah-Jane Mee on her new Sky News podcast In This Together, The Apprentice star said: "He's just gone completely over the top and in the early stages of [the COVID-19 pandemic] scaremongering, and his constant hammering of the government is absolutely irresponsible and disgusting to be honest."
Image: Lord Sugar appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories
When asked by Mee whether their friendship was beyond repair, Lord Sugar said: "I basically don't care really, to be perfectly frank. I think he's enjoyed it, enjoyed trying to make a name for himself.
"When this is all over who knows. Do I care? No. I couldn't give a damn to be honest with you. But I'm not going to stand by and remain silent when I see him spewing out so much rubbish unfairly against the government."
Clarifying his political position, Lord Sugar added: "Let me make it perfectly clear, the government's not perfect, mistakes have been made and they're learning as we're going along."
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The 73-year-old's sparring with Morgan, 55, began in 2007, when the journalist took part in a charity version of The Apprentice, and was swiftly fired by the businessman.
They have locked horns many times over the ensuing years, with their public spats frequently playing out on social media.
Up until now, the bickering has been in relatively good spirits, and to prove the point, just last year Lord Sugar appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories.
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Image: Morgan was not impressed with Lord Sugar's Twitter followers dig
Last year they even holidayed in the south of France together.
However, their love-hate relationship took a turn for the worse earlier this year, after Morgan spoke out against Boris Johnson's government for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
And just this month, Lord Sugar riled his ex-pal after asking him if he'd "been buying followers" on Twitter. Morgan has 7.5 million followers, while Lord Sugar has 5.3 million.
Morgan has since described Lord Sugar as "a former friend".
Assessing the government's management of the global health crisis thus far, Lord Sugar admits: "We've got caught with our trousers down, so to speak.
"I mean no one has ever been through anything like this and we have to learn as we go along what to do and I think it's unreasonable to expect that the government should be fully aware of what they need to do.
"It's kind of a learning curve. I think they've done the best they possibly can. I don't think they're deliberately going out of their way not to help, but it is a learning curve."
Image: Morgan's been critical of the handling of the crisis on both sides of the Atlantic
Lord Sugar also praised the resourcefulness of the nation's businesses throughout the lockdown.
"That's the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur or good business people to realise what they can do rather than sit back and moan, just to get on and do something about it.
"Restaurants have been doing takeaway for example, some people have jumped on the bandwagon of making masks, some people have realised that there is a business to be had in the healthcare industry, so they've adapted very well and good luck to them."
The full interview with Lord Sugar is included in Mee's In This Together podcast, which aims to celebrate uplifting moments during the coronavirus outbreak.
Comedian Katherine Ryan also joins in the podcast chat.
#InThisTogether is available on Spotify, Apple Music and wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Sky News has contacted Piers Morgan for comment.


news--2020-05-24--Hong Kong protesters hit with teargas as world figures condemn China's plans for security law

Police have fired teargas at protesters in Hong Kong after nearly 200 political figures from around the world condemned China 's plans for new security laws .
Hundreds of demonstraters clashed with security officials in Hong Kong 's Wanchai district on Sunday over Beijing 's proposals to set up government intelligence bases in the territory .
Protesters were seen cowering behind umbrellas as officers with shields fired the gas to try to disperse crowds of activists and journalists carrying `` Free Hong Kong '' signs .
China says it wants to prevent a repeat of last year 's riots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have allowed islanders to be extradited to the mainland .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government says the laws are necessary to `` prevent , stop and punish '' such protests in the future , after the last demonstrations crippled the territory for months .
Leading democracy activist Joshua Wong defended the decision to protest in violation of Hong Kong 's ban on gatherings of more than eight people amid the coronavirus outbreak .
He described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end '' and said `` time is really running out '' for the pro-democracy movement .
International tension over the security legislation is rising fast , with 17 members of US congress joining those criticising the move across the world .
In a joint statement organised by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind , 186 law and policy leaders said the proposed laws are a `` comprehensive assault on the city 's autonomy and rule of law '' .
They say the laws threaten `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flagrant breach '' of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 .
`` If the international community can not trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong , people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters , '' they wrote .
The legislation comes as the relationship between Washington and Beijing is at a low ebb after Donald Trump blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic .
US officials have said the Chinese legislation would be bad for the economies of both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory 's special status in US law .
China has dismissed other countries ' complaints as meddling .
Some of the US president 's fellow Republicans - Senator Marco Rubio , acting chairman of the Intelligence Committee , and Senator Ted Cruz - signed the statement .
Democratic signatories included Senator Bob Menendez , the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , and Representatives Eliot Engel , head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , and Adam Schiff , chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee .
In London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Lords also signed the statement , alongside figures from across Europe , Asia , Australia and North America .

Police have fired teargas at protesters in Hong Kong after nearly 200 political figures from around the world condemned China's plans for new security laws.
Hundreds of demonstraters clashed with security officials in Hong Kong's Wanchai district on Sunday over Beijing's proposals to set up government intelligence bases in the territory.
Protesters were seen cowering behind umbrellas as officers with shields fired the gas to try to disperse crowds of activists and journalists carrying "Free Hong Kong" signs.
China says it wants to prevent a repeat of last year's riots, which were triggered by a bill that would have allowed islanders to be extradited to the mainland.
Image: Protesters in masks were forced to flee when police fired teargas at them in Wanchai, Hong Kong on Sunday
Image: One activist is seen running away from crowds
Image: Police with riot shields try to disperse crowds in Wanchai
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government says the laws are necessary to "prevent, stop and punish" such protests in the future, after the last demonstrations crippled the territory for months.
Leading democracy activist Joshua Wong defended the decision to protest in violation of Hong Kong's ban on gatherings of more than eight people amid the coronavirus outbreak.
He described the security proposals as the "beginning of the end" and said "time is really running out" for the pro-democracy movement.
International tension over the security legislation is rising fast, with 17 members of US congress joining those criticising the move across the world.
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Image: Activists in masks carry "Free Hong Kong" signs
Image: Protesters wear masks amid coronavirus restrictions in Hong Kong
In a joint statement organised by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind, 186 law and policy leaders said the proposed laws are a "comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy and rule of law".
They say the laws threaten "fundamental freedoms" and are a "flagrant breach" of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.
"If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters," they wrote.
The legislation comes as the relationship between Washington and Beijing is at a low ebb after Donald Trump blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic.
US officials have said the Chinese legislation would be bad for the economies of both Hong Kong and China and could jeopardise the territory's special status in US law.
China has dismissed other countries' complaints as meddling.
Image: Democracy activist Joshua Wong (pictured in November) defended today's protests
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 Hong Kong to adopt China's controversial security law
Some of the US president's fellow Republicans - Senator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz - signed the statement.
Democratic signatories included Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Eliot Engel, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.
In London, 44 MPs and eight members of the House of Lords also signed the statement, alongside figures from across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Nurse who treated Boris Johnson 'should be given medal', says ex patient

A nurse who was singled out by Boris Johnson for helping save his life should be given a medal according to another patient she treated .
David Cotton was in intensive care in Guy 's and St Thomas ' hospitals in 2017 after suffering a seizure brought on by a tumour in his chest .
He had nothing but praise for New Zealander Jenny McGee , whom the prime minister said stood by his bedside in St Thomas ' hospital for 48 hours while he was being treated for COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson said the NHS had `` saved my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was moved to intensive care as his coronavirus symptoms worsened .
Mr Cotton , from Shoreham-by-Sea , said : `` She saved my life without doubt .
`` She 's a fabulous , vivacious , wonderful personality and tremendous sense of humour , but at the same time , 100 % professional ... thoroughly dedicated .
`` There 's all these noises and machines and ventilators and all kinds of electronic measuring equipment , alarms , people are running around .
It 's a very fearful atmosphere .
`` And somebody like Jenny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all she surveys , but at the same time , keeping calm and throwing in the odd joke and comment , keeping spirits up .
`` And in that typically wonderful New Zealand way , was able to call a spade a spade and make everyone feel great .
`` I would imagine she would have gone perfectly with Boris Johnson because she would n't have taken any truck from him .
`` You feel you 're in wonderfully safe hands with somebody like Jenny .
I ca n't praise her enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give her some form of medal because of the work she does . ''
The prime minister spent seven nights at St Thomas ' Hospital in central London , three of them in intensive care .
In a video recorded after his release on Sunday , he praised the hospital 's workers , giving particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from the New Zealand city of Invercargill and Luis from Portugal .
It later emerged he was talking about Ms McGee and Luis Pitarma , neither of whom have given interviews so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families and others who know them , as well as leaders from their home countries .
Ms McGee 's father said she was blown away by all the attention .

A nurse who was singled out by Boris Johnson for helping save his life should be given a medal according to another patient she treated.
David Cotton was in intensive care in Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in 2017 after suffering a seizure brought on by a tumour in his chest.
He had nothing but praise for New Zealander Jenny McGee, whom the prime minister said stood by his bedside in St Thomas' hospital for 48 hours while he was being treated for COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 'A surreal time, something she'd never forget'
Mr Johnson said the NHS had "saved my life, no question" after he was moved to intensive care as his coronavirus symptoms worsened.
Mr Cotton, from Shoreham-by-Sea, said: "She saved my life without doubt.
Image: David Cotton, who was treated by Jenny McGee when he was in Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals
"She's a fabulous, vivacious, wonderful personality and tremendous sense of humour, but at the same time, 100% professional... thoroughly dedicated.
"There's all these noises and machines and ventilators and all kinds of electronic measuring equipment, alarms, people are running around. It's a very fearful atmosphere.
"And somebody like Jenny, she's kind of master of all she surveys, but at the same time, keeping calm and throwing in the odd joke and comment, keeping spirits up.
"And in that typically wonderful New Zealand way, was able to call a spade a spade and make everyone feel great.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 Johnson praises NHS staff
"I would imagine she would have gone perfectly with Boris Johnson because she wouldn't have taken any truck from him.
"You feel you're in wonderfully safe hands with somebody like Jenny. I can't praise her enough. And I think the prime minister should give her some form of medal because of the work she does."
The prime minister spent seven nights at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, three of them in intensive care.
In a video recorded after his release on Sunday, he praised the hospital's workers, giving particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from the New Zealand city of Invercargill and Luis from Portugal.
It later emerged he was talking about Ms McGee and Luis Pitarma, neither of whom have given interviews so far, but have been praised by their families and others who know them, as well as leaders from their home countries.
Ms McGee's father said she was blown away by all the attention.


news--2020-04-23--Iran hits back after Trump says US will shoot Iranian gunboats 'out of the water'

Iran has hit back after Donald Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea .
Tehran responded by saying it will destroy `` any American terrorist force '' if its security is threatened in the Gulf .
It comes as tensions escalate between the two countries again , with Iran 's Republican Guard announcing the launch of the country 's first military satellite .
Mr Trump said on Twitter : `` I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' At a briefing later , he said that he was not changing the military 's rules of engagement , adding : `` We 're covered - we 're covered 100 % '' .
He said : `` We do n't want their gunboats surrounding our boats and travelling around our boats and having a good time .
`` We 're not going to stand for it ... they 'll shoot them out of the water . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of Iran 's elite Revolutionary Guards , Hossein Salami , said : `` I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American terrorist force in the Persian Gulf that threatens security of Iran 's military or non-military ships .
`` Security of the Persian Gulf is part of Iran 's strategic priorities . ''
He added : `` I am telling the Americans that we are absolutely determined and serious in defending our national security , our water borders , our shipping safety , and our security forces , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Americans have experienced our power in the past and must learn from it . ''
Last week , the US Navy said 11 Iranian gunboats had behaved in a `` dangerous and harassing '' way towards US vessels in the Persian Gulf .
But Iran blamed the US .
Deputy Secretary of Defence David Norquist told reporters : `` The president issued an important warning to the Iranians , what he was emphasising is all of our ships retain the right of self-defence . ''
General Abolfazl Shekarchi , a spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump of `` bullying '' and said he should focus on his country 's coronavirus problem .
The US has more than 840,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , including 3,500 cases within the US military .
Meanwhile , there are fears that Iran 's satellite launch will allow it to develop ballistic missiles capable of threatening the US , although Tehran denies this .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the launch could be a breach of a United Nations resolution which `` called upon '' Iran to stop working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said Iran needed to be `` held accountable for what they have done '' , although some states argued that the language of the resolution did not make Iran 's compliance obligatory .
It comes after a number of recent events have tested relations between the two countries .
On 3 January , the US killed Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's elite Quds Force , in a drone strike in Iraq .
Iran retaliated five days later with a rocket attack on an Iraqi base housing US troops .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nuclear deal between Iran and other world powers , reimposing sanctions on Iran .

Iran has hit back after Donald Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea.
Tehran responded by saying it will destroy "any American terrorist force" if its security is threatened in the Gulf.
It comes as tensions escalate between the two countries again, with Iran's Republican Guard announcing the launch of the country's first military satellite.
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Mr Trump said on Twitter: "I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea."
At a briefing later, he said that he was not changing the military's rules of engagement, adding: "We're covered - we're covered 100%".
He said: "We don't want their gunboats surrounding our boats and travelling around our boats and having a good time.
"We're not going to stand for it...they'll shoot them out of the water."
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Responding on state TV, the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, said: "I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American terrorist force in the Persian Gulf that threatens security of Iran's military or non-military ships.
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"Security of the Persian Gulf is part of Iran's strategic priorities."
He added: "I am telling the Americans that we are absolutely determined and serious in defending our national security, our water borders, our shipping safety, and our security forces, and we will respond decisively to any sabotage.
"Americans have experienced our power in the past and must learn from it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 Iranian boats 'harass' US Navy warships
Last week, the US Navy said 11 Iranian gunboats had behaved in a "dangerous and harassing" way towards US vessels in the Persian Gulf. But Iran blamed the US.
Deputy Secretary of Defence David Norquist told reporters: "The president issued an important warning to the Iranians, what he was emphasising is all of our ships retain the right of self-defence."
General Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran's armed forces, accused Mr Trump of "bullying" and said he should focus on his country's coronavirus problem.
The US has more than 840,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 3,500 cases within the US military.
Meanwhile, there are fears that Iran's satellite launch will allow it to develop ballistic missiles capable of threatening the US, although Tehran denies this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Iran says it has launched military satellite
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the launch could be a breach of a United Nations resolution which "called upon" Iran to stop working on missiles designed to carry nuclear weapons.
He said Iran needed to be "held accountable for what they have done", although some states argued that the language of the resolution did not make Iran's compliance obligatory.
It comes after a number of recent events have tested relations between the two countries.
On 3 January, the US killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, in a drone strike in Iraq.
Iran retaliated five days later with a rocket attack on an Iraqi base housing US troops.
In 2018, Mr Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal between Iran and other world powers, reimposing sanctions on Iran.


news--2020-04-23--Furloughing FTSE-100 companies paid £321m to CEOs since 2015

FTSE-100 companies which have taken advantage of taxpayer subsidies to support employees ' wages have awarded more than £300m to their chief executives since 2015 , a report will say next week .
Sky News has learnt that the High Pay Centre will publish analysis showing that 18 members of London 's blue-chip share index which have disclosed their use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme have handed their bosses a mammoth £321m during the last five years .
The figures are likely to ignite fresh scrutiny of companies ' use of the furloughing scheme , which is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first four months of its operation .
Among the FTSE-100 companies which have accessed the salary subsidy programme are Associated British Foods , the owner of Primark , easyJet , the low-cost airline which has grounded its entire fleet because of the pandemic , and Melrose Industries , the owner of aerospace group GKN .
Sources said that the High Pay Centre , which campaigns on executive remuneration issues , would also disclose in its report that the same 18 companies paid £12bn in dividends to shareholders between 2015 and 2019 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £42bn in profit during the period .
Many FTSE-100 companies have cut , suspended or cancelled dividends as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak , and the vast majority of those have also cut executive pay .
In many cases , those businesses have furloughed thousands of employees in an attempt to conserve cash through what could be a protracted economic recovery .
Pay cuts for 2020 have ranged from three-month reductions of 20 % to basic salaries , to deferrals of long-term share awards .
Some UK banks have cancelled bonus schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by regulators to abandon proposed dividend payments .
The decision of some FTSE-100 companies to seek government funding has already drawn scrutiny from leading institutional investors , such as Legal & General Investment Management and Schroders .
Shareholders have warned boards that they want them to use their discretion to reduce pay awards for executives commensurate with the support they receive from UK taxpayers .
Last month , the High Pay Centre said the government `` should impose maximum pay ratios between the highest-paid and median employees of bailed-out companies at an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding to do more for low and middle earners '' .
It added that `` it is reasonable to expect certain social and environmental commitments in return for public money , particularly in areas such as tax or pay and working conditions , that have proved controversial for big business in the past '' .
There are signs , however , that some FTSE-100 companies which have not accessed any of the government 's emergency funding schemes plan to ignore the public mood by pressing ahead with pay rises for their chief executives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News revealed that AstraZeneca , the drugs giant , and British American Tobacco are likely to face shareholder revolts at their annual general meetings in the next few weeks over their bosses ' pay .
The High Pay Centre , which is expected to publish its research early next week , declined to comment on Thursday evening .

FTSE-100 companies which have taken advantage of taxpayer subsidies to support employees' wages have awarded more than £300m to their chief executives since 2015, a report will say next week.
Sky News has learnt that the High Pay Centre will publish analysis showing that 18 members of London's blue-chip share index which have disclosed their use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme have handed their bosses a mammoth £321m during the last five years.
The figures are likely to ignite fresh scrutiny of companies' use of the furloughing scheme, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than £40bn for the first four months of its operation.
Among the FTSE-100 companies which have accessed the salary subsidy programme are Associated British Foods, the owner of Primark, easyJet, the low-cost airline which has grounded its entire fleet because of the pandemic, and Melrose Industries, the owner of aerospace group GKN.
Sources said that the High Pay Centre, which campaigns on executive remuneration issues, would also disclose in its report that the same 18 companies paid £12bn in dividends to shareholders between 2015 and 2019.
The same group of businesses recorded an aggregate £42bn in profit during the period.
Many FTSE-100 companies have cut, suspended or cancelled dividends as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the vast majority of those have also cut executive pay.
In many cases, those businesses have furloughed thousands of employees in an attempt to conserve cash through what could be a protracted economic recovery.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 'Pretty shocking': COVID-19 economic impact
Pay cuts for 2020 have ranged from three-month reductions of 20% to basic salaries, to deferrals of long-term share awards.
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Some UK banks have cancelled bonus schemes for this year after they were forced by regulators to abandon proposed dividend payments.
The decision of some FTSE-100 companies to seek government funding has already drawn scrutiny from leading institutional investors, such as Legal & General Investment Management and Schroders.
Shareholders have warned boards that they want them to use their discretion to reduce pay awards for executives commensurate with the support they receive from UK taxpayers.
Last month, the High Pay Centre said the government "should impose maximum pay ratios between the highest-paid and median employees of bailed-out companies at an initial ratio of 10:1, to enable bailout funding to do more for low and middle earners".
It added that "it is reasonable to expect certain social and environmental commitments in return for public money, particularly in areas such as tax or pay and working conditions, that have proved controversial for big business in the past".
There are signs, however, that some FTSE-100 companies which have not accessed any of the government's emergency funding schemes plan to ignore the public mood by pressing ahead with pay rises for their chief executives this year.
Last week, Sky News revealed that AstraZeneca, the drugs giant, and British American Tobacco are likely to face shareholder revolts at their annual general meetings in the next few weeks over their bosses' pay.
The High Pay Centre, which is expected to publish its research early next week, declined to comment on Thursday evening.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: PM must lift lockdown and extend Brexit transition, says Conservative Party donor

Boris Johnson 's government `` lost time '' in the first stage of fighting coronavirus and must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction , a Conservative Party donor has said .
The effort to tackle coronavirus is being hampered by a `` resistant '' civil service who do not want business involved at the heart of the recovery , said Alexander Temerko .
The Ukrainian-born British businessman , who has given £1.3m to the Conservatives , said that Mr Johnson should also extend the Brexit transition period for a further year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His intervention shows the pressure on the prime minister to act quickly to revive the British economy from within his own party , as he draws up plans this weekend for a roadmap out of the crisis .
In an interview with Sky News , Mr Temerko said it was `` very difficult '' for the economy to stay in lockdown and suggested that key industries should be reopened next week .
`` We need to lift the lockdown .
We definitely need to open small business , restaurants , and construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when this should happen , he said on 7 May - because it was `` on this day the government needs to make a decision on lifting lockdown '' .
He expressed frustration at the way the government had acted in parts of the first phase of the crisis , saying we `` lost time ( in ) the first stage '' and called for greater business involvement in the second stage .
Mr Temerko , who runs an energy business , offered to help with the production of ventilators but in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He suggested that the civil service is holding back the effort to sort out COVID-19 because while they want to help business , they do not want it involved .
`` Michael Gove and Boris Johnson and Alok Sharma totally agree on the need to use business to create new capacity but they 're political , and then there 's the civil service ( doing implementation ) .
We have a very short time to crack down on a resistant civil service , '' he said .
He believes that businesses should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting the lockdown and that ministers urgently need their expertise in lifting the lockdown and repairing the economy .
He also suggested big business is given the tools to carry out tests for its staff themselves .
Mr Temerko , who supported remaining in the EU , also called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit timetable , saying he must do this to support business .
`` We do n't know what kind of deal ( will emerge ) .
If we leave do n't know what rules ( we will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year .
I think it will be better for economy .
We need additional time to prepare our economy . ''
He also called on Priti Patel , the home secretary , to rethink her immigration plans to encourage NHS workers particularly from Asia .
`` I think ( NHS workers ) are heroes… but their job would be much more effective and easy if we have more doctors and nurses , '' he said .
`` I think our immigration policy we needed a big change .
`` My message not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home secretary is that we need to think about immigration policy for doctors and nurses . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A government spokesperson said : `` We have been engaging with businesses to help shape the response to coronavirus and meets regularly with representatives from all sectors .
Not all offers for ventilators could be taken forward , for a variety of reasons .
`` The government has announced the extension of visas for NHS doctors , nurses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and care workers who are on the frontline and fighting coronavirus .
`` The transition period ends on 31 December 2020 , as enshrined in EU law , which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing . ''

Boris Johnson's government "lost time" in the first stage of fighting coronavirus and must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction, a Conservative Party donor has said.
The effort to tackle coronavirus is being hampered by a "resistant" civil service who do not want business involved at the heart of the recovery, said Alexander Temerko.
The Ukrainian-born British businessman, who has given £1.3m to the Conservatives, said that Mr Johnson should also extend the Brexit transition period for a further year, and rethink the party's immigration policy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Tory donor wants lockdown lifted
His intervention shows the pressure on the prime minister to act quickly to revive the British economy from within his own party, as he draws up plans this weekend for a roadmap out of the crisis.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Temerko said it was "very difficult" for the economy to stay in lockdown and suggested that key industries should be reopened next week.
"We need to lift the lockdown. We definitely need to open small business, restaurants, and construction today," he said.
Asked when this should happen, he said on 7 May - because it was "on this day the government needs to make a decision on lifting lockdown".
He expressed frustration at the way the government had acted in parts of the first phase of the crisis, saying we "lost time (in) the first stage" and called for greater business involvement in the second stage.
Mr Temerko, who runs an energy business, offered to help with the production of ventilators but in the end this was not wanted by government.
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Image: Alexander Temerko is pictured with the Prime Minister prior to lockdown
He suggested that the civil service is holding back the effort to sort out COVID-19 because while they want to help business, they do not want it involved.
"Michael Gove and Boris Johnson and Alok Sharma totally agree on the need to use business to create new capacity but they're political, and then there's the civil service (doing implementation). We have a very short time to crack down on a resistant civil service," he said.
He believes that businesses should be working with every government department on lifting the lockdown and that ministers urgently need their expertise in lifting the lockdown and repairing the economy. He also suggested big business is given the tools to carry out tests for its staff themselves.
Mr Temerko, who supported remaining in the EU, also called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit timetable, saying he must do this to support business.
"We don't know what kind of deal (will emerge). If we leave don't know what rules (we will have to follow) we should extend for one year. I think it will be better for economy. We need additional time to prepare our economy."
He also called on Priti Patel, the home secretary, to rethink her immigration plans to encourage NHS workers particularly from Asia.
"I think (NHS workers) are heroes… but their job would be much more effective and easy if we have more doctors and nurses," he said.
"I think our immigration policy we needed a big change.
"My message not only to Boris Johnson but to the home secretary is that we need to think about immigration policy for doctors and nurses."
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A government spokesperson said: "We have been engaging with businesses to help shape the response to coronavirus and meets regularly with representatives from all sectors. Not all offers for ventilators could be taken forward, for a variety of reasons.
"The government has announced the extension of visas for NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics, recognising the contribution of overseas health and care workers who are on the frontline and fighting coronavirus.
"The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, as enshrined in EU law, which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: PM to deliver 'a menu of options' for easing the lockdown next week

Boris Johnson says he will deliver a `` comprehensive plan '' next week on how the lockdown could be eased .
Declaring the UK is past the peak of coronavirus infections , the prime minister said he would be setting out a `` road map , a menu of options '' which could see looser restrictions .
However , he warned that any easing of the measures , which have been in place since 23 March , should not risk a second peak of infections that could overwhelm the NHS .
Speaking at his first Downing Street press conference since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said : `` I will be setting out a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving , our children back to school and into childcare , and thirdly how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer .
`` In short , how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy . ''
The easing of individual restrictions would depend on `` where we are in the pandemic '' and what the data suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain '' .
Mr Johnson said that to `` avoid the disaster '' of a second spike in infections , the government would do `` nothing '' that risks lifting the `` R '' - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one , which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person .
As well as risking more deaths , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause `` lasting economic damage '' to the UK .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker England 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there still needs to be a decrease in the number of hospital admissions across each English region .
But he added : `` The number of new cases is down , that 's turning into fewer admissions , fewer people in hospital , fewer people in intensive care and we 're beginning to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson also lauded the country 's efforts , saying : `` At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed , no patient went without a ventilator , no patient was deprived of intensive care .
`` It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths . ''
There have been 26,711 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK , with a further 674 deaths reported on Thursday .
This now includes those who have died outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April , the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday .
Due to a lag in reporting , it is not yet clear whether the government managed to reach its target .
The government has been criticised for having `` emaciated '' the system which would have allowed it to carry out more extensive testing .
Public health professor Gabriel Scally , referring to the Conservatives ' austerity measures , told BBC Newsnight : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system .
You can not , when a big problem like this hits , you ca n't just reinvent things and put them back the way you wish they were . ''
Other experts have dismissed the target as `` arbitrary '' and a `` PR stunt '' .
Testing is critical to a country 's pandemic response and the World Health Organisation has urged countries to take part in rigorous testing .
Meanwhile , Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that further austerity cuts to government spending could be made in the aftermath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy will bounce back strongly , I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways , '' he said .
`` I 've never particularly liked the term [ austerity ] ... and it 'll certainly not be part of our approach . ''

Boris Johnson says he will deliver a "comprehensive plan" next week on how the lockdown could be eased.
Declaring the UK is past the peak of coronavirus infections, the prime minister said he would be setting out a "road map, a menu of options" which could see looser restrictions.
However, he warned that any easing of the measures, which have been in place since 23 March, should not risk a second peak of infections that could overwhelm the NHS.
Image: Graffiti in support of the NHS in southeast London
Speaking at his first Downing Street press conference since being admitted to hospital with COVID-19, Mr Johnson said: "I will be setting out a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving, our children back to school and into childcare, and thirdly how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer.
"In short, how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy."
The easing of individual restrictions would depend on "where we are in the pandemic" and what the data suggests.
But, the prime minister cautioned, "it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain".
Mr Johnson said that to "avoid the disaster" of a second spike in infections, the government would do "nothing" that risks lifting the "R" - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one, which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person.
As well as risking more deaths, the prime minister said a second spike would cause "lasting economic damage" to the UK.
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England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there still needs to be a decrease in the number of hospital admissions across each English region.
But he added: "The number of new cases is down, that's turning into fewer admissions, fewer people in hospital, fewer people in intensive care and we're beginning to see that decrease in deaths."
Mr Johnson also lauded the country's efforts, saying: "At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed, no patient went without a ventilator, no patient was deprived of intensive care.
"It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths."
There have been 26,711 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, with a further 674 deaths reported on Thursday.
This now includes those who have died outside hospitals.
With the government having set a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April, the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday.
Due to a lag in reporting, it is not yet clear whether the government managed to reach its target.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Govt video explains 'R' rate of infection
The government has been criticised for having "emaciated" the system which would have allowed it to carry out more extensive testing.
Public health professor Gabriel Scally, referring to the Conservatives' austerity measures, told BBC Newsnight: "The resilience has been stripped systematically out of the system. You cannot, when a big problem like this hits, you can't just reinvent things and put them back the way you wish they were."
Other experts have dismissed the target as "arbitrary" and a "PR stunt".
Testing is critical to a country's pandemic response and the World Health Organisation has urged countries to take part in rigorous testing.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that further austerity cuts to government spending could be made in the aftermath of the pandemic.
"I think the economy will bounce back strongly, I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways," he said.
"I've never particularly liked the term [austerity]... and it'll certainly not be part of our approach."


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Young people warned it 'doesn't matter what age you are'

Young people are being warned to follow `` all the social distancing measures '' after two teenagers died while infected with COVID-19 .
Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , 13 , and Luca Di Nicola , 19 , both passed away after picking up the deadly virus .
Dr Jenny Harries , England 's deputy chief medical officer , said the deaths of young people would come as a `` huge shock '' to their families .
Those still youthful `` tend not to think of death '' , she said in the daily Downing Street press conference , so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of yourself as part of the risk , or part of the affected group '' .
But Dr Harries added that young people can still be affected and `` it does n't matter what age you are - you should be staying at home and observing all the social distancing measures we have highlighted '' .
In Belgium , a 12-year-old girl has become the youngest known person to die in Europe after contracting coronavirus .
A GP told Sky News that `` even with a good immune system , some people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cannon added that she and her colleagues `` do see this with other infections too out of the blue '' .
And COVID-19 does not need to be serious at the start in order for it to lead to major health implications .
`` Every year otherwise healthy young people die from sepsis , and that too can start from a mild infection , '' Dr Cannon pointed out .
It is also the case that an underlying health problem may remain undiagnosed until a patient is treated for something else .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , they could be more adversely impacted than someone with a lower level of the virus in their system .
Another reason why a young person might become very unwell is the speed with which they seek medical help .
Dr Cannon said the most critical symptom is breathlessness - alongside a cough and fever .
Anything to do with breathing is the `` big line - the big distinction and a sign to seek urgent help '' , she said .
It is possible , too , for someone to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 - for example bacterial pneumonia that may prove fatal .
The virus is `` deluging the country '' , Dr Cannon added , explaining that while it is not unusual for young , healthy people to die , those deaths are usually spaced out .
The `` basic notion '' people need to remember is that the `` human population has never had COVID-19 before - so all the cases are happening now and all the less likely deaths and tragedies will happen at once '' , she said .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She added that the 19-year-old 's death would be `` pretty rare '' and there will be tens of thousands of other teenagers who will have a much milder experience of COVID-19 .

Young people are being warned to follow "all the social distancing measures" after two teenagers died while infected with COVID-19.
Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, and Luca Di Nicola, 19, both passed away after picking up the deadly virus.
Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, said the deaths of young people would come as a "huge shock" to their families.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 New ventilators available to NHS 'next week'
Those still youthful "tend not to think of death", she said in the daily Downing Street press conference, so it is "quite easy perhaps to not think of yourself as part of the risk, or part of the affected group".
But Dr Harries added that young people can still be affected and "it doesn't matter what age you are - you should be staying at home and observing all the social distancing measures we have highlighted".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
In Belgium, a 12-year-old girl has become the youngest known person to die in Europe after contracting coronavirus.
A GP told Sky News that "even with a good immune system, some people can become very unwell".
Dr Ellie Cannon added that she and her colleagues "do see this with other infections too out of the blue".
And COVID-19 does not need to be serious at the start in order for it to lead to major health implications.
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"Every year otherwise healthy young people die from sepsis, and that too can start from a mild infection," Dr Cannon pointed out.
It is also the case that an underlying health problem may remain undiagnosed until a patient is treated for something else.
If someone has a high viral load of COVID-19, they could be more adversely impacted than someone with a lower level of the virus in their system.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:48 What is the UK death rate likely to be from coronavirus?
Another reason why a young person might become very unwell is the speed with which they seek medical help.
Dr Cannon said the most critical symptom is breathlessness - alongside a cough and fever.
Anything to do with breathing is the "big line - the big distinction and a sign to seek urgent help", she said.
It is possible, too, for someone to get something else at the same time as COVID-19 - for example bacterial pneumonia that may prove fatal.
The virus is "deluging the country", Dr Cannon added, explaining that while it is not unusual for young, healthy people to die, those deaths are usually spaced out.
The "basic notion" people need to remember is that the "human population has never had COVID-19 before - so all the cases are happening now and all the less likely deaths and tragedies will happen at once", she said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She added that the 19-year-old's death would be "pretty rare" and there will be tens of thousands of other teenagers who will have a much milder experience of COVID-19.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson hosts cabinet meeting entirely on a video call

Boris Johnson has warned his top ministers the coronavirus crisis `` is going to get worse before it gets better '' at the first cabinet meeting in history to be held entirely on a video call .
The prime minister on Tuesday chaired a cabinet meeting in which ministers all appeared on a single screen via video conferencing app Zoom .
Only Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and a small number of officials were in the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street itself .
They kept two metres apart in accordance with the government 's social distancing rules , Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently self-isolating at 11 Downing Street after testing positive for COVID-19 , used the meeting to tell his ministers : `` The situation is going to get worse before it gets better - but it will get better . ''
He also stressed the rising number of coronavirus deaths in recent days showed the importance of Britons sticking to social distancing rules , Number 10 added .
The cabinet discussed their work in supporting the NHS , attempting to safeguard jobs and bringing home British citizens who are stranded abroad .
Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand the number of coronavirus tests , following criticism of the low level of testing in the UK compared to other countries such as Germany and South Korea .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty - who is also self-isolating - and the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , joined the meeting by video call .
Number 10 later said the prime minister was still suffering `` mild symptoms '' of coronavirus as he self-isolates .
Last week , Mr Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Sir Mark and Prof Whitty .
All other attendees appeared via Zoom .
Since that meeting , Mr Hancock has joined the prime minister and Prof Whitty by self-isolating after he also tested positive for coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The use of Zoom prompted concerns about how secure the app is for government meetings .
But the Cabinet Office defended its use .
A spokesperson said : `` In the current unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication are vital .
`` National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for conversations below a certain classification . ''

Boris Johnson has warned his top ministers the coronavirus crisis "is going to get worse before it gets better" at the first cabinet meeting in history to be held entirely on a video call.
The prime minister on Tuesday chaired a cabinet meeting in which ministers all appeared on a single screen via video conferencing app Zoom.
Only Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and a small number of officials were in the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street itself.
They kept two metres apart in accordance with the government's social distancing rules, Number 10 said.
Mr Johnson, who is currently self-isolating at 11 Downing Street after testing positive for COVID-19, used the meeting to tell his ministers: "The situation is going to get worse before it gets better - but it will get better."
Image: The PM chaired last week's meeting from the cabinet room - but now he's self-isolating. Pic: Andrew Parsons / No 10
He also stressed the rising number of coronavirus deaths in recent days showed the importance of Britons sticking to social distancing rules, Number 10 added.
The cabinet discussed their work in supporting the NHS, attempting to safeguard jobs and bringing home British citizens who are stranded abroad.
Ministers also discussed the government's aim to expand the number of coronavirus tests, following criticism of the low level of testing in the UK compared to other countries such as Germany and South Korea.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty - who is also self-isolating - and the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, joined the meeting by video call.
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Number 10 later said the prime minister was still suffering "mild symptoms" of coronavirus as he self-isolates.
Last week, Mr Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting from the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street alongside Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Sir Mark and Prof Whitty.
All other attendees appeared via Zoom.
Since that meeting, Mr Hancock has joined the prime minister and Prof Whitty by self-isolating after he also tested positive for coronavirus.
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The use of Zoom prompted concerns about how secure the app is for government meetings.
But the Cabinet Office defended its use.
A spokesperson said: "In the current unprecedented circumstances the need for effective channels of communication are vital.
"National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for conversations below a certain classification."


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus cases 'plateau' in UK as ventilators near production

The first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week , Michael Gove has said .
Thousands of them are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals , the Cabinet Office minister announced .
Lots of countries are trying to source the essential machines , which provide oxygen for people suffering lung failure in severe COVID-19 cases .
Mr Gove reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic and that the first wave manufactured in the UK will roll off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend .
He tried to keep pressure up on people to stay at home to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus , calling the latest daily deaths rise of 393 `` deeply shocking '' .
Asked when lockdown measures might end , Mr Gove said : `` There 's not a fixed date like Easter when you know that the peak will come , it depends on the actions of all of us .
`` We can delay that peak , we can flatten the curve through our own particular actions . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Powis said a `` bit of a plateau '' in coronavirus infections could be `` green shoots '' .
`` It is really important not to read too much because it is really early days , '' he cautioned at the daily Downing Street briefing .
`` We are not out of the woods , we are very much in the woods .
`` So green shoots but only green shoots and we must not be complacent and we must not take our foot off the pedal . ''
Some 10,767 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , with 3,915 of those in London and 1,918 in the Midlands , where hospital admissions are accelerating .
Prof Powis said the overall signs were that the `` Great British public '' were heeding social distancing advice and reducing contact .
England 's deputy chief medical officer also apologised at the briefing for saying the government had sorted a problem repeatedly raised by medics about a lack of Personal Protective Equipment [ PPE ] , such as masks and gloves .
Dr Jenny Harries said : `` I have to admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago and said - very probably optimistically in the past - 'we 've solved the PPE position ' .
`` So my apologies because 48 hours later our distribution issue had popped back in again .
`` The distribution element has been a bit tricky at times . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Thousands of frontline NHS staff wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for the equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Casualty have even had to prepare to send real doctors ' their medical equipment .

The first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week, Michael Gove has said.
Thousands of them are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals, the Cabinet Office minister announced.
Lots of countries are trying to source the essential machines, which provide oxygen for people suffering lung failure in severe COVID-19 cases.
Image: Ventilators are key to treating people with COVID-19
Mr Gove reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic and that the first wave manufactured in the UK will roll off the production line by the end of this weekend.
He tried to keep pressure up on people to stay at home to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus, calling the latest daily deaths rise of 393 "deeply shocking".
Image: There has been a 'bit of a plateau' in coronavirus infections
Asked when lockdown measures might end, Mr Gove said: "There's not a fixed date like Easter when you know that the peak will come, it depends on the actions of all of us.
"We can delay that peak, we can flatten the curve through our own particular actions."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
But NHS England's medical director Professor Stephen Powis said a "bit of a plateau" in coronavirus infections could be "green shoots".
"It is really important not to read too much because it is really early days," he cautioned at the daily Downing Street briefing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Why doesn't the UK have enough ventilators?
"We are not out of the woods, we are very much in the woods.
"So green shoots but only green shoots and we must not be complacent and we must not take our foot off the pedal."
Some 10,767 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus in England, with 3,915 of those in London and 1,918 in the Midlands, where hospital admissions are accelerating.
Prof Powis said the overall signs were that the "Great British public" were heeding social distancing advice and reducing contact.
Image: Prof Powis praised the public for heeding the lockdown
England's deputy chief medical officer also apologised at the briefing for saying the government had sorted a problem repeatedly raised by medics about a lack of Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], such as masks and gloves.
Dr Jenny Harries said: "I have to admit, I stood here about 10 days ago and said - very probably optimistically in the past - 'we've solved the PPE position'.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Police seek hospital hand sanitiser thief
"So my apologies because 48 hours later our distribution issue had popped back in again.
"The distribution element has been a bit tricky at times."
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Thousands of frontline NHS staff wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for the equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from infected patients.
Medical dramas Holby City and Casualty have even had to prepare to send real doctors' their medical equipment.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Megachurch pastor arrested for 'gathering hundreds of worshippers'

The pastor of a megachurch in the US has been arrested after he allegedly held services for hundreds of worshippers despite government orders to combat the spread of coronavirus .
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has been charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order after handing himself in to authorities in Florida .
Lawyers representing the pastor - who had previously claimed COVID-19 was `` blown totally way out of proportion '' - insisted his church complied with rules that state people must maintain a six-foot distance in public .
They said the River at Tampa Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other business to ensure the health and safety of the people '' and claimed the actions of the local sheriffs were `` discriminatory against religion and church gatherings '' .
The governor of Florida has ordered that gatherings in the state , including those held by faith-based groups , are limited to fewer than 10 people to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
The sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida , Chad Chronister , said his staff had warned the church 's leaders about the danger they were putting themselves in - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing , but Howard-Browne held the services anyway .
`` Shame on this pastor , their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job , '' Sheriff Chronister said .
`` That 's not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency .
We are hopeful that this will be a wake-up call . ''
In a statement , the pastor 's legal representatives , Liberty Counsel , claimed the church enforced the six-foot distance rule between family groups , made sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who entered hand sanitiser , among other measures .
In a Facebook video posted on Sunday , Howard-Browne said `` it looks like we 're going to have to go to court over this because the church is encroached from every side '' .
On March 18 , the church called its ministry an essential service , similar to police and firefighters , and said it would keep its doors open .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Howard-Browne 's church hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was named an adviser leading US President Donald Trump 's faith and opportunity initiative .
She is also an unofficial spiritual adviser to the president .
Mr Trump announced on Sunday he was extending coronavirus guidelines , including social distancing , until at least 30 April - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans .
Nearly 160,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,900 deaths have been reported in the US so far , with New York City the nation 's worst hit area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree of exemption for faith in their orders to stop non-essential activity during the pandemic .
Churches in Ohio , Kentucky and Louisiana have continued to invite worshippers in recent days .

The pastor of a megachurch in the US has been arrested after he allegedly held services for hundreds of worshippers despite government orders to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has been charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order after handing himself in to authorities in Florida.
Lawyers representing the pastor - who had previously claimed COVID-19 was "blown totally way out of proportion" - insisted his church complied with rules that state people must maintain a six-foot distance in public.
They said the River at Tampa Bay Church "went above and beyond any other business to ensure the health and safety of the people" and claimed the actions of the local sheriffs were "discriminatory against religion and church gatherings".
The governor of Florida has ordered that gatherings in the state, including those held by faith-based groups, are limited to fewer than 10 people to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
A live stream of Sunday's three-and-a-half-hour church service showed scores of worshippers attended.
The sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida, Chad Chronister, said his staff had warned the church's leaders about the danger they were putting themselves in - and their congregation - by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, but Howard-Browne held the services anyway.
"Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job," Sheriff Chronister said.
"That's not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency. We are hopeful that this will be a wake-up call."
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Image: The River at Tampa Bay Church hosted services on Sunday
In a statement, the pastor's legal representatives, Liberty Counsel, claimed the church enforced the six-foot distance rule between family groups, made sure staff wore gloves and gave every person who entered hand sanitiser, among other measures.
In a Facebook video posted on Sunday, Howard-Browne said "it looks like we're going to have to go to court over this because the church is encroached from every side".
On March 18, the church called its ministry an essential service, similar to police and firefighters, and said it would keep its doors open.
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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Howard-Browne's church hosted an event last year with Paula White-Cain, who was named an adviser leading US President Donald Trump's faith and opportunity initiative.
She is also an unofficial spiritual adviser to the president.
Mr Trump announced on Sunday he was extending coronavirus guidelines, including social distancing, until at least 30 April - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'The peak in the US is in two weeks'
Nearly 160,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,900 deaths have been reported in the US so far, with New York City the nation's worst hit area.
At least six states have offered some degree of exemption for faith in their orders to stop non-essential activity during the pandemic.
Churches in Ohio, Kentucky and Louisiana have continued to invite worshippers in recent days.


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Total of 55 prisoners test positive for COVID-19 in England and Wales

A total of 55 prisoners have now tested positive for coronavirus in England and Wales , the Ministry of Justice has said .
The inmates are housed across 21 prisons .
In addition , 18 prison staff and four prison escort staff have tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
The total number of cases has doubled since the last update on Friday , when 27 prisoners were confirmed to have tested positive .
In its daily update , the MoJ said it had temporarily paused the usual regime in prisons so it could implement the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives .
`` This is to ensure prisons are complying with social distancing rules and to protect staff and prisoners , '' it added .
It said the government had moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members during the coronavirus crisis - providing 900 secure phone handsets across 57 jails .
The MoJ also ensured that prisons are prepared to take immediate action wherever cases or suspected cases are identified , including the isolation of individuals where necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic after Northern Ireland signalled it would let out more than 10 % of those behind bars .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has been under pressure to allow convicted criminals to go home in a bid to prevent more deaths in England and Wales ' crowded prisons .
Staff numbers in prisons are already stretched , with some 3,500 employees - around a tenth of the workforce - currently in self-isolation due to COVID-19 .
In Northern Ireland , justice minister Naomi Long announced the temporary early release of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice secretary Humza Yousaf said on Friday that he was `` actively considering '' options for the early release of prisoners .
The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody ( IAPDC ) said prisons should be only for `` serious and violent offenders '' at this time , with judgements made on a `` case-by-case basis '' .
Kate Allen , Amnesty International 's UK director , said last week that decreasing the prison population and the number of people in immigration detention centres is `` a crucial means of slowing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We urge the government to follow the lead of governments in Northern Ireland and Scotland and provide alternatives to detention for those with underlying medical conditions , and older people , if they do not pose a threat to themselves or society . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As of Monday , 134,946 tests have been carried out across the UK ; 112,805 were negative and 22,141 positive , said the Department of Health and Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - following 180 more deaths across the country .

A total of 55 prisoners have now tested positive for coronavirus in England and Wales, the Ministry of Justice has said.
The inmates are housed across 21 prisons.
In addition, 18 prison staff and four prison escort staff have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
The total number of cases has doubled since the last update on Friday, when 27 prisoners were confirmed to have tested positive.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Police seek hospital hand sanitiser thief
In its daily update, the MoJ said it had temporarily paused the usual regime in prisons so it could implement the government's measures to encourage the public to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
"This is to ensure prisons are complying with social distancing rules and to protect staff and prisoners," it added.
It said the government had moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members during the coronavirus crisis - providing 900 secure phone handsets across 57 jails.
The MoJ also ensured that prisons are prepared to take immediate action wherever cases or suspected cases are identified, including the isolation of individuals where necessary.
Ministers are being urged to release prisoners during the pandemic after Northern Ireland signalled it would let out more than 10% of those behind bars.
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Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has been under pressure to allow convicted criminals to go home in a bid to prevent more deaths in England and Wales' crowded prisons.
Staff numbers in prisons are already stretched, with some 3,500 employees - around a tenth of the workforce - currently in self-isolation due to COVID-19.
In Northern Ireland, justice minister Naomi Long announced the temporary early release of up to 200 prisoners.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Foreign secretary: 'Govt working around the clock to get Britons home'
Meanwhile, Scotland's justice secretary Humza Yousaf said on Friday that he was "actively considering" options for the early release of prisoners.
The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) said prisons should be only for "serious and violent offenders" at this time, with judgements made on a "case-by-case basis".
Kate Allen, Amnesty International's UK director, said last week that decreasing the prison population and the number of people in immigration detention centres is "a crucial means of slowing the spread of COVID-19".
She added: "We urge the government to follow the lead of governments in Northern Ireland and Scotland and provide alternatives to detention for those with underlying medical conditions, and older people, if they do not pose a threat to themselves or society."
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As of Monday, 134,946 tests have been carried out across the UK; 112,805 were negative and 22,141 positive, said the Department of Health and Social Care.
A total of 1,415 people have now died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - following 180 more deaths across the country.