news--2020-05-23--Who is Dominic Cummings: A former PM branded him a 'career psychopath' - here's what you need to kno

Who is Dominic Cummings: A former PM branded him a 'career psychopath' - here's what you need to know about PM's top aide

Boris Johnson 's top aide is facing mounting pressure to go over claims he broke the coronavirus lockdown rules he helped draw up .
The prime minister 's chief adviser has faced a barrage of criticism after he travelled 260 miles to his parents in Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms , despite strict COVID-19 isolation rules .
Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in Barnard Castle , a picturesque town 30 miles from Durham , then again in the county after he had returned to London .
While Mr Johnson is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' , the row is continuing to escalate .
While the 48-year-old has a reputation within Westminster as a political Svengali and radical reformer , he is also a divisive character , once described as a `` career psychopath '' by David Cameron .
Following his appointment by Mr Johnson , he is considered to be one of the most powerful people in Number 10 .
In the early 2000s , Mr Cummings served as director of strategy for the Conservative Party .
He left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Iain Duncan Smith as `` incompetent '' , adding he would be a `` worse prime minister than Tony Blair and must be replaced '' .
He later campaigned against Labour 's proposal for an elected regional assembly in the North East , before going on to work as a special adviser for Michael Gove .
When the Conservatives were elected to power as part of the coalition government in 2010 , Mr Cummings ' employment at Mr Gove 's Department for Education was banned by the then director of communications Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations of phone hacking at the now defunct News of the World while he was editor , Mr Cummings became Mr Gove 's chief of staff .
Allegations were made by civil servants of an `` us-and-them aggressive , intimidating culture '' under the pair , before Mr Cummings left this role in 2013 in order to open a new free school .
Then prime minister Mr Cameron is later reported to have described Mr Cummings as a `` career psychopath '' .
Ahead of the 2016 EU referendum , Mr Cummings joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with eurosceptic Tory MPs .
He survived an attempt to oust him from the campaign and was later credited as one of the most influential figures behind Vote Leave 's success under its `` Take Back Control '' slogan .
Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Mr Cummings in a Channel 4 drama of the 2016 EU referendum campaign which focused on his role in covering a red bus with the disputed £350m a week figure , arguing the cash could be used to fund the NHS .
Mr Cummings , a hate figure for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` necessary to win '' the campaign .
Last year , Mr Cummings refused to appear before the House of Commons ' digital , culture , media and sport committee as part of their fake news inquiry .
He was called to appear to respond to `` allegations made against the Vote Leave campaign '' during the inquiry and to `` clarify allegations about the unlawful coordination of EU referendum campaigns '' .
He was found in contempt of parliament over his refusing to attend .
Mr Cummings was a fierce critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying her plan for leaving the EU was `` unacceptable bulls*** '' and attacked a `` truck load of c*** ideas '' from government ministers , who he called `` morons '' .
He also argued against the government 's decision to trigger the Article 50 notification to leave the EU so soon after the 2016 referendum , calling it an `` historic unforgivable blunder '' .
In 2017 , he branded then Brexit secretary David Davis `` thick as mince , lazy as a toad , and vain as Narcissus '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vote Leave campaign , Mr Cummings has not shied from laying into the European Research Group of Tory Brexiteer MPs .
He claimed the collective had been `` useful idiots '' for Remain .
Referring to the group , led by Jacob Rees-Mogg , he wrote in a blog : `` You should be treated like a metastasising tumour and excised from the UK body politic . ''
Mr Johnson appointed Mr Cummings as senior adviser at Number 10 when he became prime minister in the summer of 2019 .
The election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political capital he needed to take bold decisions .
Mr Cummings soon set to work on his ambition to reshape Whitehall , issuing a recruitment call for data scientists , economists and `` weirdos and misfits with odd skills '' to shake up the Civil Service .
No stranger to controversy during the coronavirus outbreak and in April , it was revealed Mr Cummings had been present at meetings co-ordinating the response to the coronavirus pandemic as part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
Concerns were raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the meetings and political interference in science-based advice .
He was also seen failing to follow the two-metre social distancing rules as he walked along Downing Street flanked by fellow aide Cleo Watson on 14 April .

Boris Johnson's chief adviser has left Downing Street, box in hand, after a power struggle that resulted in the prime minister shaking up his leadership team.
Dominic Cummings has been a controversial and confrontational presence in Number 10, with his departure likely to be celebrated by dozens of MPs.
Mr Cummings was after all the architect of Vote Leave who also faced claims of breaking the coronavirus lockdown rules he had helped create.
His departure from Downing Street comes after a row with Mr Johnson over the ousting of the prime minister's spin doctor Lee Cain.
A "livid" prime minister reportedly told the two men he wanted them out "sooner rather than later".
However, while Mr Cummings is leaving Downing Street, his impact on Britain will be felt for many years to come.
The special adviser has played a vital role in this country's Brexit journey, but his unparalleled power and uncompromising way of doing politics has corroded Mr Johnson's relationship with his party, with Whitehall and the media.
Mr Cummings badly damaged the prime minister's relationship with the public too after a mid-lockdown trip to Durham which resulted in national scandal.
The prime minister's chief adviser faced a barrage of criticism after he travelled 260 miles to his parents home for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms.
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Mr Cummings made the trip despite strict COVID-19 isolation rules.
Members of the public also claimed they saw him in Barnard Castle, a picturesque town 30 miles from Durham.
Mr Johnson stood by his side - insisting he acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".
Mr Cummings has a reputation with some within Westminster as a political Svengali and radical reformer - but he is also a divisive character, having once been described as a "career psychopath" by David Cameron.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'I behaved responsibly and legally'
Following his appointment by Mr Johnson, he was considered to be one of the most powerful people in Number 10.
In the early 2000s, Mr Cummings served as director of strategy for the Conservative Party.
He left the role and later branded then Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith as "incompetent", adding he would be a "worse prime minister than Tony Blair and must be replaced".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 Dominic Cummings found hundreds of miles from home
He later campaigned against Labour's proposal for an elected regional assembly in the North East, before going on to work as a special adviser for Michael Gove.
When the Conservatives were elected to power as part of the coalition government in 2010, Mr Cummings' employment at Mr Gove's Department for Education was banned by the then director of communications Andy Coulson.
After Mr Coulson resigned following allegations of phone hacking at the now defunct News of the World while he was editor, Mr Cummings became Mr Gove's chief of staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'If it's true, Cummings must resign or be sacked'
Allegations were made by civil servants of an "us-and-them aggressive, intimidating culture" under the pair, before Mr Cummings left this role in 2013 in order to open a new free school.
Then prime minister Mr Cameron is later reported to have described Mr Cummings as a "career psychopath".
Ahead of the 2016 EU referendum, Mr Cummings joined the Vote Leave campaign but soon clashed with eurosceptic Tory MPs.
He survived an attempt to oust him from the campaign and was later credited as one of the most influential figures behind Vote Leave's success under its "Take Back Control" slogan.
Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Mr Cummings in a Channel 4 drama of the 2016 EU referendum campaign which focused on his role in covering a red bus with the disputed £350m a week figure, arguing the cash could be used to fund the NHS.
Mr Cummings, a hate figure for many pro-EU politicians, said the £350m/NHS argument was "necessary to win" the campaign.
Last year, Mr Cummings refused to appear before the House of Commons' digital, culture, media and sport committee as part of their fake news inquiry.
He was called to appear to respond to "allegations made against the Vote Leave campaign" during the inquiry and to "clarify allegations about the unlawful coordination of EU referendum campaigns".
He was found in contempt of parliament over his refusing to attend.
Mr Cummings was a fierce critic of Theresa May's handling of Brexit, saying her plan for leaving the EU was "unacceptable bulls***" and attacked a "truck load of c*** ideas" from government ministers, who he called "morons".
He also argued against the government's decision to trigger the Article 50 notification to leave the EU so soon after the 2016 referendum, calling it an "historic unforgivable blunder".
In 2017, he branded then Brexit secretary David Davis "thick as mince, lazy as a toad, and vain as Narcissus".
Despite being the former chief of the Vote Leave campaign, Mr Cummings has not shied from laying into the European Research Group of Tory Brexiteer MPs.
He claimed the collective had been "useful idiots" for Remain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:15 PM's chief adviser seen running from No 10
Referring to the group, led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, he wrote in a blog: "You should be treated like a metastasising tumour and excised from the UK body politic."
Mr Johnson appointed Mr Cummings as senior adviser at Number 10 when he became prime minister in the summer of 2019.
The election victory in December 2019 gave Mr Johnson the political capital he needed to take bold decisions.
Mr Cummings soon set to work on his ambition to reshape Whitehall, issuing a recruitment call for data scientists, economists and "weirdos and misfits with odd skills" to shake up the Civil Service.
No stranger to controversy during the coronavirus outbreak and in April, it was revealed Mr Cummings had been present at meetings co-ordinating the response to the coronavirus pandemic as part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Concerns were raised over a lack of breadth in expertise of the meetings and political interference in science-based advice.
He was also seen failing to follow the two-metre social distancing rules as he walked along Downing Street flanked by fellow aide Cleo Watson on 14 April.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Google data shows how people's movements have changed since outbreak

Visits to shops , museums and cafes in the UK have fallen by 85 % since the coronavirus outbreak , according to location data collected by Google and published as part of a public health initiative..
The data gathered from from smartphones using Google Maps is intended to help public health authorities monitor movement trends during the coronavirus outbreak .
Data released by the company reveals the locations people are visiting during the COVID-19 lockdown .
Sky News has created interactive widgets allowing you to see how Google users are responding to the lockdown in your area .
It reveals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 29 March , visits by people in the UK to retail and recreation locations , such as restaurants , shopping centres and galleries dropped by 85 % .
Trips to outdoor spaces such as parks and beaches fell 52 % .
The data also revealed that people were travelling to transit stations 75 % less often , and journeys to workplaces dropped 55 % .
The only area of movement that increased was in residential parts - by 15 % - indicating people are staying at home and following government guidance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google said : `` As global communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic , there has been an increasing emphasis on public health strategies , like social distancing measures , to slow the rate of transmission .
`` In Google Maps , we use aggregated , anonymised data showing how busy certain types of places are - helping identify when a local business tends to be the most crowded .
`` We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated , anonymised data could be helpful as they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News , using the data as made available by the Office for National Statistics ' Data Science Lab , can also display the national mobility trends by sectors .
The government has supported Google in using data in this way .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` We 're working closely with tech companies to find innovative ways to stop the spread of coronavirus , protect the NHS and save lives .
`` Google 's publication of COVID-19 mobility reports will help improve our understanding of the impact of the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this way is a great example of how we can do that , while continuing to protect people 's personal data . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The data comes from Google users who have Location History turned on in their Google account settings - this setting is off by default .
However , it can also be turned off at any time from within Location History setting , and data can also be directly deleted from a user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change is how much the mobility in the area has reduced compared to the median amount of travel was recorded for that day of the week between 3 January and 6 February this year .

Visits to shops, museums and cafes in the UK have fallen by 85% since the coronavirus outbreak, according to location data collected by Google and published as part of a public health initiative..
The data gathered from from smartphones using Google Maps is intended to help public health authorities monitor movement trends during the coronavirus outbreak.
Data released by the company reveals the locations people are visiting during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sky News has created interactive widgets allowing you to see how Google users are responding to the lockdown in your area.
It reveals that during the period between 16 February and 29 March, visits by people in the UK to retail and recreation locations, such as restaurants, shopping centres and galleries dropped by 85%.
Trips to outdoor spaces such as parks and beaches fell 52%.
The data also revealed that people were travelling to transit stations 75% less often, and journeys to workplaces dropped 55%.
The only area of movement that increased was in residential parts - by 15% - indicating people are staying at home and following government guidance.
In a blog post explaining the project, Google said: "As global communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing emphasis on public health strategies, like social distancing measures, to slow the rate of transmission.
Image: Transport hubs such as Waterloo station have seen a huge drop in footfall
"In Google Maps, we use aggregated, anonymised data showing how busy certain types of places are - helping identify when a local business tends to be the most crowded.
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"We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated, anonymised data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat COVID-19."
Sky News, using the data as made available by the Office for National Statistics' Data Science Lab, can also display the national mobility trends by sectors.
The government has supported Google in using data in this way.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We're working closely with tech companies to find innovative ways to stop the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.
"Google's publication of COVID-19 mobility reports will help improve our understanding of the impact of the social distancing measures.
"Using anonymous data in this way is a great example of how we can do that, while continuing to protect people's personal data."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The data comes from Google users who have Location History turned on in their Google account settings - this setting is off by default.
However, it can also be turned off at any time from within Location History setting, and data can also be directly deleted from a user's Google Maps timeline.
The percentage change is how much the mobility in the area has reduced compared to the median amount of travel was recorded for that day of the week between 3 January and 6 February this year.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Wales makes it illegal to stand close at work

Wales is to introduce a law compelling employers to ensure workers keep at least two metres apart to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
The social distancing legislation will be the first of its kind in the UK and is aimed at ensuring bosses `` put the needs of their workforce first '' during the pandemic , according to First Minister Mark Drakeford .
`` It 's been advice up until now , and now it 's going to be part of the regulations , '' he said .
The law , which will come into force on Monday or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his daily coronavirus news briefing on Friday .
He said it was in response to Welsh people saying they were fearful for their health while at work , as the number of confirmed cases in the country increased by 345 to 2,466 .
Public Health Wales recorded another 24 deaths of COVID-19 patients on Friday , taking the total to 141 .
The UK-wide tally for fatalities now stands at 3,605 , with 38,168 people having tested positive .
Mr Drakeford said businesses should still be able to operate with the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such measures having so far been limited to essential food-buying locations such as supermarkets .
`` This is not about stopping business from operating , '' he said .
`` This is about business operating in a way that is safe for their employees . ''
With Health Secretary Matt Hancock having suggested that the expected peak for coronavirus deaths in the UK remains more than a week away , Mr Drakeford also warned of a `` difficult month '' for families in Wales .
He said he expects that the current three-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , will be extended and urged the government to clear up its ambitions for testing .
Mr Hancock announced on Thursday that the UK aims to hit 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April , although there was later some confusion as to whether the target only applied to England .
Downing Street clarified on Friday morning that it was indeed a UK-wide target .
Mr Drakeford said : `` It 's clarity that 's important and checking to make sure that when figures are announced , that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rely on them . ''
He added that Wales was carrying out 1,100 tests a day , with a pledge to be at 5,000 tests a day by the middle of the month and 9,000 tests a day over the rest of April .

Wales is to introduce a law compelling employers to ensure workers keep at least two metres apart to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
The social distancing legislation will be the first of its kind in the UK and is aimed at ensuring bosses "put the needs of their workforce first" during the pandemic, according to First Minister Mark Drakeford.
"It's been advice up until now, and now it's going to be part of the regulations," he said.
Image: Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford
The law, which will come into force on Monday or Tuesday, was announced by Mr Drakeford at his daily coronavirus news briefing on Friday.
He said it was in response to Welsh people saying they were fearful for their health while at work, as the number of confirmed cases in the country increased by 345 to 2,466.
Public Health Wales recorded another 24 deaths of COVID-19 patients on Friday, taking the total to 141.
The UK-wide tally for fatalities now stands at 3,605, with 38,168 people having tested positive.
Mr Drakeford said businesses should still be able to operate with the new social distancing law in place, with such measures having so far been limited to essential food-buying locations such as supermarkets.
"This is not about stopping business from operating," he said.
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"This is about business operating in a way that is safe for their employees."
With Health Secretary Matt Hancock having suggested that the expected peak for coronavirus deaths in the UK remains more than a week away, Mr Drakeford also warned of a "difficult month" for families in Wales.
He said he expects that the current three-week lockdown, which has reached its halfway point, will be extended and urged the government to clear up its ambitions for testing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:02 Hancock: 'It's a big task and a big ask'
Mr Hancock announced on Thursday that the UK aims to hit 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April, although there was later some confusion as to whether the target only applied to England.
Downing Street clarified on Friday morning that it was indeed a UK-wide target.
Mr Drakeford said: "It's clarity that's important and checking to make sure that when figures are announced, that it's accurate so people know they can rely on them."
He added that Wales was carrying out 1,100 tests a day, with a pledge to be at 5,000 tests a day by the middle of the month and 9,000 tests a day over the rest of April.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Plea for more volunteers to take part in 'essential' clinical trials

Medical chiefs have called for volunteers to come forward to take part in clinical trials on coronavirus .
After the UK 's top health experts wrote a letter urging clinicians to enrol patients , Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the daily news briefing on the outbreak to call for more volunteers as he paid tribute to frontline NHS staff .
He said that research on treatment for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , was `` essential to our plan '' to tackle the epidemic and said the UK was carrying out world-leading trials .
`` We have established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage of the disease - primary care , hospital care and critical care for the most seriously ill , '' he said .
`` These trials are looking at the effectiveness of existing drugs and steroids , re-purposed for treatment for COVID-19 .
`` One of the trials , which is called recovery and deals in hospital care , is the largest of its kind in the world , with 926 patients involved . ''
He added that the `` bigger the trials , the better the data and the faster we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanked the more than 900 volunteers who have signed up so far .
One of the trials already up and running has been billed as the `` world 's largest clinical trial '' , and is being led by researchers at the University of Oxford thanks to £2.1m in funding .
Trials will look at the effectiveness of existing drugs and steroids that could be re-purposed to tackle coronavirus , including malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine and anti-HIV medicine Lopinavir/Ritonavir .
Mr Hancock was leading the briefing for the second day running following his recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK must not `` relax our discipline '' now with social distancing or non-essential travel ahead of good weather forecast for this weekend - warning that `` people will die '' if people do n't stick to the lockdown measures .
`` This is not advice , these are instructions , '' he added .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has remained in self-isolation in Downing Street despite confirming his coronavirus diagnosis on the same day as the health secretary , as he is still suffering symptoms .
Standing in for the PM , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam , and chief nursing officer for NHS England Ruth May .
Professor Van Tam said he was impressed by the speed at which clinicians and patients had already taken up the challenge of taking part in clinical trials , but said it could be `` a few months before we get any answers '' .
He also said `` we do n't know '' when the peak of the pandemic will be in the UK , contradicting a suggestion from the health secretary earlier in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock , who also backed away from that timescale , opened the briefing by offering his condolences to the families and friends of 684 coronavirus patients who were announced as having died earlier on Friday .
The latest fatalities marked the largest UK-wide increase in a day so far and brought the total to 3,605 , overtaking the tally officially recorded in China 's Hubei province - the original epicentre of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were two NHS nurses .
Areema Nasreen , 36 , was believed to have no underlying health conditions but passed away after two weeks in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands , where she had worked for 16 years .
Aimee O'Rourke , 39 , worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate , Kent , which announced that she had died in its critical care unit on Thursday .
Chief nursing officer Ms May echoed Mr Hancock 's call for people to stay indoors this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to remember Aimee and Areema and urge you to stay at home for them . ''
With the number of deaths rising , it has been confirmed that the Queen will address the nation in a special televised broadcast this weekend .
Her Majesty , who has previously pledged that she and her family are `` ready to play our part '' in seeing the country through the COVID-19 crisis , will attempt to boost morale in a pre-recorded broadcast at 8pm on Sunday .
Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after coming out of self-isolation following his positive test for coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the Premier League has abandoned a potential return to action in May and announced that the 2019-20 season will remain suspended until it is safe to resume .
League bosses have have also indicated that its players could soon take a 30 % pay cut , after Mr Hancock called on stars to accept a reduction to their salaries during Thursday 's briefing .

Medical chiefs have called for volunteers to come forward to take part in clinical trials on coronavirus.
After the UK's top health experts wrote a letter urging clinicians to enrol patients, Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the daily news briefing on the outbreak to call for more volunteers as he paid tribute to frontline NHS staff.
He said that research on treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, was "essential to our plan" to tackle the epidemic and said the UK was carrying out world-leading trials.
Image: Matt Hancock has urged people to stay indoors
"We have established three national clinical trials covering each major stage of the disease - primary care, hospital care and critical care for the most seriously ill," he said.
"These trials are looking at the effectiveness of existing drugs and steroids, re-purposed for treatment for COVID-19.
"One of the trials, which is called recovery and deals in hospital care, is the largest of its kind in the world, with 926 patients involved."
He added that the "bigger the trials, the better the data and the faster we can roll out the treatments", and thanked the more than 900 volunteers who have signed up so far.
One of the trials already up and running has been billed as the "world's largest clinical trial", and is being led by researchers at the University of Oxford thanks to £2.1m in funding.
Trials will look at the effectiveness of existing drugs and steroids that could be re-purposed to tackle coronavirus, including malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine and anti-HIV medicine Lopinavir/Ritonavir.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'There's a lot we still don't know'
Mr Hancock was leading the briefing for the second day running following his recovery from COVID-19.
He also said the UK must not "relax our discipline" now with social distancing or non-essential travel ahead of good weather forecast for this weekend - warning that "people will die" if people don't stick to the lockdown measures.
"This is not advice, these are instructions," he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has remained in self-isolation in Downing Street despite confirming his coronavirus diagnosis on the same day as the health secretary, as he is still suffering symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'I must continue my self-isolation' - PM
Standing in for the PM, Mr Hancock was flanked by the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam, and chief nursing officer for NHS England Ruth May.
Professor Van Tam said he was impressed by the speed at which clinicians and patients had already taken up the challenge of taking part in clinical trials, but said it could be "a few months before we get any answers".
He also said "we don't know" when the peak of the pandemic will be in the UK, contradicting a suggestion from the health secretary earlier in the day that it could come on Easter Sunday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Hancock, who also backed away from that timescale, opened the briefing by offering his condolences to the families and friends of 684 coronavirus patients who were announced as having died earlier on Friday.
The latest fatalities marked the largest UK-wide increase in a day so far and brought the total to 3,605, overtaking the tally officially recorded in China's Hubei province - the original epicentre of the pandemic.
Image: Professor Jonathan Van-Tam
Image: Chief Nursing Officer for England Ruth May
Among the deaths confirmed on Friday were two NHS nurses.
Areema Nasreen, 36, was believed to have no underlying health conditions but passed away after two weeks in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands, where she had worked for 16 years.
Aimee O'Rourke, 39, worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent, which announced that she had died in its critical care unit on Thursday.
Chief nursing officer Ms May echoed Mr Hancock's call for people to stay indoors this weekend, saying: "I ask you to remember Aimee and Areema and urge you to stay at home for them."
Image: Areema Nasreen had no underlying health conditions
Image: Aimee O'Rourke died at her hospital in Kent
With the number of deaths rising, it has been confirmed that the Queen will address the nation in a special televised broadcast this weekend.
Her Majesty, who has previously pledged that she and her family are "ready to play our part" in seeing the country through the COVID-19 crisis, will attempt to boost morale in a pre-recorded broadcast at 8pm on Sunday.
Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles has already addressed the nation this week, after coming out of self-isolation following his positive test for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Charles: NHS Nightingale is 'shining light'
Meanwhile, the Premier League has abandoned a potential return to action in May and announced that the 2019-20 season will remain suspended until it is safe to resume.
League bosses have have also indicated that its players could soon take a 30% pay cut, after Mr Hancock called on stars to accept a reduction to their salaries during Thursday's briefing.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Religious leaders from same Wolverhampton church die 24 hours apart

Two religious leaders from the same church in Wolverhampton have died 24 hours apart after contracting coronavirus .
Reverend Bishop Theophilus Augustus McCalla MBE , 86 - who had underlying health conditions , including diabetes - died in hospital on Thursday after contracting COVID-19 .
Rev McCalla , who was a prominent figure in the Church Of God Of Prophecy , founded the Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association in 1989 .
The organisation provides housing and accommodation for people from the Afro-Caribbean community .
Another leader from the same congregation , Reverend Bishop Horatio Fearon , who was in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
Sky News understands that up to ten members , including senior ministers from the same denomination - which has several congregations across the UK - have also died in recent weeks .
Speaking anonymously , a churchgoer who knew both leaders said they are concerned a significant number of other worshippers may die following the pandemic .
They said : `` The virus seems to have affected several in our community .
`` Some have died , others are still struggling with it .
`` Our small church community will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends because some of our key leaders , who meant so much to us , have gone .
`` We continue to pray , and trust God for recovery of those who are sick , and may the dead rest in eternal peace . ''
The Church Of God Of Prophecy has between 60 and 70 congregations across the UK .
The church held a regional convention in March before social distancing measures were introduced at the Aberdeen Street site in Birmingham .
Both reverends attended the services alongside hundreds of other members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God Of Prophecy said that following the gathering , a meeting was held - and the decision was taken to suspend public and private worship services across all branches .
`` We do n't know what is behind the outbreak .
We also had a series of other events .
But I want to say , where there are people falling ill we are offering prayers and support , '' said Bishop Llewellyn Graham .
`` Those who are suffering and have lost loved ones , we are helping them as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned of the death of pastor Fabian Anderson , who also attended the Church Of God Of Prophecy .
Mr Anderson - who was his 60s and had pre-existing health issues , was treated at the Queen Elizabeth hospital two weeks ago .
His death is being linked to COVID-19 .
Mr Anderson 's wife , who tested positive for the virus , has since recovered .
The church 's administrator who managed all the branches across the country has also died , as have two other members of the congregation .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A cousin of Reverend Bishop McCalla , who is a minister , is self-isolating having contracted the disease .
`` These guys did not know what was happening until it was too late .
I do n't think the government guidelines were out there before this convention was held , '' - said another church member who wanted to remain anonymous .
`` I wonder how many more will also die ? ''
Bishop Llewellyn Graham insists the church is `` fully aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support families '' .
He added : `` Our condolences to both bishops and other members who have sadly passed away . ''

Two religious leaders from the same church in Wolverhampton have died 24 hours apart after contracting coronavirus.
Reverend Bishop Theophilus Augustus McCalla MBE, 86 - who had underlying health conditions, including diabetes - died in hospital on Thursday after contracting COVID-19.
Rev McCalla, who was a prominent figure in the Church Of God Of Prophecy, founded the Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association in 1989.
Image: Reverend Bishop Theophilus Augustus McCalla MBE, 86, had underlying health issues
The organisation provides housing and accommodation for people from the Afro-Caribbean community.
Another leader from the same congregation, Reverend Bishop Horatio Fearon, who was in his 80s, died the day before - on Wednesday.
Image: Reverend Bishop Horatio Fearon, who was in his 80s, died on Wednesday. Pic: Walter James Photography
Sky News understands that up to ten members, including senior ministers from the same denomination - which has several congregations across the UK - have also died in recent weeks.
Speaking anonymously, a churchgoer who knew both leaders said they are concerned a significant number of other worshippers may die following the pandemic.
They said: "The virus seems to have affected several in our community.
"Some have died, others are still struggling with it.
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"Our small church community will not be the same when the outbreak ends because some of our key leaders, who meant so much to us, have gone.
"We continue to pray, and trust God for recovery of those who are sick, and may the dead rest in eternal peace."
The Church Of God Of Prophecy has between 60 and 70 congregations across the UK.
The church held a regional convention in March before social distancing measures were introduced at the Aberdeen Street site in Birmingham.
Both reverends attended the services alongside hundreds of other members.
A spokesperson for the Church Of God Of Prophecy said that following the gathering, a meeting was held - and the decision was taken to suspend public and private worship services across all branches.
"We don't know what is behind the outbreak. We also had a series of other events. But I want to say, where there are people falling ill we are offering prayers and support," said Bishop Llewellyn Graham.
"Those who are suffering and have lost loved ones, we are helping them as much as we can."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Hancock: 'Stay in this weekend'
Sky News has learned of the death of pastor Fabian Anderson, who also attended the Church Of God Of Prophecy.
Mr Anderson - who was his 60s and had pre-existing health issues, was treated at the Queen Elizabeth hospital two weeks ago.
His death is being linked to COVID-19.
Mr Anderson's wife, who tested positive for the virus, has since recovered.
The church's administrator who managed all the branches across the country has also died, as have two other members of the congregation.
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A cousin of Reverend Bishop McCalla, who is a minister, is self-isolating having contracted the disease.
"These guys did not know what was happening until it was too late. I don't think the government guidelines were out there before this convention was held," - said another church member who wanted to remain anonymous.
"I wonder how many more will also die?"
Bishop Llewellyn Graham insists the church is "fully aware of what is happening and is working to support families".
He added: "Our condolences to both bishops and other members who have sadly passed away."


news--2020-04-02--COVID-19: Woman convicted under Coronavirus Act was 'wrongly charged'

A woman convicted under the new Coronavirus Act is set to be cleared after police admitted she was wrongly charged and apologised .
According to British Transport Police ( BTP ) , officers approached Marie Dinou , 41 , at Newcastle railway station and asked her what reasonable excuse she had for being outside her home .
In a press release on Wednesday the force said she refused to engage with them several times and was arrested on suspicion of ticket fraud and breaching new coronavirus restrictions .
The press release said she was later fined £660 for `` failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus Act 2020 and was also fined £85 for ticket fraud '' .
It later emerged she was charged on both counts under the new law , brought in last month to enforce social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The particular section of the Act gives police powers in dealing with `` potentially infectious '' people .
Now BTP has admitted Dinou , from York , was charged under `` the incorrect section '' of the Act and will ask Tyneside North Magistrates to set aside the conviction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution .
The move follows a review of the case by police and the Crown Prosecution Service .
Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said : `` There will be understandable concern that our interpretation of this new legislation has resulted in an ineffective prosecution .
`` This was in circumstances where officers were properly dealing with someone who was behaving suspiciously in the station , and who staff believed to be travelling without a valid ticket .
Officers were rightfully challenging her unnecessary travel .
`` Regardless , we fully accept that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is highly unusual that a case can pass through a number of controls in the criminal justice process and fail in this way .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We have shared the latest version of guidance from the National Police Chiefs ' Council this morning with all of our frontline officers to help them interpret the new legislation .
`` I must remind the public that officers will continue to engage with people and seek to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we determine that there is no justifiable purpose for them being on the transport network , we will explain to the public why they should not travel .
`` As a last resort , and where situations develop , we may need to apply the law as set out in the new Coronavirus Act and the Health Protection Regulations . ''
The original police handling of the case was condemned by privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch .

A woman convicted under the new Coronavirus Act is set to be cleared after police admitted she was wrongly charged and apologised.
According to British Transport Police (BTP), officers approached Marie Dinou, 41, at Newcastle railway station and asked her what reasonable excuse she had for being outside her home.
In a press release on Wednesday the force said she refused to engage with them several times and was arrested on suspicion of ticket fraud and breaching new coronavirus restrictions.
The press release said she was later fined £660 for "failing to comply with requirements imposed under the Coronavirus Act 2020 and was also fined £85 for ticket fraud".
It later emerged she was charged on both counts under the new law, brought in last month to enforce social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
The particular section of the Act gives police powers in dealing with "potentially infectious" people.
Now BTP has admitted Dinou, from York, was charged under "the incorrect section" of the Act and will ask Tyneside North Magistrates to set aside the conviction. The force will not pursue a new prosecution.
The move follows a review of the case by police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said: "There will be understandable concern that our interpretation of this new legislation has resulted in an ineffective prosecution.
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"This was in circumstances where officers were properly dealing with someone who was behaving suspiciously in the station, and who staff believed to be travelling without a valid ticket. Officers were rightfully challenging her unnecessary travel.
"Regardless, we fully accept that this shouldn't have happened and we apologise. It is highly unusual that a case can pass through a number of controls in the criminal justice process and fail in this way.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We have shared the latest version of guidance from the National Police Chiefs' Council this morning with all of our frontline officers to help them interpret the new legislation.
"I must remind the public that officers will continue to engage with people and seek to understand their reasons for their journeys. Where we determine that there is no justifiable purpose for them being on the transport network, we will explain to the public why they should not travel.
"As a last resort, and where situations develop, we may need to apply the law as set out in the new Coronavirus Act and the Health Protection Regulations."
The original police handling of the case was condemned by privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Warnings over COVID-19 lockdown ahead of warm weekend

Britons have been warned that the coronavirus pandemic will claim more lives over the coming weeks if people give into temptation and head out to enjoy the sunshine this weekend .
Clear skies and temperatures of upwards of 18C ( 64.4F ) have been forecast for Sunday , which could make it all the more difficult for some to adhere to lockdown measures enforced to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus news briefing , Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned : `` We can not relax our discipline now - if we do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` We 're set for a warm weekend in some parts of the country but the disease is still spreading and we absolutely can not afford to relax the social distancing measures that we have in place . ''
Appearing alongside Mr Hancock on Friday was deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam and chief nursing officer for NHS England Ruth May .
They took questions from journalists hours after the Department for Health and Social Care announced another 684 coronavirus patients had died , taking the UK total to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday were two NHS nurses - Areema Nasreen and Aimee O'Rourke .
Chief nursing officer Ms May echoed Mr Hancock 's call for people to stay indoors this weekend , saying : `` I ask you to remember Aimee and Areema and urge you to stay at home for them . ''
Professor Van Tam also said people needed to keep adhering to social distancing , as he cast doubt on an earlier suggestion from the health secretary that the peak of the outbreak could arrive as early as Easter Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn the curve on this awful disease immediately and it will take time , '' he said .
`` The number of cases per day is still increasing and this remains a dangerous time .
`` This is a serious battle and we need to keep fighting it . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham later told Sky News that he expected the Easter weekend to be a `` very intense period for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken for granted '' .
Boris Johnson made a similar appeal for people to continue staying at home , as the prime minister remains in self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms .
In a video from 11 Downing Street on Friday , he said : `` I just want to say one crucial thing , one quick thing to everybody thinking about this weekend and what may be some fine weather .
`` Because I reckon a lot of people will be starting to think this is all going on for quite a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting out there and , particularly if they 've got kids in the household , everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy .
`` And there may be just a temptation to get out there , hang out and start to break the regulations .
`` And I just urge you not to do that .
Please , please stick with the guidance now .
This country has made a huge effort , a huge sacrifice , done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus .
`` Let 's @ @ @ @ @ @

Britons have been warned that the coronavirus pandemic will claim more lives over the coming weeks if people give into temptation and head out to enjoy the sunshine this weekend.
Clear skies and temperatures of upwards of 18C (64.4F) have been forecast for Sunday, which could make it all the more difficult for some to adhere to lockdown measures enforced to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus news briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned: "We cannot relax our discipline now - if we do, we will lose lives."
He added: "We're set for a warm weekend in some parts of the country but the disease is still spreading and we absolutely cannot afford to relax the social distancing measures that we have in place."
Image: A sign on Barry Island tells 'COVIDIOTS' not to ignore lockdown rules
Appearing alongside Mr Hancock on Friday was deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam and chief nursing officer for NHS England Ruth May.
They took questions from journalists hours after the Department for Health and Social Care announced another 684 coronavirus patients had died, taking the UK total to 3,605.
Among the deaths confirmed on Friday were two NHS nurses - Areema Nasreen and Aimee O'Rourke.
Chief nursing officer Ms May echoed Mr Hancock's call for people to stay indoors this weekend, saying: "I ask you to remember Aimee and Areema and urge you to stay at home for them."
Image: Areema Nasreen died at the hospital where she worked
Image: Aimee O'Rourke worked in Kent
Professor Van Tam also said people needed to keep adhering to social distancing, as he cast doubt on an earlier suggestion from the health secretary that the peak of the outbreak could arrive as early as Easter Sunday.
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"We do not expect [...] to turn the curve on this awful disease immediately and it will take time," he said.
"The number of cases per day is still increasing and this remains a dangerous time.
"This is a serious battle and we need to keep fighting it."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham later told Sky News that he expected the Easter weekend to be a "very intense period for the virus" and that "nothing can be taken for granted".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'I must continue my self-isolation' - PM
Boris Johnson made a similar appeal for people to continue staying at home, as the prime minister remains in self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.
In a video from 11 Downing Street on Friday, he said: "I just want to say one crucial thing, one quick thing to everybody thinking about this weekend and what may be some fine weather.
"Because I reckon a lot of people will be starting to think this is all going on for quite a long time, and they'd rather be getting out there and, particularly if they've got kids in the household, everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy.
"And there may be just a temptation to get out there, hang out and start to break the regulations.
"And I just urge you not to do that. Please, please stick with the guidance now. This country has made a huge effort, a huge sacrifice, done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus.
"Let's stick with it now."


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: £167m to keep England's bus services going during the COVID-19 outbreak

Shares in bus operators have risen on news that England 's bus companies will get £167m from the government to help them operate during the coronavirus pandemic .
The investment will protect crucial local transport links for those unable to work from home , according to transport secretary Grant Shapps .
In exchange , bus operators will have to run up to 50 % of their normal service .
They must also allow enough social distancing space between passengers and keep them informed about any timetable revisions .
Stagecoach closed up 4.5 % on Friday , with Go-ahead Group up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant will be paid over 12 weeks , along with £200m of existing funding under the bus services operators grant , which helps bus operators recover some of their fuel costs .
Local authorities will also get £30m to maintain bus services .
This money had previously been aimed at starting new bus services .
Mr Shapps said : `` Our buses are a lifeline for people who need to travel for work or to buy food - including our emergency services and NHS staff - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can to keep the sector running .
`` This multimillion-pound investment will protect crucial local transport links across England , bolstering the sector and minimising disruption for passengers in the long term . ''
Graham Vidler , chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK , said : `` This funding is designed to plug the gap between the costs of running essential routes and revenue currently being received , and will help the country through the outbreak by allowing critical journeys to continue . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS by staying at home during the outbreak - but we also need to ensure that doctors , nurses and other key workers , can travel to and from their jobs .
`` This funding will provide a lifeline for those on the frontline as well as those who can not work from home . ''
The Rail , Maritime and Transport union 's general secretary Mick Cash said in a letter to the government that the health risk to workers and passengers must be `` kept to an absolute minimum '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection for us workers and us passengers .
Meanwhile , services for those travelling further afield are winding down .
Stagecoach said its operator Megabus will suspend all services in England and Wales by Sunday and National Express is suspending its services from 11.59pm Sunday .
It comes in response to the government 's instructions for people to stay home with the only exceptions being exercise once daily , shopping for essentials and essential work that can not be done from home .

Shares in bus operators have risen on news that England's bus companies will get £167m from the government to help them operate during the coronavirus pandemic.
The investment will protect crucial local transport links for those unable to work from home, according to transport secretary Grant Shapps.
In exchange, bus operators will have to run up to 50% of their normal service.
They must also allow enough social distancing space between passengers and keep them informed about any timetable revisions.
Stagecoach closed up 4.5% on Friday, with Go-ahead Group up 12.9% and FirstGroup up 10.1%.
The COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant will be paid over 12 weeks, along with £200m of existing funding under the bus services operators grant, which helps bus operators recover some of their fuel costs.
Local authorities will also get £30m to maintain bus services. This money had previously been aimed at starting new bus services.
Mr Shapps said: "Our buses are a lifeline for people who need to travel for work or to buy food - including our emergency services and NHS staff - and it's absolutely vital we do all we can to keep the sector running.
"This multimillion-pound investment will protect crucial local transport links across England, bolstering the sector and minimising disruption for passengers in the long term."
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Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, said: "This funding is designed to plug the gap between the costs of running essential routes and revenue currently being received, and will help the country through the outbreak by allowing critical journeys to continue."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "It's vital people protect our NHS by staying at home during the outbreak - but we also need to ensure that doctors, nurses and other key workers, can travel to and from their jobs.
"This funding will provide a lifeline for those on the frontline as well as those who cannot work from home."
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union's general secretary Mick Cash said in a letter to the government that the health risk to workers and passengers must be "kept to an absolute minimum".
He called for a national charter of protection for us workers and us passengers.
Meanwhile, services for those travelling further afield are winding down.
Stagecoach said its operator Megabus will suspend all services in England and Wales by Sunday and National Express is suspending its services from 11.59pm Sunday.
It comes in response to the government's instructions for people to stay home with the only exceptions being exercise once daily, shopping for essentials and essential work that cannot be done from home.


news--2020-06-21--New photos mark William's 38th birthday and Fathers' Day

Three new photos have been released to celebrate Fathers ' Day and Prince William 's birthday .
Two were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge and show William , who turns 38 today , with Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis .
They were taken at the family 's Anmer Hall mansion on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk .
The third image shows Prince Charles and William in a picture taken last December .
William , who is second in line to the throne , is among a number of royals who have celebrated birthdays during lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Edinburgh turned 99 earlier in June , while Louis turned two in April .
Charlotte celebrated her fifth birthday in May .
William has remained busy , despite the lockdown , with video calls to various groups and charities .
In the past week he has started to attend royal engagements in person , albeit with social distancing .
William was born at St Mary 's Hospital , Paddington , at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982 and accompanied his parents for a six-week visit to Australia and New Zealand at just nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997 , five years after she separated from Prince Charles .
He met Kate - now the Duchess of Cambridge - when the two were at university in Scotland and they married in 2011 .
Their eldest son Prince George was born in 2013 , followed by Charlotte in 2015 and Louis in 2018 .
Kate has revealed the family has had `` ups and downs , probably like lots of families '' during the coronavirus lockdown and she found keeping to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schooling had been challenging .

Three new photos have been released to celebrate Fathers' Day and Prince William's birthday.
Two were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge and show William, who turns 38 today, with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
They were taken at the family's Anmer Hall mansion on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Image: The photos celebrate Fathers' Day and the Duke of Cambridge's birthday. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
The third image shows Prince Charles and William in a picture taken last December.
William, who is second in line to the throne, is among a number of royals who have celebrated birthdays during lockdown.
The Queen turned 94 and the Duke of Edinburgh turned 99 earlier in June, while Louis turned two in April.
Charlotte celebrated her fifth birthday in May.
William has remained busy, despite the lockdown, with video calls to various groups and charities.
In the past week he has started to attend royal engagements in person, albeit with social distancing.
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William was born at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982 and accompanied his parents for a six-week visit to Australia and New Zealand at just nine months old.
Image: The photos were taken at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
He was 15 when his mother Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997, five years after she separated from Prince Charles.
He met Kate - now the Duchess of Cambridge - when the two were at university in Scotland and they married in 2011.
Their eldest son Prince George was born in 2013, followed by Charlotte in 2015 and Louis in 2018.
Kate has revealed the family has had "ups and downs, probably like lots of families" during the coronavirus lockdown and she found keeping to a strict regime had helped, but home schooling had been challenging.


news--2020-06-21--Trump at comeback rally: 'The silent majority is stronger than ever before'

US President Donald Trump has declared that `` the silent majority is stronger than ever before '' as he held his first rally since March .
But it appeared that many of his `` silent majority '' had stayed at home , amid warnings from health officials about the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The stadium has a capacity of 19,000 but organisers had said only 10,000 people would be allowed to enter .
The rally at the BOK stadium in Tulsa , Oklahoma , had been promoted as a comeback opportunity for Mr Trump - a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is currently behind Democratic rival Joe Biden in many polls .
But in the hours before Mr Trump started speaking , crowds appeared to be significantly lighter than expected and campaign officials scrapped plans for him to first address an overflow space .
Mr Trump blamed the news media for saying `` do n't go , do n't come , do n't do anything '' , adding : `` We begin our campaign ... the silent majority is stronger than ever before . ''
He also blamed a group of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also smaller than expected but largely peaceful , described by him as `` the unhinged left-wing mob '' .
The Trump campaign 's communications director , Tim Murtaugh , had said earlier : `` Sadly , protesters interfered with supporters , even blocking access to the metal detectors , which prevented people from entering the rally .
`` Radical protesters , coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media , attempted to frighten off the president 's supporters .
We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out . ''
There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but police said only one person had been arrested .
Mr Trump also told the crowd that he had `` saved hundreds and thousands of lives '' by closing the US off to flights from China at the end of January as the coronavirus threat became clear .
He went on to describe testing for the coronavirus as a `` double-edged sword '' , saying that 25 million people had been tested in the US but `` when you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I said to my people 'slow the testing down please ' . ''
A White House official said later that Mr Trump was `` obviously kidding '' with that remark .
The US is still struggling to contain COVID-19 - which Mr Trump described as `` Chinese kung flu '' during the rally - leading many to question the wisdom of holding the rally , even if social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged .
Just hours earlier , it had been revealed that six members of Mr Trump 's campaign team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in attendance were even asked to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch the virus , which has killed 463,000 people worldwide , including almost 120,000 in the US .
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in Oklahoma and 368 people have died .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump also suggested anyone burning the American flag should be jailed for a year , despite this being an act of protest protected by the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally was a `` debacle '' , adding : `` President Trump just admitted that he 's putting politics ahead of the safety and economic well-being of the American people - even as we just recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost two months and 20 million workers remain out of work . ''

US President Donald Trump has declared that "the silent majority is stronger than ever before" as he held his first rally since March.
But it appeared that many of his "silent majority" had stayed at home, amid warnings from health officials about the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
The stadium has a capacity of 19,000 but organisers had said only 10,000 people would be allowed to enter.
The rally at the BOK stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, had been promoted as a comeback opportunity for Mr Trump - a chance to boost his campaign for re-election in November.
Image: Donald Trump said the 'silent majority is stronger than ever before'
He is currently behind Democratic rival Joe Biden in many polls.
But in the hours before Mr Trump started speaking, crowds appeared to be significantly lighter than expected and campaign officials scrapped plans for him to first address an overflow space.
Mr Trump blamed the news media for saying "don't go, don't come, don't do anything", adding: "We begin our campaign... the silent majority is stronger than ever before."
He also blamed a group of Black Lives Matter protesters outside, a group also smaller than expected but largely peaceful, described by him as "the unhinged left-wing mob".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Low turnout at Trump's first post-lockdown rally
The Trump campaign's communications director, Tim Murtaugh, had said earlier: "Sadly, protesters interfered with supporters, even blocking access to the metal detectors, which prevented people from entering the rally.
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"Radical protesters, coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media, attempted to frighten off the president's supporters. We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out."
There were confrontations between some protesters and Trump supporters but police said only one person had been arrested.
Mr Trump also told the crowd that he had "saved hundreds and thousands of lives" by closing the US off to flights from China at the end of January as the coronavirus threat became clear.
He went on to describe testing for the coronavirus as a "double-edged sword", saying that 25 million people had been tested in the US but "when you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people, you're going to find more cases, so I said to my people 'slow the testing down please'."
Image: National Guards formed a line in front of Black Lives Matter protesters ahead of Mr Trump's speech
A White House official said later that Mr Trump was "obviously kidding" with that remark.
The US is still struggling to contain COVID-19 - which Mr Trump described as "Chinese kung flu" during the rally - leading many to question the wisdom of holding the rally, even if social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged.
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Just hours earlier, it had been revealed that six members of Mr Trump's campaign team had tested positive for coronavirus.
Those in attendance were even asked to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch the virus, which has killed 463,000 people worldwide, including almost 120,000 in the US.
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in Oklahoma and 368 people have died.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Trump also suggested anyone burning the American flag should be jailed for a year, despite this being an act of protest protected by the First Amendment.
The Biden campaign said the rally was a "debacle", adding: "President Trump just admitted that he's putting politics ahead of the safety and economic well-being of the American people - even as we just recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost two months and 20 million workers remain out of work."


news--2020-06-21--Reading stabbings: The threat of terrorism has not diminished

Reading stabbings : The threat of terrorism has not diminished Reading stabbings : The threat of terrorism has not diminished The stabbing attacks in Reading are being treated as a terrorist incident Senior counter terror police officers have warned repeatedly that the threat from terrorism has not diminished , despite the understandable focus of late on coronavirus .
Of deep concern was the possibility that during lockdown , vulnerable people stuck at home were more susceptible to online radicalisation from the many extremist sites still pumping out terrorist propaganda .
Authorities feared that as the lockdown was lifted and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , the potential for attacks would also increase .
The terror threat level was reduced to substantial in November 2019 , but that still means a terror attack was likely .
The decision to lower the threat level was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre ( JTAC ) .
For several years , it had stood at severe , meaning an attack was highly likely .
But the large-scale dismantling of the so-called Islamic State terror group and other intelligence received by JTAC brought about the assessment that the threat level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean of course that the risk had completely diminished , just that the tempo of terrorist activity had reduced from the picture in 2017 , a year that saw five terrorist attacks in the UK in a single year .
Last year , terror returned to our streets with the deadly attack at Fishmongers Hall on London Bridge , which left two innocent people dead .
Usman Khan , 28 , who was a former terrorist prisoner , had been attending an event aimed at rehabilitating offenders .
Just over two months later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot dead by armed police after he stabbed two people to death in Streatham , south London .
Like Usman Khan , Amman was another violent extremist , known to authorities .
He had served a prison term for terrorist offences and had just been released from jail a matter of weeks before he carried out the Streatham attack .
In fact , authorities were so concerned about his potential for harming others , they 'd put him under 24-hour surveillance , and it was an armed surveillance team who shot him dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the public .
The vast majority of those who 've carried out terrorist attacks in recent years were known to police and security services .
This is not surprising , as attacks rarely happen in isolation .
The perpetrators have usually been on a journey to extremism over some time , where most have crossed the radar of authorities .
The full background of Khairi Saadallah , the main suspect in the Reading attack , has still to be revealed , but early indications are that he did come to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was briefly assessed and deemed to be low risk and no formal investigation launched .

The UK terror threat is substantial, and officials have warned that the potential for attacks could increase post-lockdown.
Reading stabbings: The threat of terrorism has not diminished
The stabbing attacks in Reading are being treated as a terrorist incident
Senior counter terror police officers have warned repeatedly that the threat from terrorism has not diminished, despite the understandable focus of late on coronavirus.
Of deep concern was the possibility that during lockdown, vulnerable people stuck at home were more susceptible to online radicalisation from the many extremist sites still pumping out terrorist propaganda.
Authorities feared that as the lockdown was lifted and more people were once again venturing out in public, the potential for attacks would also increase.
Image: Blue tents were put up at the scene of the attack
The terror threat level was reduced to substantial in November 2019, but that still means a terror attack was likely.
The decision to lower the threat level was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).
For several years, it had stood at severe, meaning an attack was highly likely.
But the large-scale dismantling of the so-called Islamic State terror group and other intelligence received by JTAC brought about the assessment that the threat level could be lowered.
That didn't mean of course that the risk had completely diminished, just that the tempo of terrorist activity had reduced from the picture in 2017, a year that saw five terrorist attacks in the UK in a single year.
Last year, terror returned to our streets with the deadly attack at Fishmongers Hall on London Bridge, which left two innocent people dead.
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Usman Khan, 28, who was a former terrorist prisoner, had been attending an event aimed at rehabilitating offenders.
Just over two months later, Sudesh Amman, 20, was shot dead by armed police after he stabbed two people to death in Streatham, south London.
Like Usman Khan, Amman was another violent extremist, known to authorities.
He had served a prison term for terrorist offences and had just been released from jail a matter of weeks before he carried out the Streatham attack.
Image: An air ambulance attended the scene at Forbury Gardens
In fact, authorities were so concerned about his potential for harming others, they'd put him under 24-hour surveillance, and it was an armed surveillance team who shot him dead, just seconds after he began attacking members of the public.
The vast majority of those who've carried out terrorist attacks in recent years were known to police and security services.
This is not surprising, as attacks rarely happen in isolation. The perpetrators have usually been on a journey to extremism over some time, where most have crossed the radar of authorities.
The full background of Khairi Saadallah, the main suspect in the Reading attack, has still to be revealed, but early indications are that he did come to the attention of security services last year.
He was briefly assessed and deemed to be low risk and no formal investigation launched.


news--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Germany's R number rockets again - from 1.79 to 2.88

Germany 's coronavirus R number has leapt again - from 1.79 on Saturday to 2.88 on Sunday , official figures show .
The Robert Koch Institute for public health ( RKI ) , which has been publishing the country 's COVID-19 statistics , said the new number is based on a four-day average .
On Friday it was 1.06 .
The R number refers to the reproductive rate of the disease .
A figure of 2.88 means that for every 100 people who contract coronavirus , another 288 are likely to become infected too .
In order to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one is required .
Thus the new level means it is likely to increase among the population .
RKI said outbreaks had been reported in a variety of locations including hospitals and nursing homes .
COVID-19 was also discovered in centres for asylum seekers and refugees , among those harvesting crops and at religious and family gatherings .
The increase in the R rate also comes after hundreds of workers tested positive for coronavirus at an abattoir in northern Germany last week , prompting the closure of local schools and an urgent investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest meat processors , said it had stopped slaughtering on Wednesday and was shutting the abattoir in stages .
More than 1,000 workers were tested and 657 were positive , DW News reported .
RKI said that in total , 189,822 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed , and 8,882 deaths .
Germany recently said it was lifting travel restrictions to European countries , but advised against visiting the UK while quarantine rules are in place .

Germany's coronavirus R number has leapt again - from 1.79 on Saturday to 2.88 on Sunday, official figures show.
The Robert Koch Institute for public health (RKI), which has been publishing the country's COVID-19 statistics, said the new number is based on a four-day average. On Friday it was 1.06.
The R number refers to the reproductive rate of the disease. A figure of 2.88 means that for every 100 people who contract coronavirus, another 288 are likely to become infected too.
Image: Trolleys being cleaned at Frankfurt airport
In order to contain the illness, a figure of less than one is required.
Thus the new level means it is likely to increase among the population.
RKI said outbreaks had been reported in a variety of locations including hospitals and nursing homes.
COVID-19 was also discovered in centres for asylum seekers and refugees, among those harvesting crops and at religious and family gatherings.
The increase in the R rate also comes after hundreds of workers tested positive for coronavirus at an abattoir in northern Germany last week, prompting the closure of local schools and an urgent investigation.
Toennies, one of Germany's biggest meat processors, said it had stopped slaughtering on Wednesday and was shutting the abattoir in stages.
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More than 1,000 workers were tested and 657 were positive, DW News reported.
Image: A meat factory that was shut down because of a coronavirus outbreak
Toennies' co-owner, Clemens Toennies, has apologised.
RKI said that in total, 189,822 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed, and 8,882 deaths.
Germany recently said it was lifting travel restrictions to European countries, but advised against visiting the UK while quarantine rules are in place.


news--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday

Coronavirus dominates the headlines , but there 's more to the story than just the pandemic as the UK prepares for further lockdown measures to lift .
Here are five things we learnt from this week 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
The UK is 'on track ' to reopen more of the economy at the start of July ( or 'It 's the pub , Jim , but not as we know it ' ) Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sophy Ridge the government 's plan was that `` on around the 4 July we will take further measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so '' and `` we are clearly on track for that plan because the number of cases is coming down '' .
Acknowledging that `` a lot of the country does need a haircut '' , he did not rule out an increasingly shaggy-haired nation being able to get a trim from the 4th .
Asked what could be required to get pubs open again , the health secretary suggested `` things like wearing a facemask which reduces the transmission very clearly , about how the seating is arranged because face-to-face is much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more transmission than side-to-side '' and asked if you might have to sign up or register to go for a drink , said `` well , I would n't rule that out '' .
The health secretary told the programme that the government 's contact tracing app would eventually be released , saying `` we will get that up and running '' but `` we do n't have a launch date '' .
The app has gone from a `` crucial '' element of the government 's test and trace strategy set for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the cake '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the heart of the delay was the government 's attempt to build its own version via the NHS ' technical arm - which would have allowed it to keep the information collected .
It has now announced that it will use technology developed by tech giants Apple and Google , who have been pushed for a decentralised version where information about who has met who stays on phones rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed a little frustration to show when asked about Apple , whose phones had particular problems with the government app .
He said the company had previously been `` intransigent in the face of perfectly reasonable requests from democratically elected governments to work with them on solving particular problems , whether that 's about solutions to terrorism or other technical problems '' .
Labour shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves told Sophy : `` We do need from the chancellor a budget for jobs , a back to work budget in July this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this . ''
The UK 's economy shrank by 25 % in March and April , with 600,000 jobs lost in the last two months , according to the Office of National Statistics .
The ONS says the number of people claiming unemployment benefit hit a total of 2.8 million last month , up 126 % since March .
It makes for a grim economic picture , something Ms Reeves called `` incredibly worrying '' .
Saying that the UK `` came late , we were too slow on lockdown , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and clothing to those on the frontline , too slow to put a protective ring around our care homes '' , she said `` all of these are having their toll , not just on lives but also on livelihoods '' .
Inhuman efforts to reopen restaurants - but will it be enough ?
Ahead of what has been dubbed `` independence day '' in some newspapers , celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi said restaurants would make `` inhuman efforts '' to reopen for 4 July , but `` we have n't received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening is going to look like… we need it now , we really , really need it now '' .
He added : `` We need to know how many people are allowed in , what kind of distance we need , how people are going to queue . ''
But just being able to reopen might not save the industry , as he warned `` 90 % of restaurants will all go bust '' without government help on rents for businesses shut by the pandemic .
He said that without legislation or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` might break down and businesses will suffer '' , as `` most of us have not been paying rent since March and I do n't expect to be paying rent in June , and this has not been sorted legally '' .
Lockdown cooking tips from the best And after months of eating our own cooking , you can not have a famous cookbook author on the show without asking for at least one or two tips .
Today 's recipe is fritters , with Ottolenghi suggesting that cooks `` take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tins of chickpeas or some cooked up vegetables from the previous day , you mix it all together with eggs with some chopped up herbs and spices but everything you have , then you shallow fry it and you serve it with a bit of cream or yoghurt or a squeeze of lemon , you 're okay , grown-ups , children , everybody 's happy '' .

Coronavirus dominates the headlines, but there's more to the story than just the pandemic as the UK prepares for further lockdown measures to lift.
Here are five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
The UK is 'on track' to reopen more of the economy at the start of July (or 'It's the pub, Jim, but not as we know it')
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sophy Ridge the government's plan was that "on around the 4 July we will take further measures, if it's safe to do so" and "we are clearly on track for that plan because the number of cases is coming down".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 19:44 Hancock: UK 'on plan' to ease lockdown further
Acknowledging that "a lot of the country does need a haircut", he did not rule out an increasingly shaggy-haired nation being able to get a trim from the 4th.
Asked what could be required to get pubs open again, the health secretary suggested "things like wearing a facemask which reduces the transmission very clearly, about how the seating is arranged because face-to-face is much more dangerous than back-to-back and there is more transmission than side-to-side" and asked if you might have to sign up or register to go for a drink, said "well, I wouldn't rule that out".
No date for contact tracing app
The health secretary told the programme that the government's contact tracing app would eventually be released, saying "we will get that up and running" but "we don't have a launch date".
The app has gone from a "crucial" element of the government's test and trace strategy set for a mid-May release to "the cherry on the cake".
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the heart of the delay was the government's attempt to build its own version via the NHS' technical arm - which would have allowed it to keep the information collected.
It has now announced that it will use technology developed by tech giants Apple and Google, who have been pushed for a decentralised version where information about who has met who stays on phones rather than a central database.
Mr Hancock allowed a little frustration to show when asked about Apple, whose phones had particular problems with the government app.
He said the company had previously been "intransigent in the face of perfectly reasonable requests from democratically elected governments to work with them on solving particular problems, whether that's about solutions to terrorism or other technical problems".
A 'Back to Work Budget' is needed
Labour shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves told Sophy: "We do need from the chancellor a budget for jobs, a back to work budget in July this year, to quickly get on top of this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:59 Rachel Reeves: 'Ministers asleep at the wheel'
The UK's economy shrank by 25% in March and April, with 600,000 jobs lost in the last two months, according to the Office of National Statistics.
The ONS says the number of people claiming unemployment benefit hit a total of 2.8 million last month, up 126% since March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:59 'Govt needs to focus on how we protect jobs'
It makes for a grim economic picture, something Ms Reeves called "incredibly worrying".
Saying that the UK "came late, we were too slow on lockdown, we were too slow to get personal protective equipment and clothing to those on the frontline, too slow to put a protective ring around our care homes", she said "all of these are having their toll, not just on lives but also on livelihoods".
Inhuman efforts to reopen restaurants - but will it be enough?
Ahead of what has been dubbed "independence day" in some newspapers, celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi said restaurants would make "inhuman efforts" to reopen for 4 July, but "we haven't received very clear guidelines from government what that reopening is going to look like… we need it now, we really, really need it now".
He added: "We need to know how many people are allowed in, what kind of distance we need, how people are going to queue."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:22 Chef Yotam Ottolenghi on reopening restaurants
But just being able to reopen might not save the industry, as he warned "90% of restaurants will all go bust" without government help on rents for businesses shut by the pandemic.
He said that without legislation or guidance, conversations between restaurants and landlords "might break down and businesses will suffer", as "most of us have not been paying rent since March and I don't expect to be paying rent in June, and this has not been sorted legally".
Lockdown cooking tips from the best
And after months of eating our own cooking, you cannot have a famous cookbook author on the show without asking for at least one or two tips.
Today's recipe is fritters, with Ottolenghi suggesting that cooks "take a bit of flour and you have some tins of chickpeas or some cooked up vegetables from the previous day, you mix it all together with eggs with some chopped up herbs and spices but everything you have, then you shallow fry it and you serve it with a bit of cream or yoghurt or a squeeze of lemon, you're okay, grown-ups, children, everybody's happy".


news--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Shut down hand dryers to stop COVID-19 spread, warns consultant

A senior hospital consultant has repeated her warning that electric hand dryers should be switched off immediately to prevent the spread of coronavirus as lockdown is eased .
Speaking to Sky News , Dr Charlotte Fowler , who has 27 years of health service experience and works for a large London NHS trust , fears the use of the machines by a COVID-19 carrier could generate contaminated aerosols or micro-droplets , threatening to infect anyone breathing them in for up to three hours .
Dr Fowler pointed out aerosols were known to pose the biggest risk of coronavirus infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment when dealing with certain medical procedures , such as putting a patient on a ventilator .
The imaging specialist , who uses aerosols in her own work to test patients with lung problems , feels so strongly about the danger to the public she has launched a petition calling for a ban on hand dryers .
As restrictions are lifted and more businesses , including pubs and restaurants , are set to reopen , Dr Fowler argued it was essential that the use of the devices was halted until aerosol-trapping filters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be safe .
Instead , just as people have started to use face masks , she suggested people could carry small pocket hand cloths to dry their hands when out .
Dr Fowler also accused the government of ignoring evidence from its own specialist advisers for hand dryers to be turned off , and so putting the public at risk .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Despite writing to the UK government 's Chief Medical Adviser Professor Chris Whitty three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand dryers are still being recommended by the government .
Pointing to the ability of hand dryers to create create aerosols from wet hands , Dr Fowler said : `` Before the COVID-19 pandemic , we did n't really worry too much about the fact that there were germs in the aerosols because there were none that posed a threat to our health .
`` But since COVID , as it is so dangerous we all need to avoid getting infected .
`` We have known that aerosols infected with COVID are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down into your lungs .
`` Everyone is completely paranoid about anything that involves aerosols around COVID patients in hospitals .
`` So it 's a bit strange to me that , although everyone knows hand dryers create aerosols , that hand dryer use has n't been treated with the same level of concern as aerosol-generating procedures in hospitals .
`` The aerosols produced by a hand dryer could potentially be just as dangerous as intubating a patient on an Intensive Treatment Unit ( ITU ) if someone with the infection uses it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand dryer could be just as dangerous as intubating a patient on an Intensive Treatment Unit ( ITU ) . ''
Dr Fowler added : `` We know COVID survives for three hours as an aerosol .
`` So it means if someone goes and washes their hands in a public loo and dries their hands , they might be really lucky and wash their hands with 100 % efficiency , but usually people do n't .
`` So the chances are that if someone goes and uses that , anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be infected by the aerosols . ''
Evidence provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) by experts on the Environmental and Modelling Group ( EMG ) recommending hand dryers be switched off had not been acted on , she said .
She told Sky News : `` The government 's own advisers have asked that hand dryers be turned off .
`` My concern is that when people go to the pub they might catch COVID in the toilets because of hand dryers .
`` I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them at the time of COVID .
I am personally really frightened .
`` This is the only area I can think of where aerosols are being generated by machines where the general public are in danger as a result of it . ''
The Department of Health has been contacted for a comment .

A senior hospital consultant has repeated her warning that electric hand dryers should be switched off immediately to prevent the spread of coronavirus as lockdown is eased.
Speaking to Sky News, Dr Charlotte Fowler, who has 27 years of health service experience and works for a large London NHS trust, fears the use of the machines by a COVID-19 carrier could generate contaminated aerosols or micro-droplets, threatening to infect anyone breathing them in for up to three hours.
Dr Fowler pointed out aerosols were known to pose the biggest risk of coronavirus infection, which was why NHS staff wore special protective equipment when dealing with certain medical procedures, such as putting a patient on a ventilator.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM: UK is moving away from national lockdown
The imaging specialist, who uses aerosols in her own work to test patients with lung problems, feels so strongly about the danger to the public she has launched a petition calling for a ban on hand dryers.
As restrictions are lifted and more businesses, including pubs and restaurants, are set to reopen, Dr Fowler argued it was essential that the use of the devices was halted until aerosol-trapping filters were developed and they were shown to be safe.
Instead, just as people have started to use face masks, she suggested people could carry small pocket hand cloths to dry their hands when out.
Dr Fowler also accused the government of ignoring evidence from its own specialist advisers for hand dryers to be turned off, and so putting the public at risk.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Despite writing to the UK government's Chief Medical Adviser Professor Chris Whitty three months ago to raise her concerns, hand dryers are still being recommended by the government.
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Pointing to the ability of hand dryers to create create aerosols from wet hands, Dr Fowler said: "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we didn't really worry too much about the fact that there were germs in the aerosols because there were none that posed a threat to our health.
"But since COVID, as it is so dangerous we all need to avoid getting infected.
"We have known that aerosols infected with COVID are really dangerous as they can be inhaled deep down into your lungs.
"Everyone is completely paranoid about anything that involves aerosols around COVID patients in hospitals.
"So it's a bit strange to me that, although everyone knows hand dryers create aerosols, that hand dryer use hasn't been treated with the same level of concern as aerosol-generating procedures in hospitals.
"The aerosols produced by a hand dryer could potentially be just as dangerous as intubating a patient on an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) if someone with the infection uses it."
"The aerosols produced by a hand dryer could be just as dangerous as intubating a patient on an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU)."
Dr Fowler added: "We know COVID survives for three hours as an aerosol.
"So it means if someone goes and washes their hands in a public loo and dries their hands, they might be really lucky and wash their hands with 100% efficiency, but usually people don't.
"So the chances are that if someone goes and uses that, anyone who comes in for the next three hours could be infected by the aerosols."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Will there be app-based ordering in pubs?
Evidence provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) by experts on the Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG) recommending hand dryers be switched off had not been acted on, she said.
She told Sky News: "The government's own advisers have asked that hand dryers be turned off.
"My concern is that when people go to the pub they might catch COVID in the toilets because of hand dryers.
"I am not anti-electric hand dryers, I just anti them at the time of COVID. I am personally really frightened.
"This is the only area I can think of where aerosols are being generated by machines where the general public are in danger as a result of it."
The Department of Health has been contacted for a comment.