news--2020-02-26--Coronavirus: Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria and Kate Hudson react to outbreak

As coronavirus continues to spread around the globe , celebrities are doing their bit to share safety advice - and selfies .
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of herself wearing a large black face mask as she travelled to Europe .
The 47-year-old Goop entrepreneur joked about her role in the 2011 film Contagion , which is about a mystery virus that spreads across the world killing tens of millions of people .
Speaking about herself in the third person , Paltrow wrote : `` En route to Paris .
Paranoid ?
Prudent ?
Panicked ?
Placid ?
Pandemic ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane .
`` I 've already been in this movie .
Stay safe .
Do n't shake hands .
Wash hands frequently . ''
In the film she plays patient zero Beth Emhoff - the first person to be infected in the epidemic .
Her character catches the virus from a chef in Hong Kong who has come into contact with an infected pig , who in turn was infected by a bat .
The movie has seen a spike in popularity since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hudson also shared a photo of herself on a flight , wearing a less heavy-duty green face mask .
Hudson captioned it : `` Travel .
2020 '' along with a flushed face emoji .
Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria , posted a video on her Instagram page , telling her 7.7m followers : `` I am shooting in this small town in Italy .
I 'm nowhere near the north .
Thank you for your concerns .
`` Everybody was calling and texting me and talking about the coronavirus in the north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we 're further away . ''
In a previous post she said she would be in the country for a week .
Meanwhile in South Korea , which has the largest outbreak outside mainland China , the K-Pop group BTS have asked fans to stay away from their shows to help prevent coronavirus spreading .
The seven-piece South Korean boyband are busy promoting their new album , Map Of The Soul : 7 .
Giving a press conference to just a handful of people in Seoul earlier this week , band-member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our minds these days , and our messages of facing your inner self and loving yourself are ultimately only possible when you 're healthy .
`` Especially since it is very risky outside these days .
I hope you take care of yourself '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The band 's management , Big Hit Entertainment , put out a statement saying : `` We have decided to fully co-operate with the government 's policy to refrain from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
`` We would like to advise fans to refrain from visiting the venue of the press conference for your own safety , and ask you to support BTS by watching the press conference via livestreaming . ''
The band will also perform on several TV shows , with no studio audience .
They apologised to disappointed fans via email , thanking them for their understanding .
British star Stormzy has also postponed the Asian leg of his Heavy Is The Head world tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist wrote on Twitter : `` I was seriously looking forward to bringing the # HITH world tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus , I 'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour . ''
He has since left social media .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow is in self-isolation after travelling to Iran , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
And BBC Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson also says he 's in self-isolation at home after returning from a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia .
Various cultural and sporting events have so far been postponed , including the Six Nations rugby matches between Ireland and Italy in Dublin , the Tokyo marathon and the large design and furniture fair Salone del Mobile in Milan .
Sky News will air a special programme on the COVID-19 outbreak at the 7pm tonight .

As coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, celebrities are doing their bit to share safety advice - and selfies.
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of herself wearing a large black face mask as she travelled to Europe.
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The 47-year-old Goop entrepreneur joked about her role in the 2011 film Contagion, which is about a mystery virus that spreads across the world killing tens of millions of people.
Speaking about herself in the third person, Paltrow wrote: "En route to Paris. Paranoid? Prudent? Panicked? Placid? Pandemic? Propaganda?
"Paltrow's just going to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane.
"I've already been in this movie. Stay safe. Don't shake hands. Wash hands frequently."
Image: Paltrow compared the outbreak to her 2011 film Contagion
In the film she plays patient zero Beth Emhoff - the first person to be infected in the epidemic.
Her character catches the virus from a chef in Hong Kong who has come into contact with an infected pig, who in turn was infected by a bat.
The movie has seen a spike in popularity since the outbreak of coronavirus.
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Actress Kate Hudson also shared a photo of herself on a flight, wearing a less heavy-duty green face mask.
Hudson captioned it: "Travel. 2020" along with a flushed face emoji.
Instagram Instagram , 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 Instagram 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 Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, posted a video on her Instagram page, telling her 7.7m followers: "I am shooting in this small town in Italy. I'm nowhere near the north. Thank you for your concerns.
"Everybody was calling and texting me and talking about the coronavirus in the north of Italy. It's really sad, but we're further away."
In a previous post she said she would be in the country for a week.
Image: BTS have apologised to disappointed fans
Meanwhile in South Korea, which has the largest outbreak outside mainland China, the K-Pop group BTS have asked fans to stay away from their shows to help prevent coronavirus spreading.
The seven-piece South Korean boyband are busy promoting their new album, Map Of The Soul: 7.
Giving a press conference to just a handful of people in Seoul earlier this week, band-member Jimin said: "Health is always on our minds these days, and our messages of facing your inner self and loving yourself are ultimately only possible when you're healthy.
"Especially since it is very risky outside these days. I hope you take care of yourself".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The band's management, Big Hit Entertainment, put out a statement saying: "We have decided to fully co-operate with the government's policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"We would like to advise fans to refrain from visiting the venue of the press conference for your own safety, and ask you to support BTS by watching the press conference via livestreaming."
The band will also perform on several TV shows, with no studio audience.
They apologised to disappointed fans via email, thanking them for their understanding.
Image: Stormzy has cancelled the Asian leg of his HITH world tour
British star Stormzy has also postponed the Asian leg of his Heavy Is The Head world tour due to the virus.
The grime artist wrote on Twitter: "I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH world tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour."
He has since left social media.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow is in self-isolation after travelling to Iran, where at least 12 people have died from coronavirus.
And BBC Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson also says he's in self-isolation at home after returning from a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Various cultural and sporting events have so far been postponed, including the Six Nations rugby matches between Ireland and Italy in Dublin, the Tokyo marathon and the large design and furniture fair Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Sky News will air a special programme on the COVID-19 outbreak at the 7pm tonight.


news--2020-02-26--Coronavirus: Warning of wedding dress shortage in UK as China shuts factories

A shortage of wedding dresses in the UK could be one of the effects of the coronavirus outbreak , MPs have heard .
Labour 's Chris Bryant told the House of Commons how `` many wedding dresses in this country are designed in this country but made in China '' .
He described how many wedding dress producers - including those in his Rhondda constituency - have `` found it really difficult because the factories have been closed in China '' as the country battles to contain the virus .
Mr Bryant , who is married to Jared Cranney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married many women in my time… when I was a vicar !
`` ; as he warned of the `` very time sensitive '' nature of wedding dress supply .
Calling on the government to provide financial support to affected firms , Mr Bryant added : `` There 's a real danger to many of these businesses that they 're going to suffer enormous financial loss , let alone to the families . ''
Responding to Mr Bryant as he took MPs ' questions on the coronavirus outbreak , Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an `` appropriate response '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He raises an important point and - through the medium of the wedding dress - makes actually a much broader point , which is that a huge amount of things are made in China , '' the cabinet minister said .
`` This is true also of drugs and pharmaceuticals and right across the board , especially clothing , this virus and the impact on China will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems .
`` I 'm working with the Treasury on the appropriate response to that .
`` Containing the virus will obviously have health benefits but it will have economic benefits too . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Global stock market values are continuing to decline sharply as a growing number of companies warn of financial hits from the coronavirus outbreak .
Cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , have recently accelerated in European nations including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A shortage of wedding dresses in the UK could be one of the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, MPs have heard.
Labour's Chris Bryant told the House of Commons how "many wedding dresses in this country are designed in this country but made in China".
He described how many wedding dress producers - including those in his Rhondda constituency - have "found it really difficult because the factories have been closed in China" as the country battles to contain the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Mr Bryant, who is married to Jared Cranney, joked to MPs how he had "married many women in my time… when I was a vicar!"; as he warned of the "very time sensitive" nature of wedding dress supply.
Calling on the government to provide financial support to affected firms, Mr Bryant added: "There's a real danger to many of these businesses that they're going to suffer enormous financial loss, let alone to the families."
Responding to Mr Bryant as he took MPs' questions on the coronavirus outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was working with the Treasury on an "appropriate response".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"He raises an important point and - through the medium of the wedding dress - makes actually a much broader point, which is that a huge amount of things are made in China," the cabinet minister said.
"This is true also of drugs and pharmaceuticals and right across the board, especially clothing, this virus and the impact on China will have an impact here through those supply chain problems.
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"I'm working with the Treasury on the appropriate response to that.
"Containing the virus will obviously have health benefits but it will have economic benefits too."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Global stock market values are continuing to decline sharply as a growing number of companies warn of financial hits from the coronavirus outbreak.
Cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, have recently accelerated in European nations including Italy, Spain, Austria and Croatia.


news--2020-02-26--Six Nations: Ireland-Italy under threat from coronavirus but Tokyo insists Olympics will go ahead

Irish rugby chiefs are to meet the country 's health minister this lunchtime after he called for next month 's Six Nations game against Italy to be called off over fears of spreading coronavirus .
Simon Harris is due to discuss the matter with the Irish Rugby Football Union ( IRFU ) at noon .
According to Mr Harris , the country 's Public Health Emergency team said on Tuesday the fixture would be `` a significant risk because a very large number of people would be travelling from what is now an affected region '' .
Ten people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Johns Hopkins University in the US , which is compiling data on the outbreak , while there are more than 370 confirmed cases in the country .
Italian health authorities put the number of deaths at 12 .
Scotland Women 's match in Italy on Sunday was cancelled and is yet to be rearranged , while two club rugby matches involving Italian sides were also called off .
Six Nations organisers have said they are in close contact with the IRFU .
Japan has insisted the Tokyo Olympics will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran Olympic official said the games could be cancelled .
Dick Pound , a former International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) vice-president , said a decision on July 's event would have to be made within three months .
`` You could certainly go to two months out if you had to .
A lot of things have to start happening .
You 've got to start ramping up your security , your food , the Olympic Village , the hotels , the media folks will be in there building their studios , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time being , the Canadian added , preparations were a case of `` business as usual '' .
`` The IOC is proceeding with preparations toward the games as scheduled , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But despite that stance , the Japanese prime minister , Shinzo Abe , asked organisers of large sports and cultural events to either suspend , postpone or reduce attendance for the next two weeks to help stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Japan 's top division of the professional football league has said it will postpone all matches until mid-March .
More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19 have been declared globally , while more than 2,700 people have died and more than 30,000 people who contracted the disease have recovered .
Japan has a total of 860 cases , the third highest behind China and South Korea , including 691 passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama harbour .
A Europa League game in Milan is to be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has confirmed , after four Serie A fixtures were postponed over the weekend .
Reports in Italy claim Juventus ' top-of-the-table clash with Inter on Sunday could be among several fixtures played in empty stadiums this weekend as regional restrictions are extended .

Irish rugby chiefs are to meet the country's health minister this lunchtime after he called for next month's Six Nations game against Italy to be called off over fears of spreading coronavirus.
Simon Harris is due to discuss the matter with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) at noon.
According to Mr Harris, the country's Public Health Emergency team said on Tuesday the fixture would be "a significant risk because a very large number of people would be travelling from what is now an affected region".
Ten people have died in Italy due to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University in the US, which is compiling data on the outbreak, while there are more than 370 confirmed cases in the country. Italian health authorities put the number of deaths at 12.
Scotland Women's match in Italy on Sunday was cancelled and is yet to be rearranged, while two club rugby matches involving Italian sides were also called off.
Six Nations organisers have said they are in close contact with the IRFU.
Japan has insisted the Tokyo Olympics will not be affected by the outbreak after a veteran Olympic official said the games could be cancelled.
Dick Pound, a former International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president, said a decision on July's event would have to be made within three months.
"You could certainly go to two months out if you had to. A lot of things have to start happening. You've got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village, the hotels, the media folks will be in there building their studios," he said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
But, for the time being, the Canadian added, preparations were a case of "business as usual".
Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga dismissed Mr Pound's comments.
"The IOC is proceeding with preparations toward the games as scheduled," he said.
Listen to "Italy becomes centre of European COVID-19 outbreak | 24 February 2020" on Spreaker. :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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But despite that stance, the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, asked organisers of large sports and cultural events to either suspend, postpone or reduce attendance for the next two weeks to help stop the spread of the illness.
In a separate development, Japan's top division of the professional football league has said it will postpone all matches until mid-March.
More than 81,000 cases of COVID-19 have been declared globally, while more than 2,700 people have died and more than 30,000 people who contracted the disease have recovered.
Japan has a total of 860 cases, the third highest behind China and South Korea, including 691 passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama harbour.
Image: Venice's carnival was cancelled due to COVID-19
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Italian towns in lockdown
A Europa League game in Milan is to be played behind closed doors on Thursday, UEFA has confirmed, after four Serie A fixtures were postponed over the weekend.
Reports in Italy claim Juventus' top-of-the-table clash with Inter on Sunday could be among several fixtures played in empty stadiums this weekend as regional restrictions are extended.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Extras replaced by CGI and crew in PPE when TV starts filming again

Extras could be replaced by CGI and crews be dressed in PPE when TV and film production begins again , according to draft plans .
Actors flying in to appear in British-made shows could face health checks and a period in quarantine , and more trailers to house stars may be added to increase social distancing .
It is thought call times will be staggered , with those on set encouraged not to share personal items such as pens and phone chargers .
Sets , which would be off-limits to all but essential crew , may be marked with two-metre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pre-packaged food , while touchless or foot-operated toilet flushes , taps and lights would be recommended .
Another suggestion is that productions have a dedicated COVID-19 health and safety supervisor .
The safety protocols , which have been drafted by the British Film Commission , are being consulted on until Friday .
A date for publication of the final version , which will be presented to government , has not been set .
The use of extras and supporting artists would undergo significant changes .
In addition to replacing them with green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people will be kept on set for less than 10 minutes if they are not two metres apart .
Extras from the same household could also be brought in , and may be asked to do their own hair and make-up if possible .
The makers of long-running dramas will be particularly keen to get going again because episodes are running out after production was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Emmerdale , for example , will run out at the end of May , while Coronation Street will last into June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got back underway earlier this month on a large production facility with strict social distancing guidelines in place .

Extras could be replaced by CGI and crews be dressed in PPE when TV and film production begins again, according to draft plans.
Actors flying in to appear in British-made shows could face health checks and a period in quarantine, and more trailers to house stars may be added to increase social distancing.
It is thought call times will be staggered, with those on set encouraged not to share personal items such as pens and phone chargers.
Image: Episodes of Coronation Street should last until June
Sets, which would be off-limits to all but essential crew, may be marked with two-metre divisions.
Buffet meals would be replaced by pre-packaged food, while touchless or foot-operated toilet flushes, taps and lights would be recommended.
Another suggestion is that productions have a dedicated COVID-19 health and safety supervisor.
The safety protocols, which have been drafted by the British Film Commission, are being consulted on until Friday.
A date for publication of the final version, which will be presented to government, has not been set.
The use of extras and supporting artists would undergo significant changes.
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Image: Vintage episodes of Corrie will be aired as the soap runs out of new episodes
In addition to replacing them with green screen and CGI wherever possible, real people will be kept on set for less than 10 minutes if they are not two metres apart.
Extras from the same household could also be brought in, and may be asked to do their own hair and make-up if possible.
The makers of long-running dramas will be particularly keen to get going again because episodes are running out after production was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Emmerdale, for example, will run out at the end of May, while Coronation Street will last into June.
In Australia, production of Neighbours got back underway earlier this month on a large production facility with strict social distancing guidelines in place.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Five-step plan for Northern Ireland to emerge from lockdown unveiled

Northern Ireland 's devolved government has published a five-step plan for gradually emerging from the coronavirus lockdown as science permits .
Unlike plans announced by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar , the Stormont scheme is not time-specific .
While it will be reviewed every three weeks , the power-sharing coalition in Belfast agreed their plan would be led by science , not an `` arbitrary timeframe '' .
The implementation of each phase will be dictated by medical and scientific advice , the capacity of the NHS and the impact on wider public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors while maintaining social distancing .
Outdoor spaces and public sport amenities will be included in the first step .
Walking , running , cycling , some water activities , golf and tennis are also in stage one .
The current position from the devolved government just says exercise is permitted .
People who are unable to work from home will be encouraged to go to work on a phased basis if the R reproductive rate at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
R is a measure of how many people , on average , will be infected for every one person who has the disease .
If the R is one , then one person with the disease infects one other person .
As long as the R value is below one , the number of daily cases will continue to fall .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Large outdoor-based retailers such as garden centres will be permitted to reopen in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cinemas .
Drive-through church services will be available and churches will open for private prayer at an early stage .
In step five , large indoor gatherings , nightclubs , concerts , close physical contact sports , restaurants , cafes , pubs and early years education will be included .
First Minister Arlene Foster said : `` We recognise how difficult the current restrictions are .
But those restrictions , and the determined people of Northern Ireland who have adhered to them , have saved lives and continue to do so .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restriction in place any longer than we have to , but in relaxing any measure we must be cognisant of the potential effects in the transmission of the virus and our ability to save lives .
`` The executive 's recovery strategy sets out a pathway for us to emerge from lockdown in the safest way possible . ''

Northern Ireland's devolved government has published a five-step plan for gradually emerging from the coronavirus lockdown as science permits.
Unlike plans announced by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, the Stormont scheme is not time-specific.
While it will be reviewed every three weeks, the power-sharing coalition in Belfast agreed their plan would be led by science, not an "arbitrary timeframe".
Their message remains 'Stay Home, Save Lives'.
Image: People pictured socially distancing in Belfast
The implementation of each phase will be dictated by medical and scientific advice, the capacity of the NHS and the impact on wider public health.
In step one, groups of four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors while maintaining social distancing.
Outdoor spaces and public sport amenities will be included in the first step.
Walking, running, cycling, some water activities, golf and tennis are also in stage one.
The current position from the devolved government just says exercise is permitted.
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People who are unable to work from home will be encouraged to go to work on a phased basis if the R reproductive rate at which COVID-19 spreads continues to decline below one.
R is a measure of how many people, on average, will be infected for every one person who has the disease.
If the R is one, then one person with the disease infects one other person. As long as the R value is below one, the number of daily cases will continue to fall.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Large outdoor-based retailers such as garden centres will be permitted to reopen in the first step, as well as drive-through cinemas.
Drive-through church services will be available and churches will open for private prayer at an early stage.
In step five, large indoor gatherings, nightclubs, concerts, close physical contact sports, restaurants, cafes, pubs and early years education will be included.
First Minister Arlene Foster said: "We recognise how difficult the current restrictions are. But those restrictions, and the determined people of Northern Ireland who have adhered to them, have saved lives and continue to do so.
"We don't want to keep any restriction in place any longer than we have to, but in relaxing any measure we must be cognisant of the potential effects in the transmission of the virus and our ability to save lives.
"The executive's recovery strategy sets out a pathway for us to emerge from lockdown in the safest way possible."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus lockdown sparks riots in Paris

Rioting broke out in housing estates around Paris as tensions escalated over the coronavirus lockdown .
Footage posted on social media showed protesters hurling projectiles including fireworks , and police responding with tear gas and baton charges .
Other videos showed several police cars and bins being set alight .
The violence erupted in Villeneuve-la-Garenne , in the north of the city , and continued into the early hours of Monday .
It followed prosecutors opening an enquiry after a 30-year-old motorcyclist , reportedly from an Arab Muslim background , was critically injured after a collision with an unmarked police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was an example of police heavy-handedness against ethnic minority communities during the lockdown .
French journalist Taha Bouhafs posted several clips of the riots on Twitter .
`` Lots of fireworks fire this evening at # VilleneuveLaGarenne , tensions underway in several neighborhoods , notably in the northern suburbs , '' he wrote .
The trouble also spread to nearby Aulnay-sous-Bois , where police claimed they were `` ambushed '' by residents .
Last week , French President Emmanuel Macron announced he was extending a virtual coronavirus lockdown in the country until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made against the virus but the battle not won .
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe reiterated on Sunday that the country was moving in the right direction , but shut down any expectation that the gradual exit from confinement next month would allow people to move around or interact as before .

Rioting broke out in housing estates around Paris as tensions escalated over the coronavirus lockdown.
Footage posted on social media showed protesters hurling projectiles including fireworks, and police responding with tear gas and baton charges. Other videos showed several police cars and bins being set alight.
The violence erupted in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, in the north of the city, and continued into the early hours of Monday.
Image: Anti-riot police in a street in Villeneuve-la-Garenne
It followed prosecutors opening an enquiry after a 30-year-old motorcyclist, reportedly from an Arab Muslim background, was critically injured after a collision with an unmarked police car in the suburb.
Residents claimed it was an example of police heavy-handedness against ethnic minority communities during the lockdown.
French journalist Taha Bouhafs posted several clips of the riots on Twitter.
"Lots of fireworks fire this evening at #VilleneuveLaGarenne, tensions underway in several neighborhoods, notably in the northern suburbs," he wrote.
The trouble also spread to nearby Aulnay-sous-Bois, where police claimed they were "ambushed" by residents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:51 Day-to-day isolation in France
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he was extending a virtual coronavirus lockdown in the country until 11 May, saying progress had been made against the virus but the battle not won.
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French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe reiterated on Sunday that the country was moving in the right direction, but shut down any expectation that the gradual exit from confinement next month would allow people to move around or interact as before.


news--2020-04-20--Final cruise ships still sailing with passengers are to dock

The final three cruise liners still sailing with passengers will finally dock on Monday and Tuesday .
The MSC Magifica has already pulled into its final port of Marseille , while the Pacific Princess will dock in Los Angeles later on Monday .
The Costa Deliziosa , which is allowing passengers off on Monday in Barcelona , will carry on to Genoa , where it will stop on Tuesday .
They began their voyages before the coronavirus pandemic had begun to take hold around the world .
All three have been sailing for several weeks with the only stops for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become coronavirus hotspots in recent months , with vessels docked in Tokyo and Sydney proving to be particularly badly hit by COVID-19 .
The docking of the three liners will mean that every single cruise liner in the world will either be moored in port , or sailing without passengers , with most cruise lines suspending services completely .
Both the MSC Magnifica and Costa Deliziosa set sail in January on a world cruise - when the only infections were in Wuhan in China .
In a statement to Sky News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` MSC Magnifica today ( 20 April ) arrived in the French port of Marseille , the final port of call of her itinerary .
`` Disembarkation of the 1,769 passengers onboard , of which none are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 and nor are any of the 927 crew members , started earlier today and will continue tomorrow under the auspices of Port Health of Marseille and other relevant authorities .
`` The last date that MSC Magnifica allowed any new embarkation of passengers or crew was on 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 40 days ago .
Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range , according to the World Health Organisation , are between one and 14 days , with five days being the global average .
`` All passengers and crew during the past 40 days remained healthy and displayed no flu-like symptoms .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The last time passengers were allowed on or off the ship was almost six weeks ago in Wellington , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sri Lanka for food and provisions .
MSC has also arranged to get all its passengers home .
Costa Cruises said : `` As agreed with local government authorities , Costa Deliziosa arrived in the port of Barcelona this morning , with 1,814 guests and 898 crew members on board .
The health situation on board the ship presents no public health concerns and no cases of COVID-19 .
`` The disembarkation of guests of Spanish and Portuguese nationality or residency has already been completed to allow their return home .
`` Costa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening to make its way towards Genoa - the final destination of the cruise - where she is expected on 21 April .
`` Costa Deliziosa 's itinerary on Around the World cruise , was modified following the pandemic alert issued by the World Health Organisation , which led the authorities of the countries originally included in the journey to apply increasing restrictions on the disembarkation of our guests .
`` For this reason , since 14 March , when she was in Australia , the ship has only made technical stops for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not able to send a statement about its ship .
The Diamond Princess was the first cruise ship to be quarantined over the outbreak when a passenger tested positive after a trip on the liner .
It spent several weeks in Yokohama in Japan and more than 700 passengers ended up contracting COVID-19 .

The final three cruise liners still sailing with passengers will finally dock on Monday and Tuesday.
The MSC Magifica has already pulled into its final port of Marseille, while the Pacific Princess will dock in Los Angeles later on Monday.
The Costa Deliziosa, which is allowing passengers off on Monday in Barcelona, will carry on to Genoa, where it will stop on Tuesday.
They began their voyages before the coronavirus pandemic had begun to take hold around the world.
All three have been sailing for several weeks with the only stops for food and provisions.
Image: The Costa Deliziosa will make its final stop on Tuesday in Genoa. Pic: Costa Cruises
Some cruise ships have become coronavirus hotspots in recent months, with vessels docked in Tokyo and Sydney proving to be particularly badly hit by COVID-19.
The docking of the three liners will mean that every single cruise liner in the world will either be moored in port, or sailing without passengers, with most cruise lines suspending services completely.
Both the MSC Magnifica and Costa Deliziosa set sail in January on a world cruise - when the only infections were in Wuhan in China.
In a statement to Sky News, MSC Cruises, which operates the Magnifica, said: "MSC Magnifica today (20 April) arrived in the French port of Marseille, the final port of call of her itinerary.
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"Disembarkation of the 1,769 passengers onboard, of which none are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 and nor are any of the 927 crew members, started earlier today and will continue tomorrow under the auspices of Port Health of Marseille and other relevant authorities.
"The last date that MSC Magnifica allowed any new embarkation of passengers or crew was on 10 March in Wellington, New Zealand, more than 40 days ago. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range, according to the World Health Organisation, are between one and 14 days, with five days being the global average.
"All passengers and crew during the past 40 days remained healthy and displayed no flu-like symptoms.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The last time passengers were allowed on or off the ship was almost six weeks ago in Wellington, with the liner then stopping in Australia and Sri Lanka for food and provisions.
MSC has also arranged to get all its passengers home.
Costa Cruises said: "As agreed with local government authorities, Costa Deliziosa arrived in the port of Barcelona this morning, with 1,814 guests and 898 crew members on board. The health situation on board the ship presents no public health concerns and no cases of COVID-19.
"The disembarkation of guests of Spanish and Portuguese nationality or residency has already been completed to allow their return home.
"Costa Deliziosa is scheduled to leave Barcelona this evening to make its way towards Genoa - the final destination of the cruise - where she is expected on 21 April.
"Costa Deliziosa's itinerary on Around the World cruise, was modified following the pandemic alert issued by the World Health Organisation, which led the authorities of the countries originally included in the journey to apply increasing restrictions on the disembarkation of our guests.
"For this reason, since 14 March, when she was in Australia, the ship has only made technical stops for bunkering operations."
Princess Cruises was not able to send a statement about its ship.
The Diamond Princess was the first cruise ship to be quarantined over the outbreak when a passenger tested positive after a trip on the liner.
It spent several weeks in Yokohama in Japan and more than 700 passengers ended up contracting COVID-19.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: How the furlough scheme works for you: A simple guide

Applications are now open for businesses to secure cash through the government 's Job Retention Scheme .
Here is a simple guide to explain what it is for and how to do it .
What is the Job Retention Scheme ?
This is the vehicle announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month to prevent mass redundancies caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and protect the economy in the long term .
It covers the bulk of wages due to staff who have been furloughed - placed on leave .
More on that later .
Before the scheme was extended until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Budget Responsibility estimated the bill at £42bn .
Only employers , not employees , can submit claims under the Job Retention Scheme .
It is done via an online portal operated by HM Revenue & Customs here .
How much can be claimed ?
Businesses can request 80 % of a member of staff 's regular monthly salary , up to a maximum of £2,500 .
The sum secured has to be passed on in full by the employer to the employee .
The employer can also top up that wage if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will be taxed in the usual way for the relevant amount .
The scheme also covers National Insurance and pension contributions .
Employment rights , such as sick and holiday pay , remain in place as normal .
Employers can only claim for furloughed employees who were on a company 's PAYE payroll on or before 19 March .
Only workers who have been retained by , but are not completing work for , their company can be covered .
Two other points of note : Anyone starting their job after 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redundant since that date can receive money if they are technically re-hired and placed on furlough .
When will I get my money ?
It is hoped it will take up to six working days to process a claim and pay the money to a company 's bank account .
It means there should be time to spare if an employer 's pay day is 30 April .
HMRC has 5,000 staff working on the project to not only support applicants but also detect any fraud .
The Taxman has been testing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users per hour .
Phone and web chat support is available , but claimants are being advised to use these services sparingly .
How long does the scheme run for ?
It has already been extended to the end of June .
Much will depend on how long restrictions on movement remain .

Applications are now open for businesses to secure cash through the government's Job Retention Scheme.
Here is a simple guide to explain what it is for and how to do it.
What is the Job Retention Scheme?
This is the vehicle announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month to prevent mass redundancies caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and protect the economy in the long term.
It covers the bulk of wages due to staff who have been furloughed - placed on leave. More on that later.
Before the scheme was extended until the end of June, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the bill at £42bn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 The Taxman explains furlough scheme aid
How can I claim?
Only employers, not employees, can submit claims under the Job Retention Scheme.
It is done via an online portal operated by HM Revenue & Customs here.
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How much can be claimed?
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Businesses can request 80% of a member of staff's regular monthly salary, up to a maximum of £2,500.
The sum secured has to be passed on in full by the employer to the employee. The employer can also top up that wage if able or willing to do so.
It will be taxed in the usual way for the relevant amount.
The scheme also covers National Insurance and pension contributions.
Employment rights, such as sick and holiday pay, remain in place as normal.
Who is eligible?
Employers can only claim for furloughed employees who were on a company's PAYE payroll on or before 19 March.
Only workers who have been retained by, but are not completing work for, their company can be covered.
Two other points of note: Anyone starting their job after 19 March is not eligible and those made redundant since that date can receive money if they are technically re-hired and placed on furlough.
When will I get my money?
It is hoped it will take up to six working days to process a claim and pay the money to a company's bank account.
It means there should be time to spare if an employer's pay day is 30 April.
HMRC has 5,000 staff working on the project to not only support applicants but also detect any fraud.
The Taxman has been testing the new claim system at volumes of 450,000 users per hour.
Phone and web chat support is available, but claimants are being advised to use these services sparingly.
How long does the scheme run for?
It has already been extended to the end of June.
Much will depend on how long restrictions on movement remain.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 30,000 extra mortuary spaces created for COVID-19 victims

The UK is creating another 30,000 extra mortuary spaces to store the bodies of people who die with coronavirus .
Officials have expressed hope in recent days that the number of deaths related to COVID-19 are flattening , but the emergence of details around the latest contingency planning reflects ongoing fears of a more pessimistic scenario .
The government insists the decision is precautionary and not an indication of how many people it believes will die during the pandemic .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government minister said : `` We all hope these contingencies will not be needed and that requires everyone to play their part in the national effort .
`` We 're trying to strike an appropriate balance . ''
As of Monday , more than 16,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals , meaning the country is on track to exceed the 20,000 deaths officials had hoped to limit the toll to .
Regional officials had already begun planning for additional storage for the bodies of coronavirus victims , with a temporary facililty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Government adviser and infectious diseases expert Sir Jeremy Farrar admitted last week that the UK could end up being the `` worst affected country in Europe '' .
But while the government has faced growing criticism over its delay in imposing lockdown measures when compared with most European countries , Mr Clarke said the restrictions it did introduce were now showing their effectiveness .
`` We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures , '' he said .
`` We have started to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are following the measures , and by staying at home people are protecting the NHS and saving lives .
`` We need to make sure that we have the right resources in place for a range of outcomes but we all hope these contingencies wo n't be needed .
`` But we do want to make certain that we are not caught without enough capacity , and that is why we are taking all necessary precautions . ''
'' Among the most prominent critics of the government 's approach in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Professor John Ashton .
And responding to news of the extra mortuary places , he told Sky News : `` I think it 's quite interesting that they 're telling us that the situation is levelling off but at the same time they 're creating 30,000 extra mortuary spaces .
`` Given the large numbers of people who could die , this is undoubtedly a sensible decision .
`` However , it would be ironic if this was one of the only things the government had got right . ''

The UK is creating another 30,000 extra mortuary spaces to store the bodies of people who die with coronavirus.
Officials have expressed hope in recent days that the number of deaths related to COVID-19 are flattening, but the emergence of details around the latest contingency planning reflects ongoing fears of a more pessimistic scenario.
The government insists the decision is precautionary and not an indication of how many people it believes will die during the pandemic.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Simon Clarke, housing, communities and local government minister said: "We all hope these contingencies will not be needed and that requires everyone to play their part in the national effort.
"We're trying to strike an appropriate balance."
As of Monday, more than 16,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals, meaning the country is on track to exceed the 20,000 deaths officials had hoped to limit the toll to.
Regional officials had already begun planning for additional storage for the bodies of coronavirus victims, with a temporary facililty at Birmingham Airport becoming operational this month.
Government adviser and infectious diseases expert Sir Jeremy Farrar admitted last week that the UK could end up being the "worst affected country in Europe".
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But while the government has faced growing criticism over its delay in imposing lockdown measures when compared with most European countries, Mr Clarke said the restrictions it did introduce were now showing their effectiveness.
"We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures," he said.
"We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures, and by staying at home people are protecting the NHS and saving lives.
"We need to make sure that we have the right resources in place for a range of outcomes but we all hope these contingencies won't be needed.
"But we do want to make certain that we are not caught without enough capacity, and that is why we are taking all necessary precautions.""
Among the most prominent critics of the government's approach in the early stages of the pandemic was former regional health director Professor John Ashton.
And responding to news of the extra mortuary places, he told Sky News: "I think it's quite interesting that they're telling us that the situation is levelling off but at the same time they're creating 30,000 extra mortuary spaces.
"Given the large numbers of people who could die, this is undoubtedly a sensible decision.
"However, it would be ironic if this was one of the only things the government had got right."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Primark strikes £370m deal with suppliers after criticism

Primark has committed to pay an extra £370m to suppliers for outstanding stock after coming under fire for cancelling orders because of the coronavirus lockdown .
Along with other retailers , the cut-price fashion chain closed its stores in response to the COVID-19 emergency .
Amid the continuing coronavirus outbreak , Primark has said the deal reached with suppliers will cover products which were in production or due for shipment by 17 April .
The company had previously agreed to pay for orders which were in transit or booked for delivery by 18 March .
It saw the firm face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of orders from international clothing factories .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The retailer has also said it will create a fund to support the thousands of garment workers impacted .
Primark said it hopes to start placing orders for autumn/winter stock once there is further information about when its stores can reopen .
The firm had previously said it faces sales losses of £650m for each month all of its stores remain shut .
Chief executive Paul Marchant said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , represents a `` further ongoing commitment '' to Primark 's relationship with suppliers .
He said : `` We have been in close and regular contact with our suppliers over the last few weeks to find a way forward , and to pay for as much of the previously ordered product as possible .
`` Transparency and clarity have been at the heart of our longstanding relationships with our supply base and we were obviously disappointed that we were not initially able to commit to this stock .
`` Our partnerships with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to support them as we navigate our way through this global crisis . ''

Primark has committed to pay an extra £370m to suppliers for outstanding stock after coming under fire for cancelling orders because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Along with other retailers, the cut-price fashion chain closed its stores in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
Amid the continuing coronavirus outbreak, Primark has said the deal reached with suppliers will cover products which were in production or due for shipment by 17 April.
The company had previously agreed to pay for orders which were in transit or booked for delivery by 18 March.
It saw the firm face criticism as it cancelled millions of pounds worth of orders from international clothing factories.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The retailer has also said it will create a fund to support the thousands of garment workers impacted.
Primark said it hopes to start placing orders for autumn/winter stock once there is further information about when its stores can reopen.
The firm had previously said it faces sales losses of £650m for each month all of its stores remain shut.
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Chief executive Paul Marchant said the agreement reached, following extensive talks, represents a "further ongoing commitment" to Primark's relationship with suppliers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 It's going to be bad. But just how bad?
He said: "We have been in close and regular contact with our suppliers over the last few weeks to find a way forward, and to pay for as much of the previously ordered product as possible.
"Transparency and clarity have been at the heart of our longstanding relationships with our supply base and we were obviously disappointed that we were not initially able to commit to this stock.
"Our partnerships with our suppliers are invaluable and we want to continue to support them as we navigate our way through this global crisis."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus or hay fever? GPs offer advice on how to tell the difference

As pollen levels pick up in the UK , some people could start finding it difficult to tell whether they are suffering from hay fever or coronavirus .
They may be concerned they have an overlap in symptoms , and GPs have offered advice on how to distinguish between the two .
The chair of the Royal College of GPs , Professor Martin Marshall , said : `` We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis , more commonly known as hay fever - an allergic reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Typically , patients suffering with hay fever will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose , sneezing , sore and watering eyes - but also sometimes a cough .
`` Some of these presenting problems , especially a cough , can also be symptoms of COVID-19 . ''
The main symptoms of coronavirus are a new , persistent dry cough and a fever , and it can develop into respiratory problems .
Sufferers are advised to self-isolate for 14 days if they , or anyone else in their household , begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall said there were some key differences when it came to telling the two illnesses apart .
`` Allergy symptoms tend to be milder and fluctuate depending on the time of day as pollen levels are often higher in the afternoon and evening , '' he explained .
`` Patients who regularly suffer from hay fever will be familiar with the symptoms they usually get and the severity of them .
`` In instances where a patient experiences a significant deviation from this , or have specific symptoms of COVID-19 - a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we urge them to follow government advice and self-isolate . ''
Guidance for allergy sufferers on the website of charity Allergy UK says : `` Coronavirus symptoms typically include a continuous cough and a temperature as well as sometimes causing headaches and muscle aches .
These are not symptoms of hay fever .
`` Hay fever symptoms are persistent and relatively predictable depending on the pollen count .
`` Symptoms of runny , itchy nose and sneezing which are typical of hayfever are not typical of coronavirus .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker '' Hay fever should respond to antihistamines and , if you have been prescribed them , nasal sprays .
`` We would recommend that you treat hay fever proactively to minimise your symptoms , reducing the tendency for you to touch your face due to itch , and prevent unintentional spread of coronavirus by sneezing . ''
Grass and tree pollen are the most common causes when it comes to hay fever , with the season typically lasting from May until September .

As pollen levels pick up in the UK, some people could start finding it difficult to tell whether they are suffering from hay fever or coronavirus.
They may be concerned they have an overlap in symptoms, and GPs have offered advice on how to distinguish between the two.
The chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Martin Marshall, said: "We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever - an allergic reaction to various types of pollen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Applause as patient discharged from NHS Nightingale
"Typically, patients suffering with hay fever will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore and watering eyes - but also sometimes a cough.
"Some of these presenting problems, especially a cough, can also be symptoms of COVID-19."
The main symptoms of coronavirus are a new, persistent dry cough and a fever, and it can develop into respiratory problems.
Sufferers are advised to self-isolate for 14 days if they, or anyone else in their household, begins to show symptoms.
However, Professor Marshall said there were some key differences when it came to telling the two illnesses apart.
"Allergy symptoms tend to be milder and fluctuate depending on the time of day as pollen levels are often higher in the afternoon and evening," he explained.
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"Similarly, wet weather may lead to patients experiencing milder symptoms.
"Patients who regularly suffer from hay fever will be familiar with the symptoms they usually get and the severity of them.
"In instances where a patient experiences a significant deviation from this, or have specific symptoms of COVID-19 - a new, persistent cough and a high temperature - we urge them to follow government advice and self-isolate."
Guidance for allergy sufferers on the website of charity Allergy UK says: "Coronavirus symptoms typically include a continuous cough and a temperature as well as sometimes causing headaches and muscle aches. These are not symptoms of hay fever.
"Hay fever symptoms are persistent and relatively predictable depending on the pollen count.
"Symptoms of runny, itchy nose and sneezing which are typical of hayfever are not typical of coronavirus.
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 Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
"Hay fever should respond to antihistamines and, if you have been prescribed them, nasal sprays.
"We would recommend that you treat hay fever proactively to minimise your symptoms, reducing the tendency for you to touch your face due to itch, and prevent unintentional spread of coronavirus by sneezing."
Grass and tree pollen are the most common causes when it comes to hay fever, with the season typically lasting from May until September.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Nervy mood at centre of government as media attacks pile up

Governments in a crisis often face media coverage they believe is unfair or hostile .
If they think they have a strong case , a minister may be fielded onto the airwaves to defend a policy ; or officials may hit the phones to offer counter-briefings to put their side forward .
What political journalists have n't seen before - I 've covered politics for eight years , but colleagues who have done so for 20 years say the same - is a 2,100-word detailed rebuttal of a newspaper article of the sort produced last night .
Published on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by departments and Conservative MPs , is a blistering response to the highly critical investigation by the Sunday Times into the `` lost '' first five weeks of the coronavirus crisis .
In it , a government spokesman attacks `` a series of falsehoods and errors '' which they say `` actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government at the earliest stages '' and describing some of the claims as `` sloppy and unscientific '' .
Several officials are understood to have been involved in drafting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not allow `` falsehoods like that to go unanswered '' .
It is the second one of these rebuttals within just two days , after 2,900 words were issued on Saturday in response to a Financial Times article describing procurement of ventilators based on `` muddled thinking and political egotism '' .
The article was not even on the newspaper 's front page , and the rebuttal did not just respond to the article itself , but what the government claimed were `` inaccurate claims and assertions '' in an accompanying Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far cry from Donald Trump 's tweets about the fake news media , but seems to betray a nervy mood at the centre , against what those inside government see as hatchet jobs by sections of the media .
The government response to the Sunday Times article does not resolve the truth or otherwise of some of the claims the journalists make , including that the scientific establishment treated COVID-19 as a flu pandemic - hence the early discussion of `` herd immunity '' - until modelling based on death rates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Much of the anger is focused at the accusation that the prime minister personally was guilty of dereliction of duty by missing five Cobra meetings in the early stages of the crisis .
This is a fact which was known weeks ago ; but the article quotes an `` adviser to Downing Street '' - which the government 's rebuttal makes clear is not the same as a Downing Street special adviser - saying his absence was unusual , and putting it down to the prime minister enjoying a break in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point is a furious denial and references the fact that Labour 's Alan Johnson chaired Cobra as health secretary during the bird flu pandemic in 2009 which was feared could be deadly in the UK .
Is this a new strategy ?
Number 10 under Boris Johnson had its early run-ins with the media , with senior political journalists boycotting a briefing in early February because not all colleagues were invited to attend .
Mr Johnson 's early media appearances on traditional outlets were relatively infrequent .
But the coronavirus crisis - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists from a wide range of outlets question and scrutinise cabinet ministers - has changed all that .
Officials and ministers know the stakes could not be higher - thrust into an economy-destroying pandemic they could never have predicted just weeks after an election victory based on delivering Brexit and levelling up the country .
Boris Johnson , still convalescing from the virus , is enjoying high public approval ratings and the lockdown is widely supported in polls as a necessary measure .
Nonetheless , the mood can turn quickly , and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that their handling of this crisis - no doubt to be picked over in future inquiries - is likely to define his premiership .
Early comments from ministers and scientists are already being picked over .
There is a clear reason to get their version of history out straightaway .

Governments in a crisis often face media coverage they believe is unfair or hostile.
If they think they have a strong case, a minister may be fielded onto the airwaves to defend a policy; or officials may hit the phones to offer counter-briefings to put their side forward.
What political journalists haven't seen before - I've covered politics for eight years, but colleagues who have done so for 20 years say the same - is a 2,100-word detailed rebuttal of a newspaper article of the sort produced last night.
Published on the government website, and duly tweeted out by departments and Conservative MPs, is a blistering response to the highly critical investigation by the Sunday Times into the "lost" first five weeks of the coronavirus crisis.
In it, a government spokesman attacks "a series of falsehoods and errors" which they say "actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government at the earliest stages" and describing some of the claims as "sloppy and unscientific".
Several officials are understood to have been involved in drafting it, one insider telling me the government could not allow "falsehoods like that to go unanswered".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:59 'It is normal for a PM not to be at COBRA'
It is the second one of these rebuttals within just two days, after 2,900 words were issued on Saturday in response to a Financial Times article describing procurement of ventilators based on "muddled thinking and political egotism".
The article was not even on the newspaper's front page, and the rebuttal did not just respond to the article itself, but what the government claimed were "inaccurate claims and assertions" in an accompanying Twitter thread by the journalist.
It's a far cry from Donald Trump's tweets about the fake news media, but seems to betray a nervy mood at the centre, against what those inside government see as hatchet jobs by sections of the media.
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The government response to the Sunday Times article does not resolve the truth or otherwise of some of the claims the journalists make, including that the scientific establishment treated COVID-19 as a flu pandemic - hence the early discussion of "herd immunity" - until modelling based on death rates in Italy swung the balance towards a lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:23 Tony Blair: Government was 'slow'
Much of the anger is focused at the accusation that the prime minister personally was guilty of dereliction of duty by missing five Cobra meetings in the early stages of the crisis.
This is a fact which was known weeks ago; but the article quotes an "adviser to Downing Street" - which the government's rebuttal makes clear is not the same as a Downing Street special adviser - saying his absence was unusual, and putting it down to the prime minister enjoying a break in the countryside.
The government's response on this point is a furious denial and references the fact that Labour's Alan Johnson chaired Cobra as health secretary during the bird flu pandemic in 2009 which was feared could be deadly in the UK.
Is this a new strategy? Number 10 under Boris Johnson had its early run-ins with the media, with senior political journalists boycotting a briefing in early February because not all colleagues were invited to attend.
Mr Johnson's early media appearances on traditional outlets were relatively infrequent.
But the coronavirus crisis - with daily televised press conferences in which journalists from a wide range of outlets question and scrutinise cabinet ministers - has changed all that.
Officials and ministers know the stakes could not be higher - thrust into an economy-destroying pandemic they could never have predicted just weeks after an election victory based on delivering Brexit and levelling up the country.
Boris Johnson, still convalescing from the virus, is enjoying high public approval ratings and the lockdown is widely supported in polls as a necessary measure.
Nonetheless, the mood can turn quickly, and those at the top of government are painfully aware that their handling of this crisis - no doubt to be picked over in future inquiries - is likely to define his premiership.
Early comments from ministers and scientists are already being picked over. There is a clear reason to get their version of history out straightaway.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Trump questions whether China started outbreak deliberately

Donald Trump has attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic - questioning whether it was a `` mistake that got out of control '' or a crisis that was started deliberately .
At the daily White House briefing , the US president warned that Beijing would face consequences if it was `` knowingly responsible '' for the spread of COVID-19 , but he stopped short of saying what type of actions he might take .
`` It could have been stopped in China before it started and it was n't , and the whole world is suffering from it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
The president has ramped up his rhetoric in recent days , and he has repeatedly referred to coronavirus as the `` Chinese virus '' in the past .
Mr Trump and his senior aides have also accused China of lacking transparency .
These allegations resurfaced after the city of Wuhan , where the outbreak began , revised its total number of fatalities upwards - increasing them by 50 % .
Dr Deborah Birx , the coordinator of the White House coronavirus taskforce , also questioned China 's data on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death rate per 100,000 people is substantially below major European countries and the US .
Describing China 's figures as `` unrealistic '' , she warned the country has a `` moral obligation '' to provide credible information to the rest of the world .
This week , the Trump administration also suspended aid to the World Health Organisation - accusing the UN health agency of being `` China-centric '' .
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from shortcomings in his own response to the pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases , with more than 730,000 infections and over 38,000 deaths .
There are concerns in the White House of a potential backlash if tensions between Washington and Beijing get too heated , as the US is heavily reliant on China for personal protective equipment .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Demonstrations demanding an end to stay-at-home measures that have hit America 's economy spread further on Saturday .
This is despite the fact that new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and experts warning that relaxing restrictions too quickly could prove disastrous .
Texas and Vermont are going to allow certain businesses to reopen on Monday , while the state of Montana is planning to lift restrictions on Friday .
`` We continue to see a number of positive signs that the virus has passed its peak , '' the president told reporters .
New York , which has recorded almost half of the country 's deaths from COVID-19 , reported 540 new coronavirus-related fatalities on Saturday - the lowest daily number since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has sparred with Donald Trump repeatedly during the pandemic , said : `` If you look at the past three days , you could argue that we are past the plateau and we 're starting to descend , which would be very good news . ''
However , Mr Cuomo warned that 2,000 people are still being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 on a daily basis - and said nursing homes remain a `` feeding frenzy '' for the virus .
`` We are not at a point when we are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
More than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the past month , with the closures of businesses and schools - alongside severe travel restrictions - hitting the economy hard .
However , an influential research model has suggested that strict adherence to stay-at-home orders imposed in 42 US states has been a crucial factor behind an improved forecast for the country 's coronavirus death toll .
The University of Washington is now projecting that 60,308 people in the US will die from coronavirus by 4 August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made earlier this week .

Donald Trump has attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic - questioning whether it was a "mistake that got out of control" or a crisis that was started deliberately.
At the daily White House briefing, the US president warned that Beijing would face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the spread of COVID-19, but he stopped short of saying what type of actions he might take.
"It could have been stopped in China before it started and it wasn't, and the whole world is suffering from it," Mr Trump told reporters on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds gather to protest lockdown in Minnesota
The president has ramped up his rhetoric in recent days, and he has repeatedly referred to coronavirus as the "Chinese virus" in the past.
Mr Trump and his senior aides have also accused China of lacking transparency. These allegations resurfaced after the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, revised its total number of fatalities upwards - increasing them by 50%.
Dr Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus taskforce, also questioned China's data on Saturday, with charts indicating that the country's death rate per 100,000 people is substantially below major European countries and the US.
Describing China's figures as "unrealistic", she warned the country has a "moral obligation" to provide credible information to the rest of the world.
This week, the Trump administration also suspended aid to the World Health Organisation - accusing the UN health agency of being "China-centric".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 14 April -Trump to reporter: 'You know you are a fake'
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from shortcomings in his own response to the pandemic.
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The US has by far the world's highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 730,000 infections and over 38,000 deaths.
There are concerns in the White House of a potential backlash if tensions between Washington and Beijing get too heated, as the US is heavily reliant on China for personal protective equipment.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Demonstrations demanding an end to stay-at-home measures that have hit America's economy spread further on Saturday.
This is despite the fact that new coronavirus hotspots are continuing to emerge nationwide, and experts warning that relaxing restrictions too quickly could prove disastrous.
Image: Protesters in Virginia have been rallying against stay-at-home orders and warning they 'will not comply'
Texas and Vermont are going to allow certain businesses to reopen on Monday, while the state of Montana is planning to lift restrictions on Friday.
"We continue to see a number of positive signs that the virus has passed its peak," the president told reporters.
New York, which has recorded almost half of the country's deaths from COVID-19, reported 540 new coronavirus-related fatalities on Saturday - the lowest daily number since 1 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 New York governor criticises Trump
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has sparred with Donald Trump repeatedly during the pandemic, said: "If you look at the past three days, you could argue that we are past the plateau and we're starting to descend, which would be very good news."
However, Mr Cuomo warned that 2,000 people are still being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 on a daily basis - and said nursing homes remain a "feeding frenzy" for the virus.
"We are not at a point when we are going to be reopening anything immediately," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:41 New Jersey care homes investigated
More than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the past month, with the closures of businesses and schools - alongside severe travel restrictions - hitting the economy hard.
However, an influential research model has suggested that strict adherence to stay-at-home orders imposed in 42 US states has been a crucial factor behind an improved forecast for the country's coronavirus death toll.
The University of Washington is now projecting that 60,308 people in the US will die from coronavirus by 4 August, a 12% decrease from a forecast made earlier this week.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: GPs say people could be ignoring early warning signs of cancer due to fears of COVID-19

The coronavirus age in Britain means a trip to your GP is potentially full of danger and disease .
Or at least that is what 's feared .
People are worried they will catch the virus if they go outside , or they 've already contracted it , and are now concerned about when and if they should seek medical help .
This fear also means they are ignoring niggling , early warning signs about other illnesses unconnected to coronavirus - cancers , early diabetes , and heart disease .
`` One of the things that worries me at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people hiding , there are a lot of people hiding away not wanting to come in , '' Dr Rob White said .
`` What we do n't want to happen is for cancer diagnosis , for instance , to be missed or delayed unnecessarily because of that COVID fear . ''
Communities are worried about being a burden on an already over-stretched NHS .
They 've seen the images of people fighting for breath on ventilators in hospital intensive care units ( ICUs ) and they 're panic stricken about ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices are dramatically changing their way of working .
In Whitstable , Kent , they have set up a two-tier system to try to cope with the coronavirus pandemic .
It has meant changing almost everything - from how they see patients , who they see , and what they wear to see them .
Many consultations up and down the UK are now done on the telephone or via smart phone apps .
But there are still people who will need to see their GP .
And these GP practices are themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a frightened community who may have the virus or who may be asymptomatic and are dangerous carriers without knowing it ; who definitely need reassurance but who may also need an ambulance called ; who may need a fracture x-rayed or a cut stitched .
The Estuary View Medical Centre has been divided into a hot and cold site .
But at both , the health workers have had to take extreme measures to ensure the health and safety of their staff and the patients they need to see and treat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , '' one said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The health workers and a team of volunteers all wear protective clothing to try to shield them from the virus .
It is protective equipment they have sourced , bought and sometimes had donated to them .
Nurse Heidi Edmund climbs into a plastic yellow hooded onesie with her initials scrawled on the back .
On top of this over the sleeves , she puts long , plastic gloves which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her elbow to ensure a seal .
She puts on a hair net , mask and plastic glasses .
This is how every patient who suspects they have COVID-19 is greeted .
After making appointments , they drive in to the surgery set up on the car park .
Four huge tents have been set up with four different entry lanes .
Each patient is given a mask before they drive into the receiving area .
They do n't get out of the vehicle unless they are so poorly they need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen is waiting or a more detailed examination is needed .
This way contamination is mostly confined to the vehicle .
At each consultation , they are assessed by measuring blood pressure , oxygen saturation levels , breathing and chest examinations .
Every patient they saw whilst we were there almost certainly had COVID-19 .
As Dr White frankly told one patient : `` You could have COVID and I think you need to consider that and make sure you 're isolating… sometimes it can rapidly deteriorate in which case you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time these medics are going on instinct .
They ca n't test to confirm so they have to err on the side of caution .
Each patient will be followed up to check for signs of deterioration - and to lend that increasingly important comforting ear to a population all feeling cut off and scared .
After each patient is seen , they wipe down their yellow overalls with disinfectant wipes .
Their gloves and masks are thrown away and they soak their hands in sanitiser whilst every bit of equipment touched or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stethoscope , the finger oxygen saturation measure , the box they 're laid in .
Nurse Heidi said : `` If we 're working at full tilt… with a patient coming in every half hour… we could be doing this quite a lot during the day .
`` It 's a disciplined approach but one which is essential to prevent cross contamination and to save lives . ''
The cold site is for those patients who need medical help but can avoid hospital .
They are a mini A & E .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were there .
Everyone who arrives at the cold clinic will be temperature-checked before entering and given a green sticker with their temperature on it so it is clear they have no fever .
Inside the radiographers wear facial visors and plastic aprons , masks and gloves to take the x-rays , the receptionists are behind a plastic shield and the doctors are wearing gloves , plastic visors , masks and gloves .
`` It 's become the new normal , '' said paramedic Paul Vigar .
`` And it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was pre-coronavirus anytime soon .
I personally anticipate it being like this for many months more . ''

The coronavirus age in Britain means a trip to your GP is potentially full of danger and disease.
Or at least that is what's feared.
People are worried they will catch the virus if they go outside, or they've already contracted it, and are now concerned about when and if they should seek medical help.
This fear also means they are ignoring niggling, early warning signs about other illnesses unconnected to coronavirus - cancers, early diabetes, and heart disease.
Image: The cold site is for those patients who need medical help but can avoid hospital
"One of the things that worries me at the minute is that there are a lot of people hiding, there are a lot of people hiding away not wanting to come in," Dr Rob White said.
"What we don't want to happen is for cancer diagnosis, for instance, to be missed or delayed unnecessarily because of that COVID fear."
Communities are worried about being a burden on an already over-stretched NHS.
They've seen the images of people fighting for breath on ventilators in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) and they're panic stricken about ending up there too. So, GP practices are dramatically changing their way of working.
In Whitstable, Kent, they have set up a two-tier system to try to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement
It has meant changing almost everything - from how they see patients, who they see, and what they wear to see them.
Many consultations up and down the UK are now done on the telephone or via smart phone apps.
But there are still people who will need to see their GP.
And these GP practices are themselves on the COVID-19 front line - coping with a frightened community who may have the virus or who may be asymptomatic and are dangerous carriers without knowing it; who definitely need reassurance but who may also need an ambulance called; who may need a fracture x-rayed or a cut stitched.
The Estuary View Medical Centre has been divided into a hot and cold site.
But at both, the health workers have had to take extreme measures to ensure the health and safety of their staff and the patients they need to see and treat.
"Everyone is a potential COVID patient now," one said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The health workers and a team of volunteers all wear protective clothing to try to shield them from the virus.
It is protective equipment they have sourced, bought and sometimes had donated to them.
Nurse Heidi Edmund climbs into a plastic yellow hooded onesie with her initials scrawled on the back.
On top of this over the sleeves, she puts long, plastic gloves which she stretches up her arm to near her elbow to ensure a seal.
She puts on a hair net, mask and plastic glasses. This is how every patient who suspects they have COVID-19 is greeted.
After making appointments, they drive in to the surgery set up on the car park.
Four huge tents have been set up with four different entry lanes. Each patient is given a mask before they drive into the receiving area.
They don't get out of the vehicle unless they are so poorly they need to be taken straight to a temporary building where oxygen is waiting or a more detailed examination is needed.
Image: Patients don't get out of the vehicle unless they have to
This way contamination is mostly confined to the vehicle.
At each consultation, they are assessed by measuring blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, breathing and chest examinations.
Every patient they saw whilst we were there almost certainly had COVID-19.
As Dr White frankly told one patient: "You could have COVID and I think you need to consider that and make sure you're isolating… sometimes it can rapidly deteriorate in which case you need to ring 999."
Most of the time these medics are going on instinct. They can't test to confirm so they have to err on the side of caution.
Each patient will be followed up to check for signs of deterioration - and to lend that increasingly important comforting ear to a population all feeling cut off and scared.
After each patient is seen, they wipe down their yellow overalls with disinfectant wipes.
Their gloves and masks are thrown away and they soak their hands in sanitiser whilst every bit of equipment touched or used is wiped down with bleach - the stethoscope, the finger oxygen saturation measure, the box they're laid in.
Nurse Heidi said: "If we're working at full tilt… with a patient coming in every half hour… we could be doing this quite a lot during the day.
"It's a disciplined approach but one which is essential to prevent cross contamination and to save lives."
The cold site is for those patients who need medical help but can avoid hospital.
They are a mini A&E. We saw three fractures in the time we were there.
Everyone who arrives at the cold clinic will be temperature-checked before entering and given a green sticker with their temperature on it so it is clear they have no fever.
Inside the radiographers wear facial visors and plastic aprons, masks and gloves to take the x-rays, the receptionists are behind a plastic shield and the doctors are wearing gloves, plastic visors, masks and gloves.
"It's become the new normal," said paramedic Paul Vigar.
"And it's not likely to go back to the way it was pre-coronavirus anytime soon. I personally anticipate it being like this for many months more."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Mr Kipling-maker doing exceedingly well as retail navigates crisis

The company behind Mr Kipling and Bisto has revealed a surge in sales as the wider retail sector battles the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown .
Premier Foods , which also counts Batchelors and Ambrosia in its stable of brands , said high demand for cupboard fillers helped its UK retail sales rise 15 % during March in the run-up to , and start of , the restrictions on movement aimed at limiting the strain from coronavirus on the NHS .
The company said its manufacturing facilities were working at `` maximum capacity '' to meet high demand and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of annual leave and a £250 cash bonus as a token of thanks .
Its trading statement said : `` Volumes have started to reduce from the exceptional levels seen in March , although are still expected to continue to be higher than average patterns of demand .
`` This reflects more meals being eaten at home than usual due to recent measures set out by the government and hence increased demand for the group 's product ranges . ''
As a result of the high demand , Premier said it expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top end of market expectations .
It separately said it had agreed a segregated merger of its pensions schemes that will save it £4m annually and provide `` greater funding certainty '' for its pension schemes members .
Its shares soared on the news in early trading and maintained those gains , ending the day up 29 % .
The grocery sector is expected to be among those best able to weather the storm facing the retail industry - with hundreds of thousands of staff currently furloughed as high streets remain largely closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( BRC ) latest measure of footfall , which monitors visits to shops , showed an 83 % decline in the first two weeks after non-essential outlets were shut .
The monitor , produced with ShopperTrak , recorded a 45 % decline in March as a whole .
Shopping centres were hardest hit , according to the data .
Separate figures from the BRC last week noted the worst ever rate of decline for retail sales last month .
Mecca bingo owner Rank Group said on Monday that 7,000 of its 7,600 staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on track to meet its banking covenants for the financial year to the end of June - even if all its outlets remained closed through the period .
DFS , the furniture firm , said it was in advanced talks over an additional debt facility of £60m-£70m with its existing lending banks .
While stores are closed , it reported a 20 % rise in online gross sales over the period from 25 March to 17 April .
It said that meant its approximate order books had grown by £7m to £192m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restart deliveries of big items in a safe manner .

The company behind Mr Kipling and Bisto has revealed a surge in sales as the wider retail sector battles the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Premier Foods, which also counts Batchelors and Ambrosia in its stable of brands, said high demand for cupboard fillers helped its UK retail sales rise 15% during March in the run-up to, and start of, the restrictions on movement aimed at limiting the strain from coronavirus on the NHS.
The company said its manufacturing facilities were working at "maximum capacity" to meet high demand and it was handing factory workers an extra two days of annual leave and a £250 cash bonus as a token of thanks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 The York high street adapting to lockdown
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Its trading statement said: "Volumes have started to reduce from the exceptional levels seen in March, although are still expected to continue to be higher than average patterns of demand.
"This reflects more meals being eaten at home than usual due to recent measures set out by the government and hence increased demand for the group's product ranges."
As a result of the high demand, Premier said it expected annual trading profit to be at the top end of market expectations.
It separately said it had agreed a segregated merger of its pensions schemes that will save it £4m annually and provide "greater funding certainty" for its pension schemes members.
Its shares soared on the news in early trading and maintained those gains, ending the day up 29%.
The grocery sector is expected to be among those best able to weather the storm facing the retail industry - with hundreds of thousands of staff currently furloughed as high streets remain largely closed down.
Advertisement
The British Retail Consortium's (BRC) latest measure of footfall, which monitors visits to shops, showed an 83% decline in the first two weeks after non-essential outlets were shut.
The monitor, produced with ShopperTrak, recorded a 45% decline in March as a whole.
Shopping centres were hardest hit, according to the data.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
Separate figures from the BRC last week noted the worst ever rate of decline for retail sales last month.
Mecca bingo owner Rank Group said on Monday that 7,000 of its 7,600 staff were currently furloughed.
It said it was on track to meet its banking covenants for the financial year to the end of June - even if all its outlets remained closed through the period.
DFS, the furniture firm, said it was in advanced talks over an additional debt facility of £60m-£70m with its existing lending banks.
While stores are closed, it reported a 20% rise in online gross sales over the period from 25 March to 17 April.
It said that meant its approximate order books had grown by £7m to £192m - adding that it was examining ways to restart deliveries of big items in a safe manner.