news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Union warns it will 'stop trains' after crowds on first day of eased lockdown

The government has been warned that rail services may have to be stopped to protect workers and passengers , following crowded scenes on some public transport routes on the first day of England 's new lockdown rules .
While plenty of services up and down the country remained eerily quiet due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus , some buses and trains were packed with people heading back to work on Wednesday .
Mick Cash , general secretary of the RMT transport union , told Sky News that public transport workers were worried about the crowding and that services may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people safe '' .
Outlining his road map for the UK to emerge from lockdown on Sunday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people who can not work from home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should head back this week .
Mr Johnson encouraged people to avoid public transport to get to work , but many have no other option and so passengers have found it difficult to keep two metres apart .
Speaking to the Kay Burley @ Breakfast programme , Mr Cash said : `` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis and have been facing problems with much-reduced services .
`` Our members have been very worried about how passengers are congregating on the trains and the buses and the impact that this is going to have . ''
He said strike action may be necessary to `` protect workers and passengers '' , and that staff should `` refuse to work '' if they do n't feel safe .
`` If that 's what needs to be to keep people safe , then we will stop trains , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government has started promoting the use of face coverings in public , but not everybody has been adhering to the guidance .
One Tube driver told Sky News : `` Worrying thing for me is that hardly anyone is wearing face masks or coverings . ''
Some stations have placed social distancing reminders on their platforms , but the sheer number of people using some services have made keeping apart practically impossible .
One hospital worker in Blackpool described her commute as a `` COVID party bus '' .
Julia Kate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter , saying : `` Think you need to step [ in ] and either limit passengers or put more buses on .
`` My 7am bus this morning is like a COVID party bus , downstairs is so packed , no distancing put in place , I work at the hospital and the past two days have never felt so unsafe . ''
Many people also reported busy carriages on the London Underground , again due to reduced services dealing with increased demand from those going back to work .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the capital did report quieter scenes at some major stations , including London Waterloo and Shepherd 's Bush .
There has also been notably more traffic on Britain 's motorways this week and reports of an increase in bike use , suggesting plenty have been able to get to work without public transport .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps admitted there was `` no perfect way to start easing the lockdown '' , but said he hoped people would use common sense .
He told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` The truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start somewhere .
`` The lockdown message was very straightforward - it was just stay at home .
`` Now as we start to unlock , of course there have to be decisions made .
There is no perfect way of doing this , and we would ask people to use their common sense . ''
England is alone among the UK nations in seeing more people head back to work this week , with the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland taking a more cautious approach to easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the reopening of some golf courses , garden centres , and people being allowed to meet one other person from another household in the park .
Leaders in the other home nations believe it is too soon to make significant lockdown changes .

The government has been warned that rail services may have to be stopped to protect workers and passengers, following crowded scenes on some public transport routes on the first day of England's new lockdown rules.
While plenty of services up and down the country remained eerily quiet due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus, some buses and trains were packed with people heading back to work on Wednesday.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT transport union, told Sky News that public transport workers were worried about the crowding and that services may need to be stopped "to keep people safe".
Image: Some stations have been busy as England's lockdown is eased
Outlining his road map for the UK to emerge from lockdown on Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people who cannot work from home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should head back this week.
Mr Johnson encouraged people to avoid public transport to get to work, but many have no other option and so passengers have found it difficult to keep two metres apart.
Speaking to the Kay Burley@Breakfast programme, Mr Cash said: "We've been running train and bus services throughout this crisis and have been facing problems with much-reduced services.
"Our members have been very worried about how passengers are congregating on the trains and the buses and the impact that this is going to have."
He said strike action may be necessary to "protect workers and passengers", and that staff should "refuse to work" if they don't feel safe.
"If that's what needs to be to keep people safe, then we will stop trains," he added.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Busy London buses as England's lockdown eased
With social distancing concerns in mind, the government has started promoting the use of face coverings in public, but not everybody has been adhering to the guidance.
One Tube driver told Sky News: "Worrying thing for me is that hardly anyone is wearing face masks or coverings."
Some stations have placed social distancing reminders on their platforms, but the sheer number of people using some services have made keeping apart practically impossible.
One hospital worker in Blackpool described her commute as a "COVID party bus".
Julia Kate Rayworth directed her anger towards Blackpool Transport on Twitter, saying: "Think you need to step [in] and either limit passengers or put more buses on.
"My 7am bus this morning is like a COVID party bus, downstairs is so packed, no distancing put in place, I work at the hospital and the past two days have never felt so unsafe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:12 Unmasked commuters pack Tube train
Many people also reported busy carriages on the London Underground, again due to reduced services dealing with increased demand from those going back to work.
However, Sky News correspondents out and about in the capital did report quieter scenes at some major stations, including London Waterloo and Shepherd's Bush.
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There has also been notably more traffic on Britain's motorways this week and reports of an increase in bike use, suggesting plenty have been able to get to work without public transport.
Greater Manchester has recorded a 42% jump in bike journeys.
Image: Roads into London have been busier
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps admitted there was "no perfect way to start easing the lockdown", but said he hoped people would use common sense.
He told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "The truth of the matter is, you have to start somewhere.
"The lockdown message was very straightforward - it was just stay at home.
"Now as we start to unlock, of course there have to be decisions made. There is no perfect way of doing this, and we would ask people to use their common sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:41 In full: PM lays out plan to loosen lockdown
England is alone among the UK nations in seeing more people head back to work this week, with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland taking a more cautious approach to easing lockdown.
Other changes introduced in England include the reopening of some golf courses, garden centres, and people being allowed to meet one other person from another household in the park.
Leaders in the other home nations believe it is too soon to make significant lockdown changes.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: No pedestrians fatally struck by cars on New York streets in a record 58 days due to lo

Coronavirus: No pedestrians fatally struck by cars on New York streets in a record 58 days due to lockdown

No pedestrians in New York City have been fatally struck by a car in a 58 day span - the longest period since records began , according to officials .
As a result of the coronavirus lockdown in the city , cars have been largely absent from the roads , meaning that the streets are far quieter than normal .
According to the city 's Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg , it is the longest period without a pedestrian fatality on the city 's roads since 1983 .
But she said New Yorkers were taking advantage of the quieter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told the city 's transport committee : `` Unfortunately some drivers are taking advantage of our empty streets to speed recklessly , and we know we can never let up our vigilance . ''
Ms Trottenberg added that the number of speeding fines handed out has doubled since the start of the pandemic in the city .
As of Wednesday , the city has been on lockdown for 52 days - meaning there had been around four days beforehand without a collision .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker However , New York 's streets are beginning to reopen after Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month he wanted to unlock 40 miles of the city 's roads before the end of May .
New York has been at the epicentre of the US COVID-19 outbreak , recording more than 21,000 deaths in the state alone .

No pedestrians in New York City have been fatally struck by a car in a 58 day span - the longest period since records began, according to officials.
As a result of the coronavirus lockdown in the city, cars have been largely absent from the roads, meaning that the streets are far quieter than normal.
According to the city's Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg, it is the longest period without a pedestrian fatality on the city's roads since 1983.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 April: '9/11 was nothing compared to coronavirus crisis'
But she said New Yorkers were taking advantage of the quieter streets and urged people to remain cautious.
She told the city's transport committee: "Unfortunately some drivers are taking advantage of our empty streets to speed recklessly, and we know we can never let up our vigilance."
Ms Trottenberg added that the number of speeding fines handed out has doubled since the start of the pandemic in the city.
As of Wednesday, the city has been on lockdown for 52 days - meaning there had been around four days beforehand without a collision.
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However, New York's streets are beginning to reopen after Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month he wanted to unlock 40 miles of the city's roads before the end of May.
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New York has been at the epicentre of the US COVID-19 outbreak, recording more than 21,000 deaths in the state alone.


news--2020-05-07--Shareholders sacrificed as BT ramps up fibre investment

BT is embarked on the biggest investment programme in its history Pic : BT You have to go back nearly 20 years to the last time BT announced it was not paying a final dividend to shareholders .
On that occasion , in May 2001 , BT was groaning under a debt pile of almost £30bn - a consequence of having overpaid for assets during the dot-com bubble and the ruinous cost of buying a 3G mobile phone licence .
News that the dividend was being scrapped was accompanied by a £5.9bn cash call .
Before the year was out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive , Sir Peter Bonfield .
It will be some comfort to his successor-but-three , Philip Jansen , that he is unlikely to face a similar fate .
For starters , Mr Jansen has only been in the job for 15 months , while Sir Peter had been in the post for six years .
Mr Jansen can also comfort himself that he is likely to receive fewer angry emails , phone calls and letters from the retail investors who will feel the loss of the dividend keenly .
BT has gone down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just 829,000 - still a vast number by the standard of UK companies - today .
And , most importantly , BT is nothing like in as much trouble now as it was back then .
There was no hat being passed around to shareholders today , nor is the financial performance as bad , as was spelled out by BT 's results for the year to the end of March .
In 2001 , as it announced the cancellation of the dividend , BT was reporting it had swung from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full year pre-tax loss of £1.03bn .
Today , full year pre-tax profits merely dropped from £2.6bn to £2.4bn .
The net debt position , as at the end of March , was £17.9bn .
Yet the cancellation of the final dividend has come as a surprise .
Some analysts merely expected BT to cut it , as it did in 2009 , during the global financial crisis .
More dramatic still was news that the company will not pay any dividend at all - either a final or interim payout - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 2020-21 .
This is something BT has never done in the 36 years since it was privatised by Margaret Thatcher 's government and floated on the stock market .
It is , however , probably the right thing to do .
BT was already embarked on the biggest investment programme in its history as it rolls out its fibre network .
Today , it stepped up that commitment , pledging to bring fibre to the premises ( FTTP ) to 20 million households by the mid to late 2020s .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million - and will come at a cost of £12bn .
Not paying an annual dividend of £1.5bn to shareholders was an obvious way of helping pay for that and particularly for a company which , as owner of the EE mobile network , is also facing the prospect of having to invest heavily in 5G roll-out .
That is on top of the estimated £800m that the company has to pay into its pension fund each year .
And all this in an intensely competitive market in which BT is duking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including with Sky - owner of Sky News - in broadband and pay-television , with Virgin Media in broadband and with O2 , Three UK and Vodafone in mobile telephony .
That will only get tougher following confirmation today that O2 is to merge with Virgin Media to create a business that will look rather like BT itself .
To their credit , Mr Jansen and his chairman , Jan du Plessis , did not try too hard to use COVID-19 as an excuse for the dividend cancellation .
Yes , Mr Jansen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to deal with the potential consequences '' of the virus , of which he was the UK business world 's first high-profile victim .
The latter , meanwhile , noted that cancelling the dividend was a `` prudent and proper '' measure as the company navigates `` the unprecedented uncertainties '' caused by COVID-19 .
But he also pointedly - and equally pertinently - stressed the importance of not `` compromising our credit rating '' .
That said , this decision will cause financial hardship , coming on the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Sainsbury 's , the UK 's commercial banks and Royal Dutch Shell .
BT , like those other businesses , was a staple shareholding of the income funds that , in recent years , have attracted billions of pounds from millions of investors frustrated at the meagre returns paid by savings accounts .
The 829,000 people who own BT shares directly , meanwhile , must be wondering what the investment case is for BT .
The more patriotic among them may at least comfort themselves with the knowledge that , as has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their company owns , operates and maintains a vital piece of national infrastructure that requires massive investment .
Their interests have been sacrificed - at least for the next 18 months - for the good of the wider UK economy .

The telecoms giant has increased its target for delivering broadband infrastructure - a move that will cost it £12bn.
BT is embarked on the biggest investment programme in its history Pic: BT
You have to go back nearly 20 years to the last time BT announced it was not paying a final dividend to shareholders.
On that occasion, in May 2001, BT was groaning under a debt pile of almost £30bn - a consequence of having overpaid for assets during the dot-com bubble and the ruinous cost of buying a 3G mobile phone licence.
News that the dividend was being scrapped was accompanied by a £5.9bn cash call.
Before the year was out, so too was BT's then-chief executive, Sir Peter Bonfield.
It will be some comfort to his successor-but-three, Philip Jansen, that he is unlikely to face a similar fate.
For starters, Mr Jansen has only been in the job for 15 months, while Sir Peter had been in the post for six years.
Mr Jansen can also comfort himself that he is likely to receive fewer angry emails, phone calls and letters from the retail investors who will feel the loss of the dividend keenly.
BT has gone down from 1.9 million retail investors in 2001 to just 829,000 - still a vast number by the standard of UK companies - today.
Image: BT has set a target to bring fibre to 20 million households Pic: BT
And, most importantly, BT is nothing like in as much trouble now as it was back then.
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There was no hat being passed around to shareholders today, nor is the financial performance as bad, as was spelled out by BT's results for the year to the end of March.
In 2001, as it announced the cancellation of the dividend, BT was reporting it had swung from a full year pre-tax profit of £2.94bn to a full year pre-tax loss of £1.03bn.
Today, full year pre-tax profits merely dropped from £2.6bn to £2.4bn.
The net debt position, as at the end of March, was £17.9bn.
Yet the cancellation of the final dividend has come as a surprise.
Some analysts merely expected BT to cut it, as it did in 2009, during the global financial crisis.
More dramatic still was news that the company will not pay any dividend at all - either a final or interim payout - in respect of the current financial year - 2020-21.
This is something BT has never done in the 36 years since it was privatised by Margaret Thatcher's government and floated on the stock market.
It is, however, probably the right thing to do.
Image: BT chief executive Philip Jansen has recovered from coronavirus Pic: BT
BT was already embarked on the biggest investment programme in its history as it rolls out its fibre network.
Today, it stepped up that commitment, pledging to bring fibre to the premises (FTTP) to 20 million households by the mid to late 2020s.
That was up from the previous target of 15 million - and will come at a cost of £12bn.
Not paying an annual dividend of £1.5bn to shareholders was an obvious way of helping pay for that and particularly for a company which, as owner of the EE mobile network, is also facing the prospect of having to invest heavily in 5G roll-out.
That is on top of the estimated £800m that the company has to pay into its pension fund each year.
And all this in an intensely competitive market in which BT is duking it out on a number of fronts, including with Sky - owner of Sky News - in broadband and pay-television, with Virgin Media in broadband and with O2, Three UK and Vodafone in mobile telephony.
That will only get tougher following confirmation today that O2 is to merge with Virgin Media to create a business that will look rather like BT itself.
To their credit, Mr Jansen and his chairman, Jan du Plessis, did not try too hard to use COVID-19 as an excuse for the dividend cancellation.
Yes, Mr Jansen said the move was partly necessary "in order to deal with the potential consequences" of the virus, of which he was the UK business world's first high-profile victim.
Image: O2's planned merger with Virgin Media will create a new rival for BT
The latter, meanwhile, noted that cancelling the dividend was a "prudent and proper" measure as the company navigates "the unprecedented uncertainties" caused by COVID-19.
But he also pointedly - and equally pertinently - stressed the importance of not "compromising our credit rating".
That said, this decision will cause financial hardship, coming on the back of dividend cuts from other big payers such as Sainsbury's, the UK's commercial banks and Royal Dutch Shell.
BT, like those other businesses, was a staple shareholding of the income funds that, in recent years, have attracted billions of pounds from millions of investors frustrated at the meagre returns paid by savings accounts.
The 829,000 people who own BT shares directly, meanwhile, must be wondering what the investment case is for BT.
The more patriotic among them may at least comfort themselves with the knowledge that, as has been highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis, their company owns, operates and maintains a vital piece of national infrastructure that requires massive investment.
Their interests have been sacrificed - at least for the next 18 months - for the good of the wider UK economy.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Leaked report reveals government was warned pandemic plans were 'not sufficient'

A secret report warned three years ago that the UK 's plans for dealing with a health pandemic were `` not sufficient '' , it has been revealed .
The leaked Whitehall document drawn up three years ago said contingencies worked up in case of an outbreak such as the coronavirus crisis would not be able to `` cope '' .
The 57-page dossier by Public Health England , obtained by The Guardian newspaper , was commissioned after a 2016 simulation of a flu pandemic codenamed Exercise Cygnus .
It identified a `` lack of joint tactical-level plans '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services outstripping local capacity .
Concerns were also identified about if the social care system would be able to provide the level of support needed .
Ministers have previously acknowledged the report exists but refused to publish it .
They have still faced questions over it because a flu pandemic was top of the government 's risk register for the last few years .
More than 30,000 people in the UK have died with COVID-19 so far , making the country 's death toll the highest in Europe and second highest in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drill document cautioned that the possible impacts of a pandemic were not universally understood across Whitehall .
It said : `` The UK 's preparedness and response , in terms of its plans , policies and capability , is currently not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic that will have a nationwide impact across all sectors . ''
Labour said the dossier showed there were `` clear warnings that we were not properly prepared for a pandemic '' .
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly true as the unfolding tragedy in our care homes shows .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Care providers confirm they were not involved in subsequent discussions on how to put these problems right .
`` Ministers must be clear about why they failed to act on the report 's recommendations and what they will now do to fully protect and resource these vital services in future . ''

A secret report warned three years ago that the UK's plans for dealing with a health pandemic were "not sufficient", it has been revealed.
The leaked Whitehall document drawn up three years ago said contingencies worked up in case of an outbreak such as the coronavirus crisis would not be able to "cope".
The 57-page dossier by Public Health England, obtained by The Guardian newspaper, was commissioned after a 2016 simulation of a flu pandemic codenamed Exercise Cygnus.
Image: The report said there was not universal understanding about the effects of a pandemic across Whitehall
It identified a "lack of joint tactical-level plans" for such an emergency, with demand for services outstripping local capacity.
Concerns were also identified about if the social care system would be able to provide the level of support needed.
Ministers have previously acknowledged the report exists but refused to publish it.
They have still faced questions over it because a flu pandemic was top of the government's risk register for the last few years.
Image: More than 30,000 people have died in the UK so far
More than 30,000 people in the UK have died with COVID-19 so far, making the country's death toll the highest in Europe and second highest in the world after the US.
The Cygnus drill document cautioned that the possible impacts of a pandemic were not universally understood across Whitehall.
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It said: "The UK's preparedness and response, in terms of its plans, policies and capability, is currently not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic that will have a nationwide impact across all sectors."
Labour said the dossier showed there were "clear warnings that we were not properly prepared for a pandemic".
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said: "These warnings have now proved all too sadly true as the unfolding tragedy in our care homes shows.
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"Care providers confirm they were not involved in subsequent discussions on how to put these problems right.
"Ministers must be clear about why they failed to act on the report's recommendations and what they will now do to fully protect and resource these vital services in future."


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: PPE shipment flown in from Turkey fails UK safety standards

A shipment of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) from Turkey can not be used because it does n't meet UK safety standards .
The 84-tonne shipment has been impounded in a government warehouse near Heathrow Airport in west London , The Daily Telegraph reported .
Inspectors have said the consignment of PPE , which was flown into the UK by the RAF on 22 April , is faulty .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker An order of 400,000 gowns was also supposed to be among the shipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday this had only been partially delivered .
It said a total of 67,000 medical gowns had been received - 4,500 had since passed quality control tests and 2,400 failed .
The remaining gowns were currently undergoing tests .
A further 170,000 gowns are still in Turkey being checked by the Turkish standards institute .
Shortages of PPE , vital for protecting healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients , have plagued the government throughout the pandemic , forcing some doctors to buy their own .
Ministers secured a substantial supply of gowns from Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , arrived on 22 April .
`` We believed this equipment was going to be of the right standard , but when our experts here tested it , they found it was n't , '' Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News .
`` All the PPE that we acquire , we expect it to be of a standard that we set out when we purchase it . ''
Mr Lewis would not comment on whether the consignment should have been checked before it left Turkey , but acknowledged that `` in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out not to be good enough '' .
The Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement : `` This is a global pandemic with many countries procuring PPE , leading to shortages around the world , not just the UK .
`` All deliveries of PPE are checked to ensure the equipment meets the safety and quality standards our frontline staff need .
`` If equipment does not meet our specifications or pass our quality assurance processes , it is not distributed to the front line . ''
Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an easing of the UK 's coronavirus lockdown on Sunday , including changing the `` stay at home '' message to one of `` stay safe '' .
It comes as the UK became the first country in Europe to record more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths .
Latest government figures showed 30,076 people have now died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive , up by 649 from the day before .
Messy wrangle between UK and Turkey now likely By Dominic Waghorn , diplomatic editor This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Turkish newspaper , the Daily Sabah , reports that `` summarising Turkey 's solidarity , the medical supplies that were provided had a famous quote by 13th-century Islamic scholar and poet Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi inscribed on the crates : 'There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness ' '' .
There is now the likelihood of a messy wrangle over who is to blame and whether Britain should get its money back .
The government has been urging health authorities to use its central equipment procurement service to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local supplies .
This fiasco clearly undermines that if the central government is seen as failing to guarantee its own supply at a high enough level of quality .
Under huge pressure to procure more protective equipment , the British government turned to a Turkish company that until only recently had been making tracksuits and shirts .
It seems it was not able to produce gowns of the sufficient quality to meet British standards .

A shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) from Turkey cannot be used because it doesn't meet UK safety standards.
The 84-tonne shipment has been impounded in a government warehouse near Heathrow Airport in west London, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Inspectors have said the consignment of PPE, which was flown into the UK by the RAF on 22 April, is faulty.
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An order of 400,000 gowns was also supposed to be among the shipment - but a government spokesperson said on Wednesday this had only been partially delivered.
It said a total of 67,000 medical gowns had been received - 4,500 had since passed quality control tests and 2,400 failed. The remaining gowns were currently undergoing tests.
A further 170,000 gowns are still in Turkey being checked by the Turkish standards institute.
Shortages of PPE, vital for protecting healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients, have plagued the government throughout the pandemic, forcing some doctors to buy their own.
Ministers secured a substantial supply of gowns from Turkey, which, after an initial delay, arrived on 22 April.
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"We believed this equipment was going to be of the right standard, but when our experts here tested it, they found it wasn't," Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News.
"All the PPE that we acquire, we expect it to be of a standard that we set out when we purchase it."
Mr Lewis would not comment on whether the consignment should have been checked before it left Turkey, but acknowledged that "in this instance some of it has turned out not to be good enough".
The Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement: "This is a global pandemic with many countries procuring PPE, leading to shortages around the world, not just the UK.
"All deliveries of PPE are checked to ensure the equipment meets the safety and quality standards our frontline staff need.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Lockdown Road: Keeping close with family
"If equipment does not meet our specifications or pass our quality assurance processes, it is not distributed to the front line."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is widely expected to announce an easing of the UK's coronavirus lockdown on Sunday, including changing the "stay at home" message to one of "stay safe".
It comes as the UK became the first country in Europe to record more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths.
Latest government figures showed 30,076 people have now died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive, up by 649 from the day before.
Messy wrangle between UK and Turkey now likely
By Dominic Waghorn, diplomatic editor
This is hugely embarrassing for both Britain and Turkey.
The Turkish newspaper, the Daily Sabah, reports that "summarising Turkey's solidarity, the medical supplies that were provided had a famous quote by 13th-century Islamic scholar and poet Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi inscribed on the crates: 'There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness'".
There is now the likelihood of a messy wrangle over who is to blame and whether Britain should get its money back.
The government has been urging health authorities to use its central equipment procurement service to avoid them squabbling with each other for limited local supplies.
This fiasco clearly undermines that if the central government is seen as failing to guarantee its own supply at a high enough level of quality.
Under huge pressure to procure more protective equipment, the British government turned to a Turkish company that until only recently had been making tracksuits and shirts. It seems it was not able to produce gowns of the sufficient quality to meet British standards.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Ministers call in PwC for Loganair funding talks

The government has drafted in advisers to help decide the terms of a state bailout for Loganair , the regional airline , as the aviation industry reels from the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News understands that the Department for Transport ( DfT ) has retained PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) to assist it in negotiations with the regional carrier , which flies to airports in Southend , Belfast and Dublin from Carlisle .
The talks come amid a series of discussions between the government and stricken carriers , including Virgin Atlantic Airways , about rescue deals aided by British taxpayers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 daily flights , has slashed its schedule by more than half as a result of the pandemic .
The privately owned company has asked employees to cut their working hours by 20 % and accept a 20 % reduction in salary , or take a period of unpaid leave .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was expected to be one of the major beneficiaries from the collapse of Flybe , Europe 's largest regional carrier , which ceased trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruit a substantial number of former Flybe staff , although it recently said it would delay their start dates because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
The details of a rescue funding package being sought by the company were unclear this weekend .
Jonathan Hinkles , Loganair chief executive , said on Sunday : `` Work is ongoing with all stakeholders to ensure that Loganair continues to provide the lifeline services and essential UK regional connectivity upon which so many communities and customers depend - connectivity that it is providing even today through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other airlines have shut down completely .
`` It is not appropriate to provide a running update on the discussions , yet we remain very confident that Loganair 's future prospects are the strongest of any UK regional airline . ''

The government has drafted in advisers to help decide the terms of a state bailout for Loganair, the regional airline, as the aviation industry reels from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News understands that the Department for Transport (DfT) has retained PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to assist it in negotiations with the regional carrier, which flies to airports in Southend, Belfast and Dublin from Carlisle.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
The talks come amid a series of discussions between the government and stricken carriers, including Virgin Atlantic Airways, about rescue deals aided by British taxpayers.
Loganair, which typically operates more than 200 daily flights, has slashed its schedule by more than half as a result of the pandemic.
The privately owned company has asked employees to cut their working hours by 20% and accept a 20% reduction in salary, or take a period of unpaid leave.
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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It was expected to be one of the major beneficiaries from the collapse of Flybe, Europe's largest regional carrier, which ceased trading last month.
Loganair has agreed to recruit a substantial number of former Flybe staff, although it recently said it would delay their start dates because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The details of a rescue funding package being sought by the company were unclear this weekend.
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Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair chief executive, said on Sunday: "Work is ongoing with all stakeholders to ensure that Loganair continues to provide the lifeline services and essential UK regional connectivity upon which so many communities and customers depend - connectivity that it is providing even today through the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when many other airlines have shut down completely.
"It is not appropriate to provide a running update on the discussions, yet we remain very confident that Loganair's future prospects are the strongest of any UK regional airline."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: First patients discharged from London's Nightingale hospital

Doctors and nurses clapped as two men became the first patients to be discharged from London 's Nightingale Hospital after being treated for coronavirus .
The emergency facility - constructed in under two weeks at the Excel exhibition centre - can hold up to 4,000 beds and was built to make sure the NHS could cope with the COVID-19 outbreak .
One of those discharged , Simon Chung , was seen being lifted into an ambulance on a stretcher with a mask over his face as medics applauded his progress .
The father-of-one , 58 , was given `` expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated in the capital 's docklands area , NHS England said .
He will now continue his recovery from coronavirus at Northwick Park hospital in Harrow .
The second man has not been named .
The London site - one of seven across England - was opened by Prince Charles and is the largest critical care unit in the world .
Those working there are using military techniques to protect their mental health .
Birmingham , Manchester , Harrogate , Bristol , Exeter and Sunderland are the other locations providing what is called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Manchester and Birmingham are ready to take patients , while Captain Tom Moore , who has raised more than £26m for the NHS , will be guest of honour at the opening of the Harrogate site on Tuesday , appearing via video link .
NHS England said critical care capacity in London is `` holding up well '' , with existing hospitals `` managing despite the significant increase in demand for care '' .
Coronavirus is the `` greatest global health emergency in more than a century '' , it said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 33,000 beds - `` the equivalent of 50 new hospitals '' .
Sir Simon Stevens , head of the NHS in England , said `` extensive '' use of the London Nightingale site had not yet been necessary because of capacity in other hospitals and `` the public , who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives '' .
He added that with `` further waves of coronavirus possible it is important that we have these extra facilities in place '' .
It will count as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we never need to use them '' , he said .
Eamonn Sullivan , nursing director at NHS Nightingale London , said the two discharged patients had a `` long road to recovery '' .
It was a reminder that everyone needs to `` stay safe by following the government 's advice '' , he added .

Doctors and nurses clapped as two men became the first patients to be discharged from London's Nightingale Hospital after being treated for coronavirus.
The emergency facility - constructed in under two weeks at the Excel exhibition centre - can hold up to 4,000 beds and was built to make sure the NHS could cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.
One of those discharged, Simon Chung, was seen being lifted into an ambulance on a stretcher with a mask over his face as medics applauded his progress.
Image: Medics applaud as Mr Chung leaves the hospital
The father-of-one, 58, was given "expert care on a ventilator" while being treated in the capital's docklands area, NHS England said.
He will now continue his recovery from coronavirus at Northwick Park hospital in Harrow.
The second man has not been named.
The London site - one of seven across England - was opened by Prince Charles and is the largest critical care unit in the world.
Those working there are using military techniques to protect their mental health.
Birmingham, Manchester, Harrogate, Bristol, Exeter and Sunderland are the other locations providing what is called "surge capacity".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'I can't give a date for schools to reopen'
The sites in Manchester and Birmingham are ready to take patients, while Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £26m for the NHS, will be guest of honour at the opening of the Harrogate site on Tuesday, appearing via video link.
NHS England said critical care capacity in London is "holding up well", with existing hospitals "managing despite the significant increase in demand for care".
Coronavirus is the "greatest global health emergency in more than a century", it said, adding that NHS trusts had freed up more than 33,000 beds - "the equivalent of 50 new hospitals".
Sir Simon Stevens, head of the NHS in England, said "extensive" use of the London Nightingale site had not yet been necessary because of capacity in other hospitals and "the public, who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives".
He added that with "further waves of coronavirus possible it is important that we have these extra facilities in place".
It will count as a "huge success for the whole country if we never need to use them", he said.
Eamonn Sullivan, nursing director at NHS Nightingale London, said the two discharged patients had a "long road to recovery".
It was a reminder that everyone needs to "stay safe by following the government's advice", he added.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Hospice forced to 'beg and borrow' to replenish stock of PPE

A hospice boss has said the coronavirus crisis means she has to `` beg , borrow and steal '' to source enough protective equipment for her staff as she called on the government for help .
Sarah Pugh , chief executive of the Heart of Kent Hospice , said end-of-life care has perhaps fallen down a crack between the provision of equipment to hospitals and to care homes .
All patients at her hospice in Aylesford must be treated as though they might have COVID-19 , so nurses have to wear gloves , masks and aprons .
She has enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but from Monday Mrs Pugh will yet again be calling around agencies to source more for the following week .
`` We are having to contact people to beg , steal and borrow from different agencies , from different organisations , who are always willing to help us , but it always seems it is only when you get to that critical crisis point than suddenly some PPE [ personal protective equipment ] will arrive , '' she told Sky News .
`` It is taking out time we might and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Asked what her message was to the government , she said : `` Please provide a regular , reliable and sustainable source of PPE for all organisations like hospices so we can get on with our work and make sure that patients are being cared for as the number one priority . ''
Hers is one of around 200 hospices in the UK .
Mrs Pugh said she believes others are also struggling with their supply lines .
`` I think perhaps , as hospices we have perhaps gone down a slight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by social care and provision of the NHS , so we have got slightly lost in the PPE provision , '' she said .
Efforts by Public Health England to reduce the risk of infection and transmission mean that all hospices must ensure their staff wear protective equipment when treating patients within two metres - which is very often the case given the palliative care they need .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Heart of Kent Hospice - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistants and capacity for up to ten in-patients - goes through about 150 aprons , pairs of gloves and masks a day .
The new rules have transformed the working environment .
Carers are no longer able to provide some of the little comforts to patients that they normally give such as hand massages .
`` With palliative and end-of-life care , a lot of what we do is touch and feel and we ca n't do that anymore for our patients , '' said Kerry Harrison , the patient services director .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ care but wearing protective equipment which is a barrier in itself . ''
To make things a little less alien , a patient is given photographs of the people who are caring for them so they know what each person looks like behind the mask .
The hospice has some 880 patients but the vast majority live in care homes or at home , only coming in when they need assistance or if their condition deteriorates .
There have so far been no confirmed cases of coronavirus .
But nationwide rules on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends are no longer able to come and visit a loved one .
Before the pandemic , they could sit at a patient 's bedside or outside in a communal garden .
There is also a small café within the building that would usually be bustling .
The only visitor allowed is a single person per patient at the time when he or she is about to die , though even that is not permitted if the patient has coronavirus .
It makes it much harder for families but also for the nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new family liaison role , with a nursing assistant each day focusing on ways to keep a patient connected with his or her family .
This includes sending hand prints to grandchildren and for family members to set a patient homework such as drawing pictures of what they can see in the garden .
With its regular supply line of personal protective equipment not working as it does in normal times , the Kent hospice goes to a range of different organisations from the NHS to councils .
The lack of certainty about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have over the Easter weekend impacted directly on patients .
`` We limited any new admissions until we knew we had the PPE coming , '' Mrs Pugh said .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said : `` We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak .
`` We have provided PPE to over 26,000 care homes , including hospices across the country with each setting receiving at least 300 facemasks each @ @

A hospice boss has said the coronavirus crisis means she has to "beg, borrow and steal" to source enough protective equipment for her staff as she called on the government for help.
Sarah Pugh, chief executive of the Heart of Kent Hospice, said end-of-life care has perhaps fallen down a crack between the provision of equipment to hospitals and to care homes.
All patients at her hospice in Aylesford must be treated as though they might have COVID-19, so nurses have to wear gloves, masks and aprons.
She has enough protective equipment for the next few days, but from Monday Mrs Pugh will yet again be calling around agencies to source more for the following week.
Image: Sarah Pugh is calling for help from the government to replenish PPE supplies
"We are having to contact people to beg, steal and borrow from different agencies, from different organisations, who are always willing to help us, but it always seems it is only when you get to that critical crisis point than suddenly some PPE [personal protective equipment] will arrive," she told Sky News.
"It is taking out time we might and should be taking with our patient care."
Asked what her message was to the government, she said: "Please provide a regular, reliable and sustainable source of PPE for all organisations like hospices so we can get on with our work and make sure that patients are being cared for as the number one priority."
Hers is one of around 200 hospices in the UK. Mrs Pugh said she believes others are also struggling with their supply lines.
"I think perhaps, as hospices we have perhaps gone down a slight gap in terms of not being provided by social care and provision of the NHS, so we have got slightly lost in the PPE provision," she said.
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Efforts by Public Health England to reduce the risk of infection and transmission mean that all hospices must ensure their staff wear protective equipment when treating patients within two metres - which is very often the case given the palliative care they need.
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 All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Heart of Kent Hospice - with more than 20 nursing staff and assistants and capacity for up to ten in-patients - goes through about 150 aprons, pairs of gloves and masks a day.
The new rules have transformed the working environment.
Carers are no longer able to provide some of the little comforts to patients that they normally give such as hand massages.
"With palliative and end-of-life care, a lot of what we do is touch and feel and we can't do that anymore for our patients," said Kerry Harrison, the patient services director.
"We have to maintain their personal care but wearing protective equipment which is a barrier in itself."
To make things a little less alien, a patient is given photographs of the people who are caring for them so they know what each person looks like behind the mask.
The hospice has some 880 patients but the vast majority live in care homes or at home, only coming in when they need assistance or if their condition deteriorates.
There have so far been no confirmed cases of coronavirus.
But nationwide rules on social distancing and shielding mean that family and friends are no longer able to come and visit a loved one.
Before the pandemic, they could sit at a patient's bedside or outside in a communal garden. There is also a small café within the building that would usually be bustling.
Today it stands empty.
The only visitor allowed is a single person per patient at the time when he or she is about to die, though even that is not permitted if the patient has coronavirus.
It makes it much harder for families but also for the nursing team.
Image: Patients are given a photograph of people caring for them to make it a little less alien
The hospice has created a new family liaison role, with a nursing assistant each day focusing on ways to keep a patient connected with his or her family.
This includes sending hand prints to grandchildren and for family members to set a patient homework such as drawing pictures of what they can see in the garden.
With its regular supply line of personal protective equipment not working as it does in normal times, the Kent hospice goes to a range of different organisations from the NHS to councils.
The lack of certainty about how many aprons, gloves and masks it would have over the Easter weekend impacted directly on patients. "We limited any new admissions until we knew we had the PPE coming," Mrs Pugh said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak.
"We have provided PPE to over 26,000 care homes, including hospices across the country with each setting receiving at least 300 facemasks each."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus care home deaths 'far higher' than official figures, study suggests

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes may be higher than official figures show , according to new analysis .
The National Care Forum ( NCF ) estimates more than 4,000 people in residential and nursing homes may have died after contracting coronavirus before 13 April .
This is significantly higher than the 217 care home deaths recorded in the latest data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) up until 3 April .
The NCF 's report comes amid concern that care home deaths are going `` under the radar '' as the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only accounts for those who have died in hospitals after contracting COVID-19 .
The group , which represents not-for-profit care and support providers , says its audit exposes `` significant flaws '' in the reporting of deaths linked to coronavirus , resulting in the government failing to protect the most vulnerable in society .
The NCF said many care providers felt they had been `` left to face the biggest health crisis of a generation alone '' .
It has called for a `` ring of steel '' to be built around care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , including the provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and extensive testing for the virus .
The Department of Health provides a daily update of UK coronavirus deaths which only includes people who died with COVID-19 in hospital .
Figures for care homes and the wider community covering England and Wales are published separately on a weekly basis by the Office for National Statistics .
And , the ONS figure is often behind the Department of Health figure , because it can take a while before deaths are reported to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCF carried out its own audit collating data from 47 homes looking after more than 30,000 people across the UK , representing 7.4 % of the care sector population .
It said it found 299 confirmed or suspected Covid-19 deaths across those specific homes in one week between 7 April and 13 April .
That is almost three times the number of deaths in the preceding month between March 6 and April 7 .
Applying its findings across the whole sector , its analysis suggests there may have been 4,040 corornavirus-related deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in DoH figures .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Vic Rayner , NCF executive director , said : `` So long as groups such as residents in care services are omitted from the real-time national reporting on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic , the government will surely be unable to properly plan for how to protect its people or exit this crisis .
`` Our current national debate on how to mitigate and exit this crisis is virtually entirely centred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
`` We are overlooking how this crisis is playing out in other settings , which are there to protect those who are most vulnerable to the impact of the virus .
`` The figure of more than 4,000 people passing away of COVID-19 within care homes in little more than one month is devastating .
Every death is a loss and a tragedy . ''
She said the study showed `` that whilst all attention has been on managing the peak in hospitals , the virus has attacked our most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care providers need to be given every ounce of support from government to protect the vulnerable people they care for and the health of their workforce , but to date this has not been forthcoming .
`` We need to ensure that proper support is provided now to sustain our essential care services now and for the future .
This virus is not going away , so this has to be a wake up call to government and society as a whole to recognise that the 'whatever it takes ' mantra has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in social care , as we have to the NHS . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week announced a package of measures to try and combat the spread of the coronavirus in care homes .
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when .
Mr Hancock also promised improved access to personal protective equipment through a supply network of `` unprecedented scale '' .

The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes may be higher than official figures show, according to new analysis.
The National Care Forum (NCF) estimates more than 4,000 people in residential and nursing homes may have died after contracting coronavirus before 13 April.
This is significantly higher than the 217 care home deaths recorded in the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) up until 3 April.
The NCF's report comes amid concern that care home deaths are going "under the radar" as the Department of Health's daily update on fatalities only accounts for those who have died in hospitals after contracting COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
The group, which represents not-for-profit care and support providers, says its audit exposes "significant flaws" in the reporting of deaths linked to coronavirus, resulting in the government failing to protect the most vulnerable in society.
The NCF said many care providers felt they had been "left to face the biggest health crisis of a generation alone".
It has called for a "ring of steel" to be built around care homes, with a comprehensive package of support, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and extensive testing for the virus.
The Department of Health provides a daily update of UK coronavirus deaths which only includes people who died with COVID-19 in hospital.
Figures for care homes and the wider community covering England and Wales are published separately on a weekly basis by the Office for National Statistics.
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And, the ONS figure is often behind the Department of Health figure, because it can take a while before deaths are reported to register offices.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 '70%' of care homes hit by COVID-19 outbreak
As a result the NCF carried out its own audit collating data from 47 homes looking after more than 30,000 people across the UK, representing 7.4% of the care sector population.
It said it found 299 confirmed or suspected Covid-19 deaths across those specific homes in one week between 7 April and 13 April. That is almost three times the number of deaths in the preceding month between March 6 and April 7.
Applying its findings across the whole sector, its analysis suggests there may have been 4,040 corornavirus-related deaths in care homes which are not yet included in DoH figures.
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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Vic Rayner, NCF executive director, said: "So long as groups such as residents in care services are omitted from the real-time national reporting on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the government will surely be unable to properly plan for how to protect its people or exit this crisis.
"Our current national debate on how to mitigate and exit this crisis is virtually entirely centred on the management of the peak within hospitals.
"We are overlooking how this crisis is playing out in other settings, which are there to protect those who are most vulnerable to the impact of the virus.
"The figure of more than 4,000 people passing away of COVID-19 within care homes in little more than one month is devastating. Every death is a loss and a tragedy."
She said the study showed "that whilst all attention has been on managing the peak in hospitals, the virus has attacked our most vulnerable communities".
She added: "Care providers need to be given every ounce of support from government to protect the vulnerable people they care for and the health of their workforce, but to date this has not been forthcoming.
"We need to ensure that proper support is provided now to sustain our essential care services now and for the future.
This virus is not going away, so this has to be a wake up call to government and society as a whole to recognise that the 'whatever it takes' mantra has to be applied equally to the most vulnerable in social care, as we have to the NHS."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week announced a package of measures to try and combat the spread of the coronavirus in care homes.
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when.
Mr Hancock also promised improved access to personal protective equipment through a supply network of "unprecedented scale".


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Pay front line COVID-19 workers military-style bonus, say Lib Dems

NHS and care staff battling the pandemic should receive a military-style active duty bonus in recognition of their service , according to the Liberal Democrats .
The party is calling for the key workers fighting COVID-19 to receive a £29-a-day `` front line service reward '' , similar to the deployment allowance paid to troops .
Pressing for the payment , acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said NHS and care staff were `` risking their lives to protect others '' in what was a `` national struggle '' against the coronavirus .
The bonus forms part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for by the Lib Dems , which also includes the fast track procurement of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
It comes amid growing criticism of the government over shortages of specialist safety kit , which critics say is putting the lives of doctors and nurses at risk .
Sir Ed said : `` The fight against coronavirus is seeing several million key workers risking their lives to protect others .
`` NHS and care staff are truly on the front line in this national struggle - putting themselves in danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hospitals , care homes , hospices and in the wider health and care sector , an army of workers are protecting us . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` The top priority for front line staff is protection .
`` We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit , and we should n't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either .
`` When the country emerges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice , just as we do with military forces .
`` The government must look at creating a front line service reward , similar to the deployment allowance front line troops receive .
`` There are many low-paid workers on the coronavirus front line , and we must show our gratitude . ''
Other measures proposed by the party include providing practical help for NHS and care staff such as securing accommodation for key workers self-isolating , or who have vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also want the government to pay for the funerals of key workers who died in the fight against coronavirus .
The front line service reward would be for the duration of the lockdown , the party said , adding that all key workers should also receive a coronavirus service medal .

NHS and care staff battling the pandemic should receive a military-style active duty bonus in recognition of their service, according to the Liberal Democrats.
The party is calling for the key workers fighting COVID-19 to receive a £29-a-day "front line service reward", similar to the deployment allowance paid to troops.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 This is what life on Earth looks like, April 2020
Pressing for the payment, acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said NHS and care staff were "risking their lives to protect others" in what was a "national struggle" against the coronavirus.
The bonus forms part of a "front line support package" being called for by the Lib Dems, which also includes the fast track procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).
It comes amid growing criticism of the government over shortages of specialist safety kit, which critics say is putting the lives of doctors and nurses at risk.
Sir Ed said: "The fight against coronavirus is seeing several million key workers risking their lives to protect others.
"NHS and care staff are truly on the front line in this national struggle - putting themselves in danger and working long shifts.
"In our hospitals, care homes, hospices and in the wider health and care sector, an army of workers are protecting us."
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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He added: "The top priority for front line staff is protection.
"We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit, and we shouldn't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either.
"When the country emerges from this crisis, we must also properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice, just as we do with military forces.
"The government must look at creating a front line service reward, similar to the deployment allowance front line troops receive.
"There are many low-paid workers on the coronavirus front line, and we must show our gratitude."
Other measures proposed by the party include providing practical help for NHS and care staff such as securing accommodation for key workers self-isolating, or who have vulnerable people in their household.
The Lib Dems also want the government to pay for the funerals of key workers who died in the fight against coronavirus.
The front line service reward would be for the duration of the lockdown, the party said, adding that all key workers should also receive a coronavirus service medal.


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: One hurt, two arrested as 150 break lockdown rules to attend a funeral

Two men were arrested and a teenage boy was injured in a motorbike accident after about 150 people broke coronavirus social distancing rules to attend a funeral in Kent .
Kent Police were warned in advance about the gathering in Sittingbourne but allowed it to go ahead because they were given `` very little notice '' .
The funeral on Thursday was attended by large numbers of motorcyclists and two men , aged 24 and 32 , were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The force said it was informed about the large gathering on Sheppey Way the night before but and did not get a chance to remind those involved of social distancing measures .
Chief Inspector Neil Loudon said : `` Kent Police was afforded very little notice about this large gathering and as such a decision was made to allow the funeral to go ahead during what was no doubt a difficult time for those who had lost a loved one .
`` Officers ' priority was to maintain a presence while offering protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns they may have had . ''
Mr Loudon added that officers would be in touch with those who were not following rules and they will be `` reminded of their personal responsibilities during these unprecedented times '' .
He said there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance .
`` Our investigation continues and where there are clear acts of anti-social behaviour , crime , and persistent breaches of coronavirus legislation then we will seek to identify and prosecute these , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead during the coronavirus pandemic , but only members of the deceased person 's household or close family should attend so that two-metre distance can be maintained .

Two men were arrested and a teenage boy was injured in a motorbike accident after about 150 people broke coronavirus social distancing rules to attend a funeral in Kent.
Kent Police were warned in advance about the gathering in Sittingbourne but allowed it to go ahead because they were given "very little notice".
The funeral on Thursday was attended by large numbers of motorcyclists and two men, aged 24 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
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The force said it was informed about the large gathering on Sheppey Way the night before but and did not get a chance to remind those involved of social distancing measures.
Chief Inspector Neil Loudon said: "Kent Police was afforded very little notice about this large gathering and as such a decision was made to allow the funeral to go ahead during what was no doubt a difficult time for those who had lost a loved one.
"Officers' priority was to maintain a presence while offering protection to the wider community around any health concerns they may have had."
Mr Loudon added that officers would be in touch with those who were not following rules and they will be "reminded of their personal responsibilities during these unprecedented times".
He said there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance.
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"Our investigation continues and where there are clear acts of anti-social behaviour, crime, and persistent breaches of coronavirus legislation then we will seek to identify and prosecute these," he said.
The government has allowed funerals to go ahead during the coronavirus pandemic, but only members of the deceased person's household or close family should attend so that two-metre distance can be maintained.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Star-studded concert raises money - and spirits - during lockdown

Beyonce , Billie Eilish , Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones are among a host of famous faces who have taken part in a virtual concert to celebrate healthcare workers .
More than 100 artists performed songs in the benefit concert organised by singer Lady Gaga , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and the non-profit group Global Citizen .
The One World : Together At Home event , which was live-streamed online and broadcast on TV , is the biggest celebrity effort to entertain millions of people in lockdown because of COVID-19 .
The event brought famous faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together - including Stevie Wonder , Elton John , David and Victoria Beckham and former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush - to help raise spirits in the worldwide battle against the pandemic .
Hosted by US talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon , Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel , it also included real-life stories from medical staff on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic .
Organiser Lady Gaga said : `` I feel very honoured to be a part of the WHO and Global Citizen in the fight against COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the medical workers who are putting their lives at risk for us right now .
I think of them every day , I pray for them every day and I 'm also thinking of all of you who are at home and are wondering when all of this will be different . ''
She then sang a piano rendition of Nat King Cole 's Smile .
Commemorating the late Bill Withers , Stevie Wonder reminded us of what is needed during these hard times .
He said : `` During hardships like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other for help .
My friend the late Bill Withers has a perfect song about that , and I want us to remember him tonight . ''
The Beckhams also showed their support for the healthcare workers all around the world .
`` If there 's any silver lining to come of this situation its meant lots of time together as a family , '' David Beckham said .
`` We know there are people out there who are risking everything to keep us all safe , we want to join with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank you to them . ''
Victoria Beckham added : `` Our thanks goes to all of the healthcare workers all around the world who are working so , so hard , leaving their families to go to work to protect us and our children ... thank you from the bottom of our hearts . ''
She went on to introduce their `` dear , dear friend '' , Sir Elton John , who sang his 80s hit I 'm Still Standing .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyonce had a message for the black community , who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 .
She said : `` African-American communities have been severely affected in this crisis .
Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk .
This virus is killing black people at an alarming high rate , here in America .
`` Please protect yourselves , we are one family and we need you .
We need your voices , your abilities and your strength all over this world .
I know it 's hard but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our heroes . ''
The broadcast also included social media posts and news clips showing doctors and nurses being applauded by communities around the world , as well as families greeting each other through windows , and acts of kindness in support for the isolated and vulnerable .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised the world for uniting during these tough times .
`` Tonight through the universal language of music we salute the bravery and sacrifice of health carers and others .
And please join our call for a global ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus . ''
There were also performances from The Rolling Stones , Annie Lennox , Taylor Swift , Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion .
There are more than 2.3 million known cases of coronavirus worldwide , and more than 160,000 people have died .

Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones are among a host of famous faces who have taken part in a virtual concert to celebrate healthcare workers.
More than 100 artists performed songs in the benefit concert organised by singer Lady Gaga, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the non-profit group Global Citizen.
The One World: Together At Home event, which was live-streamed online and broadcast on TV, is the biggest celebrity effort to entertain millions of people in lockdown because of COVID-19.
Image: Lady Gaga helped organise the star-studded concert
The event brought famous faces in music, sport and other areas together - including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham and former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush - to help raise spirits in the worldwide battle against the pandemic.
Hosted by US talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, it also included real-life stories from medical staff on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organiser Lady Gaga said: "I feel very honoured to be a part of the WHO and Global Citizen in the fight against COVID-19.
"I care so much about all of the medical workers who are putting their lives at risk for us right now. I think of them every day, I pray for them every day and I'm also thinking of all of you who are at home and are wondering when all of this will be different."
She then sang a piano rendition of Nat King Cole's Smile.
Image: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones performed from their homes
Commemorating the late Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder reminded us of what is needed during these hard times.
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He said: "During hardships like this, we have to lean on each other for help. My friend the late Bill Withers has a perfect song about that, and I want us to remember him tonight."
The Beckhams also showed their support for the healthcare workers all around the world.
"If there's any silver lining to come of this situation its meant lots of time together as a family," David Beckham said.
"We know there are people out there who are risking everything to keep us all safe, we want to join with all of you to say a huge thank you to them."
Image: David Beckham and Victoria Beckham paid tribute to healthcare workers
Victoria Beckham added: "Our thanks goes to all of the healthcare workers all around the world who are working so, so hard, leaving their families to go to work to protect us and our children... thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
She went on to introduce their "dear, dear friend", Sir Elton John, who sang his 80s hit I'm Still Standing.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Beyonce had a message for the black community, who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
She said: "African-American communities have been severely affected in this crisis. Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarming high rate, here in America.
"Please protect yourselves, we are one family and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities and your strength all over this world. I know it's hard but please be patient and continue to pray for our heroes."
The broadcast also included social media posts and news clips showing doctors and nurses being applauded by communities around the world, as well as families greeting each other through windows, and acts of kindness in support for the isolated and vulnerable.
Image: Jimmy Fallon (C) sings with musical group The Roots and front line medical workers during One World: Together
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised the world for uniting during these tough times.
"Tonight through the universal language of music we salute the bravery and sacrifice of health carers and others. And please join our call for a global ceasefire to focus on our common enemy the virus."
There were also performances from The Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion.
There are more than 2.3 million known cases of coronavirus worldwide, and more than 160,000 people have died.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Emotional moment man given 24 hours to live reunites with mum after recovering from COV

Coronavirus: Emotional moment man given 24 hours to live reunites with mum after recovering from COVID-19

A man who was given 24 hours to live after contracting coronavirus has left hospital after unexpectedly beating the illness - and the emotional moment he was reunited with his mum has been caught on camera .
Ben McCafferty , 34 , was discharged from Bradford Royal Infirmary in West Yorkshire on Saturday , where he had spent more than two weeks battling COVID-19 .
Speaking to nurses before leaving the hospital , Ben 's stepfather Neil , who had stayed by his stepson 's side throughout the ordeal , said the family initially `` did n't expect him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben came in a fortnight ago really poorly and we did n't expect him to ... we did n't expect him to survive .
`` We were told the survival rate was going to be very low .
But with the staff and the help and the support that he has had , he has come through . ''
In fact , Ben was - at one point - not expected to survive another 24 hours and was being looked after in palliative care , according to Karen Dawber , head of nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just made him comfortable on a camp bed with his stepdad , '' she told the Yorkshire Evening Post , adding : `` We saw him start to get better .
He was being looked after on our end-of-life ward . ''
And - following a fortnight of treatment , Ben appeared to have beaten all odds and was able to leave the hospital virus-free .
As he walked through the corridors on Saturday saying goodbye to the nurses who had treated him , the 34-year-old was greeted by his mum Di Margerison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
In footage of the emotional moment , Ben is heard saying : `` That 's Diane , that 's Diane , '' as he spots his mother waiting for him , before the pair embrace .
She replies : `` I 'm Diane , yes I am .
Who are you ? ''
Ben had suffered meningitis at the age of 13 and was left partially paralysed .
He was on a life support machine for three weeks in Leeds then .
Parents Neil and Diane Margerison , who live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News he loves music , playing the ukulele and dancing along with an active social life .
Diane said : `` As the week went by and we got to the second week I got a couple of phone calls that said there was a glimmer of optimism and they would say ( just ) a glimmer of optimism . ''
On having him back home , she said : `` He is the glue in the family ... on a morning when you go in it 's just like sunshine when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back . ''
Ms Margerison had stayed with her son on the first night of his hospital admission , but was unable to continue due to restrictions imposed in the lockdown .
Ben 's stepfather Neil was by his bedside for the last two weeks .
He said : `` I did n't get much sleep but my first reaction ( after waking up ) was 'was he dead ? '
`` I was told by one of the doctors he had a one in 10 chance of survival , it really did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst .
`` We are just overwhelmed that he is home safe and so incredibly grateful for all the hospital staff from the consultants to the cleaners . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Ms Dawber said Ben had made a big impression with the nurses and was `` very popular '' during his stay .
She added that she was just `` glad he has made such an amazing recovery '' .
Urging the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded people to not be frightened to go to hospital if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 .
`` Do n't be frightened to admit yourself to hospital if you are unwell , '' she said , adding : `` People can still recover .
Ben proves that . ''

A man who was given 24 hours to live after contracting coronavirus has left hospital after unexpectedly beating the illness - and the emotional moment he was reunited with his mum has been caught on camera.
Ben McCafferty, 34, was discharged from Bradford Royal Infirmary in West Yorkshire on Saturday, where he had spent more than two weeks battling COVID-19.
Speaking to nurses before leaving the hospital, Ben's stepfather Neil, who had stayed by his stepson's side throughout the ordeal, said the family initially "didn't expect him to survive".
He said: "Ben came in a fortnight ago really poorly and we didn't expect him to... we didn't expect him to survive.
Image: Ben was reunited with his mum after several weeks in hospital
Image: Ben spent two weeks in Bradford Royal Infirmary
"We were told the survival rate was going to be very low. But with the staff and the help and the support that he has had, he has come through."
In fact, Ben was - at one point - not expected to survive another 24 hours and was being looked after in palliative care, according to Karen Dawber, head of nursing at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
"We just made him comfortable on a camp bed with his stepdad," she told the Yorkshire Evening Post, adding: "We saw him start to get better. He was being looked after on our end-of-life ward."
And - following a fortnight of treatment, Ben appeared to have beaten all odds and was able to leave the hospital virus-free.
As he walked through the corridors on Saturday saying goodbye to the nurses who had treated him, the 34-year-old was greeted by his mum Di Margerison, who hadn't seen him for weeks.
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In footage of the emotional moment, Ben is heard saying: "That's Diane, that's Diane," as he spots his mother waiting for him, before the pair embrace.
Image: Staff said goodbye to Ben as he left hospital on Saturday
Image: Ben's family were told that he likely wouldn't survive the virus
She replies: "I'm Diane, yes I am. Who are you?"
"A handsome man," Ben quips, amid laughter from the staff.
Ben had suffered meningitis at the age of 13 and was left partially paralysed. He was on a life support machine for three weeks in Leeds then.
Parents Neil and Diane Margerison, who live in Thornton, near Bradford, told Sky News he loves music, playing the ukulele and dancing along with an active social life.
Diane said: "As the week went by and we got to the second week I got a couple of phone calls that said there was a glimmer of optimism and they would say (just) a glimmer of optimism."
On having him back home, she said: "He is the glue in the family... on a morning when you go in it's just like sunshine when he smiles... and I've got that back."
Ms Margerison had stayed with her son on the first night of his hospital admission, but was unable to continue due to restrictions imposed in the lockdown.
Ben's stepfather Neil was by his bedside for the last two weeks.
He said: "I didn't get much sleep but my first reaction (after waking up) was 'was he dead?'
"I was told by one of the doctors he had a one in 10 chance of survival, it really didn't look good. You fear the worst.
"We are just overwhelmed that he is home safe and so incredibly grateful for all the hospital staff from the consultants to the cleaners."
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, Ms Dawber said Ben had made a big impression with the nurses and was "very popular" during his stay.
She added that she was just "glad he has made such an amazing recovery".
Urging the public to continue observing stay-at-home measures, she also reminded people to not be frightened to go to hospital if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
"Don't be frightened to admit yourself to hospital if you are unwell," she said, adding: "People can still recover. Ben proves that."