news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: The celebrations that helped spread COVID-19 like wildfire in New Orleans

The last time I came to Bourbon Street in New Orleans it was an assault on the senses - the bars were packed , trumpets and jazz piano filled the air , and so did the smell of gumbo , luring us into the busy restaurants .
Today it 's empty - everywhere is boarded up .
The economy , based so heavily on tourism , stands still - free of visitors and bereft of noise .
But just two months ago , in late February , it was a very different scene .
City officials decided to press ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of people spilled onto the streets of this city .
At the time , sports events were taking place across the country and the federal government was n't yet recommending social distancing .
Now , tragically , experts believe the Mardi Gras celebrations helped coronavirus to spread like wildfire here and two months later , New Orleans had the highest death rate in America .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It spread so fast and wide , it 's wiped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklins lost four members of theirs in just 12 days .
`` First , my uncle passed , '' Anthony Franklin tells me .
`` Then a few days later , my grandmother .
And a few days later , my dad passed .
And a few days after that , my other uncle died . ''
They were all in the same ward , all on ventilators and not one of them got to see their loves ones before they died .
The Franklins suspect the virus may have spread in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his grandmother Antoinette 's 86th birthday - but no one can be sure .
Jacqueline , Anthony 's mother , is sitting down to speak with us in the throes of her intense grief because she desperately wants to urge others to take the virus more seriously .
`` It 's unbelievable .
And what 's the hardest for me is some people really think that does n't exist and it 's not real .
And we buried four family members .
`` We buried my husband and two of his brothers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row .
And I just want the world to know that this is real .
Jacqueline is alarmed by how many people she 's still seeing without masks .
Louisiana is a state where people live and love closely , she says .
A culture where families are large and embrace each other with lots of hugs and handshakes .
She says it 's proved to be a hard habit to kick .
But local author Maurice Ruffin says poverty and racism is also at play here .
`` This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great healthcare system , where people do n't have a lot of money and there is some historical racism that has made these factors worse for people in my community , '' he says .
Many black people , he says , are the ones working right now , many in the service industries , driving the trains , the buses , at the gas stations - without the luxury of being able to stay at home and many without proper protection .
At the Rebuild Center , the city 's homeless are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line up six feet apart to try to get food .
The line stretches right around the church .
It 's much busier than normal - most of the shelters have closed and so have the soup kitchens .
A few have masks , but for this community , there is very little protection available .
Eighty miles away in Baton Rouge , we see a very different side of Louisiana - where attending church is more important than honouring the rules .
At 6.30pm on Easter Sunday , a stream of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church .
People have their temperature taken at the door and there is hand sanitiser on a table .
Inside , a jubilant congregation of about 200 people sing and clap together .
At the morning service I 'm told there were more than 1,000 people in attendance from all over the United States .
The governor may have banned mass gatherings , but Pastor Tony Spell tells me he does n't take his orders from politicians .
`` This freedom that I have does n't come from my governor , it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him what he says to those who accuse him of being irresponsible and putting lives at risk .
`` I say : 'Do n't be a hypocrite ' .
Anybody on the roads , in a retail store such as Walmart , a liquor store .
If you go to those places and do n't go to church , you 're two faced . ''
Many who came to attend his service feel they are safe and insulated by God and wo n't let anything get in the way of their right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an instinct and America will likely spend months wrestling with as it struggles to overcome COVID-19 .

The last time I came to Bourbon Street in New Orleans it was an assault on the senses - the bars were packed, trumpets and jazz piano filled the air, and so did the smell of gumbo, luring us into the busy restaurants.
Today it's empty - everywhere is boarded up.
The economy, based so heavily on tourism, stands still - free of visitors and bereft of noise.
Image: Mardi Gras in New Orleans in February could have accelerated the spread of coronavirus
But just two months ago, in late February, it was a very different scene.
City officials decided to press ahead with Mardi Gras festivities and tens of thousands of people spilled onto the streets of this city.
At the time, sports events were taking place across the country and the federal government wasn't yet recommending social distancing.
Now, tragically, experts believe the Mardi Gras celebrations helped coronavirus to spread like wildfire here and two months later, New Orleans had the highest death rate in America.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It spread so fast and wide, it's wiped out multiple generations of families.
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The Franklins lost four members of theirs in just 12 days.
"First, my uncle passed," Anthony Franklin tells me.
"Then a few days later, my grandmother. And a few days later, my dad passed. And a few days after that, my other uncle died."
Image: Anthony Franklin Sr passed away with COVID-19. Pic: Franklin family
Image: Antoinette died on the same ward as other family member. Pic: Franklin family
They were all in the same ward, all on ventilators and not one of them got to see their loves ones before they died.
The Franklins suspect the virus may have spread in the family after they got together to celebrate his grandmother Antoinette's 86th birthday - but no one can be sure.
Jacqueline, Anthony's mother, is sitting down to speak with us in the throes of her intense grief because she desperately wants to urge others to take the virus more seriously.
Image: Anthony Franklin Jr (L) with Antoinette Franklin (C) and Jacqueline Frankin (R). Pic: Franklin family
"It's unbelievable. And what's the hardest for me is some people really think that doesn't exist and it's not real. And we buried four family members.
"We buried my husband and two of his brothers in the same funeral. Three caskets in a row. And I just want the world to know that this is real.
"This is unbelievably real."
Jacqueline is alarmed by how many people she's still seeing without masks. Louisiana is a state where people live and love closely, she says. A culture where families are large and embrace each other with lots of hugs and handshakes.
She says it's proved to be a hard habit to kick.
But local author Maurice Ruffin says poverty and racism is also at play here.
"This is a place where we don't have a great healthcare system, where people don't have a lot of money and there is some historical racism that has made these factors worse for people in my community," he says.
Many black people, he says, are the ones working right now, many in the service industries, driving the trains, the buses, at the gas stations - without the luxury of being able to stay at home and many without proper protection.
Image: Little protection is available for those queuing up
At the Rebuild Center, the city's homeless are trying to practise social distancing.
They line up six feet apart to try to get food.
The line stretches right around the church. It's much busier than normal - most of the shelters have closed and so have the soup kitchens. A few have masks, but for this community, there is very little protection available.
Image: People are made to social distance in the queue for a homeless centre
Eighty miles away in Baton Rouge, we see a very different side of Louisiana - where attending church is more important than honouring the rules.
At 6.30pm on Easter Sunday, a stream of people turn up to worship at Life Tabernacle Church.
Image: Dozens of people streamed into a church in Baton Rouge
People have their temperature taken at the door and there is hand sanitiser on a table.
Inside, a jubilant congregation of about 200 people sing and clap together.
At the morning service I'm told there were more than 1,000 people in attendance from all over the United States. The governor may have banned mass gatherings, but Pastor Tony Spell tells me he doesn't take his orders from politicians.
"This freedom that I have doesn't come from my governor, it comes from my God."
I ask him what he says to those who accuse him of being irresponsible and putting lives at risk.
"I say: 'Don't be a hypocrite'. Anybody on the roads, in a retail store such as Walmart, a liquor store. If you go to those places and don't go to church, you're two faced."
Image: The church hosted a regular service, amid the lockdown
He is unapologetic.
Many who came to attend his service feel they are safe and insulated by God and won't let anything get in the way of their right to pray together.
It is a sentiment and an instinct and America will likely spend months wrestling with as it struggles to overcome COVID-19.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Family's tribute to Merseyside nurse who died with COVID-19

A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a Merseyside nurse who died after contracting coronavirus .
Liz Glanister , 68 , was working as a nurse at Aintree University Hospital when she tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Her death was confirmed on 3 April but now her family have spoken of their loss .
They said : `` We would like to thank all of the staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital who did an amazing job of looking after Liz in her final days .
`` We would also like to thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whom she loved so much .
`` For all of her friends , colleagues and ex-colleagues , ex-patients , fellow nurses she studied with and everyone across the country that have sent their thoughts , condolences and best wishes to us - these mean a lot to the whole family and we are so proud to see just how many people 's lives Liz has touched .
`` There are so many heroes out there , just like Liz , who are all putting their lives in danger to help save ours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best they can be and stay inside .
Losing a loved one at any time is heartbreaking , but to go through it as we and many other families are is simply beyond words . ''
Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden previously paid tribute to Ms Glanister , writing on Twitter : `` My thoughts are with the loved ones of Liz Glanister , staff nurse at Aintree Hospital , who sadly died on Friday after contracting COVID-19 .
`` Our NHS and social care staff are on the frontline of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A further 881 patients were announced to have died with coronavirus in the UK on Thursday , bringing the total number of victims to 7,978 .

A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a Merseyside nurse who died after contracting coronavirus.
Liz Glanister, 68, was working as a nurse at Aintree University Hospital when she tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Her death was confirmed on 3 April but now her family have spoken of their loss.
They said: "We would like to thank all of the staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital who did an amazing job of looking after Liz in her final days.
"We would also like to thank her NHS family at Aintree University Hospital, whom she loved so much.
"For all of her friends, colleagues and ex-colleagues, ex-patients, fellow nurses she studied with and everyone across the country that have sent their thoughts, condolences and best wishes to us - these mean a lot to the whole family and we are so proud to see just how many people's lives Liz has touched.
"There are so many heroes out there, just like Liz, who are all putting their lives in danger to help save ours, so please help them to be the best they can be and stay inside. Losing a loved one at any time is heartbreaking, but to go through it as we and many other families are is simply beyond words."
Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden previously paid tribute to Ms Glanister, writing on Twitter: "My thoughts are with the loved ones of Liz Glanister, staff nurse at Aintree Hospital, who sadly died on Friday after contracting COVID-19.
"Our NHS and social care staff are on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus. They must be protected."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:54 UK claps for NHS, carers and key workers
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A further 881 patients were announced to have died with coronavirus in the UK on Thursday, bringing the total number of victims to 7,978.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Doctor who warned prime minister about PPE dies with COVID-19

A doctor diagnosed with coronavirus has died - three weeks after he warned the prime minister that health workers urgently needed more personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Abdul Mabud Chowdhury , 52 , passed away after 15 days in hospital with COVID-19 .
On 18 March he wrote a message to Boris Johnson asking him to `` urgently '' ensure PPE for `` each and every NHS worker in the UK '' .
He told the prime minister that healthcare workers `` are in direct contact with patients '' and have a `` human right like others to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and children '' .
Dr Chowdhury was a locum urologist who worked at Homerton Hospital in east London and died on Wednesday at Queen 's Hospital in Romford after testing positive for coronavirus .
His 18-year-old son , Intisar Chowdhury , said : `` My father would not be afraid to point out what was wrong .
Because he cared about people , he cared about his co-workers , his colleagues , his family , he cared about people he 's never even met .
`` He cared about everyone and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extends in every aspect of his life .
He is a hero .
`` I do not wish this sort of pain on anyone .
You really do n't want to be feeling what I 'm feeling .
You should n't have to lose your father at this age . ''
Intisar spoke about the last moments he spent with his father in the intensive care unit .
`` He looked peaceful , '' he said .
`` I held his hand and prayed by his side .
But he was peaceful .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ love you baba ' . ''
His 11-year-old daughter Wareesha Chowdhury , said : `` He was loved by so many , it just makes me heartbroken to see him go but it made me so happy that I got to know him .
`` I love him so much , to the moon and back .
I just miss him .
He left so quickly , it 's too early for him to go .
He was a blessing and he did n't deserve to leave so early . ''
Both Wareesha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become medics after the death of their father .
His son said : '' My father is a leading role model for all of us , I hope we can keep his memory alive by becoming the person he has taught us all to become .
He is a legend . ''
In a statement , the Muslim Doctors Association paid tribute to him saying : `` We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury , Consultant Urologist at Homerton Hospital , after fighting for his life from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two children .
Our thoughts and prayers are with them .
`` Two weeks before his admission to hospital he wrote a message to the prime minister urging for better PPE .
`` May he rest in peace . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In his message to the prime minister , Dr Chowdhury wrote : `` Please ensure urgently PPE for each and every NHS health worker in the UK .
`` Remember we may be doctors/nurses/HCAs/allied health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients , but we are also human beings to practice human rights like others , to live in this world disease free with our family and children .
`` Otherwise in future our children will lose interest to go to medical school .
`` We also should get first track facilities for coronavirus testing to help our patients to prevent the disease spreading . ''
Family friend doctor Golam Rahat Khan said Dr Chowdhury had been worried about coronavirus `` long before '' it reached the UK .
`` He was telling me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous , '' he said .
Dr Khan , 45 , who has known Dr Chowdhury for nearly 20 years , said he was a `` life-loving person '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` He liked singing and liked our own Bengali culture and loved English heritage .
`` He was so caring , he would call us very often to come to his house .
I last saw him on February 1 at my house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr Chowdhury 's death is the latest in a list of NHS staff who have died fighting the pandemic .

A doctor diagnosed with coronavirus has died - three weeks after he warned the prime minister that health workers urgently needed more personal protective equipment (PPE).
Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 52, passed away after 15 days in hospital with COVID-19.
On 18 March he wrote a message to Boris Johnson asking him to "urgently" ensure PPE for "each and every NHS worker in the UK".
He told the prime minister that healthcare workers "are in direct contact with patients" and have a "human right like others to live in this world disease-free with our family and children".
Dr Chowdhury was a locum urologist who worked at Homerton Hospital in east London and died on Wednesday at Queen's Hospital in Romford after testing positive for coronavirus.
Image: Dr Chowdhury leaves behind a wife and two children
His 18-year-old son, Intisar Chowdhury, said: "My father would not be afraid to point out what was wrong. Because he cared about people, he cared about his co-workers, his colleagues, his family, he cared about people he's never even met.
"He cared about everyone and that love and compassion he had for everyone extends in every aspect of his life. He is a hero.
"I do not wish this sort of pain on anyone. You really don't want to be feeling what I'm feeling. You shouldn't have to lose your father at this age."
Intisar spoke about the last moments he spent with his father in the intensive care unit.
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"He looked peaceful," he said.
"I held his hand and prayed by his side. But he was peaceful. I just told him, 'I love you baba'."
His 11-year-old daughter Wareesha Chowdhury, said: "He was loved by so many, it just makes me heartbroken to see him go but it made me so happy that I got to know him.
"I love him so much, to the moon and back. I just miss him. He left so quickly, it's too early for him to go. He was a blessing and he didn't deserve to leave so early."
Both Wareesha and Intisar said they were inspired to become medics after the death of their father.
His son said:"My father is a leading role model for all of us, I hope we can keep his memory alive by becoming the person he has taught us all to become. He is a legend."
In a statement, the Muslim Doctors Association paid tribute to him saying: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, Consultant Urologist at Homerton Hospital, after fighting for his life from COVID-19.
"He leaves behind his wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
"Two weeks before his admission to hospital he wrote a message to the prime minister urging for better PPE.
"May he rest in peace."
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In his message to the prime minister, Dr Chowdhury wrote: "Please ensure urgently PPE for each and every NHS health worker in the UK.
"Remember we may be doctors/nurses/HCAs/allied health workers who are in direct contact with patients, but we are also human beings to practice human rights like others, to live in this world disease free with our family and children.
"Otherwise in future our children will lose interest to go to medical school.
"We also should get first track facilities for coronavirus testing to help our patients to prevent the disease spreading."
Family friend doctor Golam Rahat Khan said Dr Chowdhury had been worried about coronavirus "long before" it reached the UK.
"He was telling me and other friends that coronavirus was very dangerous," he said.
Dr Khan, 45, who has known Dr Chowdhury for nearly 20 years, said he was a "life-loving person".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "He liked singing and liked our own Bengali culture and loved English heritage.
"He was so caring, he would call us very often to come to his house. I last saw him on February 1 at my house for my son's eighth birthday."
Dr Chowdhury's death is the latest in a list of NHS staff who have died fighting the pandemic.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson taking 'short walks' as COVID-19 recovery continues

Boris Johnson is able to walk again after he was moved back from intensive care to a hospital ward , Downing Street says .
A statement from Number 10 said : `` The prime minister has been able to do short walks , between periods of rest , as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery .
`` He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received .
`` His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease . ''
He was taken to St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night - ten days after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Fears grew for his health when his symptoms worsened and he was transferred to intensive care the following day .
He spent three nights there before Downing Street confirmed he was in the `` early phase of his recovery '' and moved back to a normal hospital ward .
Mr Johnson waved his thanks to NHS doctors and nurses as he left the intensive care unit , his spokesman confirmed on Friday .
But they said it was too early to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
`` Decisions such as this will be on the advice of his medical team .
They have given him brilliant care , '' the spokesman added .
Earlier , it was confirmed the daily number of UK coronavirus deaths was 980 - surpassing Spain and Italy 's highest daily totals .
The death toll in UK hospitals is now 8,958 .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising for the prime minister in his absence .
Addressing the government 's daily coronavirus news conference on Thursday , Mr Raab said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's lockdown .
A huge publicity blitz is urging the public to stay at home , not visit friends or family and observe the rules over the Easter weekend .
And with temperatures set to soar , police forces have warned they are ready to take action against those who flout rules designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
However , concerns remain over how some police are enforcing the rules .
Cambridgeshire Police had to clarify its social distancing guidelines after an officer posted on social media they were monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer in Doncaster was also filmed telling a man to stay out of his front garden and go inside .

Boris Johnson is able to walk again after he was moved back from intensive care to a hospital ward, Downing Street says.
A statement from Number 10 said: "The prime minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery.
"He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.
Image: Boris Johnson is being treated in St Thomas' hospital in London
"His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease."
He was taken to St Thomas' hospital in central London on Sunday night - ten days after testing positive for COVID-19.
Fears grew for his health when his symptoms worsened and he was transferred to intensive care the following day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 WHO boss wishes Boris Johnson 'all the best'
He spent three nights there before Downing Street confirmed he was in the "early phase of his recovery" and moved back to a normal hospital ward.
Mr Johnson waved his thanks to NHS doctors and nurses as he left the intensive care unit, his spokesman confirmed on Friday.
But they said it was too early to say how long he would need to stay in hospital.
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"Decisions such as this will be on the advice of his medical team. They have given him brilliant care," the spokesman added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Britons defy lockdown on Good Friday
Earlier, it was confirmed the daily number of UK coronavirus deaths was 980 - surpassing Spain and Italy's highest daily totals.
The death toll in UK hospitals is now 8,958.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising for the prime minister in his absence.
Addressing the government's daily coronavirus news conference on Thursday, Mr Raab said it was too early to consider lifting the UK's lockdown.
Image: The public is being urged to stay home and not visit relatives this Easter
A huge publicity blitz is urging the public to stay at home, not visit friends or family and observe the rules over the Easter weekend.
And with temperatures set to soar, police forces have warned they are ready to take action against those who flout rules designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
However, concerns remain over how some police are enforcing the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Police tell family not to go in garden
Cambridgeshire Police had to clarify its social distancing guidelines after an officer posted on social media they were monitoring "non-essential" supermarket aisles.
An officer in Doncaster was also filmed telling a man to stay out of his front garden and go inside.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: 101-year-old man gives thumbs up with nurses as he beats disease

A 101-year-old man gave a double thumbs up alongside nurses as he left hospital after beating the coronavirus .
Keith Watson was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for surgery last month and tested positive for COVID-19 .
But he was discharged on Wednesday and a post celebrating the recovery from the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been shared thousands of times on Facebook and Twitter .
It said : `` This is Keith , he 's 101 years old .
`` He went home today after beating Coronavirus .
`` Well done to everyone on Ward 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keith so well for the past two weeks ! ''
Mr Watson 's daughter-in-law Jo Watson told the BBC the reaction had been `` a bit mad '' .
She added : `` We did n't know anything about this Facebook page until a member of the family had it pop up and it 's gone a bit mad .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He was in hospital having taken a tumble at his care home and needed surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 101 , but he got through that .
`` Having gone in for the operation is one thing and then when we learnt he was tested positive we were thinking the worst… but he 's amazing for his age . ''
A 99-year-old Second World War veteran has also beaten the coronavirus and was given a guard of honour by medical staff as he was discharged .
Albert Chambers , who turns 100 in July , was treated at Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster .
He told staff : `` Thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 've done for me .
You could n't have been better . ''

A 101-year-old man gave a double thumbs up alongside nurses as he left hospital after beating the coronavirus.
Keith Watson was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for surgery last month and tested positive for COVID-19.
But he was discharged on Wednesday and a post celebrating the recovery from the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been shared thousands of times on Facebook and Twitter.
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It said: "This is Keith, he's 101 years old.
"He went home today after beating Coronavirus.
"Well done to everyone on Ward 12 at the Alexandra Hospital for looking after Keith so well for the past two weeks!"
Mr Watson's daughter-in-law Jo Watson told the BBC the reaction had been "a bit mad".
She added: "We didn't know anything about this Facebook page until a member of the family had it pop up and it's gone a bit mad.
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"He was in hospital having taken a tumble at his care home and needed surgery and that was a big enough ordeal at 101, but he got through that.
"Having gone in for the operation is one thing and then when we learnt he was tested positive we were thinking the worst… but he's amazing for his age."
A 99-year-old Second World War veteran has also beaten the coronavirus and was given a guard of honour by medical staff as he was discharged.
Image: Second World War veteran Albert Chambers, 99, has also recovered. Pic: NHS North East and Yorkshire
Albert Chambers, who turns 100 in July, was treated at Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster.
He told staff: "Thank you very much. I appreciate every bit you've done for me. You couldn't have been better."


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: New York victims without family buried in mass grave on Hart Island

New York City has begun digging extra graves in its public cemetery , with pictures showing pine caskets stacked on top of each other in a large burial pit .
It has hired labourers to bury people who have died after contracting the coronavirus and whose bodies have not been claimed .
New York state is by far the worst affected area in the US , with 7,844 dying with COVID-19 .
The city 's medical examiner will be allowed to keep the dead in storage for a fortnight before they are transferred to `` potter 's field '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-mile strip off the Bronx which can only be accessed by boat and is often used for families who can not pay for a funeral .
Prison inmates normally help bury the bodies but during the pandemic it has been stopped to prevent the spread of the virus .
Typically , the island buries 25 bodies per week , but numbers have been increasing since March .
Around 24 bodies are now buried daily , five days a week , the state says .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Those taken to the island are wrapped in body bags and placed inside pine caskets .
Their names are carved onto the casket in case they are later claimed by relatives .
More than a million people are buried there .
The island may also be used as a site for temporary burials should the number of deaths go past the city 's morgue capacity , said Jason Kersten , a spokesman for the state 's department of correction .
`` We 're all hoping it 's not coming to this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , we 're prepared if it does . ''
Until 2014 , families of people buried on the island were unable to visit .
The entire site has been mapped by The Hart Island Project , which keeps a record of every person buried there , as well as supporting the bereaved .
Latest for New York state on Friday revealed another 777 deaths of people with COVID-19 , compared with 799 the day before - taking the total close to 8,000 .

New York City has begun digging extra graves in its public cemetery, with pictures showing pine caskets stacked on top of each other in a large burial pit.
It has hired labourers to bury people who have died after contracting the coronavirus and whose bodies have not been claimed.
New York state is by far the worst affected area in the US, with 7,844 dying with COVID-19.
Image: Those taken to Hart Island are respectfully buried in pine caskets
The city's medical examiner will be allowed to keep the dead in storage for a fortnight before they are transferred to "potter's field" on Hart Island.
The island is a one-mile strip off the Bronx which can only be accessed by boat and is often used for families who cannot pay for a funeral.
Prison inmates normally help bury the bodies but during the pandemic it has been stopped to prevent the spread of the virus.
Typically, the island buries 25 bodies per week, but numbers have been increasing since March.
Around 24 bodies are now buried daily, five days a week, the state says.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Those taken to the island are wrapped in body bags and placed inside pine caskets. Their names are carved onto the casket in case they are later claimed by relatives.
More than a million people are buried there.
The island may also be used as a site for temporary burials should the number of deaths go past the city's morgue capacity, said Jason Kersten, a spokesman for the state's department of correction.
Image: More than a million people are buried on the island
"We're all hoping it's not coming to this," Mr Kersten said. "At the same time, we're prepared if it does."
Until 2014, families of people buried on the island were unable to visit.
The entire site has been mapped by The Hart Island Project, which keeps a record of every person buried there, as well as supporting the bereaved.
Latest for New York state on Friday revealed another 777 deaths of people with COVID-19, compared with 799 the day before - taking the total close to 8,000.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish tests positive for COVID-19 in hospital

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has tested positive for coronavirus in hospital , his family have said .
The 69-year-old was admitted on Wednesday for `` treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics '' .
He subsequently tested positive for coronavirus but `` remains asymptomatic '' .
Liverpool said their former player and manager was tested for COVID-19 `` in keeping with current procedures '' .
The positive result was `` unexpected '' because Sir Kenny had not been displaying any symptoms .
Prior to entering hospital he had `` chosen to voluntarily self isolate for longer than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Merseyside club added .
It said Sir Kenny urged people to `` follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead '' .
The club said in a statement : `` He would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant NHS staff , whose dedication , bravery and sacrifice should be the focus of the nation 's attention at this extraordinary time .
`` He would also ask that they are given the space to do their jobs during what is an extremely challenging time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's privacy is respected .
`` He looks forward to being home soon .
We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate . ''
Sir Kenny joined Liverpool from Celtic in 1977 , going on to make 355 appearances and scoring 118 goals .

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has tested positive for coronavirus in hospital, his family have said.
The 69-year-old was admitted on Wednesday for "treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics".
He subsequently tested positive for coronavirus but "remains asymptomatic".
Liverpool said their former player and manager was tested for COVID-19 "in keeping with current procedures".
The positive result was "unexpected" because Sir Kenny had not been displaying any symptoms.
Prior to entering hospital he had "chosen to voluntarily self isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family", the Merseyside club added.
It said Sir Kenny urged people to "follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead".
Image: Sir Kenny after being knighted at Buckingham Palace in 2018
The club said in a statement: "He would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant NHS staff, whose dedication, bravery and sacrifice should be the focus of the nation's attention at this extraordinary time.
"He would also ask that they are given the space to do their jobs during what is an extremely challenging time for them and that his own family's privacy is respected.
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"He looks forward to being home soon. We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate."
Sir Kenny joined Liverpool from Celtic in 1977, going on to make 355 appearances and scoring 118 goals.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Hancock shoots down Scottish govt's face-covering plan

The UK government has effectively dismissed the Scottish government 's new advice that people should wear face coverings in shops and on public transport , saying evidence for the measure is `` weak '' .
In the latest departure from UK-wide coronavirus guidance , Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that cloth coverings should be used when social distancing was hard to maintain .
But , asked whether the recommendation was likely to be adopted across the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government 's position had not changed and that there was `` weak science '' supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing , Professor Angela McLean said the government 's scientific advisory committee , Sage , found there was `` weak evidence of a small effect in which a face mask can prevent a source of infection going from somebody who is infected to the people around them '' .
She said : `` Under our current circumstances , anybody who has symptoms really must stay at home - that 's the thing that people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also concerned that some people are infected who do n't have symptoms , or maybe do n't have symptoms yet , and that is the reason that Sage has put so much effort into looking at this question .
`` But the answer is clear that the evidence is weak and the effect is small , and we have passed that on to our colleagues in government with which to make a decision . ''
The new recommendations for everyone in Scotland above the age of two to wear face coverings made of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport and in shops .
`` We are recommending that you do wear a cloth face covering if you are in an enclosed space with others where social distancing is difficult , for example public transport or in a shop , '' Nicola Sturgeon said during her daily COVID-19 briefing .
Ms Sturgeon 's use of the more general term of coverings distinguishes them from the use of medical-grade masks , amid fears an increased public uptake could cause a shortage for NHS workers .
Scotland has stopped short of making their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use was `` still limited '' .
But the first minister said there were benefits in wearing coverings to reduce transmission from individuals who are not yet exhibiting symptoms .
Leaders across the UK have all said they want to maintain a unified response to the pandemic .
But Ms Sturgeon has warned she `` will not hesitate '' in taking Scotland in a different direction , while the Welsh government announced an extension to the lockdown ahead of other nations last week .
The new advice was broadly welcomed by experts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new evidence that had prompted the decision .
Trish Greenhalgh , professor of primary care health sciences at Oxford University Nuffield Department , said the Scottish government 's decision on face masks was `` a common-sense way of reducing the transmission '' .
She said : `` They are as evidence-based as school closures , handwashing and lockdown , in that none of these measures is supported by definitive randomised controlled trials but all are supported by other kinds of science . ''
Ian Jones , professor of virology at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with other European countries and was `` simply , a no-brainer '' .
`` The arguments against mask use always centre on if they are worn appropriately , if they lead to a false sense of security or if their use will limit supplies , '' he said .
`` But the real scientific question is 'can they reduce transmission ' and the answer to that is yes . ''
But Keith Neal , emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , suggested the decision was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is impossible to know why this has been suggested now given there has been no change in the evidence , '' he said .
`` The decision seems political given it is against the Scottish and other UK scientific advice that has been given .
There is no indication to make this UK wide due to the lack of evidence and strong possibility that they will not work . ''

The UK government has effectively dismissed the Scottish government's new advice that people should wear face coverings in shops and on public transport, saying evidence for the measure is "weak".
In the latest departure from UK-wide coronavirus guidance, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that cloth coverings should be used when social distancing was hard to maintain.
But, asked whether the recommendation was likely to be adopted across the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government's position had not changed and that there was "weak science" supporting the advice.
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Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Professor Angela McLean said the government's scientific advisory committee, Sage, found there was "weak evidence of a small effect in which a face mask can prevent a source of infection going from somebody who is infected to the people around them".
She said: "Under our current circumstances, anybody who has symptoms really must stay at home - that's the thing that people have done so brilliantly - but we are also concerned that some people are infected who don't have symptoms, or maybe don't have symptoms yet, and that is the reason that Sage has put so much effort into looking at this question.
"But the answer is clear that the evidence is weak and the effect is small, and we have passed that on to our colleagues in government with which to make a decision."
The new recommendations for everyone in Scotland above the age of two to wear face coverings made of cloth, including scarves, applies on public transport and in shops.
"We are recommending that you do wear a cloth face covering if you are in an enclosed space with others where social distancing is difficult, for example public transport or in a shop," Nicola Sturgeon said during her daily COVID-19 briefing.
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Ms Sturgeon's use of the more general term of coverings distinguishes them from the use of medical-grade masks, amid fears an increased public uptake could cause a shortage for NHS workers.
Scotland has stopped short of making their use mandatory, conceding evidence over their use was "still limited".
But the first minister said there were benefits in wearing coverings to reduce transmission from individuals who are not yet exhibiting symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Minute silence for key workers who have died
Leaders across the UK have all said they want to maintain a unified response to the pandemic.
But Ms Sturgeon has warned she "will not hesitate" in taking Scotland in a different direction, while the Welsh government announced an extension to the lockdown ahead of other nations last week.
The new advice was broadly welcomed by experts, although some said officials should reveal any new evidence that had prompted the decision.
Trish Greenhalgh, professor of primary care health sciences at Oxford University Nuffield Department, said the Scottish government's decision on face masks was "a common-sense way of reducing the transmission".
She said: "They are as evidence-based as school closures, handwashing and lockdown, in that none of these measures is supported by definitive randomised controlled trials but all are supported by other kinds of science."
Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading, said the decision was in line with other European countries and was "simply, a no-brainer".
"The arguments against mask use always centre on if they are worn appropriately, if they lead to a false sense of security or if their use will limit supplies," he said.
"But the real scientific question is 'can they reduce transmission' and the answer to that is yes."
But Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, suggested the decision was political and not supported by evidence.
"It is impossible to know why this has been suggested now given there has been no change in the evidence," he said.
"The decision seems political given it is against the Scottish and other UK scientific advice that has been given. There is no indication to make this UK wide due to the lack of evidence and strong possibility that they will not work."


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Number 10 plays down reports PM will unveil lockdown changes this week

Downing Street has played down reports Boris Johnson could set out a limited set of changes to the UK 's coronavirus lockdown within days .
Number 10 stressed the government 's five tests for easing lockdown measures had not yet been passed .
`` We 've set out that we will review social distancing measures by 7 May , '' the prime minister 's official spokesman said on Tuesday .
`` The government is focused upon that date . ''
For lockdown measures to be relieved , the government has said : • It needs to see the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be able to cope ; • The rate of infection must come down ; • There needs to be enough supplies of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and COVID-19 tests ; • It must be confident lifting lockdown measures wo n't result in a second peak .
`` We 're not at that point yet , '' Mr Johnson 's spokesman said .
`` I do n't think we 're suggesting for a moment that the five tests currently are met - we will have to wait until they are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may set out towards the end of this week how the fight against COVID-19 infections is going , how it is being measured and what will be needed to prevent a second peak of infections .
It had earlier been reported that the prime minister would `` put flesh on the bones '' of a lockdown exit strategy by the end of this week .
The Times said this could include allowing shops selling `` non-essential '' items to reopen if they could keep customers two metres apart , and allowing Britons to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and families in limited `` bubbles '' of people who can see each other .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On his first official day back at work on Monday , Mr Johnson said the government would be saying `` much more '' about how the lockdown measures might be refined `` in the coming days '' .
The prime minister has come under increasing pressure to ease the lockdown from both Conservative donors and Tory backbench MPs .
Sir Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tory backbenchers , said on Monday : `` People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel . ''
At Monday 's daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , confirmed there was `` some room for manoeuvre '' to ease lockdown measures due to the falling rate of infection .
He said : `` Obviously if it was lower , it would give us more room for manoeuvre , but it gives some room for manoeuvre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge amount of room for manoeuvre . ''

Downing Street has played down reports Boris Johnson could set out a limited set of changes to the UK's coronavirus lockdown within days.
Number 10 stressed the government's five tests for easing lockdown measures had not yet been passed.
"We've set out that we will review social distancing measures by 7 May," the prime minister's official spokesman said on Tuesday.
"The government is focused upon that date."
For lockdown measures to be relieved, the government has said:
It needs to see the number of coronavirus deaths falling;
The NHS must be able to cope;
The rate of infection must come down;
There needs to be enough supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 tests;
tests; It must be confident lifting lockdown measures won't result in a second peak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 'I ask you to contain your impatience'
"We're not at that point yet," Mr Johnson's spokesman said.
"I don't think we're suggesting for a moment that the five tests currently are met - we will have to wait until they are."
However, it is understood ministers may set out towards the end of this week how the fight against COVID-19 infections is going, how it is being measured and what will be needed to prevent a second peak of infections.
It had earlier been reported that the prime minister would "put flesh on the bones" of a lockdown exit strategy by the end of this week.
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The Times said this could include allowing shops selling "non-essential" items to reopen if they could keep customers two metres apart, and allowing Britons to mix with a wider group of friends and families in limited "bubbles" of people who can see each other.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On his first official day back at work on Monday, Mr Johnson said the government would be saying "much more" about how the lockdown measures might be refined "in the coming days".
The prime minister has come under increasing pressure to ease the lockdown from both Conservative donors and Tory backbench MPs.
Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, said on Monday: "People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 How lockdown fatigue is setting in
At Monday's daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, confirmed there was "some room for manoeuvre" to ease lockdown measures due to the falling rate of infection.
He said: "Obviously if it was lower, it would give us more room for manoeuvre, but it gives some room for manoeuvre, but it doesn't give a huge amount of room for manoeuvre."


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: David Miliband warns of a billion infections and 3 million deaths in poorest countries

Up to a billion people could be infected with coronavirus - with three million deaths - across crisis-affected countries , a leading humanitarian agency has warned .
The International Rescue Committee ( IRC ) , headed by former UK foreign secretary David Miliband , is publishing a new report on Tuesday in which it estimates the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 34 countries in which it operates , including Afghanistan , Syria and Yemen .
In its new analysis , the IRC suggests - without swift action in the coming weeks - that between half a billion to one billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those countries , with between 1.5 million and 3.2 million deaths .
Suggesting the true impact could be even greater , Mr Miliband told Sky News those were `` conservative estimates '' and cautioned the world has `` only weeks to prepare for this disease to go on the rampage in some of the poorest countries '' .
In a call for the world 's richest nations to join together to assist those countries , the former Labour MP added : `` As the debate about lockdown - and how to end it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need to make sure we recognise this disease is a global disease that will only be fully beaten when it 's beaten everywhere . ''
He accused the world 's richest countries - the G20 - of being `` in a slumber '' over a co-ordinated international response to the COVID-19 crisis .
And he blasted US President Donald Trump for making a `` completely retrograde '' step in vowing to no longer fund the World Health Organisation .
The current impact of coronavirus in poorer countries is almost unknown due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he suggested .
Mr Miliband claimed there is so far a `` massive underestimate '' of only 25,000 cases in Africa , despite it being a continent of more than one billion people .
`` What we can see is , step by step , there are more and more people coming to our health centres that we run around the world , '' he said .
`` We see this disease really taking off by around mid-May and so we can see it creeping forward .
`` We 've got a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventative work ; that means very basic hand washing stations , it means triaging people by testing them for fever and isolating high fever cases .
`` But we 're also going to have to build up the health systems , because there 's going to be an enormous number of people who need basic therapeutic care . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker With vast economic packages to help businesses during their countries ' lockdowns , Mr Miliband said countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` found money when they needed it '' as he claimed it was a `` matter of morality '' for richer nations to provide resources to others .
He said the IRC 's call is not about providing equipment such as ventilators to countries like South Sudan , but instead about `` getting much more basic infrastructure into place '' .
This is `` so that people can prevent the disease through hand washing , through proper information , through a modicum of social distancing but , also , by isolating cases so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population '' .
Coronavirus is a `` global disease that is being fought nation by nation , '' added Mr Miliband , as he despaired about the lack of global leadership on display in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` The global nature of the disease is not being matched by the kind of international co-operation that is going to be essential , '' he said .
Mr Miliband , who now lives and works in America , also claimed there was a `` high degree of dysfunction '' in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a high level of polarisation and mistrust '' in his adopted country .
He added : `` One of the things we know about this crisis is that it requires high levels of social trust for an effective response .
`` Countries like South Korea and Germany have shown that .
`` The rallying that 's happened in the UK to support the NHS ... that speaks to social cohesion .
`` We 're not seeing that in the US at the moment , even before you get into the absurdities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its ill effects .
`` There 's a big question now that America is going to have to confront - how does it combine a more effective domestic response with a reassertion of international leadership ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Up to a billion people could be infected with coronavirus - with three million deaths - across crisis-affected countries, a leading humanitarian agency has warned.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC), headed by former UK foreign secretary David Miliband, is publishing a new report on Tuesday in which it estimates the devastating impact of COVID-19 in 34 countries in which it operates, including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen.
In its new analysis, the IRC suggests - without swift action in the coming weeks - that between half a billion to one billion people could be infected with coronavirus in those countries, with between 1.5 million and 3.2 million deaths.
Suggesting the true impact could be even greater, Mr Miliband told Sky News those were "conservative estimates" and cautioned the world has "only weeks to prepare for this disease to go on the rampage in some of the poorest countries".
In a call for the world's richest nations to join together to assist those countries, the former Labour MP added: "As the debate about lockdown - and how to end it - develops in countries like the UK, we need to make sure we recognise this disease is a global disease that will only be fully beaten when it's beaten everywhere."
He accused the world's richest countries - the G20 - of being "in a slumber" over a co-ordinated international response to the COVID-19 crisis.
And he blasted US President Donald Trump for making a "completely retrograde" step in vowing to no longer fund the World Health Organisation.
Image: US President Donald Trump has vowed to no longer fund the WHO
The current impact of coronavirus in poorer countries is almost unknown due to "threadbare" testing regimes, he suggested.
Mr Miliband claimed there is so far a "massive underestimate" of only 25,000 cases in Africa, despite it being a continent of more than one billion people.
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"What we can see is, step by step, there are more and more people coming to our health centres that we run around the world," he said.
"We see this disease really taking off by around mid-May and so we can see it creeping forward.
"We've got a few weeks left to do some essential precautionary preventative work; that means very basic hand washing stations, it means triaging people by testing them for fever and isolating high fever cases.
"But we're also going to have to build up the health systems, because there's going to be an enormous number of people who need basic therapeutic care."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
With vast economic packages to help businesses during their countries' lockdowns, Mr Miliband said countries such as the US and UK had "found money when they needed it" as he claimed it was a "matter of morality" for richer nations to provide resources to others.
He said the IRC's call is not about providing equipment such as ventilators to countries like South Sudan, but instead about "getting much more basic infrastructure into place".
This is "so that people can prevent the disease through hand washing, through proper information, through a modicum of social distancing but, also, by isolating cases so they don't spread across the whole population".
Coronavirus is a "global disease that is being fought nation by nation," added Mr Miliband, as he despaired about the lack of global leadership on display in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The global nature of the disease is not being matched by the kind of international co-operation that is going to be essential," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Lights and disinfectant: Trump's cure suggestions
Mr Miliband, who now lives and works in America, also claimed there was a "high degree of dysfunction" in the US response to coronavirus, coupled with "a high level of polarisation and mistrust" in his adopted country.
He added: "One of the things we know about this crisis is that it requires high levels of social trust for an effective response.
"Countries like South Korea and Germany have shown that.
"The rallying that's happened in the UK to support the NHS... that speaks to social cohesion.
"We're not seeing that in the US at the moment, even before you get into the absurdities of last week's discussions about bleach and its ill effects.
"There's a big question now that America is going to have to confront - how does it combine a more effective domestic response with a reassertion of international leadership?"
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Bondi Beach reopens to swimmers and surfers as lockdown relaxed in New South Wales

Sydney 's iconic Bondi Beach has reopened for surfers and swimmers five weeks after it was closed over the coronavirus pandemic .
Waverley Council reopened Bondi , Bronte and Tamarama beaches , with COVID-19 social distancing rules still in place .
The beaches will be open to the public between 7am and 5pm on weekdays , but will shut at the weekends .
People will only be able to take a dip in the water , with sunbathing , walking and jogging on the beach not allowed .
The beaches were closed as Australia 's coronavirus restrictions came into force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the popular destinations , breaking social distancing rules .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The move to ease restrictions comes as Health Minister Greg Hunt announced just one new case of community transmission of COVID-19 had been recorded in the country in the past 24 hours .
`` We are winning but we have not won yet , '' said Mr Hunt .
New South Wales ( NSW ) , where nearly half of the country 's 6,700 cases have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ban on non-essential movement from Friday .
Up to two adults will be allowed to visit another household for social or care reasons , and children will be able to join them .
But people have been urged to continue to socially distance , be extra careful when visiting those aged over 70 , and to stay at home if they have symptoms .
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned the number of infections in the state would inevitably rise as restrictions are eased .
`` I anticipate that in May , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases we get every day because when you 've got this increase in activity , unfortunately you will see a rise in the number of cases , '' Ms Berejiklian said .
`` That 's why we took time in April whilst we had those restrictions to beef up health supplies , capacity in hospitals to deal with extra cases , but also to learn from the data we 've had .
`` That 's definitely the headspace we 're in - what can we lift ?
When is it a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost jobs ?
That 's a priority for us . ''
Australia , which closed its external and internal borders , imposed an early shutdown of businesses and issued strict social distancing rules , has avoided the high numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths seen in some other countries .
State governments have set up coronavirus testing centres and want people to take tests regardless of whether they have symptoms .
The country has recorded 84 deaths associated with the virus .

Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach has reopened for surfers and swimmers five weeks after it was closed over the coronavirus pandemic.
Waverley Council reopened Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches, with COVID-19 social distancing rules still in place.
The beaches will be open to the public between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, but will shut at the weekends.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Crowds flock to the beach after it reopens for 'exercise'
People will only be able to take a dip in the water, with sunbathing, walking and jogging on the beach not allowed.
The beaches were closed as Australia's coronavirus restrictions came into force last month and large crowds gathered at the popular destinations, breaking social distancing rules.
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The move to ease restrictions comes as Health Minister Greg Hunt announced just one new case of community transmission of COVID-19 had been recorded in the country in the past 24 hours.
"We are winning but we have not won yet," said Mr Hunt.
Image: Waverley Council reopened Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches with COVID-19 social distancing rules still in place
Image: Surfers head to the beach as the lockdown is eased
New South Wales (NSW), where nearly half of the country's 6,700 cases have been recorded, is relaxing a stay-at-home policy and ban on non-essential movement from Friday.
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Up to two adults will be allowed to visit another household for social or care reasons, and children will be able to join them.
But people have been urged to continue to socially distance, be extra careful when visiting those aged over 70, and to stay at home if they have symptoms.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned the number of infections in the state would inevitably rise as restrictions are eased.
"I anticipate that in May, it won't just be a handful of new cases we get every day because when you've got this increase in activity, unfortunately you will see a rise in the number of cases," Ms Berejiklian said.
"That's why we took time in April whilst we had those restrictions to beef up health supplies, capacity in hospitals to deal with extra cases, but also to learn from the data we've had.
"That's definitely the headspace we're in - what can we lift? When is it a safe time to lift them? What can boost jobs? That's a priority for us."
Australia, which closed its external and internal borders, imposed an early shutdown of businesses and issued strict social distancing rules, has avoided the high numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths seen in some other countries.
State governments have set up coronavirus testing centres and want people to take tests regardless of whether they have symptoms.
The country has recorded 84 deaths associated with the virus.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Ex-NHS chief Sir David Nicholson calls for lockdown exit strategy to give 'sense of hop

Coronavirus: Ex-NHS chief Sir David Nicholson calls for lockdown exit strategy to give 'sense of hope'

The previous head of the NHS has called on ministers to spell out their coronavirus lockdown exit strategy to give the UK a `` sense of hope '' .
Sir David Nicholson , chief executive of the health service in England until 2014 , told Sky News the strict social distancing measures should remain in place .
But he urged the government to spell out how it plans to return the country to some sort of `` normality '' following the COVID-19 pandemic .
Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan , he said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown and all of that organised .
`` But we do need a sense of hope… as to what is the broad pathway that you need to carry out to enable you to get to the place where some level of normality comes about .
`` And I do n't think yet we ’ ve had that narrative from the government .
`` I don ’ t think anyone ’ s suggesting we drop the lockdown tomorrow , but we need to understand what are the kind of steps… because we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable that to happen . ''
So far more than 20,000 hospital patients have died across the UK , with the true number including those in care homes , hospices and the community expected to be higher .
Sir David said spelling out the next phase of tackling coronavirus was vital for organisations like the NHS to prepare for large-scale changes - such as testing .
`` We need staff testing , we need patient testing on a scale we haven ’ t done so far , as well as the personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the way in which we ’ ll start to reintroduce a set of services to patients , '' he explained .
`` You do n't introduce mass testing by saying you ’ re going to introduce it - you need to take a lot of action in a detailed way . ''
Sir David said when hospitals start re-opening some non-urgent services that will `` put increased demand on PPE '' .
`` So we need to make sure centrally that people have got their act together and deliver it in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he urged .
The former NHS boss , who oversaw the bird flu outbreak response , added it was `` very , very sad '' that some medics and social care staff are not getting the right PPE and `` put into positions which nobody should be put in '' .
`` If nothing we should be there to ensure the safety of staff and our patients , '' he said .
He also called for a `` radical overhaul of social care '' , which he said the last three or four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do something about and haven ’ t '' .
Addressing the disparity in hospital deaths reported daily and the up to 52 % higher figure found later to have taken place including in care homes , he said : `` There simply is n't the infrastructure around them to… work with the various bureaucracies you have to , to make all of this happen .
`` If nothing else comes out of this , a really radical overhaul of social care has to be a big priority of the government going forward .
@

The previous head of the NHS has called on ministers to spell out their coronavirus lockdown exit strategy to give the UK a "sense of hope".
Sir David Nicholson, chief executive of the health service in England until 2014, told Sky News the strict social distancing measures should remain in place.
But he urged the government to spell out how it plans to return the country to some sort of "normality" following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Sir David Nicholson was chief executive of the NHS until 2014
Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan, he said: "We need to make sure that we keep the lockdown and all of that organised.
"But we do need a sense of hope… as to what is the broad pathway that you need to carry out to enable you to get to the place where some level of normality comes about.
"And I don't think yet we’ve had that narrative from the government.
"I don’t think anyone’s suggesting we drop the lockdown tomorrow, but we need to understand what are the kind of steps… because we need to make plans in our organisations to enable that to happen."
Image: More than 20,000 people have died with the virus in UK hospitals
So far more than 20,000 hospital patients have died across the UK, with the true number including those in care homes, hospices and the community expected to be higher.
Sir David said spelling out the next phase of tackling coronavirus was vital for organisations like the NHS to prepare for large-scale changes - such as testing.
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"We need staff testing, we need patient testing on a scale we haven’t done so far, as well as the personal protective equipment [PPE] - that’s the way in which we’ll start to reintroduce a set of services to patients," he explained.
"You don't introduce mass testing by saying you’re going to introduce it - you need to take a lot of action in a detailed way."
Image: NHS staff during a minute's silence to remember health workers who died from COVID-19
Sir David said when hospitals start re-opening some non-urgent services that will "put increased demand on PPE".
"So we need to make sure centrally that people have got their act together and deliver it in the time and quantities we need," he urged.
Image: A stay at home message on a motorway
The former NHS boss, who oversaw the bird flu outbreak response, added it was "very, very sad" that some medics and social care staff are not getting the right PPE and "put into positions which nobody should be put in".
"If nothing we should be there to ensure the safety of staff and our patients," he said.
Image: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been urged to 'overhaul' social care
He also called for a "radical overhaul of social care", which he said the last three or four governments "have said they’ll do something about and haven’t".
Addressing the disparity in hospital deaths reported daily and the up to 52% higher figure found later to have taken place including in care homes, he said: "There simply isn't the infrastructure around them to… work with the various bureaucracies you have to, to make all of this happen.
"If nothing else comes out of this, a really radical overhaul of social care has to be a big priority of the government going forward."


news--2020-04-24--Eddie Large: Well-wishers applaud hearse before comedy legend's funeral

Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Bristol to pay their respects to Eddie Large as the hearse carrying his coffin was driven to the comedian 's funeral .
Video posted online showed people following social distancing guidelines as the vehicle set off and some clapped as it travelled down Portishead High Street to South Bristol Crematorium .
Inside the hearse , a spray of light blue flowers were placed on the coffin , a nod to his support for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City .
Only 10 family and close friends were allowed to attend the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little , Eddie Large 's comedy partner for more than half a century , was among them , alongside his wife , Sheree .
Large , 78 - real name Edward McGinnis - died on 2 April after contracting coronavirus while having treatment in hospital for heart problems .
His son , Ryan McGinnis , tweeted that his father , was `` the best Dad I could ever have asked for '' .
Large , who was born in Glasgow but grew up in Manchester , formed the Little And Large double act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to win Opportunity Knocks and appeared regularly on TV for the next 20 years .
Their prime-time BBC One series The Little And Large Show attracted audiences of almost 15 million before it was axed in 1991 .
In 2010 , Large , who was famous for interrupting his co-star , revealed he had not spoken to Little for some time .

Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Bristol to pay their respects to Eddie Large as the hearse carrying his coffin was driven to the comedian's funeral.
Video posted online showed people following social distancing guidelines as the vehicle set off and some clapped as it travelled down Portishead High Street to South Bristol Crematorium.
Inside the hearse, a spray of light blue flowers were placed on the coffin, a nod to his support for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Image: Eddie Large in 1984
Image: Syd Little and his wife, Sheree, arrive to see the hearse carrying Eddie Large's coffin
Only 10 family and close friends were allowed to attend the service because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Syd Little, Eddie Large's comedy partner for more than half a century, was among them, alongside his wife, Sheree.
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Large, 78 - real name Edward McGinnis - died on 2 April after contracting coronavirus while having treatment in hospital for heart problems.
His son, Ryan McGinnis, tweeted that his father, was "the best Dad I could ever have asked for".
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Large, who was born in Glasgow but grew up in Manchester, formed the Little And Large double act with Little in 1963.
The pair went on to win Opportunity Knocks and appeared regularly on TV for the next 20 years.
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Image: Syd Little and Eddie Large. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
Their prime-time BBC One series The Little And Large Show attracted audiences of almost 15 million before it was axed in 1991.
Image: Syd Little and his wife, Sheree, pay their last respects to his comedy legend partner Eddie Large, before his funeral
In 2010, Large, who was famous for interrupting his co-star, revealed he had not spoken to Little for some time.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: UK troops given insect repellent Citriodiol as part of 'enhanced' protection

Troops are being issued with an insect repellent that might offer a new layer of protection against COVID-19 , Sky News can reveal .
The product , called Citriodiol , is known to kill types of coronaviruses .
A military source said he had been told there was evidence to suggest that it might have a similar effect on the strain of the disease behind the pandemic .
The company that produces Citriodiol also believes it could offer protection against the novel coronavirus .
Jacqueline Watson , managing director of Citrefine International Ltd , said she would like the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What we can say is that we do feel there is a very good chance it could work against this virus but it does of course need to be thoroughly tested , '' she told Sky News .
It can also be revealed that soldiers are being issued a disinfectant spray to be used as a decontaminant if they come into contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19 .
ESOL is what is used on food to extend its shelf-life .
Troops are being given the option to spray it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water .
In addition , they are set to be offered vitamin D supplements to support their immune system .
The `` enhanced force health protection measures '' do not replace social distancing , hand-washing or the wearing of personal protective equipment , military sources said .
They are extra .
Use is optional , not obligatory .
On the use of insect repellent , one source said the thinking was that if it does not have any adverse effect and there is a chance it might offer additional protection , why not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to personnel who are involved in operational roles and to those who are supporting the government 's effort to tackle coronavirus , such as helping at testing sites and delivering personal protective equipment .
General Sir Richard Barrons , a former senior officer , said he doubted the military would have decided to issue insect repellent without some kind of evidence that it would have an effect .
A worker in the healthcare sector said they would be interested in their staff being issued insect repellent if it really did provide added protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works then that would be great , but it would have to be strongly evidence based , '' the worker said , asking to remain anonymous .
Citriodiol is made from oil from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree .
It is found in the insect repellent Mosi Guard and others .
It is understood that only insect repellent containing Citriodiol and not containing Deet is regarded as having the potential of any kind of utility against the novel coronavirus .
The repellent has another useful element .
It evaporates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utility against the coronavirus is proven it could provide an added layer of protection for a number of hours .
The product could be added to hand soaps or face masks to bolster protection .
Bottles of spray-on Mosi Guard are already being dispatched to military units .
One source said the repellent is to be applied every four hours .
`` I have no problem with putting it on my skin , '' he said , while noting that it did not smell great .
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces personnel is a priority .
To help them remain healthy and available for duty the MoD is considering what additional measures can help their immune systems to stay fighting fit . ''

Troops are being issued with an insect repellent that might offer a new layer of protection against COVID-19, Sky News can reveal.
The product, called Citriodiol, is known to kill types of coronaviruses.
A military source said he had been told there was evidence to suggest that it might have a similar effect on the strain of the disease behind the pandemic.
The company that produces Citriodiol also believes it could offer protection against the novel coronavirus.
Jacqueline Watson, managing director of Citrefine International Ltd, said she would like the government to support a formal testing programme.
"What we can say is that we do feel there is a very good chance it could work against this virus but it does of course need to be thoroughly tested," she told Sky News.
It can also be revealed that soldiers are being issued a disinfectant spray to be used as a decontaminant if they come into contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19.
ESOL is what is used on food to extend its shelf-life. Troops are being given the option to spray it on themselves before washing with soap and water.
In addition, they are set to be offered vitamin D supplements to support their immune system.
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The "enhanced force health protection measures" do not replace social distancing, hand-washing or the wearing of personal protective equipment, military sources said.
They are extra. Use is optional, not obligatory.
On the use of insect repellent, one source said the thinking was that if it does not have any adverse effect and there is a chance it might offer additional protection, why not use it?
Priority will be given to personnel who are involved in operational roles and to those who are supporting the government's effort to tackle coronavirus, such as helping at testing sites and delivering personal protective equipment.
Image: British troops have been helping in various ways, including transporting protective equipment
General Sir Richard Barrons, a former senior officer, said he doubted the military would have decided to issue insect repellent without some kind of evidence that it would have an effect.
A worker in the healthcare sector said they would be interested in their staff being issued insect repellent if it really did provide added protection against the illness.
"If it works then that would be great, but it would have to be strongly evidence based," the worker said, asking to remain anonymous.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:20 'Black box is coronavirus game changer'
Citriodiol is made from oil from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree.
It is found in the insect repellent Mosi Guard and others.
It is understood that only insect repellent containing Citriodiol and not containing Deet is regarded as having the potential of any kind of utility against the novel coronavirus.
The repellent has another useful element.
It evaporates slowly over time, so if its utility against the coronavirus is proven it could provide an added layer of protection for a number of hours.
The product could be added to hand soaps or face masks to bolster protection.
Bottles of spray-on Mosi Guard are already being dispatched to military units.
One source said the repellent is to be applied every four hours.
"I have no problem with putting it on my skin," he said, while noting that it did not smell great.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "The protection and well-being of armed forces personnel is a priority. To help them remain healthy and available for duty the MoD is considering what additional measures can help their immune systems to stay fighting fit."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Record food sales growth fails to prevent worst month for retail

Official figures have charted a record surge in food sales growth , though the wider retail sector endured its worst month on record in March as the coronavirus crisis shuttered stores .
The data , produced by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , showed supermarkets were clear winners during the month as shoppers dashed to stock cupboards with everyday items in the run-up to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions from 23 March .
Sales volumes were 10.4 % up on February - a record spurt of growth for grocers - while alcohol-focused stores enjoyed a jump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record share of all retail spending at 22.3 % during the month as stores closed and consumers ventured outside less .
While the high demand for groceries , in particular , helped prop up the wider retail sales figures , widespread shop closures across the economy meant volumes were 5.1 % down as a whole .
ONS head of retail sales , Rhian Murphy , said : `` Retail sales saw their biggest monthly fall since records began over 30 years ago with large declines in clothing and fuel , only partially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Online-only retailers saw strong growth though , with many high street stores also unsurprisingly seeing a boost to web sales . ''
In value terms , the retail sector lost 5.7 % .
The figures pile agony on an industry that was already reeling from a collapse in consumer spending before the coronavirus crisis took hold .
The lockdown has forced a string of chains , including Laura Ashley , BrightHouse and Debenhams , into administration while hundreds of thousands of store staff nationwide are furloughed from their jobs pending the lifting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The sales data was revealed hours after the CBI business lobby group issued an appeal for ministers to beef up help for UK firms .
It issued the plea amid concerns financial support schemes are not reaching companies and workers at a pace that will protect the millions of jobs at risk from the outbreak .
The Financial Times reported on Friday that the government was now considering guaranteeing 100 % for bank loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday showed that more than 16,600 small and medium-sized businesses had been given aid worth £2.8bn by banks , though an estimated 300,000 firms had expressed interest in securing help .

Official figures have charted a record surge in food sales growth, though the wider retail sector endured its worst month on record in March as the coronavirus crisis shuttered stores.
The data, produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), showed supermarkets were clear winners during the month as shoppers dashed to stock cupboards with everyday items in the run-up to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions from 23 March.
Sales volumes were 10.4% up on February - a record spurt of growth for grocers - while alcohol-focused stores enjoyed a jump of 31.4%.
Image: March saw a rush for many everyday items such as loo roll, pasta and flour
Overall online sales reached a record share of all retail spending at 22.3% during the month as stores closed and consumers ventured outside less.
While the high demand for groceries, in particular, helped prop up the wider retail sales figures, widespread shop closures across the economy meant volumes were 5.1% down as a whole.
Clothing store sales endured a staggering 34% slump, the figures showed.
Fuel sales were 2% lower on a monthly basis.
ONS head of retail sales, Rhian Murphy, said: "Retail sales saw their biggest monthly fall since records began over 30 years ago with large declines in clothing and fuel, only partially offset by strong food sales.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"Online-only retailers saw strong growth though, with many high street stores also unsurprisingly seeing a boost to web sales."
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In value terms, the retail sector lost 5.7%.
The figures pile agony on an industry that was already reeling from a collapse in consumer spending before the coronavirus crisis took hold.
The lockdown has forced a string of chains, including Laura Ashley, BrightHouse and Debenhams, into administration while hundreds of thousands of store staff nationwide are furloughed from their jobs pending the lifting of restrictions.
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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The sales data was revealed hours after the CBI business lobby group issued an appeal for ministers to beef up help for UK firms.
It issued the plea amid concerns financial support schemes are not reaching companies and workers at a pace that will protect the millions of jobs at risk from the outbreak.
The Financial Times reported on Friday that the government was now considering guaranteeing 100% for bank loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Figures on Thursday showed that more than 16,600 small and medium-sized businesses had been given aid worth £2.8bn by banks, though an estimated 300,000 firms had expressed interest in securing help.