news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: When will the lockdown end and how do we get out of it?

When Boris Johnson put the UK into lockdown on 23 March , he said it would last for an initial three weeks .
The law says that deadline is reached on Thursday so this week the government will be reviewing whether social distancing measures are working .
But if a decision to change the guidelines is taken , how will the UK government relax the rules and reopen an economy that 's been shut down by COVID-19 ?
Last week , leaders of Norway , Denmark , Czech Republic and Austria announced plans to relax restrictions in their countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks .
Experts had predicted the coronavirus pandemic would reach a peak on Easter Sunday in the UK , based on mathematical modelling .
That was the same day the death toll passed 10,000 people .
The outbreak then looked likely to plateau at that level for more than a few days .
But scientists and medics then pushed that timeline back , indicating that the UK might not reach a peak for another week at least .
Bronwen Maddox , director of the think-tank , Institute for Government says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be a `` real exit plan back to normal life '' .
She added : `` They [ the UK government ] will try with models to very carefully build up a picture of what happens if you release this or that , but they really do n't want to encourage people to lift it all at once .
`` There is some debate about whether schools are or are n't a big help in containing infection at the moment .
`` We 're going to have to start looking at both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical risk in trying to edge our way out of this . ''
One of Germany 's prominent think-tanks , Ifo Institute for Economic Research , suggests that industries with the highest economic value - such as telecommunications and carmakers - should be prioritised , while sectors that can afford to have employees working from home should continue to do so .
Their report suggests select regions with low infection rates and health care centres that have n't been overburdened could lead the way with a gradual reopening .
Any decision in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to be complicated by the fact that different parts of the country are at different stages in their outbreaks .
When restrictions were imposed on 23 March , the prime minister and his scientific advisers said the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the UK .
Indeed , on lockdown day , London accounted for more than one in four daily reported deaths in England and more than one third in the UK .
Over the last week or so that balance has shifted as other regions began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a similar story : the trend in London is down but the North West , the Midlands and the North East & Yorkshire have been regularly recording 20-40 % daily increases .
It is a similar picture in the other UK nations , notably Scotland and Wales where Health Minister Vaughan Gething recently suggested the virus was moving from the east to the west of the UK .
All this has brought speculation of a phased release to lockdown in which London , for example , might be freed first , while other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the rules .
Sky News data journalist Isla Glaister said : `` Of course , this comes with potential problems .
What if Londoners start travelling to other parts of the country ?
And , will people in areas still under restrictions resent those who are n't ?
`` Each day gives the scientists more information about the epidemic 's progress but , as people see the curve start to flatten they may become impatient to get back to normal life .
`` The government has always said the timing of when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so is how it is done and getting the balance right means it could be later , rather than sooner . ''
Denmark will become one of the first to relax restrictions in Europe .
But it was also among the first going into lockdown , on 11 March .
The country 's disease control research centre Statens Serum Institut ( SSI ) formed an expert group to develop mathematical models and study the impact of relaxing restrictions on specific dates .
The Danish approach has been to relax restrictions enough to satisfy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government sets out the restrictions it wants to lower and SSI sets the date at which this can be safely done .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Using SSI 's analysis , the Ministry of Health said the country could open day care centres on 15 April , as well as allow students facing final exams in secondary education and college to attend school .
It insisted that businesses continue working their employees from home wherever possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sustained compliance with social distancing '' measures .
The city of Wuhan - the epicentre at the start of the pandemic - has emerged from 76 days of lockdown with authorities still warning the threat of further infections remains far from over .
The rest of China went into lockdown starting in February and began loosening restrictions a couple of weeks later , except for Hebei province , where the COVID-19 pandemic began .
According to the investment bank UBS , around 30 % of scenic spots and some museums in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and theatres have been asked to shut after a government u-turn .
Most large events are still prohibited , and social distancing continues to be encouraged to prevent a relapse in infections .
Dr Simon Clarke , associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading warns cases do flare up in China , Japan and Singapore despite restrictions being relaxed .
He added : `` I think we will lift controls and then have to reintroduce them at some point .
`` The ( UK ) government will have to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and decide how best to let the foot off the brake . ''

When Boris Johnson put the UK into lockdown on 23 March, he said it would last for an initial three weeks.
The law says that deadline is reached on Thursday so this week the government will be reviewing whether social distancing measures are working.
But if a decision to change the guidelines is taken, how will the UK government relax the rules and reopen an economy that's been shut down by COVID-19?
Last week, leaders of Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic and Austria announced plans to relax restrictions in their countries. The plans will be put in place in the coming weeks.
Experts had predicted the coronavirus pandemic would reach a peak on Easter Sunday in the UK, based on mathematical modelling. That was the same day the death toll passed 10,000 people.
The outbreak then looked likely to plateau at that level for more than a few days. But scientists and medics then pushed that timeline back, indicating that the UK might not reach a peak for another week at least.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:00 Special report: Two weeks since the lockdown in the UK began
Bronwen Maddox, director of the think-tank, Institute for Government says until a vaccine is created there won't be a "real exit plan back to normal life".
She added: "They [the UK government] will try with models to very carefully build up a picture of what happens if you release this or that, but they really don't want to encourage people to lift it all at once.
"There is some debate about whether schools are or aren't a big help in containing infection at the moment.
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"We're going to have to start looking at both areas of greatest economic cost and least medical risk in trying to edge our way out of this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 Starmer: The govt needs lockdown exit plan
One of Germany's prominent think-tanks, Ifo Institute for Economic Research, suggests that industries with the highest economic value - such as telecommunications and carmakers - should be prioritised, while sectors that can afford to have employees working from home should continue to do so.
Their report suggests select regions with low infection rates and health care centres that haven't been overburdened could lead the way with a gradual reopening.
Any decision in the UK about whether to loosen the lockdown is likely to be complicated by the fact that different parts of the country are at different stages in their outbreaks.
When restrictions were imposed on 23 March, the prime minister and his scientific advisers said the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the UK.
Indeed, on lockdown day, London accounted for more than one in four daily reported deaths in England and more than one third in the UK. Over the last week or so that balance has shifted as other regions began to catch up.
Hospital admissions tell a similar story: the trend in London is down but the North West, the Midlands and the North East & Yorkshire have been regularly recording 20-40% daily increases.
It is a similar picture in the other UK nations, notably Scotland and Wales where Health Minister Vaughan Gething recently suggested the virus was moving from the east to the west of the UK.
All this has brought speculation of a phased release to lockdown in which London, for example, might be freed first, while other regions and cities will still have to follow the rules.
Sky News data journalist Isla Glaister said: "Of course, this comes with potential problems. What if Londoners start travelling to other parts of the country? And, will people in areas still under restrictions resent those who aren't?
"Each day gives the scientists more information about the epidemic's progress but, as people see the curve start to flatten they may become impatient to get back to normal life.
"The government has always said the timing of when lockdown is lifted is crucial - but so is how it is done and getting the balance right means it could be later, rather than sooner."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Gove: 'Nobody likes a lockdown'
Denmark will become one of the first to relax restrictions in Europe. But it was also among the first going into lockdown, on 11 March.
The country's disease control research centre Statens Serum Institut (SSI) formed an expert group to develop mathematical models and study the impact of relaxing restrictions on specific dates.
The Danish approach has been to relax restrictions enough to satisfy the population's demand for incremental freedom. The government sets out the restrictions it wants to lower and SSI sets the date at which this can be safely done.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Using SSI's analysis, the Ministry of Health said the country could open day care centres on 15 April, as well as allow students facing final exams in secondary education and college to attend school.
It insisted that businesses continue working their employees from home wherever possible as their models were extremely sensitive to "sustained compliance with social distancing" measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Light show as Wuhan opens up after lockdown
The city of Wuhan - the epicentre at the start of the pandemic - has emerged from 76 days of lockdown with authorities still warning the threat of further infections remains far from over.
The rest of China went into lockdown starting in February and began loosening restrictions a couple of weeks later, except for Hebei province, where the COVID-19 pandemic began.
According to the investment bank UBS, around 30% of scenic spots and some museums in China have reopened to the public but cinemas and theatres have been asked to shut after a government u-turn.
Most large events are still prohibited, and social distancing continues to be encouraged to prevent a relapse in infections.
Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading warns cases do flare up in China, Japan and Singapore despite restrictions being relaxed.
He added: "I think we will lift controls and then have to reintroduce them at some point.
"The (UK) government will have to sit down with advisers - their mathematical modelers - and decide how best to let the foot off the brake."


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Hand hacked off police officer enforcing lockdown in India

A police officer 's hand has been hacked off while he was attempting to uphold the lockdown in India .
Surgeons later re-attached the hand after police battled a group who were refusing to comply with the country 's coronavirus restrictions .
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh was taking part in an enforcement operation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when he tried to stop a group of five men in a market in the Punjab city of Patiala .
Asst Sub-Insp Singh was hit with a sword , severing his wrist .
Patiala 's Senior Superintendent of police Mandeep Singh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show passes .
But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades . ''
The incident was recorded on a mobile phone by a witness .
The men then fled to a Sikh temple about six miles ( 10km ) to the south , where they took refuge for hours , threatening to set fire to gas cylinders if security forces entered .
Police surrounded the Gurudwara Khichri Sahib and attempted to negotiate , but the gang opened fire on officers .
In the exchange , one of the attackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the five who were originally stopped at the vegetable market , were arrested and charged with various criminal offences .
The group of men belonged to the Nihang community - a sect that carries traditional arms and wears blue robes .
Officers seized a stash of arms , ammunition , petrol bombs and large amounts of cash .
The sub-inspector was rushed to hospital in Chandigarh where he underwent a seven and a half hour operation .
Lead surgeon , Dr Jagat Ram , said afterwards : `` This was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been successfully done . ''
Punjab 's chief minister , Captain Amarinder Singh , tweeted : `` I thank the entire team of doctors and support staff for their painstaking effort .
Wishing ASI Harjeet Singh a speedy recovery . ''
India 's lockdown , which is in its 20th day , is set to be extended Authorities initially said it would last three weeks but signs are that it will be extended for another two weeks .
The states of Odisha , Punjab , Karnataka and Maharashtra have already extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India has a federal structure , state chief minsters can extend the shut down individually .
The government is mindful of the economic repercussions of the extension and there are plans to resume limited industrial activity but with reasonable safeguards .
The lockdown has had a devastating effect on daily wage earners , contract workers and the migrant labour force .
They form almost 81 % of the country 's working population with millions unable to work and or earn money while the restrictions are in place .
An extension would further hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrant workers torched vegetable carts and damaged vehicles in Surat , Gujarat .
They were protesting against not being paid and demanding to be allowed to go back to their homes and villages .
Police arrested 81 people .
The government has set out a $ 22.5bn relief package for all sectors including the poor , women and daily workers .

A police officer's hand has been hacked off while he was attempting to uphold the lockdown in India.
Surgeons later re-attached the hand after police battled a group who were refusing to comply with the country's coronavirus restrictions.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh was taking part in an enforcement operation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when he tried to stop a group of five men in a market in the Punjab city of Patiala.
Image: The gate being policed when the group attacked
Asst Sub-Insp Singh was hit with a sword, severing his wrist.
Patiala's Senior Superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said: "They were asked to show passes. But they rammed the vehicle against the gate and the barricades."
The incident was recorded on a mobile phone by a witness.
The men then fled to a Sikh temple about six miles (10km) to the south, where they took refuge for hours, threatening to set fire to gas cylinders if security forces entered.
Police surrounded the Gurudwara Khichri Sahib and attempted to negotiate, but the gang opened fire on officers.
In the exchange, one of the attackers was hurt.
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Eventually, seven men, including the five who were originally stopped at the vegetable market, were arrested and charged with various criminal offences.
The group of men belonged to the Nihang community - a sect that carries traditional arms and wears blue robes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:50 How is India coping with lockdown?
Officers seized a stash of arms, ammunition, petrol bombs and large amounts of cash.
The sub-inspector was rushed to hospital in Chandigarh where he underwent a seven and a half hour operation.
Lead surgeon, Dr Jagat Ram, said afterwards: "This was a technically very complex and challenging surgery, which has been successfully done."
Punjab's chief minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, tweeted: "I thank the entire team of doctors and support staff for their painstaking effort. Wishing ASI Harjeet Singh a speedy recovery."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Mass exodus of migrant workers in India
India's lockdown, which is in its 20th day, is set to be extended
Authorities initially said it would last three weeks but signs are that it will be extended for another two weeks.
The states of Odisha, Punjab, Karnataka and Maharashtra have already extended the lockdown until 30 April.
As India has a federal structure, state chief minsters can extend the shut down individually.
The government is mindful of the economic repercussions of the extension and there are plans to resume limited industrial activity but with reasonable safeguards.
The lockdown has had a devastating effect on daily wage earners, contract workers and the migrant labour force.
They form almost 81% of the country's working population with millions unable to work and or earn money while the restrictions are in place. An extension would further hit this group.
Over the weekend, migrant workers torched vegetable carts and damaged vehicles in Surat, Gujarat.
They were protesting against not being paid and demanding to be allowed to go back to their homes and villages. Police arrested 81 people.
The government has set out a $22.5bn relief package for all sectors including the poor, women and daily workers.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Business groups seek urgent extension to 'furloughing' scheme

Ministers are under pressure to extend the government ’ s emergency wage subsidy scheme within days amid warnings that employers are on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs .
Sky News has learnt that business groups including the CBI have told the Treasury and the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) that their members will have to decide by 18 April whether they can keep workers on their payroll beyond the end of May .
Next week 's deadline is critical because employment law requires any company wanting to make more than 100 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
Unless there is confirmation by this weekend that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended , companies in some industries are warning that they will not be able to pay staff in June - even if the lockdown has been partly lifted .
Sources said the issue had been under discussion between a range of employers ' bodies and Whitehall departments in recent days in an effort to secure a swift decision about the future of the scheme .
The initiative was unveiled last month by Rishi Sunak , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 'furlough ' their workers for a three-month period backdated to the beginning of March .
Under the scheme , the government will pay up to 80 % of any employee 's wages , up to a maximum of £2500 per month .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The programme has already seen massive take-up , with British Airways recently announcing that it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees .
High street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stores during the pandemic have also been among the big users of the scheme .
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation thinktank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough .
Mr Sunak said he would view large-scale take-up as `` a success '' - with the initial three-month cost now forecast to be as high as £40bn .

Ministers are under pressure to extend the government’s emergency wage subsidy scheme within days amid warnings that employers are on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs.
Sky News has learnt that business groups including the CBI have told the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that their members will have to decide by 18 April whether they can keep workers on their payroll beyond the end of May.
Next week's deadline is critical because employment law requires any company wanting to make more than 100 people redundant must first hold a 45-day consultation period.
Unless there is confirmation by this weekend that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended, companies in some industries are warning that they will not be able to pay staff in June - even if the lockdown has been partly lifted.
Image: The scheme was launched by the chancellor to help businesses pay their wages during the lockdown
Sources said the issue had been under discussion between a range of employers' bodies and Whitehall departments in recent days in an effort to secure a swift decision about the future of the scheme.
The initiative was unveiled last month by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, offering any employer the opportunity to 'furlough' their workers for a three-month period backdated to the beginning of March.
Under the scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of any employee's wages, up to a maximum of £2500 per month.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The programme has already seen massive take-up, with British Airways recently announcing that it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees.
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High street retailers which have been forced to close their stores during the pandemic have also been among the big users of the scheme.
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation thinktank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough.
Mr Sunak said he would view large-scale take-up as "a success" - with the initial three-month cost now forecast to be as high as £40bn.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Irish immunologist criticises British government's response to outbreak

One of Ireland 's leading immunologists has criticised the British government 's delay in restricting citizen 's movements , as the UK 's death toll continues to climb .
As of today , the UK has confirmed 11,329 coronavirus deaths , giving a per capita death rate of 16.9 per 100,000 people .
Ireland has registered 365 deaths , with a per capita rate of 7.4 per 100,000 people .
`` We 're shocked by what 's happening in the UK '' , says Prof Luke O'Neill , an immunologist at Trinity College Dublin .
`` I 've got lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] and their jaws are dropping ... twice the death rate of Ireland ?
`` It could be population density , but that does n't seem to be the case .
The only explanation at the moment has to be shutting things down quickly .
`` The UK delayed , and that could be disastrous . ''
Prof O'Neill attributes the Irish government 's swift decisions to close schools and pubs as key factors in preventing asymptomatic infection , and keeping Ireland 's outbreak at a relatively manageable level so far .
Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just three days after St Patrick 's Day celebrations were cancelled .
The UK did n't follow suit until 20 March .
Irish pubs were closed on 16 March , five days before the UK .
In between , more than 250,000 racegoers attended the four-day Cheltenham festival , many of them visitors from Ireland .
Boris Johnson 's government then undertook a change in direction and brought in `` lockdown '' measures four days before Ireland .
Some are n't persuaded by the argument that earlier action has led to lower mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prof Keith Neal , emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , argues that higher numbers of international travellers put the UK at a disadvantage .
`` The most likely explanation is we got COVID-19 much earlier than Ireland , '' he says .
`` The risk of introduction is related to the number of travellers coming back with an infection .
`` Although Ireland may have the same number of international travellers per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first introductions is related to the actual number of travellers .
`` The UK is 13 times larger in population than Ireland and London is much more of an international centre and hub than Dublin . ''
Prof Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia thinks different demographics need to be considered .
He said : `` One possibility is the higher proportion of BAME people in UK as there is some evidence that this group are more likely to get more ill. '' Other factors such as poverty and relative deprivation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's too early to say for certain . ''
However , the Irish government has no such reservations .
Minister for Health Simon Harris told Sky News : `` I think there 's no doubt the early introduction of measures in Ireland to restrict movement and cancel mass gatherings has been absolutely essential .
`` We 've had people look at our modelling here and they tell us we 'd be in a very different place in Ireland if we had n't made those decisions . ''
Experts appear to agree that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries need to be explored - and lessons can still be learnt .
Prof Hunter added : `` The underlying mechanisms between the differing mortality rates between the UK and Ireland are still unclear and need to be investigated very carefully to ensure that we do not miss the opportunity to reduce deaths in the UK . ''

One of Ireland's leading immunologists has criticised the British government's delay in restricting citizen's movements, as the UK's death toll continues to climb.
As of today, the UK has confirmed 11,329 coronavirus deaths, giving a per capita death rate of 16.9 per 100,000 people.
Ireland has registered 365 deaths, with a per capita rate of 7.4 per 100,000 people.
"We're shocked by what's happening in the UK", says Prof Luke O'Neill, an immunologist at Trinity College Dublin.
"I've got lots of scientist collaborators [in the UK] and their jaws are dropping...twice the death rate of Ireland?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Why is the death rate lower in Ireland?
"It could be population density, but that doesn't seem to be the case. The only explanation at the moment has to be shutting things down quickly.
"The UK delayed, and that could be disastrous."
Prof O'Neill attributes the Irish government's swift decisions to close schools and pubs as key factors in preventing asymptomatic infection, and keeping Ireland's outbreak at a relatively manageable level so far.
Ireland's schools closed on 12 March, just three days after St Patrick's Day celebrations were cancelled. The UK didn't follow suit until 20 March.
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Image: A sign in Dublin reinforcing the social distancing message
Irish pubs were closed on 16 March, five days before the UK. In between, more than 250,000 racegoers attended the four-day Cheltenham festival, many of them visitors from Ireland.
Boris Johnson's government then undertook a change in direction and brought in "lockdown" measures four days before Ireland.
Some aren't persuaded by the argument that earlier action has led to lower mortality in Ireland.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prof Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, argues that higher numbers of international travellers put the UK at a disadvantage.
"The most likely explanation is we got COVID-19 much earlier than Ireland," he says. "The risk of introduction is related to the number of travellers coming back with an infection.
"Although Ireland may have the same number of international travellers per head of population, your risk of first introductions is related to the actual number of travellers.
"The UK is 13 times larger in population than Ireland and London is much more of an international centre and hub than Dublin."
Image: Professor Neal says higher numbers of international travellers puts the UK at a disadvantage
Prof Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia thinks different demographics need to be considered.
He said: "One possibility is the higher proportion of BAME people in UK as there is some evidence that this group are more likely to get more ill.
"Other factors such as poverty and relative deprivation could also play a part but it's too early to say for certain."
However, the Irish government has no such reservations.
Minister for Health Simon Harris told Sky News: "I think there's no doubt the early introduction of measures in Ireland to restrict movement and cancel mass gatherings has been absolutely essential.
"We've had people look at our modelling here and they tell us we'd be in a very different place in Ireland if we hadn't made those decisions."
Experts appear to agree that the differing death rates in the two neighbouring countries need to be explored - and lessons can still be learnt.
Prof Hunter added: "The underlying mechanisms between the differing mortality rates between the UK and Ireland are still unclear and need to be investigated very carefully to ensure that we do not miss the opportunity to reduce deaths in the UK."


news--2020-04-11--Donald Trump accused of fanning hatred by former diplomat over election attack ad

Donald Trump has been accused of `` fanning hatred '' after a re-election attack advert wrongly suggested a former US ambassador to Beijing was a Chinese official .
Gary Locke , who held the top diplomatic post during Barack Obama 's administration and also served as commerce secretary , was born in Washington and was governor of the state for eight years .
In a statement , Mr Locke , 70 , said : `` President Trump and his team are fanning hatred and it needs to stop now .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hate crimes and discrimination against the Asian American community are on the rise [ since the coronavirus epidemic began ] .
And the Trump team is making it worse .
`` Asian Americans are Americans .
Period .
We defend our country in wars , build businesses and create jobs , serve in all levels of our government , and are treating patients on the frontlines of this crisis as we speak . ''
In the commercial , which was released on Thursday , presumptive Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden is portrayed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears briefly greeting the former vice president on stage in Beijing in 2013 .
It is part of a montage of pictures of Mr Biden , who is expected to take on Mr Trump in November 's presidential election , with Chinese figures , including president Xi Jinping .
The Democrat is running neck and neck with Mr Trump , with the latest opinion poll putting them both on 42 % , according to Real Clear Politics .
Mr Biden said in a statement that attacks against Asian Americans were `` disgusting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not directly mention the Trump campaign ad .
`` The casual racism and regular xenophobia that we have seen from Trump and this administration is a national scourge . ''
`` Donald Trump only knows how to speak to people 's fears , not their better angels .
He only ever seeks to place blame , instead of claiming responsibility , '' Mr Biden said .
The spread of the coronavirus , which was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 , has led to a rise in attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Trump administration , which has been accused of being too slow to react to the spread of COVID-19 , has referred to the coronavirus both as the `` Wuhan virus '' and the `` Chinese virus . ''
Monitoring group Stop AAPI Hate said it has received more than 1,100 reports of coronavirus discrimination from Asian Americans across the country in the first two weeks alone after it was launched last month .
Former Democrat candidate , Andrew Yang , described Mr Locke on Twitter as as `` American as the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was trying to rewrite history and shift attention from Mr Trump 's poor response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh defended the ad on Twitter , saying it `` specifically places Biden in Beijing '' .

Donald Trump has been accused of "fanning hatred" after a re-election attack advert wrongly suggested a former US ambassador to Beijing was a Chinese official.
Gary Locke, who held the top diplomatic post during Barack Obama's administration and also served as commerce secretary, was born in Washington and was governor of the state for eight years.
In a statement, Mr Locke, 70, said: "President Trump and his team are fanning hatred and it needs to stop now.
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"Hate crimes and discrimination against the Asian American community are on the rise [since the coronavirus epidemic began]. And the Trump team is making it worse.
"Asian Americans are Americans. Period. We defend our country in wars, build businesses and create jobs, serve in all levels of our government, and are treating patients on the frontlines of this crisis as we speak."
In the commercial, which was released on Thursday, presumptive Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden is portrayed as being soft on China.
Mr Locke appears briefly greeting the former vice president on stage in Beijing in 2013.
It is part of a montage of pictures of Mr Biden, who is expected to take on Mr Trump in November's presidential election, with Chinese figures, including president Xi Jinping.
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The Democrat is running neck and neck with Mr Trump, with the latest opinion poll putting them both on 42%, according to Real Clear Politics.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
Mr Biden said in a statement that attacks against Asian Americans were "disgusting and racist acts," though he did not directly mention the Trump campaign ad.
"The casual racism and regular xenophobia that we have seen from Trump and this administration is a national scourge."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
"Donald Trump only knows how to speak to people's fears, not their better angels. He only ever seeks to place blame, instead of claiming responsibility," Mr Biden said.
The spread of the coronavirus, which was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019, has led to a rise in attacks on Asian Americans across the US.
The Trump administration, which has been accused of being too slow to react to the spread of COVID-19, has referred to the coronavirus both as the "Wuhan virus" and the "Chinese virus."
Monitoring group Stop AAPI Hate said it has received more than 1,100 reports of coronavirus discrimination from Asian Americans across the country in the first two weeks alone after it was launched last month.
Former Democrat candidate, Andrew Yang, described Mr Locke on Twitter as as "American as the day is long" and claimed the campaign was trying to rewrite history and shift attention from Mr Trump's poor response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh defended the ad on Twitter, saying it "specifically places Biden in Beijing".


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Beaten man 'living in fear' after South African police enforce lockdown with attack

Vumani Mbele said he felt 'pure humiliation ' after the attack Almost every morning , a detachment of South African soldiers make their way through the densely populated township of Alexandra .
It is better known as 'Alex ' and it is situated just a stone 's throw from the main financial district in Johannesburg .
The members of this ramshackle community , who number between 200,000 and 300,000 , seem to ebb and flow around the troops , who ask and plead and order the residents to stay inside their shacks .
But the men and women in uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down mud-strewn alleyways and pop back up when the soldiers had passed .
The majority here share one room shacks with family or friends - and they are not prepared to spend all day indoors .
The realities of life in townships like 'Alex ' make South Africa 's lockdown extremely difficult to enforce and we have witnessed members of the police and the military lose their patience and strike out at residents who are not following their commands .
: : Warning - Images below of bruising from a beating In one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infantryman stride up to a resident and punch and kick him without warning .
When we asked the young man for an interview , he said he was too scared to speak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Nationwide , the country 's police watchdog , the Independent Police Investigative Directorate ( IPID ) , is examining several dozen incidents since the lockdown began - a number which includes the deaths of at least eight members of the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ live near the city of Durban on the east coast , told our team that they had been assaulted and beaten by members of the local police last week .
`` What is the lockdown for ?
`` , asked mother-of-two Zonke Mbele , who was filming with her phone as the incident began .
`` Is the lockdown about abusing people - or is it about preventing people from transmitting the disease ? ''
Police officers entered their property when they spotted family members standing in their garden .
An officer tripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another policeman came for her .
Mrs Mbele says she was assaulted and stripped of her phone .
It was at that point , say the couple , that the beating began .
The police took their whips to the torso of Vumani Mbele , battering and bruising his body .
`` I am not okay .
My body is still very sore .
It feels like my ribs are fractured .
I am not okay , '' the 30-year old said .
Mr Mbele described the experience as `` pure humiliation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frightened .
`` I am living in fear .
I 'm terrified because they may attack me again on my way to work .
I tried to open a case at the police station nearby and they said come back after 21 days . ''
The Mbeles think the police are trying to ignore their complaint of mistreatment by telling them will have to wait until the end of the lockdown to do anything about it .
We decided to approach the IPID to see if the local police were dealing correctly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's spokesman , Sontaga Seisa , suggested they were not .
`` That is unfortunate ... the police are not supposed to be saying this is not the time for you as a person who has been abused or been assaulted ... that no , we can not assist you , just come back at the end of the lockdown period .
No , it does n't work like that . ''
The President of South Africa , Cyril Ramaphosa , asked members of the security services to respect the civil rights of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in March .
But their heavy-handed approach undermines the public 's support for this extraordinary measure .

Vumani Mbele's torso was whipped by officers, he says, leaving him battered and bruised, and he thinks he may have fractured ribs.
Vumani Mbele said he felt 'pure humiliation' after the attack
Almost every morning, a detachment of South African soldiers make their way through the densely populated township of Alexandra.
It is better known as 'Alex' and it is situated just a stone's throw from the main financial district in Johannesburg.
The members of this ramshackle community, who number between 200,000 and 300,000, seem to ebb and flow around the troops, who ask and plead and order the residents to stay inside their shacks.
Image: Troops patrol the streets of Alexandra township
Image: An undercover police officer in Johannesburg was filmed attacking a man with a whip
But the men and women in uniform are easy to ignore. People duck down mud-strewn alleyways and pop back up when the soldiers had passed.
The majority here share one room shacks with family or friends - and they are not prepared to spend all day indoors.
The realities of life in townships like 'Alex' make South Africa's lockdown extremely difficult to enforce and we have witnessed members of the police and the military lose their patience and strike out at residents who are not following their commands.
:: Warning - Images below of bruising from a beating
In one claustrophobic corner of Alexandra, we filmed an infantryman stride up to a resident and punch and kick him without warning.
When we asked the young man for an interview, he said he was too scared to speak.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Nationwide, the country's police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), is examining several dozen incidents since the lockdown began - a number which includes the deaths of at least eight members of the public.
Members of the Mbele family, who live near the city of Durban on the east coast, told our team that they had been assaulted and beaten by members of the local police last week.
"What is the lockdown for?", asked mother-of-two Zonke Mbele, who was filming with her phone as the incident began.
Image: Vumani Mbele was left 'battered and bruised' after police beat him. Pic: Vumani Mbele
"Is the lockdown about abusing people - or is it about preventing people from transmitting the disease?"
Police officers entered their property when they spotted family members standing in their garden. An officer tripped up her husband, Vumani, while another policeman came for her.
Image: Vumani Mbele says he fears he has fractured ribs
Mrs Mbele says she was assaulted and stripped of her phone.
It was at that point, say the couple, that the beating began. The police took their whips to the torso of Vumani Mbele, battering and bruising his body.
"I am not okay. My body is still very sore. It feels like my ribs are fractured. I am not okay," the 30-year old said.
Image: A soldier attacks a man in the street in Johannesburg
Mr Mbele described the experience as "pure humiliation" and told our team that he was frightened.
"I am living in fear. I'm terrified because they may attack me again on my way to work. I tried to open a case at the police station nearby and they said come back after 21 days."
The Mbeles think the police are trying to ignore their complaint of mistreatment by telling them will have to wait until the end of the lockdown to do anything about it.
We decided to approach the IPID to see if the local police were dealing correctly with the Mbele's case. The directorate's spokesman, Sontaga Seisa, suggested they were not.
"That is unfortunate... the police are not supposed to be saying this is not the time for you as a person who has been abused or been assaulted ...that no, we cannot assist you, just come back at the end of the lockdown period. No, it doesn't work like that."
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, asked members of the security services to respect the civil rights of all citizens when he announced the lockdown back in March.
But their heavy-handed approach undermines the public's support for this extraordinary measure.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Can we trust the data?

Coronavirus: Can we trust the data?

Barely a day goes by in the lifecycle of the coronavirus pandemic without a new model or analytical tool aiming to chart the spread or predict the outcome .
But data for COVID-19 is far from perfect .
Each afternoon the Department of Health and Social Care , which has collected figures from the four nations , publishes UK totals for confirmed cases and deaths .
The health authorities in those nations also release their own figures , not necessarily covering the same period .
Sky News is using these figures to report on coronavirus in the UK , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to compare countries .
These are just a few of the sources used by politicians and journalists worldwide talk about the number of cases and deaths , but the true totals are a mystery .
Here are a few reasons why .
It is difficult to say which country is testing more .
Currently , there is no centralised source with this information and many countries do not publish this on a regular basis but aggregate the total up to one particular day .
Testing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible and isolate them to contain the spread of the virus .
Experts say that Germany 's testing capacity is one of the main reasons for keeping the number of deaths with COVID-19 much lower than other countries with similar number of infected .
But there are several challenges in the testing process .
As COVID-19 is a new disease , there was no existing test and developing an accurate and reliable one takes time .
Early tests took a swab from a patient 's nose and throat and tried to match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we can not be sure of its accuracy .
It is also only able to detect a patient who currently has COVID-19 , so it is impossible to know how many people have been infected and recovered .
The UK is among the countries hoping to begin anti-body testing which aims to solve this problem .
Another challenge is testing enough people .
It is well known there has been a shortage of tests , but different countries also have different approaches and that complicates comparisons .
For example , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whereas Japan used a targeted testing criteria .
In the UK the criteria for testing has altered over time and the ratio of positive results to tests has fluctuated accordingly .
Most recently , the UK has mainly carried out tests in hospitals .
This means it is impossible to identify what proportion of the general population might have the virus and those who do test positive are often the sickest so most likely to die .
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance regularly points this out , saying the true ratio of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every 1,000 cases so there are now likely tens , if not hundreds of thousands of cases in the UK that have n't been identified .
As testing is expanded , we can expect to see more positive results , but the proportion might fall as we test more healthy people .
So , whilst identifying cases is crucial to understanding the scale of the pandemic , there is no way of knowing the true number of people infected with COVID-19 - currently or in the past .
What we do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive result from a laboratory test .
This is what organisations like the World Health Organization , Johns Hopkins University or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are recording as cases .
And this is what we call `` confirmed cases '' and the number is likely to be a small proportion of the true total .
Most asymptomatic people and those with mild symptoms are unlikely to have been tested and will be excluded from the count .
Comparing the number of confirmed cases in different countries is also problematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` confirmed case '' and have different testing regimes .
So , comparing the number of cases in Italy and the UK , for example , is not necessarily comparing like with like .
Deaths `` with '' or `` from '' Deaths is a more reliable measure , but it is not free of caveats .
Every day we are told the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 and died but we do not know if this was also the cause of their death .
That is why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` with '' COVID-19 or `` from '' it .
Around three quarters of people to die `` with '' the virus in the UK are aged over 70 and more than 95 % of them have underlying health problems .
It is reasonable to assume that many of them might have died from other conditions , despite being diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Professor Neil Ferguson who leads the Imperial College London team has suggested this could inflate the number of total deaths three-fold .
Official figures from most of the countries normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This means those who die at home , or in care homes , are missing .
There is no way of knowing how many people this affects , not least because many of them might not have been tested for the virus , but in the UK the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) has now released some data that gives us a glimpse of the disparity .
This inability to know the true number of deaths `` from '' COVID-19 plus the fact that the number of cases is underestimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` death rates '' or case fatality ratios , that is the number of deaths divided by the number of cases .
The World Health Organization and scientists say they expect the death rate at the end of the pandemic to be around 1 % .
Until its over , there is really no way of knowing .
Daily figures give us just a snapshot of the current situation .
But it is important to remember there is a crucial delay between infection and outcome : recovery or death .
So , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely contracted it around three weeks ago .
The temptation is to look at record daily increases in deaths and conclude measures to contain the virus are n't working .
However , patience is required as the true impact of lockdown wo n't be clear for at least three weeks from implementation .
In the UK , deaths announced on a particular day do not necessarily relate to people who have died in the previous 24-hours .
Often there is a delay created partly by the need to contact relatives .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths spanning a ten-day period .
This makes it incredibly difficult to chart progress made in slowing the spread of the virus .
So , if the data are n't perfect , then why use them ?
The simple answer is : it is all we have and despite it being incomplete , and at times misleading , it still provides a crucial part of the picture .
However , it is the responsibility of those that do use it - scientists , politicians and journalists - to be clear about its shortcomings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this article and we hope it helps you make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic and its progress .

Barely a day goes by in the lifecycle of the coronavirus pandemic without a new model or analytical tool aiming to chart the spread or predict the outcome.
But data for COVID-19 is far from perfect.
Each afternoon the Department of Health and Social Care, which has collected figures from the four nations, publishes UK totals for confirmed cases and deaths.
The health authorities in those nations also release their own figures, not necessarily covering the same period.
Sky News is using these figures to report on coronavirus in the UK, but we are using data from Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to compare countries.
These are just a few of the sources used by politicians and journalists worldwide talk about the number of cases and deaths, but the true totals are a mystery.
Here are a few reasons why.
The "unknown" number of tests
It is difficult to say which country is testing more. Currently, there is no centralised source with this information and many countries do not publish this on a regular basis but aggregate the total up to one particular day.
Advertisement
Testing is important to identify as many people infected as possible and isolate them to contain the spread of the virus.
Experts say that Germany's testing capacity is one of the main reasons for keeping the number of deaths with COVID-19 much lower than other countries with similar number of infected. But there are several challenges in the testing process.
As COVID-19 is a new disease, there was no existing test and developing an accurate and reliable one takes time.
Early tests took a swab from a patient's nose and throat and tried to match it to the DNA of the virus, but we cannot be sure of its accuracy.
It is also only able to detect a patient who currently has COVID-19, so it is impossible to know how many people have been infected and recovered. The UK is among the countries hoping to begin anti-body testing which aims to solve this problem.
Another challenge is testing enough people. It is well known there has been a shortage of tests, but different countries also have different approaches and that complicates comparisons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
For example, South Korea and Germany have tested extensively, whereas Japan used a targeted testing criteria.
In the UK the criteria for testing has altered over time and the ratio of positive results to tests has fluctuated accordingly.
Most recently, the UK has mainly carried out tests in hospitals. This means it is impossible to identify what proportion of the general population might have the virus and those who do test positive are often the sickest so most likely to die.
The under-reported cases
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance regularly points this out, saying the true ratio of deaths to cases is probably one death for every 1,000 cases so there are now likely tens, if not hundreds of thousands of cases in the UK that haven't been identified.
As testing is expanded, we can expect to see more positive results, but the proportion might fall as we test more healthy people.
So, whilst identifying cases is crucial to understanding the scale of the pandemic, there is no way of knowing the true number of people infected with COVID-19 - currently or in the past. What we do know is how many people have received a positive result from a laboratory test.
This is what organisations like the World Health Organization, Johns Hopkins University or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are recording as cases. And this is what we call "confirmed cases" and the number is likely to be a small proportion of the true total.
Most asymptomatic people and those with mild symptoms are unlikely to have been tested and will be excluded from the count.
Comparing the number of confirmed cases in different countries is also problematic because many use different criteria to define a "confirmed case" and have different testing regimes. So, comparing the number of cases in Italy and the UK, for example, is not necessarily comparing like with like.
Deaths "with" or "from"
Deaths is a more reliable measure, but it is not free of caveats.
Every day we are told the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 and died but we do not know if this was also the cause of their death. That is why it is important the distinction whether someone died "with" COVID-19 or "from" it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:50 How is India coping with lockdown?
Around three quarters of people to die "with" the virus in the UK are aged over 70 and more than 95% of them have underlying health problems. It is reasonable to assume that many of them might have died from other conditions, despite being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Professor Neil Ferguson who leads the Imperial College London team has suggested this could inflate the number of total deaths three-fold.
Official figures from most of the countries normally include only people who die in hospital. This means those who die at home, or in care homes, are missing.
There is no way of knowing how many people this affects, not least because many of them might not have been tested for the virus, but in the UK the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has now released some data that gives us a glimpse of the disparity.
This inability to know the true number of deaths "from" COVID-19 plus the fact that the number of cases is underestimated makes it difficult to estimate the so-called "death rates" or case fatality ratios, that is the number of deaths divided by the number of cases.
The World Health Organization and scientists say they expect the death rate at the end of the pandemic to be around 1%. Until its over, there is really no way of knowing.
The illusion of time
Daily figures give us just a snapshot of the current situation. But it is important to remember there is a crucial delay between infection and outcome: recovery or death.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
So, people who are dying with COVID-19 today, most likely contracted it around three weeks ago. The temptation is to look at record daily increases in deaths and conclude measures to contain the virus aren't working. However, patience is required as the true impact of lockdown won't be clear for at least three weeks from implementation.
In the UK, deaths announced on a particular day do not necessarily relate to people who have died in the previous 24-hours. Often there is a delay created partly by the need to contact relatives. When that data is published it can include deaths spanning a ten-day period. This makes it incredibly difficult to chart progress made in slowing the spread of the virus.
So, if the data aren't perfect, then why use them?
The simple answer is: it is all we have and despite it being incomplete, and at times misleading, it still provides a crucial part of the picture.
However, it is the responsibility of those that do use it - scientists, politicians and journalists - to be clear about its shortcomings. That is why we have written this article and we hope it helps you make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic and its progress.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus has now reached almost every part of the world, WHO says

The number of deaths due to coronavirus will pass 50,000 within the `` next few days '' , according to the World Health Organization .
The organisation 's director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday evening that the growing number of COVID-19 deaths was `` deeply concerning '' .
He said : `` As we enter the fourth month since the start of the pandemic , I 'm deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection .
`` Over the past five weeks we have witnessed a near exponential growth in the number of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and area .
`` The number of cases has more than doubled in the past week .
In the next few days , we will reach one million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths . ''
His words came as the number of confirmed cases worldwide sat at around 911,000 and the number of deaths more than 45,000 .
While China , where the virus originated , initially had by far the most cases , it has now been overtaken by the US ( 203,000 ) , Italy ( 110,000 ) and Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iran and the UK are closing in behind .
On Wednesday the Department of Health said 29,474 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK , 4,324 more than the 24 hours before .
563 people were confirmed to have died after testing positive for the disease - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Tedros called for more help to be directed at developing countries , including those in Africa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said COVID-19 `` could have serious social , economic , and political consequences '' .
He said it was `` critical '' that those countries were well equipped to detect , test and isolate cases , as well as identifying contacts of those confirmed to have been infected .
`` Many countries are asking people to stay at home and are shutting down population movement , which can help limiting transmission of the virus but can have unintended consequences on poor and vulnerable people , '' he added .
But he did offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - thanks to worldwide co-operation - was learning more about the disease every day .
He said : `` Three months ago we knew almost nothing about this virus but collectively we have learned an enormous amount and every day we learn more . ''
He said there had been an `` extraordinary response '' to the WHO 's call for countries to join trials aimed at finding cures and vaccines against the disease .
Some 74 countries have joined the trials so far - or are in the process of joining - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being assigned to one of the `` study arms '' .
Dr Tedros added : `` Each patient who joins the trial gets us one step closer to knowing which drugs work . ''

The number of deaths due to coronavirus will pass 50,000 within the "next few days", according to the World Health Organization.
The organisation's director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Wednesday evening that the growing number of COVID-19 deaths was "deeply concerning".
He said: "As we enter the fourth month since the start of the pandemic, I'm deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection.
"Over the past five weeks we have witnessed a near exponential growth in the number of new cases reaching almost every country, territory, and area.
"The number of cases has more than doubled in the past week. In the next few days, we will reach one million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths."
His words came as the number of confirmed cases worldwide sat at around 911,000 and the number of deaths more than 45,000.
While China, where the virus originated, initially had by far the most cases, it has now been overtaken by the US (203,000), Italy (110,000) and Spain (102,000). Germany, France, Iran and the UK are closing in behind.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:12 Ed Conway looks at how the UK's death rate compares to Italy's
On Wednesday the Department of Health said 29,474 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 4,324 more than the 24 hours before.
563 people were confirmed to have died after testing positive for the disease - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dr Tedros called for more help to be directed at developing countries, including those in Africa and Central and South America, where he said COVID-19 "could have serious social, economic, and political consequences".
He said it was "critical" that those countries were well equipped to detect, test and isolate cases, as well as identifying contacts of those confirmed to have been infected.
"Many countries are asking people to stay at home and are shutting down population movement, which can help limiting transmission of the virus but can have unintended consequences on poor and vulnerable people," he added.
But he did offer some hope, saying that the organisation - thanks to worldwide co-operation - was learning more about the disease every day.
He said: "Three months ago we knew almost nothing about this virus but collectively we have learned an enormous amount and every day we learn more."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
He said there had been an "extraordinary response" to the WHO's call for countries to join trials aimed at finding cures and vaccines against the disease.
Some 74 countries have joined the trials so far - or are in the process of joining - with more than 200 patients so far being assigned to one of the "study arms".
Dr Tedros added: "Each patient who joins the trial gets us one step closer to knowing which drugs work."


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Axing bank dividends will hit millions of small investors

Many savers rely on bank dividends as a vital source of income There had been a growing air of inevitability during this coronavirus crisis that Britain 's banks would have to call off their dividend payments .
During the last two weeks , an expanding list of leading companies , including the advertising and marketing giant WPP , the broadcaster ITV , the builders merchant Travis Perkins , the housebuilder Persimmon and the retailers Next and Marks & Spencer , had all cancelled their latest dividend payments to conserve cash .
Pressure on the UK 's lenders began to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Central Bank told lenders in the Eurozone not to pay any dividends until 1 October this year and also to `` refrain '' from share buybacks .
Yet , when it came to the British banks , things moved a little more slowly .
That was for a couple of reasons .
The first is that the Bank of England was reluctant to order the banks to take the step .
Threadneedle Street has always preferred , traditionally , for banks to respond to a 'raised eyebrow ' from the Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Secondly , the banks were themselves reluctant to cancel the dividends themselves , due to unease at how their shareholders might react .
Banking shares had already endured a rotten start to the year .
Barclays and RBS , for example , have almost halved in value .
These latest developments have sent their shares down further .
There was also a sense among both lenders and their shareholders that , following more stringent regulation during the post-crisis years , the banks are sufficiently well-capitalised to be able to make their dividend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this extraordinary period .
With things dragging , the Prudential Regulation Authority - the arm of the Bank that oversees the stability of the financial sector - stepped up the pressure on Tuesday .
The PRA 's chief executive , Sam Woods , urged banking executives to think how it would look to the public if they continued to pay dividends while the economy was reeling from the effects of coronavirus .
This was followed with a threat that , if the banks did not comply by 8pm on Tuesday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also urged the banks not to make cash bonus payments to employees or to carry out share buybacks - a way of distributing surplus capital that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its tax advantages over dividend payments .
The timing was significant because , this Friday , Barclays was due to become the first of the lenders to make a payout - with £1.04bn destined for its shareholders .
The PRA even gave the banks a template letter in which they could explain their decision to shareholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , the UK 's five quoted lenders - HSBC , Barclays , Lloyds , RBS/NatWest and Standard Chartered - issued synchronised statements announcing that dividend payments had been cancelled .
Included in the scope of the move was Santander UK and Nationwide Building Society ; the latter , even though as a mutual it does not pay dividends , still makes bonus payments to some employees .
Nor were insurers , who are also supervised by the PRA , spared .
While Mr Woods did not order them to cancel dividend payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of insurers `` to pay close attention to the need to protect policyholders and maintain safety and soundness and , in so doing , to ensure that their firm can play its full part in supporting the real economy throughout the economic disruption arising from COVID-19 . ''
It would be no surprise to see some insurers curtailing their distributions to shareholders in coming days .
The share price reaction suggests the outcome is worse than investors had expected .
Many had assumed dividend payments would merely be suspended rather than cancelled outright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular suggested some investors thought that , with the bank 's big shareholder base in Asia , the Bank might not apply the same pressure to it as it might to the UK 's domestic lenders .
HSBC itself appeared to acknowledge that when , in its statement , it said it `` regrets the impact this cancellation will have on our shareholders , including our retail shareholders in Hong Kong '' .
That sense of surprise applies even more so in the case of the insurance sector , as shown by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shares of the biggest players in the sector , such as Prudential , Aviva and Legal & General .
Yet the curb on bank dividend payments will also dismay millions of individual retail investors .
Bank shares , until this action , had been among the biggest dividend payers in the UK stock market and a vital source of income in particular for savers who have seen deposit rates shrivel to almost nothing during the last decade .
They also remain widely-held , in many cases , because of the way the banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early years of this century .
Barclays , for example , has half a million retail shareholders by virtue of its takeover of the Woolwich in 2000 .
Santander UK , likewise , has almost a million British shareholders following its takeover in 2004 of the old Abbey National .
And Lloyds has getting on for 2.5 million small shareholders following its takeover of HBOS - formed from the old Halifax - in 2008 .
The cancellation of dividend payments should , however , reassure investors that , unlike in 2008 , shareholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put up further capital to support the banks .
Jason Napier , analyst at the investment bank UBS , told clients in a note today : `` If the global financial crisis is a comparable episode - which it may well not be - the banks look to be well defended against a need to raise [ capital ] and to be able to absorb multiples-higher impairments than seen then in most cases . ''
On that basis , the public should be reassured that the banks will not require bailing out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a long way , though , from saying that the money saved by these dividend cancellations - some £7.5bn in total - may find its way to customers and , in particular , small business customers .
Yet there is also a sense among some banking executives that this current emergency represents a real opportunity for the sector , in standing by its customers , to regain the reputation it lost in the financial crisis .

Lenders in the UK were slow to act but came under pressure from the Bank of England to stop the shareholder pay-outs.
Many savers rely on bank dividends as a vital source of income
There had been a growing air of inevitability during this coronavirus crisis that Britain's banks would have to call off their dividend payments.
During the last two weeks, an expanding list of leading companies, including the advertising and marketing giant WPP, the broadcaster ITV, the builders merchant Travis Perkins, the housebuilder Persimmon and the retailers Next and Marks & Spencer, had all cancelled their latest dividend payments to conserve cash.
Pressure on the UK's lenders began to build when, on Friday last week, the European Central Bank told lenders in the Eurozone not to pay any dividends until 1 October this year and also to "refrain" from share buybacks.
Yet, when it came to the British banks, things moved a little more slowly.
That was for a couple of reasons.
The first is that the Bank of England was reluctant to order the banks to take the step.
Threadneedle Street has always preferred, traditionally, for banks to respond to a 'raised eyebrow' from the Bank of England Governor than to issue diktats.
Image: PRA chief executive Sam Woods urged banks to act
Secondly, the banks were themselves reluctant to cancel the dividends themselves, due to unease at how their shareholders might react.
Banking shares had already endured a rotten start to the year.
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Barclays and RBS, for example, have almost halved in value.
These latest developments have sent their shares down further.
There was also a sense among both lenders and their shareholders that, following more stringent regulation during the post-crisis years, the banks are sufficiently well-capitalised to be able to make their dividend payments without compromising their ability to lend during this extraordinary period.
With things dragging, the Prudential Regulation Authority - the arm of the Bank that oversees the stability of the financial sector - stepped up the pressure on Tuesday.
The PRA's chief executive, Sam Woods, urged banking executives to think how it would look to the public if they continued to pay dividends while the economy was reeling from the effects of coronavirus.
This was followed with a threat that, if the banks did not comply by 8pm on Tuesday evening, it would order them to do so.
He also urged the banks not to make cash bonus payments to employees or to carry out share buybacks - a way of distributing surplus capital that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its tax advantages over dividend payments.
The timing was significant because, this Friday, Barclays was due to become the first of the lenders to make a payout - with £1.04bn destined for its shareholders.
The PRA even gave the banks a template letter in which they could explain their decision to shareholders.
Accordingly, at 8pm on Tuesday evening, the UK's five quoted lenders - HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, RBS/NatWest and Standard Chartered - issued synchronised statements announcing that dividend payments had been cancelled.
Included in the scope of the move was Santander UK and Nationwide Building Society; the latter, even though as a mutual it does not pay dividends, still makes bonus payments to some employees.
Nor were insurers, who are also supervised by the PRA, spared.
While Mr Woods did not order them to cancel dividend payments or bonuses, he urged the boards of insurers "to pay close attention to the need to protect policyholders and maintain safety and soundness and, in so doing, to ensure that their firm can play its full part in supporting the real economy throughout the economic disruption arising from COVID-19."
It would be no surprise to see some insurers curtailing their distributions to shareholders in coming days.
The share price reaction suggests the outcome is worse than investors had expected.
Many had assumed dividend payments would merely be suspended rather than cancelled outright.
The sell-off in shares of HSBC in particular suggested some investors thought that, with the bank's big shareholder base in Asia, the Bank might not apply the same pressure to it as it might to the UK's domestic lenders.
HSBC itself appeared to acknowledge that when, in its statement, it said it "regrets the impact this cancellation will have on our shareholders, including our retail shareholders in Hong Kong".
That sense of surprise applies even more so in the case of the insurance sector, as shown by the falls of between 6-9% in shares of the biggest players in the sector, such as Prudential, Aviva and Legal & General.
Yet the curb on bank dividend payments will also dismay millions of individual retail investors.
Bank shares, until this action, had been among the biggest dividend payers in the UK stock market and a vital source of income in particular for savers who have seen deposit rates shrivel to almost nothing during the last decade.
They also remain widely-held, in many cases, because of the way the banks bought the former building societies in the early years of this century.
Barclays, for example, has half a million retail shareholders by virtue of its takeover of the Woolwich in 2000.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
Santander UK, likewise, has almost a million British shareholders following its takeover in 2004 of the old Abbey National.
And Lloyds has getting on for 2.5 million small shareholders following its takeover of HBOS - formed from the old Halifax - in 2008.
The cancellation of dividend payments should, however, reassure investors that, unlike in 2008, shareholders or taxpayers will not be forced to put up further capital to support the banks.
Jason Napier, analyst at the investment bank UBS, told clients in a note today: "If the global financial crisis is a comparable episode - which it may well not be - the banks look to be well defended against a need to raise [capital] and to be able to absorb multiples-higher impairments than seen then in most cases."
On that basis, the public should be reassured that the banks will not require bailing out, as some did in 2008.
That is a long way, though, from saying that the money saved by these dividend cancellations - some £7.5bn in total - may find its way to customers and, in particular, small business customers.
Yet there is also a sense among some banking executives that this current emergency represents a real opportunity for the sector, in standing by its customers, to regain the reputation it lost in the financial crisis.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: 'We're here to work and to fight' - final words of Italian doctor who died on the front

Coronavirus: 'We're here to work and to fight' - final words of Italian doctor who died on the front line

At least 66 medical workers have died in Italy as the country battles to slow the spread of coronavirus .
Italian health staff are on the front line of the fight in the country with the most recorded COVID-19 deaths in the world .
Since the outbreak began earlier this year more than 11,500 Italians have lost their lives .
A national doctors ' association , Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri ( FNOMCeO ) , has been recording the number of health workers to die while trying to save the lives of coronavirus patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff have lost their lives in the process of getting treatment to patients across Italy .
The first to die was Roberto Stella , aged 67 , on 11 March .
A colleague and friend has said his last words were : `` We 're here to work and to fight . ''
Speaking before he fell ill , he told another : `` We have run out of masks .
But we do n't stop .
Let 's be careful and go on . ''
Hailed as a hero , he left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is currently studying to be doctor .
In his tribute , he told the Italian press he had dreamt of making his father proud when he eventually graduated .
Saverio Chiaravalle , vice-president of the Varese doctor 's order , told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera : `` He died a hero , like other colleagues who have died in recent days . ''
Dr Stella was from near Bergamo , one of the hardest hit regions of the country .
When Sky News went to the main hospital in Bergamo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never felt so stressed in my life , I 'm an intensivist , and I am quite used to intense moments… But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The efforts of the health workers prompted the Italian minister of foreign affairs to say : `` It should make us understand that this is not a game and that there are people who are dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risking their lives to save others . ''
The latest data released by Italy 's Higher Institute of Health ( ISS ) states at least 6,414 health workers have been infected , with an average age of 49 .
There have been concerns raised about staff not having access to enough protective clothing .
Marcello Natal , 57 , was working in a hospital in the town of Codogno and died on 18 March after testing positive for coronavirus .
Before his death , he gave an interview to EuroNews where he raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have basic equipment like gloves .
`` They are finished , '' he said simply .
`` We certainly were n't prepared to face such a situation .
Especially those of our generation , that of the post-antibiotic era , who grew up thinking that a pill against disease was enough , '' he told the broadcaster .
The youngest known health practitioner to die is Ivano Garzena , 48 , a dentist from Turin .
He passed away on 17 March .
He had a passion for model aircraft and used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hobby planes on a Sunday over the park near Turin , according to Italian publication La Stampa .
In a tribute , his friends told Mr Garzena to `` now fly like your planes '' .

At least 66 medical workers have died in Italy as the country battles to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Italian health staff are on the front line of the fight in the country with the most recorded COVID-19 deaths in the world.
Since the outbreak began earlier this year more than 11,500 Italians have lost their lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:13 At the centre of the COVID-19 crisis
Hospitals have been overwhelmed.
A national doctors' association, Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (FNOMCeO), has been recording the number of health workers to die while trying to save the lives of coronavirus patients.
Their data suggests at least 66 medical staff have lost their lives in the process of getting treatment to patients across Italy.
The first to die was Roberto Stella, aged 67, on 11 March.
A colleague and friend has said his last words were: "We're here to work and to fight."
Speaking before he fell ill, he told another: "We have run out of masks. But we don't stop. Let's be careful and go on."
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Hailed as a hero, he left behind a family including a 24-year-old son who is currently studying to be doctor. In his tribute, he told the Italian press he had dreamt of making his father proud when he eventually graduated.
Saverio Chiaravalle, vice-president of the Varese doctor's order, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "He died a hero, like other colleagues who have died in recent days."
Dr Stella was from near Bergamo, one of the hardest hit regions of the country.
When Sky News went to the main hospital in Bergamo, one doctor us: "I have never felt so stressed in my life, I'm an intensivist, and I am quite used to intense moments… But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The efforts of the health workers prompted the Italian minister of foreign affairs to say: "It should make us understand that this is not a game and that there are people who are dying, and women and men who are risking their lives to save others."
The latest data released by Italy's Higher Institute of Health (ISS) states at least 6,414 health workers have been infected, with an average age of 49.
There have been concerns raised about staff not having access to enough protective clothing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:37 In Bergamo, the ambulance sirens never stop
Marcello Natal, 57, was working in a hospital in the town of Codogno and died on 18 March after testing positive for coronavirus.
Before his death, he gave an interview to EuroNews where he raised that he and his colleagues did not have basic equipment like gloves. "They are finished," he said simply.
"We certainly weren't prepared to face such a situation. Especially those of our generation, that of the post-antibiotic era, who grew up thinking that a pill against disease was enough," he told the broadcaster.
Image: Ivano Garzena died earlier this month. Pic: Facebook
The youngest known health practitioner to die is Ivano Garzena, 48, a dentist from Turin. He passed away on 17 March.
He had a passion for model aircraft and used to drop candy for children when flying his hobby planes on a Sunday over the park near Turin, according to Italian publication La Stampa. In a tribute, his friends told Mr Garzena to "now fly like your planes".


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Taylor Wimpey axes bonuses for top bosses after sites closed

House builder Taylor Wimpey has cancelled this year 's annual bonuses for its executive directors after the company closed all of its construction sites .
It will also cut the basic salaries for top bosses by 30 % during the period of the coronavirus lockdown and scrap a planned annual pay rise of 2 % they had been due to receive .
The statement comes after the company last week scrapped plans to pay out dividends worth £485m over coming months .
`` The objective of these changes is to conserve cash , with a particular focus on protecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole , for the benefit of all of the company 's stakeholders , '' Taylor Wimpey said in a statement on Wednesday .
The company paid its four top bosses a total of just under £6.7m for 2019 including £1.6m in annual bonuses .
The housebuilder last month shut all its construction sites , show homes and sales centres .
Rivals Bellway , Persimmon and Barratt Developments later followed suit .
Speaking on Sky News ' Ian King Live on Wednesday , Mr Redfern said shareholders reacted with `` complete understand '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` It was the beginning of last week which feels like a long time ago , but I think all shareholders understood very quickly the nature of the circumstances and if you look at different scenarios , we could resume paying dividends quite quickly .
`` But actually people wanted us to take the right decision now to look at the security of the business and protecting all of our stakeholders . ''
The latest announcement comes as businesses try to conserve cash to allow them to weather the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday evening , the UK 's biggest banks said they were scrapping dividend payouts and share buybacks after a request from the Bank of England .
Estate agent Savills joined those companies withdrawing their dividends on Wednesday .

House builder Taylor Wimpey has cancelled this year's annual bonuses for its executive directors after the company closed all of its construction sites.
It will also cut the basic salaries for top bosses by 30% during the period of the coronavirus lockdown and scrap a planned annual pay rise of 2% they had been due to receive.
The statement comes after the company last week scrapped plans to pay out dividends worth £485m over coming months.
"The objective of these changes is to conserve cash, with a particular focus on protecting the long-term financial security of the business as a whole, for the benefit of all of the company's stakeholders," Taylor Wimpey said in a statement on Wednesday.
The company paid its four top bosses a total of just under £6.7m for 2019 including £1.6m in annual bonuses.
Chief executive Pete Redfern received just over £3m including a £663,000 annual bonus.
The housebuilder last month shut all its construction sites, show homes and sales centres.
Rivals Bellway, Persimmon and Barratt Developments later followed suit.
Speaking on Sky News' Ian King Live on Wednesday, Mr Redfern said shareholders reacted with "complete understand" to the news of the cancelled dividends.
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He said: "It was the beginning of last week which feels like a long time ago, but I think all shareholders understood very quickly the nature of the circumstances and if you look at different scenarios, we could resume paying dividends quite quickly.
"But actually people wanted us to take the right decision now to look at the security of the business and protecting all of our stakeholders."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Pete Redfern says the company's shareholders also understand the nature of the current crisis and why dividends were cancelled.
The latest announcement comes as businesses try to conserve cash to allow them to weather the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus.
On Tuesday evening, the UK's biggest banks said they were scrapping dividend payouts and share buybacks after a request from the Bank of England.
Estate agent Savills joined those companies withdrawing their dividends on Wednesday.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Government ditches cap on NHS staff being tested for coronavirus

Hospitals have been told to test as many staff as possible for coronavirus after Health Secretary Matt Hancock removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day .
The UK can now test more than 12,000 people per day for COVID-19 , with that capacity expected to soon rise to 15,000 tests per day .
The government aims to increase this further to 25,000 tests per day by the middle of this month .
However , concerns have been raised about the country 's current level of testing , following comparisons with nations such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week .
And questions have been asked about why the UK is n't even using its full testing capacity at laboratories .
Only 8,630 people were tested for coronavirus on Monday , despite the UK having the ability to test many more .
Mr Hancock has now acted to utilise the spare testing capacity by removing a limit on the number of NHS staff who can be tested .
Previously , 85 % of UK testing was allocated for patients with COVID-19 symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital staff .
Due to the extra testing capacity now available , the health secretary has now scrapped this limit and ordered the NHS to test as many staff as possible , as well as patients .
Any spare testing capacity will now be used to test NHS staff and their families in order to keep hospital workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus .
Sky News understands this will now mean thousands of NHS staff will be able to get tested every day .
More than 900 NHS staff were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to be assessed for COVID-19 .
Downing Street said on Wednesday that more than 2,000 NHS staff have now been tested .
Niall Dickson , the chief executive of the NHS Confederation , said staffing levels are `` probably still the biggest challenge '' facing hospitals .
He explained the importance of testing in order to allow NHS staff , who might be self-isolating for fear of having caught coronavirus , to get back to work .
`` One of the reasons why we have such a lot of debate about testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many staff - who may not be displaying very acute symptoms or may have had symptoms and gone through it - but are living with someone who may or may not have the virus , '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` That 's why testing of staff and ramping up that testing of staff - and indeed people in their households - is so important to try and get these people onto the frontline . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Hopson - chief executive of NHS Providers , which represents all NHS trusts - suggested the start of testing of hospital staff at the weekend revealed the vast majority who are self-isolating could return to work .
`` We did start testing staff over the weekend and a very intriguing piece of data emerged from those very early tests , '' he told BBC Newsnight .
`` It 's a very , very small sample size but what was interesting was , of the members of staff who have been self-isolating for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member who potentially had coronavirus symptoms , only 15 % of them were positive . ''
Mr Hopson suggested , if those results were replicated in the coming days , then 85 % of the staff who are self-isolating can go back to work .

Hospitals have been told to test as many staff as possible for coronavirus after Health Secretary Matt Hancock removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day.
The UK can now test more than 12,000 people per day for COVID-19, with that capacity expected to soon rise to 15,000 tests per day.
The government aims to increase this further to 25,000 tests per day by the middle of this month.
However, concerns have been raised about the country's current level of testing, following comparisons with nations such as Germany, which is estimated to now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week.
And questions have been asked about why the UK isn't even using its full testing capacity at laboratories.
Only 8,630 people were tested for coronavirus on Monday, despite the UK having the ability to test many more.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock has removed a cap on testing
Mr Hancock has now acted to utilise the spare testing capacity by removing a limit on the number of NHS staff who can be tested.
Previously, 85% of UK testing was allocated for patients with COVID-19 symptoms, with the remaining 15% kept for hospital staff.
Due to the extra testing capacity now available, the health secretary has now scrapped this limit and ordered the NHS to test as many staff as possible, as well as patients.
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Any spare testing capacity will now be used to test NHS staff and their families in order to keep hospital workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
Sky News understands this will now mean thousands of NHS staff will be able to get tested every day.
More than 900 NHS staff were tested over the weekend as hospital workers began to be assessed for COVID-19.
Downing Street said on Wednesday that more than 2,000 NHS staff have now been tested.
Niall Dickson, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said staffing levels are "probably still the biggest challenge" facing hospitals.
He explained the importance of testing in order to allow NHS staff, who might be self-isolating for fear of having caught coronavirus, to get back to work.
"One of the reasons why we have such a lot of debate about testing is a worry that there are too many staff - who may not be displaying very acute symptoms or may have had symptoms and gone through it - but are living with someone who may or may not have the virus," he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show.
"That's why testing of staff and ramping up that testing of staff - and indeed people in their households - is so important to try and get these people onto the frontline."
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Chris Hopson - chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents all NHS trusts - suggested the start of testing of hospital staff at the weekend revealed the vast majority who are self-isolating could return to work.
"We did start testing staff over the weekend and a very intriguing piece of data emerged from those very early tests," he told BBC Newsnight.
"It's a very, very small sample size but what was interesting was, of the members of staff who have been self-isolating for 14 days because they had a family member who potentially had coronavirus symptoms, only 15% of them were positive."
Mr Hopson suggested, if those results were replicated in the coming days, then 85% of the staff who are self-isolating can go back to work.