news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Hundreds of ventilators UK bought from China 'are wrong type and could kill patients if

Coronavirus: Hundreds of ventilators UK bought from China 'are wrong type and could kill patients if used'

Hundreds of ventilators the UK government bought from China to relieve a major shortage are the wrong type and could kill patients , senior doctors have warned in a newly uncovered letter .
The medical staff behind the letter say the devices were designed for use in ambulances rather than hospitals , had an `` unreliable '' oxygen supply and were of `` basic '' quality .
Seen by Sky News ' partner organisation NBC , the document also claims the ventilators can not be cleaned properly , are an unfamiliar design and come with a confusing instruction manual .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrival of `` 300 ventilators from China '' to help treat COVID-19 patients on 4 April .
But the letter of warning from doctors was issued just nine days later .
`` We believe that if used , significant patient harm , including death , is likely , '' it says .
`` We look forward to the withdrawal and replacement of these ventilators with devices better able to provide intensive care ventilation for our patients . ''
It said the machine had been designed for use inside an ambulance rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wrong type altogether - leaving medics forced to create a makeshift stand using hospital trolleys .
The letter claimed the ventilator 's oxygen supply was `` variable and unreliable '' and that its fabric case could not be cleaned properly - essential in the struggle to curb a highly infectious virus .
It also arrived with a `` non-EU '' oxygen connection hose .
The UK has been beset by equipment shortages since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis , finding itself among a number of countries forced into a desperate scramble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has also faced a major dearth of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for health workers , amid criticism over its failure to sign up to a EU-wide procurement scheme .
The Department of Health and Social Care said the model in question was not being used in hospitals and that `` no patients are at risk '' .
`` Ventilators need to pass robust regulatory tests to ensure they are up to standard before they 're delivered to NHS hospitals , '' a spokesperson added .
`` We currently have around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK , as well as 4,300 non-invasive ventilators . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The department insists the model was only ever intended as a transport ventilator to be kept in reserve , claiming different models were available to hospitals and that there was currently spare ventilator capacity across the country .
The letter raising concerns around the model was written by a senior anesthesia and intensive care doctor , representing a group of clinicians and senior managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust doctor had addressed it to a senior NHS official .
On 5 April , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK had between 9,000 and 10,000 ventilators - with an extra 2,000 spare attached to critical care beds - some way short of the 18,000 target he had previously set .
It comes as the number of people who have died in the UK with coronavirus reached 26,000 , making it Europe 's second worst-affected country .
The manufacturers of the ventilator and Sandwell and West Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .

Hundreds of ventilators the UK government bought from China to relieve a major shortage are the wrong type and could kill patients, senior doctors have warned in a newly uncovered letter.
The medical staff behind the letter say the devices were designed for use in ambulances rather than hospitals, had an "unreliable" oxygen supply and were of "basic" quality.
Seen by Sky News' partner organisation NBC, the document also claims the ventilators cannot be cleaned properly, are an unfamiliar design and come with a confusing instruction manual.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove triumphantly announced the arrival of "300 ventilators from China" to help treat COVID-19 patients on 4 April. But the letter of warning from doctors was issued just nine days later.
"We believe that if used, significant patient harm, including death, is likely," it says.
"We look forward to the withdrawal and replacement of these ventilators with devices better able to provide intensive care ventilation for our patients."
It said the machine had been designed for use inside an ambulance rather than beside a hospital bed, making it the wrong type altogether - leaving medics forced to create a makeshift stand using hospital trolleys.
The letter claimed the ventilator's oxygen supply was "variable and unreliable" and that its fabric case could not be cleaned properly - essential in the struggle to curb a highly infectious virus.
It also arrived with a "non-EU" oxygen connection hose.
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The UK has been beset by equipment shortages since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, finding itself among a number of countries forced into a desperate scramble to buy up medical devices.
The government has also faced a major dearth of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, amid criticism over its failure to sign up to a EU-wide procurement scheme.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the model in question was not being used in hospitals and that "no patients are at risk".
"Ventilators need to pass robust regulatory tests to ensure they are up to standard before they're delivered to NHS hospitals," a spokesperson added.
"We currently have around 10,900 mechanical ventilators available to NHS patients across the UK, as well as 4,300 non-invasive ventilators."
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The department insists the model was only ever intended as a transport ventilator to be kept in reserve, claiming different models were available to hospitals and that there was currently spare ventilator capacity across the country.
The letter raising concerns around the model was written by a senior anesthesia and intensive care doctor, representing a group of clinicians and senior managers working in and around Birmingham.
The Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust doctor had addressed it to a senior NHS official.
On 5 April, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK had between 9,000 and 10,000 ventilators - with an extra 2,000 spare attached to critical care beds - some way short of the 18,000 target he had previously set.
It comes as the number of people who have died in the UK with coronavirus reached 26,000, making it Europe's second worst-affected country.
The manufacturers of the ventilator and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have also been contacted for comment.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Jennifer Aniston and Friends offer fans the chance to join reunion with All In Challeng

Coronavirus: Jennifer Aniston and Friends offer fans the chance to join reunion with All In Challenge

It 's been a long time coming , but now six lucky fans will get the chance to join the Friends reunion in the flesh .
Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , David Schwimmer , Matt Le Blanc and Matthew Perry are offering up the opportunity to join them for their reunion special by donating to the US coronavirus appeal , the All In Challenge .
One winner , plus five of their friends , will get to join the six Friends for the taping the new HBO Max show at Stage 24 , in Burbank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the audience '' , the winners will also have the chance to `` sip a cup of coffee '' with the stars in Central Perk ( the sitcom 's famous cafe ) and `` get the Friends VIP treatment on the Warner Bros studio tour '' .
Those donating to the coronavirus fund will be entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning the money-can't-buy experience , which will take place once social distancing measures are lifted .
Sharing the news , Aniston wrote : `` Ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when this is all over .
Until then , keep Facetiming , calling , DMing , and texting your friends and family .
We got ta stay connected . ''
In a nod to the time she accidentally gave away one of her computer passwords via an Instagram post , Kudrow shared a photo of the competition announcement , along with a Post It note which read : `` New password : All In 2020 '' .
Schwimmer wrote : `` Some of you may have heard about a reunion special I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for HBO Max… Wan na come ? ''
It 's 15 years since the much-loved sitcom came to an end , during which time there has been much speculation over a possible reunion .
While not a reboot , this `` unscripted special '' promises fans : `` You 'll get to see us together again for the first time in ages , as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had '' .
The reunion had been due to film over two days in March but was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are executive producers on the special and it is reported that each will earn between $ 2.5m to $ 3m ( £2m to £2.4m ) .
Other celebrities offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the All In Challenge include Leonardo DiCaprio , Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Bieber .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The charity 's founder Michael Rubin , co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball franchise , says his inspiration was to feed as many people across America as possible , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sports and entertainment world together .
The All In Challenge aims to raise $ 100m ( £80m ) for four US charities : Feeding America , Meals On Wheels , World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry .

It's been a long time coming, but now six lucky fans will get the chance to join the Friends reunion in the flesh.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc and Matthew Perry are offering up the opportunity to join them for their reunion special by donating to the US coronavirus appeal, the All In Challenge.
Image: Fans will get the chance to sip coffee in famous Central Perk
One winner, plus five of their friends, will get to join the six Friends for the taping the new HBO Max show at Stage 24, in Burbank, California.
As "personal guests in the audience", the winners will also have the chance to "sip a cup of coffee" with the stars in Central Perk (the sitcom's famous cafe) and "get the Friends VIP treatment on the Warner Bros studio tour".
Those donating to the coronavirus fund will be entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning the money-can't-buy experience, which will take place once social distancing measures are lifted.
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Sharing the news, Aniston wrote: "Can't wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over. Until then, keep Facetiming, calling, DMing, and texting your friends and family. We gotta stay connected."
In a nod to the time she accidentally gave away one of her computer passwords via an Instagram post, Kudrow shared a photo of the competition announcement, along with a Post It note which read: "New password: All In 2020".
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Schwimmer wrote: "Some of you may have heard about a reunion special I'm going to be doing with my FRIENDS for HBO Max… Wanna come?"
It's 15 years since the much-loved sitcom came to an end, during which time there has been much speculation over a possible reunion.
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While not a reboot, this "unscripted special" promises fans: "You'll get to see us together again for the first time in ages, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had".
The reunion had been due to film over two days in March but was delayed due to COVID-19.
All six stars are executive producers on the special and it is reported that each will earn between $2.5m to $3m (£2m to £2.4m).
Other celebrities offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the All In Challenge include Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Bieber.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The charity's founder Michael Rubin, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball franchise, says his inspiration was to feed as many people across America as possible, at the same time as bringing people from the sports and entertainment world together.
The All In Challenge aims to raise $100m (£80m) for four US charities: Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Britons should wear cloth face coverings in public, health experts tell government

There is an `` urgent need '' for Britons to wear cloth face coverings in public places to fight the spread of coronavirus , a group of health experts has warned .
In an open letter to the government , more than 20 public health specialists and academics said the measure would be one of the `` simplest , cheapest and most positive '' ways to protect people from COVID-19 .
It comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backed calls for the government to formally recommend people wear face masks on transport and in workplaces where social distancing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously said he wants the wearing of face masks on public transport in the capital to be made compulsory .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said the government 's scientific advisers are finalising their advice on face masks to give to ministers shortly .
The open letter to the government has been signed by the likes of Andrew Phillips , professor of epidemiology at University College London , Martin McKee , professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , and Paul Roderick , professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The experts warn there is `` an urgent need to ensure the general population use cloth face coverings in public places '' , particularly in supermarkets and public transport , `` as an additional tool to reduce community transmission '' of the virus .
They urge the government to recommend the use of cloth face coverings so that public demand does not `` compete with the needs of health and care workers for protective equipment '' .
`` Wearing face coverings ( regularly washed with hot soapy water ) in public is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cheapest and most positive measures in protecting people from infection , '' the letter states .
The experts say they recognise the effectiveness of wearing a face covering is a `` contested issue '' , and that the World Health Organisation does not currently recommend wearing face masks outside of clinical settings in relation to COVID-19 .
But they add that several countries have `` enforced or strongly recommended '' the public wearing of face masks , including mainland China , Hong Kong , South Korea , Japan , the Czech Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus is transmitted by large droplets `` which can be prevented by social distancing and hand hygiene and by face covering '' , the letter says .
Transmission is also possible from smaller droplets shed during normal speech which can remain in the air for several hours so wearing face coverings may reduce this risk , it adds .
`` Public face covering will be most effective at stopping spread of the virus when compliance is high , '' the experts say .
`` With appropriate guidance , the public will quickly learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining other control measures . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News last week that wearing masks to avoid spreading COVID-19 might have some advantages .
But he explained the policy was under review by the government 's chief science advisers and cautioned that face coverings may even be `` disadvantageous '' if worn wrongly .

There is an "urgent need" for Britons to wear cloth face coverings in public places to fight the spread of coronavirus, a group of health experts has warned.
In an open letter to the government, more than 20 public health specialists and academics said the measure would be one of the "simplest, cheapest and most positive" ways to protect people from COVID-19.
It comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backed calls for the government to formally recommend people wear face masks on transport and in workplaces where social distancing is difficult.
Image: London mayor Sadiq Khan wants face masks to be made compulsory on public transport
London mayor Sadiq Khan had previously said he wants the wearing of face masks on public transport in the capital to be made compulsory.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said the government's scientific advisers are finalising their advice on face masks to give to ministers shortly.
The open letter to the government has been signed by the likes of Andrew Phillips, professor of epidemiology at University College London, Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Paul Roderick, professor of public health at the University of Southampton.
The experts warn there is "an urgent need to ensure the general population use cloth face coverings in public places", particularly in supermarkets and public transport, "as an additional tool to reduce community transmission" of the virus.
They urge the government to recommend the use of cloth face coverings so that public demand does not "compete with the needs of health and care workers for protective equipment".
"Wearing face coverings (regularly washed with hot soapy water) in public is likely to be one of the simplest, cheapest and most positive measures in protecting people from infection," the letter states.
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Image: Ambulance crew members wear face masks outside Doncaster Royal Infirmary
The experts say they recognise the effectiveness of wearing a face covering is a "contested issue", and that the World Health Organisation does not currently recommend wearing face masks outside of clinical settings in relation to COVID-19.
But they add that several countries have "enforced or strongly recommended" the public wearing of face masks, including mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, the Czech Republic, Singapore and parts of Germany.
Coronavirus is transmitted by large droplets "which can be prevented by social distancing and hand hygiene and by face covering", the letter says.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Coronavirus: The issue with face masks
Transmission is also possible from smaller droplets shed during normal speech which can remain in the air for several hours so wearing face coverings may reduce this risk, it adds.
"Public face covering will be most effective at stopping spread of the virus when compliance is high," the experts say.
"With appropriate guidance, the public will quickly learn how to properly use face coverings whilst maintaining other control measures."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News last week that wearing masks to avoid spreading COVID-19 might have some advantages.
But he explained the policy was under review by the government's chief science advisers and cautioned that face coverings may even be "disadvantageous" if worn wrongly.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: 'We are at the peak' of COVID-19 outbreak, Matt Hancock tells MPs

The UK is `` at the peak '' of the coronavirus outbreak , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs - on the same day the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000 .
Delivering an update on the government 's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons on Wednesday , Mr Hancock thanked the British public for their `` steadfast commitment '' in following lockdown rules .
`` It is making a difference , we are at the peak , '' he said .
But the health secretary added that social distancing measures would not be relaxed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for exiting the lockdown are reached .
The Department of Health and Social Care later announced that , as of 5pm on Tuesday , 18,100 people had died in UK hospitals with coronavirus - a rise of 763 deaths reported in the last 24 hours .
Another 665 people had died in English hospitals after testing positive with COVID-19 , bringing the total to 16,272 .
In Scotland , another 77 hospital patients had died with coronavirus in the last 24 hours , bringing the total to 1,062 .
And , in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 , bringing the total to 624 .
Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures , which may not tally with the government 's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
As of 9am on Wednesday , 411,192 people had been tested for coronavirus in the UK , of which 133,495 have tested positive .
In the Commons , Mr Hancock also revealed to MPs that 15 social care staff have died with coronavirus , although he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have been tested for COVID-19 .
In addition , he told MPs there are currently 10,000 spare beds across the NHS , with 3,000 spare beds in critical care wards .
`` We want to open the NHS to non-coronavirus symptoms and to patients with non-coronavirus conditions safely and carefully as soon as it is safe to do so , '' Mr Hancock said .
He added : `` If you think that you might have a lump that might be a cancer , then you should come forward now and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS . ''
Mr Hancock , who has set a target of reaching 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of this month , said he was `` delighted '' that expansion of testing capacity is `` ahead of plans '' .
But he admitted demand for tests has `` thus far been lower than expected '' .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday , 18,206 tests were carried out despite the government having said they now have capacity for double that number .
The health secretary said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be eligible for tests and would make tests easier to access .
Mr Hancock explained how contact-tracing would now play a key role as the UK overcomes the peak of the coronavirus outbreak , with a new NHS app `` in development '' .
`` As we reach - have reached the peak - and as we bring the number of new cases down , so we will introduce contact tracing at large scale , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy Hunt - who is now chair of the Commons health committee - asked whether it would be possible to track and trace every new COVID-19 case in the community in the next two weeks , when ministers are again due to review the lockdown .
Mr Hancock replied : `` We are ramping up our testing capacity and our capacity for contact-tracing in a matter of weeks , and we 'll have it ready to make sure that we can use that as and when the incidence of transmission comes down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specific decision that we 're required by law to take in just over two weeks ' time .
`` The effectiveness of test , track and trace to keep the reproductive rate of this virus down is determined by the incidence in the community and our goal is to get to a point where we can test , track and trace everybody who needs it . ''
Mr Hancock said the government would follow the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) on whether Britons should wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of every UK household being given masks , as countries like Japan have done .
He said : `` I ca n't promise that we will give everybody free masks , I mean that would be an extraordinary undertaking , and we do have to make sure that we have supplies available especially for health and social care staff . ''

The UK is "at the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs - on the same day the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000.
Delivering an update on the government's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Hancock thanked the British public for their "steadfast commitment" in following lockdown rules.
"It is making a difference, we are at the peak," he said.
But the health secretary added that social distancing measures would not be relaxed or changed until the government's five tests for exiting the lockdown are reached.
Image: A message on the windows of a ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow
The Department of Health and Social Care later announced that, as of 5pm on Tuesday, 18,100 people had died in UK hospitals with coronavirus - a rise of 763 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
Another 665 people had died in English hospitals after testing positive with COVID-19, bringing the total to 16,272.
In Scotland, another 77 hospital patients had died with coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 1,062.
And, in Wales, another 15 people died in hospitals with COVID-19, bringing the total to 624.
Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
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As of 9am on Wednesday, 411,192 people had been tested for coronavirus in the UK, of which 133,495 have tested positive.
In the Commons, Mr Hancock also revealed to MPs that 15 social care staff have died with coronavirus, although he did not give a figure of how many care workers have been tested for COVID-19.
In addition, he told MPs there are currently 10,000 spare beds across the NHS, with 3,000 spare beds in critical care wards.
"We want to open the NHS to non-coronavirus symptoms and to patients with non-coronavirus conditions safely and carefully as soon as it is safe to do so," Mr Hancock said.
He added: "If you think that you might have a lump that might be a cancer, then you should come forward now and you will be safely and properly treated in the NHS."
Mr Hancock, who has set a target of reaching 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of this month, said he was "delighted" that expansion of testing capacity is "ahead of plans".
But he admitted demand for tests has "thus far been lower than expected".
In the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday, 18,206 tests were carried out despite the government having said they now have capacity for double that number.
The health secretary said the government would be allowing more people to be eligible for tests and would make tests easier to access.
Mr Hancock explained how contact-tracing would now play a key role as the UK overcomes the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, with a new NHS app "in development".
"As we reach - have reached the peak - and as we bring the number of new cases down, so we will introduce contact tracing at large scale," he said.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Conservative former health secretary Jeremy Hunt - who is now chair of the Commons health committee - asked whether it would be possible to track and trace every new COVID-19 case in the community in the next two weeks, when ministers are again due to review the lockdown.
Mr Hancock replied: "We are ramping up our testing capacity and our capacity for contact-tracing in a matter of weeks, and we'll have it ready to make sure that we can use that as and when the incidence of transmission comes down.
"It isn't as tied to the specific decision that we're required by law to take in just over two weeks' time.
"The effectiveness of test, track and trace to keep the reproductive rate of this virus down is determined by the incidence in the community and our goal is to get to a point where we can test, track and trace everybody who needs it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Lockdown Road: Bringing neighbours together
Mr Hancock said the government would follow the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on whether Britons should wear masks in public.
But he downplayed the prospect of every UK household being given masks, as countries like Japan have done.
He said: "I can't promise that we will give everybody free masks, I mean that would be an extraordinary undertaking, and we do have to make sure that we have supplies available especially for health and social care staff."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: False start from lockdown would hit confidence, Bank governor warns

The governor of the Bank of England has warned of a hit to the economy from a premature end to the UK 's coronavirus lockdown , saying it would `` damage people 's confidence very severely '' .
Andrew Bailey was speaking amid speculation over the timing for an easing of social distancing measures to combat COVID-19 - with businesses eager to limit the damage from the plunge in activity .
Just last week , Mr Bailey used a conference call with journalists to admit that a scenario , published by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility , of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second quarter of the year was `` not implausible '' .
As ministers and health experts urge caution over relaxing the lockdown , first introduced on 23 March , Mr Bailey told the Daily Mail : `` If we had a lifting and then ( lockdown ) came back again , I think that would damage people 's confidence very severely .
`` If we have a false start ... that would have potentially quite difficult effects I think . ''
He added that the lockdown could only be lifted after employers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their commute and at work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The governor used his session with journalists last week to urge banks to speed up their lending to businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) amid revelations just £1.1bn had been handed out .
In contrast , the Bank had lent £7.6bn to large firms , as of last Wednesday .
He said then : `` Banks , notwithstanding the stress they are working under now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and get on with it .
`` I agree it does have to be tackled because otherwise we are going to destroy people 's livelihoods or get scarring of the economy . ''

The governor of the Bank of England has warned of a hit to the economy from a premature end to the UK's coronavirus lockdown, saying it would "damage people's confidence very severely".
Andrew Bailey was speaking amid speculation over the timing for an easing of social distancing measures to combat COVID-19 - with businesses eager to limit the damage from the plunge in activity.
Just last week, Mr Bailey used a conference call with journalists to admit that a scenario, published by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, of a 35% plunge in GDP in the second quarter of the year was "not implausible".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Economy faces 'unprecedented' jolt
As ministers and health experts urge caution over relaxing the lockdown, first introduced on 23 March, Mr Bailey told the Daily Mail: "If we had a lifting and then (lockdown) came back again, I think that would damage people's confidence very severely.
"If we have a false start... that would have potentially quite difficult effects I think."
He added that the lockdown could only be lifted after employers were able to ensure staff were safe during their commute and at work.
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The governor used his session with journalists last week to urge banks to speed up their lending to businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) amid revelations just £1.1bn had been handed out.
In contrast, the Bank had lent £7.6bn to large firms, as of last Wednesday.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 NatWest advances £1bn to firms under govt loan scheme
He said then: "Banks, notwithstanding the stress they are working under now, have to put their backs into it and get on with it.
"I agree it does have to be tackled because otherwise we are going to destroy people's livelihoods or get scarring of the economy."


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: 'Disgusting' fly-tipping soars during lockdown

Fly-tipping has soared since the start of the coronavirus lockdown , according to an app created to combat the illegal dumping of rubbish .
Millionaire businessman Martin Montague says his ClearWaste app is being bombarded daily with hundreds of photographs from across the UK .
He said : `` In the first week of the lockdown we saw a rise of 54 % nationwide compared with the figure for the previous week .
By Easter fly-tipping reported to us was up by 75 % .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , disgusting practice because it puts people 's lives in danger .
Not only have we seen lanes and roads blocked to emergency vehicles , but it also poses a risk to the council staff or farmers who have to clear it up .
`` I understand why it is happening - people are at home with more time on their hands and they are doing more , building work , replacing fences , alterations , gardening and so on .
And the sun 's out .
`` With most waste recycling centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stuff until the lockdown is over , but many people just are n't prepared to do that . ''
Mr Montague created the app after being a victim of a fly-tipping scam , paying what he thought was a licensed operator to remove waste which he later discovered was simply dumped near his home in Hampshire .
His app allows those who find sites where rubbish has been dumped to take and upload photographs which his staff pass on to the relevant council .
Household bin collections have continued through the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils have stopped collecting garden waste .
Mr Montague showed me two recent sites close to his home , one a heap of mostly tree branches and old fencing blocking a narrow country lane and the other a bigger dump of concrete , metal and tyres left on the edge of a wheat field .
The second pile included what looked like sheets of corrugated asbestos , perhaps from an old garage roof , potentially hazardous and in need of specialist and expensive removal by experts .
The government wants waste recycling centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed because of the difficulties in ensuring social distancing rules .
Local authorities say they are discussing with the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) any opportunity to reopen them .
Councillor David Renard , environment spokesman for the Local Government Association , said : `` With government the LGA is looking at exploring ways in which , on a limited basis , recycling centres can be reopened , but until such times as announcements are made we must insist that people keep their waste on household premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land is the responsibility of landowners who must bear the cost of removing it .
Sarah Lee , head of policy at the Countryside Alliance , said : `` Fly-tipping is particularly increasing for landowners and farmers , where people are coming out and putting it on their fields .
`` They have a double jeopardy where they have a legal responsibility to dispose of the waste and the cost to them can be huge .
`` They do n't want to spend their time doing that when they are too busy trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear up fly-tipping . ''
Anyone caught fly-tipping risks prosecution and up to five years in jail or a maximum fine of £50,000 .
A Defra spokesperson said : `` Fly-tipping blights communities , spoils our countryside , and poses a risk to human health and the environment .
`` We all have a role to play in keeping our environment clean and now more than ever people must work together to support their communities during this challenging time . ''

Fly-tipping has soared since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, according to an app created to combat the illegal dumping of rubbish.
Millionaire businessman Martin Montague says his ClearWaste app is being bombarded daily with hundreds of photographs from across the UK.
He said: "In the first week of the lockdown we saw a rise of 54% nationwide compared with the figure for the previous week. By Easter fly-tipping reported to us was up by 75%.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"It's a horrible, disgusting practice because it puts people's lives in danger. Not only have we seen lanes and roads blocked to emergency vehicles, but it also poses a risk to the council staff or farmers who have to clear it up.
"I understand why it is happening - people are at home with more time on their hands and they are doing more, building work, replacing fences, alterations, gardening and so on. And the sun's out.
"With most waste recycling centres closed you need to hang on to this stuff until the lockdown is over, but many people just aren't prepared to do that."
Mr Montague created the app after being a victim of a fly-tipping scam, paying what he thought was a licensed operator to remove waste which he later discovered was simply dumped near his home in Hampshire.
Image: Anyone caught flytipping risks prosecution and up to five years in jail Pic: ClearWaste
Image: Rubbish dumped illegally on private land is the responsibility of landowners Pic: ClearWaste
His app allows those who find sites where rubbish has been dumped to take and upload photographs which his staff pass on to the relevant council.
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Household bin collections have continued through the lockdown, though more than a quarter of councils have stopped collecting garden waste.
Mr Montague showed me two recent sites close to his home, one a heap of mostly tree branches and old fencing blocking a narrow country lane and the other a bigger dump of concrete, metal and tyres left on the edge of a wheat field.
The second pile included what looked like sheets of corrugated asbestos, perhaps from an old garage roof, potentially hazardous and in need of specialist and expensive removal by experts.
The government wants waste recycling centres to stay open, but most have closed because of the difficulties in ensuring social distancing rules.
Local authorities say they are discussing with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) any opportunity to reopen them.
Councillor David Renard, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: "With government the LGA is looking at exploring ways in which, on a limited basis, recycling centres can be reopened, but until such times as announcements are made we must insist that people keep their waste on household premises."
Image: Reports of flytipping on the ClearWaste app are up 75% Pic: ClearWaste
Rubbish dumped illegally on private land is the responsibility of landowners who must bear the cost of removing it.
Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: "Fly-tipping is particularly increasing for landowners and farmers, where people are coming out and putting it on their fields.
"They have a double jeopardy where they have a legal responsibility to dispose of the waste and the cost to them can be huge.
"They don't want to spend their time doing that when they are too busy trying to feed the nation to bother to clear up fly-tipping."
Anyone caught fly-tipping risks prosecution and up to five years in jail or a maximum fine of £50,000.
A Defra spokesperson said: "Fly-tipping blights communities, spoils our countryside, and poses a risk to human health and the environment.
"We all have a role to play in keeping our environment clean and now more than ever people must work together to support their communities during this challenging time."


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown over COVID-19 pandemic?

Sweden has largely remained open for business during the coronavirus outbreak , with many bars , shops and restaurants welcoming customers .
Few mandatory restrictions have been brought in to help fight COVID-19 , in contrast to most other European countries which have taken a tougher approach , including lockdowns .
Despite the seemingly relaxed approach to dealing with the virus , cases in Sweden have surpassed 4,000 , with 146 people dying after contracting the respiratory illness .
As of 30 March , there were 39.6 reported cases per 100,000 of the Swedish population - which was similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per 100,000 people .
But the nation does have a much lower reported case rate than the worst-hit countries on the continent , including Italy and Spain .
Notably , Sweden is one of the biggest spenders in Europe on its public healthcare system , spending more per capita than the UK , Spain and Italy .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
But despite having a higher reported case rate than the UK , which has a partial lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely business as usual , with the government taking a `` wait and see '' approach to the outbreak .
There are some restrictions in place such as limiting gatherings to 50 people instead of 500 and where possible , Swedes should work and study from home .
The public are also being advised to practise social distancing - but the measures are not nearly as strict as much of the rest of the continent .
For now , the government maintains its citizens can act responsibly and will stay at home if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , prime minister Stefan Lofven warned of `` many tough weeks and months ahead '' , where he outlined the measures .
His speech was largely approved of , according to polling company Novus , suggesting many people will abide by the voluntary restrictions , reducing the need for a national lockdown .
Scientifically , Paul Franks and Peter Nilsson , professors of epidemiology for Sweden 's Lund University , suggest the lack of action could be that Swedish modelling shows the country expects the rate of hospitalisation to be much lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be down to the understanding that many people will become infected but suffer no symptoms - keeping them away from the healthcare system .
Until now , there has been no widespread screening programme or extensive antibody testing - so there is no true , accurate picture as to who does and does not have COVID-19 in Sweden .
But the government said on Tuesday it will launch a national testing regime , with the focus initially on health workers and others in key jobs .
Sweden has tested around 36,000 individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
Germany has been testing around 500,000 people a week .
Writing an essay in The Conversation , Professors Franks and Nilsson added that the virus will have an uneven spread in the country , due its lack of built-up metropolitan areas , suggesting , at least for now , some areas could be spared a major outbreak , lessening the need for a total shutdown .
They also suggest that the country could be aiming for a herd immunity tactic .
It would mean around 60 % of the population would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , to dramatically slow the spread of the disease .
Global health officials have said that once people have recovered from coronavirus , they have a certain level of immunity , due to the build-up of antibodies .
There is also a practical argument in Sweden as to why there is no widespread lockdown , in that schools can remain open to allow parents to continue working .
Professors Franks and Nilsson also said that a lockdown would severely harm the economy , making it likely that funding for a health service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk in the future .
However , there is scepticism around the Swedish approach to the outbreak , and some experts do admit that the pandemic in the country is likely to get a lot worse and trigger a lockdown in the near future .
Sweden is making preparations for a high level of cases , building a makeshift field hospital at the Stockholm International Fairs facility with thousands of bed - suggesting a change in policy is not far away .

Sweden has largely remained open for business during the coronavirus outbreak, with many bars, shops and restaurants welcoming customers.
Few mandatory restrictions have been brought in to help fight COVID-19, in contrast to most other European countries which have taken a tougher approach, including lockdowns.
Despite the seemingly relaxed approach to dealing with the virus, cases in Sweden have surpassed 4,000, with 146 people dying after contracting the respiratory illness.
As of 30 March, there were 39.6 reported cases per 100,000 of the Swedish population - which was similar to the UK's case rate of 33.8 per 100,000 people.
But the nation does have a much lower reported case rate than the worst-hit countries on the continent, including Italy and Spain.
Notably, Sweden is one of the biggest spenders in Europe on its public healthcare system, spending more per capita than the UK, Spain and Italy.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
But despite having a higher reported case rate than the UK, which has a partial lockdown, Swedish workers and organisations are still operating largely business as usual, with the government taking a "wait and see" approach to the outbreak.
There are some restrictions in place such as limiting gatherings to 50 people instead of 500 and where possible, Swedes should work and study from home.
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The public are also being advised to practise social distancing - but the measures are not nearly as strict as much of the rest of the continent.
For now, the government maintains its citizens can act responsibly and will stay at home if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms.
Image: A speech by Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven was largely approved of
On Friday, prime minister Stefan Lofven warned of "many tough weeks and months ahead", where he outlined the measures.
His speech was largely approved of, according to polling company Novus, suggesting many people will abide by the voluntary restrictions, reducing the need for a national lockdown.
Scientifically, Paul Franks and Peter Nilsson, professors of epidemiology for Sweden's Lund University, suggest the lack of action could be that Swedish modelling shows the country expects the rate of hospitalisation to be much lower than in other European countries.
This could be down to the understanding that many people will become infected but suffer no symptoms - keeping them away from the healthcare system.
Until now, there has been no widespread screening programme or extensive antibody testing - so there is no true, accurate picture as to who does and does not have COVID-19 in Sweden.
But the government said on Tuesday it will launch a national testing regime, with the focus initially on health workers and others in key jobs.
Sweden has tested around 36,000 individuals and mostly people in need of hospital care. Germany has been testing around 500,000 people a week.
Writing an essay in The Conversation, Professors Franks and Nilsson added that the virus will have an uneven spread in the country, due its lack of built-up metropolitan areas, suggesting, at least for now, some areas could be spared a major outbreak, lessening the need for a total shutdown.
They also suggest that the country could be aiming for a herd immunity tactic. It would mean around 60% of the population would need to catch, then recover from COVID-19, to dramatically slow the spread of the disease.
Global health officials have said that once people have recovered from coronavirus, they have a certain level of immunity, due to the build-up of antibodies.
There is also a practical argument in Sweden as to why there is no widespread lockdown, in that schools can remain open to allow parents to continue working.
Professors Franks and Nilsson also said that a lockdown would severely harm the economy, making it likely that funding for a health service would be reduced, putting more lives at risk in the future.
Image: A field hospital is being built in Stockholm
However, there is scepticism around the Swedish approach to the outbreak, and some experts do admit that the pandemic in the country is likely to get a lot worse and trigger a lockdown in the near future.
Sweden is making preparations for a high level of cases, building a makeshift field hospital at the Stockholm International Fairs facility with thousands of bed - suggesting a change in policy is not far away.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: As PMQs goes virtual, here's a look back at some other notable sessions

Today 's session of Prime Minister 's Questions makes history by being the first to include questions by MPs appearing via video link .
As part of social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic , large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons to allow MPs to join debates via video conferencing app Zoom .
Meanwhile , a maximum of only 50 MPs will be permitted entry to the House of Commons itself - and they will all be seated at least two metres apart .
Among those present in the chamber will be Foreign Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson as the prime minister continues his recovery from COVID-19 , as well as Sir Keir Starmer , who will be appearing in his first PMQs as Labour leader .
So , how does today 's Prime Minister 's Questions compare to other notable sessions ?
18 July 1961 - The first ever PMQs Prime minister Harold Macmillan answered questions for 15 minutes between 3.15pm and 3.30pm as an experiment .
This was the first formal , fixed session of PMQs , with former leaders having previously answered questions in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The experiment was made permanent on 24 October 1961 .
20 January 1972 - PMQs suspended for 11 minutes as Edward Heath feels the heat With unemployment having risen above one million , prime minister Edward Heath faced prolonged barracking from Labour MPs on the opposition benches .
The Speaker , Selwyn Lloyd , was forced to suspend the session for 11 minutes .
Regular radio broadcasts from the House of Commons , including PMQs , only began in April 1978 , despite microphones being installed in the new chamber since it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the introduction of radio broadcasts , George Thomas - the Speaker at the time - recalled : `` Members who had been silent since I had been elected Speaker suddenly came to life .
`` It was as though the dead had been restored to life and had found a new aggressiveness . ''
On 28 November 1989 , TV cameras were allowed to film PMQs for the first time - although there were strict rules about which shots broadcasters were able to show .
Prime minister Margaret Thatcher made no mention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons as she fielded questions .
She was the only female MP to speak during the session , with all questions asked by men .
PMQs was suspended on 12 May 1994 following the unexpected death of Labour leader John Smith , aged 55 , from a heart attack earlier that day .
MPs instead gathered in the Commons to pay tributes to Mr Smith .
On 19 May , 2004 , prime minister Tony Blair was hit between the shoulders by purple flour-filled condoms during PMQs .
The session was immediately suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been thrown from the visitors ' gallery by a member of the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice .
Prime minister Gordon Brown cancelled PMQs on 25 February 2009 following the death of opposition leader David Cameron 's son Ivan .
Mr Brown , whose first daughter , Jennifer , died shortly after her birth , described the death of a child as `` an unbearable sorrow that no parent should have to endure '' .
In place of PMQs , leading MPs and the Speaker delivered short statements of condolence .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over by John Bercow as Speaker also became the longest on record .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both paid tribute to the departing Speaker in a session that lasted one hour and 11 minutes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker PMQs is scheduled to only last 30 minutes , but Mr Bercow made a habit of allowing marathon sessions during his time in the chair .
Mr Johnson that Mr Bercow had `` done more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this particular session '' .
Mr Bercow 's successor , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , has vowed to keep PMQs to its scheduled 30 minutes .

Today's session of Prime Minister's Questions makes history by being the first to include questions by MPs appearing via video link.
As part of social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons to allow MPs to join debates via video conferencing app Zoom.
Meanwhile, a maximum of only 50 MPs will be permitted entry to the House of Commons itself - and they will all be seated at least two metres apart.
Image: Large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons. Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Among those present in the chamber will be Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who will deputise for Boris Johnson as the prime minister continues his recovery from COVID-19, as well as Sir Keir Starmer, who will be appearing in his first PMQs as Labour leader.
So, how does today's Prime Minister's Questions compare to other notable sessions?
18 July 1961 - The first ever PMQs
Prime minister Harold Macmillan answered questions for 15 minutes between 3.15pm and 3.30pm as an experiment.
This was the first formal, fixed session of PMQs, with former leaders having previously answered questions in the House of Commons on a more informal basis.
The experiment was made permanent on 24 October 1961.
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20 January 1972 - PMQs suspended for 11 minutes as Edward Heath feels the heat
With unemployment having risen above one million, prime minister Edward Heath faced prolonged barracking from Labour MPs on the opposition benches.
The Speaker, Selwyn Lloyd, was forced to suspend the session for 11 minutes.
April 1978 - The first radio broadcast
Regular radio broadcasts from the House of Commons, including PMQs, only began in April 1978, despite microphones being installed in the new chamber since it was reopened in 1950.
Commenting on the introduction of radio broadcasts, George Thomas - the Speaker at the time - recalled: "Members who had been silent since I had been elected Speaker suddenly came to life.
"It was as though the dead had been restored to life and had found a new aggressiveness."
1989 - The first televised PMQs
On 28 November 1989, TV cameras were allowed to film PMQs for the first time - although there were strict rules about which shots broadcasters were able to show.
Prime minister Margaret Thatcher made no mention of the presence of TV cameras in the Commons as she fielded questions.
She was the only female MP to speak during the session, with all questions asked by men.
1994 - PMQs suspended due to sudden death of Labour leader
PMQs was suspended on 12 May 1994 following the unexpected death of Labour leader John Smith, aged 55, from a heart attack earlier that day.
MPs instead gathered in the Commons to pay tributes to Mr Smith.
Image: Labour leader John Smith died unexpectedly in 1994
19 May 2004 - Tony Blair hit by purple flour
On 19 May, 2004, prime minister Tony Blair was hit between the shoulders by purple flour-filled condoms during PMQs.
The session was immediately suspended, while it later emerged the missiles had been thrown from the visitors' gallery by a member of the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice.
Image: Tony Blair was hit by missiles thrown from the visitors' gallery
25 February 2009 - PMQs suspended following death of David Cameron's son
Prime minister Gordon Brown cancelled PMQs on 25 February 2009 following the death of opposition leader David Cameron's son Ivan.
Mr Brown, whose first daughter, Jennifer, died shortly after her birth, described the death of a child as "an unbearable sorrow that no parent should have to endure".
In place of PMQs, leading MPs and the Speaker delivered short statements of condolence.
30 October 2019 - the longest ever PMQs
The last session of PMQs to be presided over by John Bercow as Speaker also became the longest on record.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both paid tribute to the departing Speaker in a session that lasted one hour and 11 minutes.
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PMQs is scheduled to only last 30 minutes, but Mr Bercow made a habit of allowing marathon sessions during his time in the chair.
Mr Johnson that Mr Bercow had "done more than anyone since Stephen Hawking to stretch time in this particular session".
Mr Bercow's successor, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has vowed to keep PMQs to its scheduled 30 minutes.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Donald Trump signs $2.2trn relief bill as New York pleads for hospital beds

Donald Trump has signed an unprecedented $ 2.2trn ( £1.8tn ) coronavirus relief bill to help American citizens and businesses affected by the outbreak .
The US president said the bill would `` deliver urgently needed relief '' and would put Americans `` first '' .
It was signed into legislation as New York 's governor urgently called for thousands more hospital beds for coronavirus patients , warning the situation would last `` weeks and weeks and weeks '' .
Andrew Cuomo said 40,000 temporary beds would be needed across the state - and 4,000 in New York City alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including one which has been set up in a convention centre , but is looking to put up more .
`` This is going to be a long day , and it 's going to be a hard day , and it 's going to be an ugly day , and it 's going to be a sad day , '' Mr Cuomo said .
New York is the epicentre of the outbreak in the US .
There are more than 44,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the state , and the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US has now passed 100,000 confirmed cases in total , leading the world in the most number of cases , according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University .
Mr Trump signed the relief bill in the Oval Office , after the House of Representatives gave near-unanimous approval in a vote .
The Senate passed the bill unanimously late on Wednesday .
The legislation will prop up most Americans with payments of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits for millions who lost their jobs during the pandemic .
President Trump , who had earlier rejected Mr Cuomo 's pleas for tens of thousands more ventilators , on Friday also invoked the Defence Production Act to force car giant General Motors to produce more breathing machines .
The US president had earlier criticised General Motors for not making them quickly enough .
In a series of tweets , Mr Trump claimed manufacturer General Motors had cut the number of ventilators it said it could provide for coronavirus patients .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' General Motors , things just never seem to work out .
They said they were going to give us 40,000 much needed ventilators , 'very quickly ' .
`` Now they are saying it will only be 6,000 , in late April , and they want top dollar . ''
Car giants General Motors and Ford have teamed with ventilator makers to produce more of the life-saving devices .
But Mr Trump called for General Motors to `` start making ventilators , now '' .
He wrote : `` General Motors MUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ohio , or some other plant , and START MAKING VENTILATORS , NOW !
!
!
!
!
!
FORD , GET GOING ON VENTILATORS , FAST !
!
!
!
!
! ''
General Motors said in a statement it will be building ventilators with Ventec Life Systems , a Seattle-based company , and will help Ventec ramp up production .
The company said its teams `` have been working tirelessly '' to produce ventilators .
`` Retooling is under way and we are poised to deliver the first ventilators next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monthly , '' it added .
`` We know that there is a global back-order of critical care ventilators .
We 're committed to doing everything we can to help - including donating our resources at cost to support the fight against COVID-19 . ''
Meanwhile , Ford is working with GE Health Care to increase production and plans to manufacture a simplified ventilator design starting next month .
`` Ford is pulling out all the stops to quickly and safely provide vitally needed equipment for patients , first responders and healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Motor Corp said it was `` finalising agreements to begin working with at least two companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help increase their capacity '' .
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday night , Mr Trump questioned whether hospitals were exaggerating the number of ventilators needed .
`` I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they 're going to be , '' he said .
`` I do n't believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to major hospitals sometimes , they 'll have two ventilators .
And now , all of a sudden , they 're saying , 'Can we order 30,000 ventilators ? '
''

Donald Trump has signed an unprecedented $2.2trn (£1.8tn) coronavirus relief bill to help American citizens and businesses affected by the outbreak.
The US president said the bill would "deliver urgently needed relief" and would put Americans "first".
It was signed into legislation as New York's governor urgently called for thousands more hospital beds for coronavirus patients, warning the situation would last "weeks and weeks and weeks".
Image: President Donald Trump signs off on the $2trn coronavirus aid package
Andrew Cuomo said 40,000 temporary beds would be needed across the state - and 4,000 in New York City alone.
New York is preparing temporary hospitals, including one which has been set up in a convention centre, but is looking to put up more.
"This is going to be a long day, and it's going to be a hard day, and it's going to be an ugly day, and it's going to be a sad day," Mr Cuomo said.
New York is the epicentre of the outbreak in the US. There are more than 44,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the state, and the number of people admitted to hospital passed 6,000 on Friday.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The US has now passed 100,000 confirmed cases in total, leading the world in the most number of cases, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University.
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Mr Trump signed the relief bill in the Oval Office, after the House of Representatives gave near-unanimous approval in a vote.
Image: Mr Trump signed the bill in the Oval Office
The Senate passed the bill unanimously late on Wednesday.
The legislation will prop up most Americans with payments of $1,200 (£963) and increase jobless benefits for millions who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
President Trump, who had earlier rejected Mr Cuomo's pleas for tens of thousands more ventilators, on Friday also invoked the Defence Production Act to force car giant General Motors to produce more breathing machines.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'An insidious beast' - New York governor on virus
The US president had earlier criticised General Motors for not making them quickly enough.
In a series of tweets, Mr Trump claimed manufacturer General Motors had cut the number of ventilators it said it could provide for coronavirus patients.
The president wrote: "As usual with 'this' General Motors, things just never seem to work out. They said they were going to give us 40,000 much needed ventilators, 'very quickly'.
"Now they are saying it will only be 6,000, in late April, and they want top dollar."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 '9/11 was nothing compared to coronavirus crisis'
Car giants General Motors and Ford have teamed with ventilator makers to produce more of the life-saving devices.
But Mr Trump called for General Motors to "start making ventilators, now".
He wrote: "General Motors MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!! FORD, GET GOING ON VENTILATORS, FAST!!!!!!"
General Motors said in a statement it will be building ventilators with Ventec Life Systems, a Seattle-based company, and will help Ventec ramp up production.
The company said its teams "have been working tirelessly" to produce ventilators.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Trump spars with reporter over virus plan
"Retooling is under way and we are poised to deliver the first ventilators next month with capacity of more than 10,000 monthly," it added.
"We know that there is a global back-order of critical care ventilators. We're committed to doing everything we can to help - including donating our resources at cost to support the fight against COVID-19."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 A surge in infections means the US is hardest hit nation in the world
Meanwhile, Ford is working with GE Health Care to increase production and plans to manufacture a simplified ventilator design starting next month.
"Ford is pulling out all the stops to quickly and safely provide vitally needed equipment for patients, first responders and healthcare workers," the company said.
Toyota Motor Corp said it was "finalising agreements to begin working with at least two companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help increase their capacity".
Image: New York has called for more ventilators to help its coronavirus response
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday night, Mr Trump questioned whether hospitals were exaggerating the number of ventilators needed.
"I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they're going to be," he said.
"I don't believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators. You know, you're going to major hospitals sometimes, they'll have two ventilators. And now, all of a sudden, they're saying, 'Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'"


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: What the UK can learn from Italy about coping with COVID-19

It 's been two weeks since Italians went into a national lockdown .
It was a tough decision for the first country in Europe to take such drastic action .
A tough message to citizens that they were facing the biggest crisis since World War 2 .
Italy has had to learn the hard way .
But people are coping .
And the UK will too .
Italians have realised there 's no need to panic .
Supply chains have kept flowing and supermarket shelves are well stocked .
People have continued to shop normally , and there 's plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now dropped too that everyone is responsible for the outcome of this crisis .
In the initial days Italians had similar lockdown conditions to the UK - people were allowed to exercise on their own , they were allowed to go to work if they could n't do their job from home .
But those measures have been tightened further as the virus continued to spread .
It 's taken a huge national effort but there 's hope lockdown is now working .
Italy is finally seeing a slow in spread with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
It 's early days and it will take time for the crisis to lift but there are signs they are beginning to contain the virus .
This is a disease that has spread like wildfire and is killing slowly .
More than 6,000 people have died and nearly 7,500 people have recovered .
Tens of thousands though remain infected , more than 3,000 of those are in critical care .
The knock on effect means that hospitals are overwhelmed with very sick people who doctors can not cure .
People can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying .
And there are n't enough ventilators , beds or medics for more patients - more than 5000 healthcare staff now have COVID-19 too .
When hospitals become too full in war zones , patrols are minimised to lower the chance of more casualties .
The principle behind lockdown is similar .
By keeping people at home it will saves lives .
If not yours , then someone else 's .
And this is a war everyone needs to fight together .
While Italy may be viewed as an extreme example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries is following a similar trajectory and we do n't know it wo n't reach the same crisis levels .
Around two weeks ago Italy had a similar number of deaths as the UK .
The country has now lost more than 6000 lives in a little over a month .
By implementing lockdown now , the same emergency can hopefully be averted .
It wo n't be easy but it 's worth it if other countries can be spared Italy 's pain .

It's been two weeks since Italians went into a national lockdown.
It was a tough decision for the first country in Europe to take such drastic action.
A tough message to citizens that they were facing the biggest crisis since World War 2.
Italy has had to learn the hard way. But people are coping. And the UK will too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Two weeks into a lockdown and Northern Italy is struggling to keep to the strict rules designed to stop the coronavirus spreading.
Italians have realised there's no need to panic. Supply chains have kept flowing and supermarket shelves are well stocked.
People have continued to shop normally, and there's plenty to go round.
The penny has now dropped too that everyone is responsible for the outcome of this crisis.
In the initial days Italians had similar lockdown conditions to the UK - people were allowed to exercise on their own, they were allowed to go to work if they couldn't do their job from home.
But those measures have been tightened further as the virus continued to spread.
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It's taken a huge national effort but there's hope lockdown is now working.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Sky's Stuart Ramsay visits hospital wards at the centre of the coronavirus crisis in Northern Italy.
Italy is finally seeing a slow in spread with a smaller day to day increase in positive cases.
It's early days and it will take time for the crisis to lift but there are signs they are beginning to contain the virus.
Lockdown is saving lives and protecting frontline healthcare.
This is a disease that has spread like wildfire and is killing slowly. More than 6,000 people have died and nearly 7,500 people have recovered.
Tens of thousands though remain infected, more than 3,000 of those are in critical care.
The knock on effect means that hospitals are overwhelmed with very sick people who doctors cannot cure.
People can remain in intensive care for weeks before dying.
And there aren't enough ventilators, beds or medics for more patients - more than 5000 healthcare staff now have COVID-19 too.
When hospitals become too full in war zones, patrols are minimised to lower the chance of more casualties.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Italians isolated in their homes show their appreciation for health workers by applauding out their windows.
The principle behind lockdown is similar. By keeping people at home it will saves lives. If not yours, then someone else's.
And this is a war everyone needs to fight together.
While Italy may be viewed as an extreme example, the reality is the virus spread in other countries is following a similar trajectory and we don't know it won't reach the same crisis levels.
Around two weeks ago Italy had a similar number of deaths as the UK. The country has now lost more than 6000 lives in a little over a month.
By implementing lockdown now, the same emergency can hopefully be averted.
It won't be easy but it's worth it if other countries can be spared Italy's pain.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Spain death count rises 769 in one day to 4,858

The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Spain has risen by 769 in one day , taking the total to 4,858 .
The number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease in the country also went up on Thursday from 56,188 to 64,059 , according to the national health ministry .
The number of coronavirus patients who have died in Spain is second only to Italy , where 8,215 people have died .
Spain ranks fourth for the number of confirmed cases worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The US took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , moving ahead of China , where the disease originally emerged back in December .
Italy is set to surpass China 's total when its latest figures are released later on Friday .
There are 80,589 confirmed cases in Italy , which has been overwhelmed by the deadly disease in the past month , compared to 81,894 in China .
China has seen a sharp decrease in new cases and has suspended visits from almost all foreign nationals - a turnaround from the situation in January , when the US and Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide topped 500,000 on Thursday .
There have been concerns that Spain could become the new epicentre of the pandemic in Europe , as the number of cases and deaths has continued to rise .
However , health emergency chief Fernando Simon said the numbers were showing some signs of stabilising since a lockdown was imposed by the government earlier this month .
`` In percentage terms , today 's increase is roughly equivalent to that of the past three days , in which we seem to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hotels are being converted into hospitals to deal with the outbreak , and an ice rink at a Madrid shopping mall is being used as a temporary morgue to store bodies until they can be buried or cremated .
An investigation has also been launched after troops disinfecting nursing homes discovered elderly people living amid the corpses of suspected coronavirus victims .
The Spanish army has asked fellow NATO countries for coronavirus testing kits , ventilators and protective gear .
Spain 's central bank expressed fears for the state of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many businesses in the country having already started to temporarily lay off thousands of workers .
Many European nations may be looking to Germany for inspiration in tackling the disease , with the country so far recording an incredibly low death rate compared to neighbouring nations .
In Germany , just 0.6 % of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure amongst any of the most affected countries .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 1.4 % , which can be found in the US , Switzerland , Portugal and South Korea , while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher .
In Italy , 10.1 % of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal .
The German statistics have been put down to the sheer number of tests being carried out in the country , where substantially more people are being tested than in the likes of the UK .
Britons are only being tested when they need medical assistance , whereas Germany is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea by pursuing an enormous nationwide testing campaign .
As a result , Germany has identified more mild instances of the disease , which do not end up being fatal .

The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Spain has risen by 769 in one day, taking the total to 4,858.
The number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease in the country also went up on Thursday from 56,188 to 64,059, according to the national health ministry.
The number of coronavirus patients who have died in Spain is second only to Italy, where 8,215 people have died.
Image: The Spanish Military Emergency Unit leave an elderly home in Madrid after carrying out disinfection procedures
Spain ranks fourth for the number of confirmed cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The US took the lead on Thursday evening with 85,991 positive tests, moving ahead of China, where the disease originally emerged back in December.
Italy is set to surpass China's total when its latest figures are released later on Friday.
There are 80,589 confirmed cases in Italy, which has been overwhelmed by the deadly disease in the past month, compared to 81,894 in China.
China has seen a sharp decrease in new cases and has suspended visits from almost all foreign nationals - a turnaround from the situation in January, when the US and Europe were limiting travel from China.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide topped 500,000 on Thursday.
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There have been concerns that Spain could become the new epicentre of the pandemic in Europe, as the number of cases and deaths has continued to rise.
However, health emergency chief Fernando Simon said the numbers were showing some signs of stabilising since a lockdown was imposed by the government earlier this month.
"In percentage terms, today's increase is roughly equivalent to that of the past three days, in which we seem to see a clear stabilisation," he said.
Image: The Spanish Military Emergency Unit leave an elderly home in Madrid after carrying out disinfection procedures
Hotels are being converted into hospitals to deal with the outbreak, and an ice rink at a Madrid shopping mall is being used as a temporary morgue to store bodies until they can be buried or cremated.
An investigation has also been launched after troops disinfecting nursing homes discovered elderly people living amid the corpses of suspected coronavirus victims.
The Spanish army has asked fellow NATO countries for coronavirus testing kits, ventilators and protective gear.
Spain's central bank expressed fears for the state of the country's economy following the outbreak, with many businesses in the country having already started to temporarily lay off thousands of workers.
Image: The streets are deserted in Madrid
Many European nations may be looking to Germany for inspiration in tackling the disease, with the country so far recording an incredibly low death rate compared to neighbouring nations.
In Germany, just 0.6% of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure amongst any of the most affected countries.
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The next best case fatality rate is 1.4%, which can be found in the US, Switzerland, Portugal and South Korea, while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher.
In Italy, 10.1% of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
The German statistics have been put down to the sheer number of tests being carried out in the country, where substantially more people are being tested than in the likes of the UK.
Britons are only being tested when they need medical assistance, whereas Germany is seeking to emulate Asian countries like South Korea by pursuing an enormous nationwide testing campaign.
As a result, Germany has identified more mild instances of the disease, which do not end up being fatal.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Italy reports 919 virus deaths in one day - highest number so far

Italy has reported its highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in one day , with 919 deaths announced on Friday .
It has also surpassed China in the number of confirmed cases , with 86,498 cases compared to China 's 81,897 , according to Italy 's Civil Protection Agency .
The hardest-hit region of Lombardy reported a sharp rise in fatalities compared with the day before , with 541 more deaths .
Italy has the highest death toll of any country , recording 9,134 deaths .
Prior to Friday 's figure , the largest daily death toll was reported on 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have died .
Some 10,950 of those infected in the country had fully recovered as of Friday , compared to 10,361 the day before .
On Friday evening , Pope Francis gave an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from an almost deserted St Peter 's Square at the Vatican .
The Urbi et Orbi blessing , which means to the city and the world , is usually only held at Christmas and Easter .
The second worst-hit nation , Spain , said the number of people who have died after testing positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day , taking the total to 4,858 .
The number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease in Spain also went up on Friday from 56,188 to 64,059 , according to the national health ministry .
Spain ranks fourth for the number of confirmed cases worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker France has reported 299 new deaths , taking its total to 1,995 , as its government decided to extend its national lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently accounts only for those dying in hospital , and authorities say there could be a big increase in registered fatalities when they are able to compile the number of deaths in care homes .
The US became the country with the most cases on Thursday evening and has had more than 90,000 positive tests as of 5pm on Friday , moving ahead of China , where the disease emerged back in December .
China has seen a sharp decrease in new cases and has suspended visits from almost all foreign nationals - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the US and Europe were limiting travel from China .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide topped 500,000 on Thursday .
There have been concerns that Spain could become the new epicentre of the pandemic in Europe , as the number of cases and deaths has continued to rise .
However , health emergency chief Fernando Simon said the numbers were showing some signs of stabilising since a lockdown was imposed by the government earlier this month .
`` In percentage terms , today 's increase is roughly equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which we seem to see a clear stabilisation , '' he said .
Hotels are being converted into hospitals to deal with the outbreak , and an ice rink at a Madrid shopping mall is being used as a temporary morgue to store bodies until they can be buried or cremated .
An investigation has also been launched after troops disinfecting nursing homes discovered elderly people living amid the corpses of suspected coronavirus victims .
The Spanish army has asked fellow NATO countries for coronavirus testing kits , ventilators and protective gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the state of the country 's economy following the outbreak , with many businesses in the country having already started to temporarily lay off thousands of workers .
Meanwhile , 185 new deaths have been reported in the UK , taking its total to 769 .
A further three deaths were announced in the Republic of Ireland on Friday , meaning 22 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the Republic since the outbreak began .
Many European nations may be looking to Germany for inspiration in tackling the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incredibly low death rate compared to neighbouring nations .
In Germany , just 0.6 % of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure among any of the most affected countries .
The next lowest case fatality rate is 1.4 % , which can be found in the US , Switzerland , Portugal and South Korea , while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher .
In Italy , 10.1 % of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal .
The German statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of tests being carried out in the country , where substantially more people are being tested than in the likes of the UK .
Britons are only being tested when they need medical assistance , whereas Germany is seeking to emulate Asian countries like South Korea by pursuing an enormous nationwide testing campaign .
As a result , Germany has identified more mild instances of the disease , which do not end up being fatal .

Italy has reported its highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in one day, with 919 deaths announced on Friday.
It has also surpassed China in the number of confirmed cases, with 86,498 cases compared to China's 81,897, according to Italy's Civil Protection Agency.
The hardest-hit region of Lombardy reported a sharp rise in fatalities compared with the day before, with 541 more deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's virus crisis wards
Italy has the highest death toll of any country, recording 9,134 deaths.
Prior to Friday's figure, the largest daily death toll was reported on 21 March, when 793 people were said to have died.
Some 10,950 of those infected in the country had fully recovered as of Friday, compared to 10,361 the day before.
On Friday evening, Pope Francis gave an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from an almost deserted St Peter's Square at the Vatican.
The Urbi et Orbi blessing, which means to the city and the world, is usually only held at Christmas and Easter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Pope prays in empty St Peter's Square
The second worst-hit nation, Spain, said the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus has risen by 769 in one day, taking the total to 4,858.
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The number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease in Spain also went up on Friday from 56,188 to 64,059, according to the national health ministry.
Spain ranks fourth for the number of confirmed cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
France has reported 299 new deaths, taking its total to 1,995, as its government decided to extend its national lockdown by two weeks.
The daily tally currently accounts only for those dying in hospital, and authorities say there could be a big increase in registered fatalities when they are able to compile the number of deaths in care homes.
The US became the country with the most cases on Thursday evening and has had more than 90,000 positive tests as of 5pm on Friday, moving ahead of China, where the disease emerged back in December.
China has seen a sharp decrease in new cases and has suspended visits from almost all foreign nationals - a turnaround from the situation in January, when the US and Europe were limiting travel from China.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide topped 500,000 on Thursday.
There have been concerns that Spain could become the new epicentre of the pandemic in Europe, as the number of cases and deaths has continued to rise.
However, health emergency chief Fernando Simon said the numbers were showing some signs of stabilising since a lockdown was imposed by the government earlier this month.
Image: There are concerns Spain could become the new epicentre of the pandemic
"In percentage terms, today's increase is roughly equivalent to that of the past three days, in which we seem to see a clear stabilisation," he said.
Hotels are being converted into hospitals to deal with the outbreak, and an ice rink at a Madrid shopping mall is being used as a temporary morgue to store bodies until they can be buried or cremated.
An investigation has also been launched after troops disinfecting nursing homes discovered elderly people living amid the corpses of suspected coronavirus victims.
The Spanish army has asked fellow NATO countries for coronavirus testing kits, ventilators and protective gear.
Spain's central bank expressed fears for the state of the country's economy following the outbreak, with many businesses in the country having already started to temporarily lay off thousands of workers.
Meanwhile, 185 new deaths have been reported in the UK, taking its total to 769.
A further three deaths were announced in the Republic of Ireland on Friday, meaning 22 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the Republic since the outbreak began.
Many European nations may be looking to Germany for inspiration in tackling the disease, with the country so far recording an incredibly low death rate compared to neighbouring nations.
In Germany, just 0.6% of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure among any of the most affected countries.
The next lowest case fatality rate is 1.4%, which can be found in the US, Switzerland, Portugal and South Korea, while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher.
In Italy, 10.1% of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal.
The German statistics have been put down to the sheer number of tests being carried out in the country, where substantially more people are being tested than in the likes of the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
Britons are only being tested when they need medical assistance, whereas Germany is seeking to emulate Asian countries like South Korea by pursuing an enormous nationwide testing campaign.
As a result, Germany has identified more mild instances of the disease, which do not end up being fatal.