news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Almost 40,000 deaths with COVID-19 in England and Wales, ONS says

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in England and Wales , up to 8 May , was almost 40,000 - but figures showed those dying with the virus fell by more than a third in that week .
A total of 39,071 deaths were registered mentioning `` novel coronavirus '' in the two nations since the pandemic started up to that date , the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said .
In the seven days to 8 May , coronavirus-related deaths fell by more than a third to 3,930 , making up 31.1 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest weekly figures represent a drop of 2,105 ( 34.8 % ) from the previous week , when 6,035 deaths were registered .
The ONS said the early May bank holiday had affected the number of death registrations from all causes , with only 88 deaths registered on 8 May compared with 2,950 the previous Friday .
The figures also show that 121,002 deaths were registered in England and Wales between 21 March and 8 May 2020 .
This was 49,575 more deaths than the average for this period in the previous five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 75 % ) of these excess deaths .
Deaths related to coronavirus in care homes fell for the second week running to 1,666 in that week , from 2,423 deaths in the previous seven days - a decrease of 31 % .
The number of deaths from all causes for the week up to 8 May decreased from 6,409 to 4,248. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , when looking at how many COVID-19 deaths there were compared to non-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher percentage in care homes that week , rising to 39.2 % compared with 37.8 % the week before .
And the proportion of those dying with coronavirus in care homes compared with deaths in all settings rose to 42.4 % in the week ending 8 May , with 40 % the previous week .
The number of people who have died with COVID-19 in care homes since the virus took hold has now surpassed 10,000 , the data showed .
Health secretary Matt Hancock , replying to an urgent question from Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today 's figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of deaths in care homes has fallen significantly , down by a third in just the last week - from 2,423 to 1,666 .
`` This morning 's statistics confirm that 27 % of coronavirus deaths in England have taken place in care homes , which compares to a European average of around half .
`` But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues have the safety and security they deserve . ''
Those dying with COVID-19 in hospitals continued to decrease , with 50.5 % of all people dying with the virus doing so in hospital in the week ending 8 May .
A department of health and social care spokeswoman said : `` Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have sadly lost relatives .
`` Supporting the social care sector throughout this pandemic is a priority .
We are working around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equipment and support they need .
''We are ensuring millions of items of PPE are available to care workers , using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents and staff regardless of symptoms and introducing our new £600m Infection Control Fund to help prevent the spread in care homes . ''
As the new numbers were released , care home bosses were appearing before MPs to update them on how homes and their staff are coping with the pandemic after the prime minister admitted there had been `` an appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Green , chief executive of Care England which represents care home providers in England , told MPs he thinks there will be a downward trend in care home coronavirus cases from now on .
He said testing is improving but people are finding their `` tests are n't arriving on time or indeed being taken away on time '' , with `` significant delays '' of eight to 10 days before people receive results .
Prof Green called for more regular testing in care homes and said as `` so often '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time delay before delivery '' - adding that track and trace could be a `` game changer '' .
And he accused the government of focusing on the NHS rather than care homes at the start of the pandemic , while criticising the discharge of patients from hospitals to care homes .
Have you been recruited as a contact tracer ?
Contact Sky News using : : : WhatsApp - 07583 000853 : : Email - news @ sky.com : : 'Your Report ' on Sky News apps

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in England and Wales, up to 8 May, was almost 40,000 - but figures showed those dying with the virus fell by more than a third in that week.
A total of 39,071 deaths were registered mentioning "novel coronavirus" in the two nations since the pandemic started up to that date, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
In the seven days to 8 May, coronavirus-related deaths fell by more than a third to 3,930, making up 31.1% of all registered deaths that week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Daughter's anger at government policy
The latest weekly figures represent a drop of 2,105 (34.8%) from the previous week, when 6,035 deaths were registered.
The ONS said the early May bank holiday had affected the number of death registrations from all causes, with only 88 deaths registered on 8 May compared with 2,950 the previous Friday.
The figures also show that 121,002 deaths were registered in England and Wales between 21 March and 8 May 2020.
This was 49,575 more deaths than the average for this period in the previous five years.
COVID-19 was responsible for 37,187 (75%) of these excess deaths.
Care home deaths
Advertisement
Deaths related to coronavirus in care homes fell for the second week running to 1,666 in that week, from 2,423 deaths in the previous seven days - a decrease of 31%.
The number of deaths from all causes for the week up to 8 May decreased from 6,409 to 4,248.
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
However, when looking at how many COVID-19 deaths there were compared to non-coronavirus, the COVID-19 deaths made up a higher percentage in care homes that week, rising to 39.2% compared with 37.8% the week before.
And the proportion of those dying with coronavirus in care homes compared with deaths in all settings rose to 42.4% in the week ending 8 May, with 40% the previous week.
The number of people who have died with COVID-19 in care homes since the virus took hold has now surpassed 10,000, the data showed.
Image: Matt Hancock said he would do whatever he can to protect care home residents
Health secretary Matt Hancock, replying to an urgent question from Labour on care homes, said: "Today's figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of deaths in care homes has fallen significantly, down by a third in just the last week - from 2,423 to 1,666.
"This morning's statistics confirm that 27% of coronavirus deaths in England have taken place in care homes, which compares to a European average of around half.
"But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling virus to make sure residents and care colleagues have the safety and security they deserve."
Hospital deaths
Those dying with COVID-19 in hospitals continued to decrease, with 50.5% of all people dying with the virus doing so in hospital in the week ending 8 May.
A department of health and social care spokeswoman said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have sadly lost relatives.
"Supporting the social care sector throughout this pandemic is a priority. We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need.
''We are ensuring millions of items of PPE are available to care workers, using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents and staff regardless of symptoms and introducing our new £600m Infection Control Fund to help prevent the spread in care homes.''
As the new numbers were released, care home bosses were appearing before MPs to update them on how homes and their staff are coping with the pandemic after the prime minister admitted there had been "an appalling epidemic in care homes".
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England which represents care home providers in England, told MPs he thinks there will be a downward trend in care home coronavirus cases from now on.
He said testing is improving but people are finding their "tests aren't arriving on time or indeed being taken away on time", with "significant delays" of eight to 10 days before people receive results.
Prof Green called for more regular testing in care homes and said as "so often" with government announcements, "there's a time delay before delivery" - adding that track and trace could be a "game changer".
And he accused the government of focusing on the NHS rather than care homes at the start of the pandemic, while criticising the discharge of patients from hospitals to care homes.
Have you been recruited as a contact tracer? Contact Sky News using:
:: WhatsApp - 07583 000853
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Asda trials virtual queuing as it plans for longer-term social distancing

Asda is trialling a `` virtual queuing '' system as it seeks to address shoppers ' safety concerns during the coronavirus pandemic .
The system allows customers to log in to the queue remotely and wait in their cars to enter stores .
Britain 's third biggest supermarket chain said it was part of its investment in longer-term social distancing measures .
Chief executive Roger Burnley said it was `` increasingly clear that COVID-19 is set to be part of our lives for months to come '' .
Asda said two-thirds of customers were still concerned about safety in supermarkets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trialled at its store in Middleton , near Leeds .
Britain 's supermarkets have remained open during the coronavirus lockdown because they are classed as essential retailers unlike other businesses such as fashion stores .
But the virus has changed the way people are able to shop there because of measures to limit contact and maintain hygiene .
It means long , socially distanced queues have become familiar sights outside supermarkets .
Details of the virtual queuing trial were revealed as Asda published a first-quarter trading update showing that like-for-like sales , excluding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period a year ago .
That included a boost from customers stocking up ahead of the lockdown starting in March .
Asda said that at one point during the period its website was receiving more than 3,500 visits per minute .
However , the company said it had seen a significant decline in non-essential items such as fashion , fuel and general merchandise .
Patrick O'Brien , UK retail research director at analytics company GlobalData , said Asda had under-performed compared with other businesses owned by US parent Walmart , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tesco , Sainsbury 's and Morrisons .
He said : `` Like-for-like grocery growth of 3.5 % would normally be enough to impress us , but Asda 's performance pales somewhat when compared to others , indicating that it has struggled to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis as well its rivals . ''

Asda is trialling a "virtual queuing" system as it seeks to address shoppers' safety concerns during the coronavirus pandemic.
The system allows customers to log in to the queue remotely and wait in their cars to enter stores.
Britain's third biggest supermarket chain said it was part of its investment in longer-term social distancing measures.
Image: Social distancing measures mean queues outside supermarkets
Image: Customers stockpiled goods ahead of the lockdown
Chief executive Roger Burnley said it was "increasingly clear that COVID-19 is set to be part of our lives for months to come".
Asda said two-thirds of customers were still concerned about safety in supermarkets.
The virtual queuing system is being trialled at its store in Middleton, near Leeds.
Britain's supermarkets have remained open during the coronavirus lockdown because they are classed as essential retailers unlike other businesses such as fashion stores.
But the virus has changed the way people are able to shop there because of measures to limit contact and maintain hygiene.
It means long, socially distanced queues have become familiar sights outside supermarkets.
Advertisement
Details of the virtual queuing trial were revealed as Asda published a first-quarter trading update showing that like-for-like sales, excluding petrol, rose 3.5% compared to the same period a year ago.
That included a boost from customers stocking up ahead of the lockdown starting in March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Asda said that at one point during the period its website was receiving more than 3,500 visits per minute.
However, the company said it had seen a significant decline in non-essential items such as fashion, fuel and general merchandise.
Patrick O'Brien, UK retail research director at analytics company GlobalData, said Asda had under-performed compared with other businesses owned by US parent Walmart, as well as lagging UK rivals such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
He said: "Like-for-like grocery growth of 3.5% would normally be enough to impress us, but Asda's performance pales somewhat when compared to others, indicating that it has struggled to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis as well its rivals."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak warns of 'recession like we've never seen' after record spike in jobless cl

Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak warns of 'recession like we've never seen' after record spike in jobless claims

The chancellor has warned of a `` severe recession the likes of which we have n't seen '' as official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims .
Rishi Sunak told a parliamentary committee that there was `` more hardship to come '' after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April as the coronavirus crisis took its toll .
That put the claimant count at its highest level since 1996 at 2.1 million in total , according to the Office for National Statistics - with the monthly increase in the measure the highest ever recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first few weeks of the lockdown and Mr Sunak indicated that despite its `` unprecedented '' effort to prevent mass unemployment , the government `` wo n't be able to protect every job and every business '' .
Mr Sunak told the Lords Economic Affairs Committee : `` We are already seeing that in the data and no doubt there will be more hardship to come .
`` We are likely to face a severe recession , the likes of which we have n't seen and of course , that will have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is already bankrolling 80 % of wages for eight million temporarily laid-off workers under its Job Retention Scheme , at a cost so far of £11bn - expected to rise to a net £50bn , according to the latest official estimate .
The scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees , with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work .
But Mr Sunak conceded that it was `` not obvious that there will be an immediate bounce-back '' and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of long-term scarring that the economy is likely to suffer .
The chancellor 's warning came hours after the ONS data - the first illustration by official figures of the impact on jobs since the lockdown was imposed on 23 March .
The report 's headline figures showed an increase in unemployment by 50,000 to 1.35 million over the three months to March , while the unemployment rate actually slipped back from 4 % to 3.9 % .
But separate data for April revealed the stark claimant count numbers , illustrating what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the wave of joblessness caused by the pandemic .
The ONS also released `` experimental '' figures , collated with HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) , showing the number of UK paid employees fell by 1.6 % in April compared with March .
That equates to around 450,000 workers .
Figures also indicated that average pay growth in April turned negative - with a 0.9 % decline compared to the same month a year ago .
Jonathan Athow , ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , our figures show COVID-19 is having a major impact on the labour market .
`` In March employment held up well , as furloughed workers still count as employed , but hours worked fell sharply in late March , especially in sectors such as hospitality and construction .
`` Through April , though , there were signs of falling employment as real-time tax data show the number of employees on companies ' payrolls fell noticeably , and vacancies were sharply down too , with hospitality again falling steepest . ''
Hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its furlough scheme while also disclosing that £22bn had been disbursed under its separate support schemes for stricken companies .
Included was lending under the Bounce Back scheme for small firms which had topped £14bn , it was disclosed , up from £8.4bn in the previous week .
The Treasury also confirmed it was expanding the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) to enable larger firms to access up to £200m from next week - up from £50m .
Despite the support the Office for Budget Responsibility has warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second quarter of the year .
Labour said the latest claimant figures showed that the government 's support schemes had fallen short .
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said : `` Unfortunately these claimants will now discover the UK has one of the weakest out-of-work safety nets in the developed world .
`` We support the changes the government has made so far during the outbreak , but they do not match the scale of the crisis . ''

The chancellor has warned of a "severe recession the likes of which we haven't seen" as official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims.
Rishi Sunak told a parliamentary committee that there was "more hardship to come" after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April as the coronavirus crisis took its toll.
That put the claimant count at its highest level since 1996 at 2.1 million in total, according to the Office for National Statistics - with the monthly increase in the measure the highest ever recorded.
Yet the data only covered the first few weeks of the lockdown and Mr Sunak indicated that despite its "unprecedented" effort to prevent mass unemployment, the government "won't be able to protect every job and every business".
Mr Sunak told the Lords Economic Affairs Committee: "We are already seeing that in the data and no doubt there will be more hardship to come.
"We are likely to face a severe recession, the likes of which we haven't seen and of course, that will have an impact on employment."
The Treasury is already bankrolling 80% of wages for eight million temporarily laid-off workers under its Job Retention Scheme, at a cost so far of £11bn - expected to rise to a net £50bn, according to the latest official estimate.
The scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees, with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work.
But Mr Sunak conceded that it was "not obvious that there will be an immediate bounce-back" and that the "jury is out" on the scale of long-term scarring that the economy is likely to suffer.
Advertisement
The chancellor's warning came hours after the ONS data - the first illustration by official figures of the impact on jobs since the lockdown was imposed on 23 March.
The report's headline figures showed an increase in unemployment by 50,000 to 1.35 million over the three months to March, while the unemployment rate actually slipped back from 4% to 3.9%.
But separate data for April revealed the stark claimant count numbers, illustrating what is likely to be just the start of the wave of joblessness caused by the pandemic.
The ONS also released "experimental" figures, collated with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), showing the number of UK paid employees fell by 1.6% in April compared with March.
That equates to around 450,000 workers.
Figures also indicated that average pay growth in April turned negative - with a 0.9% decline compared to the same month a year ago.
Jonathan Athow, ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics, said: "While only covering the first weeks of restrictions, our figures show COVID-19 is having a major impact on the labour market.
"In March employment held up well, as furloughed workers still count as employed, but hours worked fell sharply in late March, especially in sectors such as hospitality and construction.
"Through April, though, there were signs of falling employment as real-time tax data show the number of employees on companies' payrolls fell noticeably, and vacancies were sharply down too, with hospitality again falling steepest."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Furlough scheme 'oxygen' to restaurant business
Hours later, the Treasury published latest figures on its furlough scheme while also disclosing that £22bn had been disbursed under its separate support schemes for stricken companies.
Included was lending under the Bounce Back scheme for small firms which had topped £14bn, it was disclosed, up from £8.4bn in the previous week.
The Treasury also confirmed it was expanding the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) to enable larger firms to access up to £200m from next week - up from £50m.
Despite the support the Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that unemployment could surge to 10% in the second quarter of the year.
Labour said the latest claimant figures showed that the government's support schemes had fallen short.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "Unfortunately these claimants will now discover the UK has one of the weakest out-of-work safety nets in the developed world.
"We support the changes the government has made so far during the outbreak, but they do not match the scale of the crisis."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: 'This will kill you!' Horror as Trump jumps back on the hydroxychloroquine bandwagon

He seemed to revel in the shockwaves he knew it would cause - the unproven antimalarial drug President Trump has been touting for weeks - well he 's taking it and he 's fine , so take that scientific research .
Trump 's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked throughout April .
`` Take it , '' he said .
`` What have you go to lose ? ''
It turned out , according to research - potentially quite a lot .
One Virginia study found an increased mortality rate in coronavirus patients .
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker As more studies came in saying there was simply no evidence that it works in COVID-19 patients , Trump went quiet .
But now he 's back with the bombshell that he 's been taking it for over a week .
In the absence of supporting medical proof of efficacy , Trump cited `` letters '' and `` calls '' as his evidence .
He has n't tested positive for coronavirus nor does he have symptoms .
He is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the virus - despite warnings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhythm problems .
It was left up to the usually unflinchingly loyal Fox News to warn Americans against the president 's aggressive , reckless push .
Host Neil Cavuto did not hold back : `` If you are in a risky population here , and you are taking this as a preventative treatment ... it will kill you .
I can not stress enough .
This will kill you . ''
It 's not the first time the president has used his powerful platform to tout unproven - potentially harmful remedies .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With hydroxychloroquine - it 's not just the potentially harmful side effects causing concern - the millions of Americans who rely on it for treatment of Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable new surge in demand - driven from the very top .

He seemed to revel in the shockwaves he knew it would cause - the unproven antimalarial drug President Trump has been touting for weeks - well he's taking it and he's fine, so take that scientific research.
Trump's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked throughout April. "Take it," he said. "What have you go to lose?"
It turned out, according to research - potentially quite a lot. One Virginia study found an increased mortality rate in coronavirus patients.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
As more studies came in saying there was simply no evidence that it works in COVID-19 patients, Trump went quiet. But now he's back with the bombshell that he's been taking it for over a week.
In the absence of supporting medical proof of efficacy, Trump cited "letters" and "calls" as his evidence. He hasn't tested positive for coronavirus nor does he have symptoms.
He is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the virus - despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration about heart rhythm problems.
It was left up to the usually unflinchingly loyal Fox News to warn Americans against the president's aggressive, reckless push.
Host Neil Cavuto did not hold back: "If you are in a risky population here, and you are taking this as a preventative treatment ... it will kill you. I cannot stress enough. This will kill you."
Advertisement
It's not the first time the president has used his powerful platform to tout unproven - potentially harmful remedies. His suggestion of injecting disinfectant still staggers.
With hydroxychloroquine - it's not just the potentially harmful side effects causing concern - the millions of Americans who rely on it for treatment of Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable new surge in demand - driven from the very top.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Care home bosses say there is 'stark' difference between government talk and reality

Care home bosses have accused the government of prioritising the NHS and not care homes - and failing to make good on promises of support .
Professor Martin Green , chief executive of Care England which represents care homes , told MPs on Tuesday that from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic care homes were a second thought despite housing the `` most vulnerable people '' .
He also said there had been no recommendation for how care homes should react to a pandemic when the government planned for one in 2016 .
Professor Green told the Health and Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of this pandemic was clearly the NHS , and there was not a recommendation in either the planning process that happened in 2016 , or indeed in this current pandemic at the very start , that the most vulnerable people were in care homes . ''
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall accused the government of being `` too slow '' to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes .
`` Social care has not had the same priority as the NHS and these services have not been treated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Monaghan , chief executive of Methodist Homes , which runs 222 care homes and schemes , told the committee there was a `` stark disconnect between the ongoing government rhetoric on support for care homes and the lived reality on the ground '' .
Both Professor Green and Mr Monaghan said there is still no routine testing for all residents and staff , while PPE remains in short supply , with care companies having to buy it `` on the open market '' .
Professor Green added that when tests are done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost or people are waiting too long - eight to 10 days - for results , so it is unclear whether they are current .
James Bullion , president of the Association of Directors of Social Services , added : `` There is n't widespread testing .
It is growing , but the care workforce is 1.6 million in this country so we are nowhere near the level of testing that 's required . ''
He said the UK did not take into account quickly enough the risk of transmission from people going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also among staff .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt , chair of the Health and Social Care Committee , told Sky News : `` I 'm absolutely sure there was never any intention to expose residents in care homes .
`` There may have been an unintentional effect of saying that we were doing everything to protect the NHS and that had the impact of deprioritising what was going on in care homes .
`` I have to take responsibility for this , as do other previous governments , but there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care system and there should n't be . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health secretary Matt Hancock told parliament : `` It is appropriate , clinically , and safer for people to be discharged from a hospital into a care home . ''
He said it was important infection control procedures are in place and said those procedures and government guidelines have been strengthened as the clinical understanding of coronavirus has strengthened .
Mr Bullion said he wants care staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tested to reassure both staff and people receiving care they are not going to catch COVID-19 .
He pointed to a survey that said about 10 % of people who receive care at home have stopped it to protect themselves , which he said could affect their health and wellbeing .
And he warned that agency staff are moving between three or four different care homes because there is no `` career grade structure '' and the low pay means staff are having to supplement their income .
Professor Green also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different agencies .
He said : `` People are also concerned in the workforce about the fact that they 've had endless guidance from various different agencies , many of which has been changing by the day , which frankly I do n't understand why .
`` You know , we just need clear guidance from Public Health England .
I think that what has come out of this for me is that Public Health England understands the NHS but does n't understand the social care workforce and what our needs are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear central direction , and we need some clarity about how care homes will be supported by the NHS . ''
Mr Hancock said today 's official figures showed the number of deaths in care homes `` has fallen significantly '' , down by a third in the last week - from 2,423 to 1,666 .
He said : `` But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling virus to make sure residents and care colleagues have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Care home bosses have accused the government of prioritising the NHS and not care homes - and failing to make good on promises of support.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England which represents care homes, told MPs on Tuesday that from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic care homes were a second thought despite housing the "most vulnerable people".
He also said there had been no recommendation for how care homes should react to a pandemic when the government planned for one in 2016.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:20 Hunt: Social care should be an equal to NHS
Professor Green told the Health and Social Care Committee: "Our focus at the start of this pandemic was clearly the NHS, and there was not a recommendation in either the planning process that happened in 2016, or indeed in this current pandemic at the very start, that the most vulnerable people were in care homes."
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall accused the government of being "too slow" to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes.
"Social care has not had the same priority as the NHS and these services have not been treated as inexplicably linked," she said.
Sam Monaghan, chief executive of Methodist Homes, which runs 222 care homes and schemes, told the committee there was a "stark disconnect between the ongoing government rhetoric on support for care homes and the lived reality on the ground".
Both Professor Green and Mr Monaghan said there is still no routine testing for all residents and staff, while PPE remains in short supply, with care companies having to buy it "on the open market".
Professor Green added that when tests are done, there are cases when results are lost or people are waiting too long - eight to 10 days - for results, so it is unclear whether they are current.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 'Hospital can be dangerous place'
James Bullion, president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, added: "There isn't widespread testing. It is growing, but the care workforce is 1.6 million in this country so we are nowhere near the level of testing that's required."
He said the UK did not take into account quickly enough the risk of transmission from people going between hospitals and care homes, and also among staff.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, told Sky News: "I'm absolutely sure there was never any intention to expose residents in care homes.
"There may have been an unintentional effect of saying that we were doing everything to protect the NHS and that had the impact of deprioritising what was going on in care homes.
"I have to take responsibility for this, as do other previous governments, but there is a separation of the NHS and the social care system and there shouldn't be."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health secretary Matt Hancock told parliament: "It is appropriate, clinically, and safer for people to be discharged from a hospital into a care home."
He said it was important infection control procedures are in place and said those procedures and government guidelines have been strengthened as the clinical understanding of coronavirus has strengthened.
Mr Bullion said he wants care staff who are going into people's homes to be tested to reassure both staff and people receiving care they are not going to catch COVID-19.
He pointed to a survey that said about 10% of people who receive care at home have stopped it to protect themselves, which he said could affect their health and wellbeing.
And he warned that agency staff are moving between three or four different care homes because there is no "career grade structure" and the low pay means staff are having to supplement their income.
Image: Care home staff are worried about giving COVID-19 to their patients and their own families
Professor Green also criticised the "endless guidance" from different agencies.
He said: "People are also concerned in the workforce about the fact that they've had endless guidance from various different agencies, many of which has been changing by the day, which frankly I don't understand why.
"You know, we just need clear guidance from Public Health England. I think that what has come out of this for me is that Public Health England understands the NHS but doesn't understand the social care workforce and what our needs are.
"What we need is some really clear central direction, and we need some clarity about how care homes will be supported by the NHS."
Mr Hancock said today's official figures showed the number of deaths in care homes "has fallen significantly", down by a third in the last week - from 2,423 to 1,666.
He said: "But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling virus to make sure residents and care colleagues have the safety and security they deserve."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Minister says 'wrong' advice at start of COVID-19 outbreak could have led to mistakes

A senior minister has told Sky News that `` wrong '' advice at the start of the coronavirus outbreak could have led to mistakes in the government 's response .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey made the comments during an interview with Kay Burley in which she was challenged about ministers ' handling of COVID-19 in adult social care .
Asked if the government had , in hindsight , got the approach to care homes wrong , Ms Coffey told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that `` you can only make judgements and decisions based on the information and advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pressed again , she replied : `` If the science was wrong , the advice at the time was wrong , I 'm not surprised if people then think we made a wrong decision .
`` But you have to take judgements based on what you have . ''
The government 's approach to the coronavirus outbreak has been informed by advice from experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
In the wake of Ms Coffey 's comments , Downing Street appeared to suggest it accepts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the response to COVID-19 .
`` The prime minister is hugely grateful for the hard work and expertise of the UK 's world-leading scientists , we 've been guided by their advice throughout and we continue to do so , '' Boris Johnson 's spokesman said .
Ms Coffey 's comments come after a cross-party group of MPs warned the UK has 10 key lessons to learn from its handling of the pandemic so far .
They said testing capacity has been `` inadequate '' throughout the pandemic , while the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak was `` one of the most consequential made '' .
Responding to the report , a Downing Street spokesman said : `` This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we have taken the right steps at the right time to combat it , guided at all times by the best scientific advice . ''
When it comes to care homes , opponents and some voices in the sector have accused the government of being too slow to react to what was happening .
Official guidance , which was in place until 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely '' that those receiving care in a care home or the community would become infected with the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On 15 April , more than three weeks after the UK was put in lockdown to try to control the spread of COVID-19 , testing was expanded to include care home staff , residents with symptoms and those being discharged from hospital back into care homes .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was `` no transmission of COVID-19 in the community '' and that `` we brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) show the number of deaths in care homes has `` fallen significantly '' .
`` This morning 's statistics confirm that 27 % of coronavirus deaths in England have taken place in care homes , which compares to a European average of around half , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question in the Commons .
Mr Hancock also said that 62 % of care homes have not reported a case of COVID-19 .
`` But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling virus to make sure residents and care colleagues have the safety and security they deserve , '' he added .
Liz Kendall , Labour 's shadow social care minister , said the government had been `` too slow '' to act on COVID-19 in care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` not had the same priority as the NHS '' during the outbreak .
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return , as well as reporting a number of councils threatening to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients .
Sky News revealed on Tuesday that more than 20 care homes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning to their local council over fears of a collapse in the sector .

A senior minister has told Sky News that "wrong" advice at the start of the coronavirus outbreak could have led to mistakes in the government's response.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey made the comments during an interview with Kay Burley in which she was challenged about ministers' handling of COVID-19 in adult social care.
Asked if the government had, in hindsight, got the approach to care homes wrong, Ms Coffey told Kay Burley@Breakfast that "you can only make judgements and decisions based on the information and advice that you have at the time".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:21 Care homes 'face bankruptcy in days'
Pressed again, she replied: "If the science was wrong, the advice at the time was wrong, I'm not surprised if people then think we made a wrong decision.
"But you have to take judgements based on what you have."
The government's approach to the coronavirus outbreak has been informed by advice from experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
In the wake of Ms Coffey's comments, Downing Street appeared to suggest it accepts that ministers bear responsibility for the decisions made in the response to COVID-19.
"The prime minister is hugely grateful for the hard work and expertise of the UK's world-leading scientists, we've been guided by their advice throughout and we continue to do so," Boris Johnson's spokesman said.
"Scientists provide advice to the government, ministers ultimately decide."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
Ms Coffey's comments come after a cross-party group of MPs warned the UK has 10 key lessons to learn from its handling of the pandemic so far.
They said testing capacity has been "inadequate" throughout the pandemic, while the decision to stop community testing early in the outbreak was "one of the most consequential made".
Responding to the report, a Downing Street spokesman said: "This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we have taken the right steps at the right time to combat it, guided at all times by the best scientific advice."
When it comes to care homes, opponents and some voices in the sector have accused the government of being too slow to react to what was happening.
Official guidance, which was in place until 12 March, said it was "very unlikely" that those receiving care in a care home or the community would become infected with the virus.
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
On 15 April, more than three weeks after the UK was put in lockdown to try to control the spread of COVID-19, testing was expanded to include care home staff, residents with symptoms and those being discharged from hospital back into care homes.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that guidance was first released on 25 February when there was "no transmission of COVID-19 in the community" and that "we brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the number of deaths in care homes has "fallen significantly".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Decision to abandon mass testing a 'mistake'
"This morning's statistics confirm that 27% of coronavirus deaths in England have taken place in care homes, which compares to a European average of around half," he told MPs as he responded to an urgent question in the Commons.
Mr Hancock also said that 62% of care homes have not reported a case of COVID-19.
"But whatever the figures say we will not rest from doing whatever is humanly possible to protect our care homes from this appalling virus to make sure residents and care colleagues have the safety and security they deserve," he added.
Liz Kendall, Labour's shadow social care minister, said the government had been "too slow" to act on COVID-19 in care homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:20 Hunt: 'Social care should be an equal to NHS'
She added that social care has "not had the same priority as the NHS" during the outbreak.
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return, as well as reporting a number of councils threatening to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients.
Sky News revealed on Tuesday that more than 20 care homes in the northeast of England have sent a legal warning to their local council over fears of a collapse in the sector.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: The number of 'excess deaths' in care homes and hospitals compared with normal times is

Coronavirus: The number of 'excess deaths' in care homes and hospitals compared with normal times is revealed

Twice as many people have died in care homes in England , Wales and Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic than would be expected in normal times , Sky News analysis has found .
Between 13 March and 8 May , 39,404 people died in care homes in England and Wales .
The five-year average number of people who die in care homes during that same period is 17,591 , according to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
This means an extra 21,813 deaths occurred between what the ONS record as week 12 and week 19 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ONS and National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) show there have been 11,414 deaths involving COVID-19 recorded in care homes .
This includes when coronavirus is suspected , as well as when the patient has tested positive for the virus .
But only looking at the people who have COVID-19 listed on their death certificate does not show the true picture of what is happening in care homes .
A better measure is `` excess of mortality '' , a term used to describe when more people die than would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some of the people who died from coronavirus may have died anyway from another health problem .
However , by looking at the excess of mortality figures we can get a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic .
The excess of mortality figure also takes in deaths of people who have died as an indirect result of the pandemic , such as if a diversion of resources led to the person passing away .
Although there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , overall deaths in Scottish care homes are also double the five-year average .
There have been 2,054 additional deaths in care homes there , with 4,070 people dying compared to the 2,016 previous average , according to the NRS .
These figures cover the deaths registered in care homes during almost the same time period as the England and Wales figures , with the Scottish figures going from week 12 ( 16-22 March ) to week 19 ( 4-10 May ) .
Chairwoman of the National Care Association , Nadra Ahmed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been such a big rise in the number of excess deaths .
She told Sky News : `` We are in a pandemic [ and ] there has been some fairly chaotic guidance and very little clinical support . ''
She says that when residents feel unwell in normal times , a GP would be called and health support would be provided to ensure the patient has a good chance of recovery .
But this has become difficult , with Ms Ahmed highlighting a case where a consultation from a GP had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which meant a physical examination could n't take place .
Additionally , she has concerns that some residents may have fears about going into hospital because of the virus , so might try to hide that they feel unwell - something that is compounded by a stretched staff team who do n't have as much time to notice such signals .
`` People may not be addressing those issues [ of feeling unwell ] .
Those who are compos mentis might think , ' I do n't want to get involved in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I can manage this ' .
`` I do n't want to play a blame game here but this is about not having the normal levels of primary care support that [ care homes ] would normally have , '' she says .
She continues : `` I think staff will have been crisis managing .
`` Here we have a situation where the staff are trying to not only be the coalface of delivering personal care but also the social and the mental health care that they can . ''
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this virus being so dangerous for older people '' , highlighting the example of the difficulties of getting a person with dementia to self-isolate or remember to wash their hands regularly .
She also raises that , especially for older people , stress and fear can have a big impact on people 's minds and bodies .
Excess deaths are happening in both care homes and in hospitals , but the number of excess deaths is higher in care homes .
The total number of deaths registered between weeks 12 and 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 % higher than expected .
There were 15,787 additional deaths : 54,862 deaths compared to the 39,075 five-year average .
Almost half of these hospital deaths had COVID-19 on the death certificates .
Meanwhile in Scotland , there were 548 additional deaths in hospitals between the weeks 12 and 19 .
This is 13 % higher than the expected numbers .
Of the 4,871 people who died during that period in Scottish hospitals , a third of them were recorded as COVID-19-related .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have sadly lost relatives .
`` Supporting the social care sector throughout this pandemic is a priority .
We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need .
`` We are ensuring millions of items of PPE are available to care workers , using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents and staff regardless of symptoms , and introducing our new £600m infection control fund to help prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Equivalent of at least one in 10 of the care home population have died during the pandemic The number of care home residents who have died during the COVID-19 outbreak is now equivalent to at least one in 10 of the entire care home population , according to Sky News analysis .
Between early March and the first week of May , nearly 54,000 care home residents have died in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
The number includes deaths from all causes , and while only a fraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cumulative total is now well over double the historical average for deaths at this point in the year .
Since the total number of beds in the care sector across the UK is 532,000 , it means that more than 10 % of the care home population has died since March .
This calculation is a cautious one , since at any point the care sector typically has a below 100 % occupancy rate .
Plus , while the 54,000 deaths include just under 6,000 care home residents who died in hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care home deaths in Northern Ireland , since those statistics are n't provided by its statistical office .
The figures are the latest evidence of how severely the epidemic and lockdown have hit the care sector , where the number of excess deaths are higher than in hospitals or any other setting .
The word `` decimate '' is often misused .
Strictly speaking , it means to eliminate one in 10 of a given figure .
It is perhaps one of the most depressing outcomes of the epidemic that during this outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally been decimated .

Twice as many people have died in care homes in England, Wales and Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic than would be expected in normal times, Sky News analysis has found.
Between 13 March and 8 May, 39,404 people died in care homes in England and Wales.
The five-year average number of people who die in care homes during that same period is 17,591, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This means an extra 21,813 deaths occurred between what the ONS record as week 12 and week 19, a rise of 124%.
Figures from the ONS and National Records of Scotland (NRS) show there have been 11,414 deaths involving COVID-19 recorded in care homes.
This includes when coronavirus is suspected, as well as when the patient has tested positive for the virus.
But only looking at the people who have COVID-19 listed on their death certificate does not show the true picture of what is happening in care homes.
A better measure is "excess of mortality", a term used to describe when more people die than would be expected under normal conditions.
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
Advertisement
Some of the people who died from coronavirus may have died anyway from another health problem. However, by looking at the excess of mortality figures we can get a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic.
The excess of mortality figure also takes in deaths of people who have died as an indirect result of the pandemic, such as if a diversion of resources led to the person passing away.
Although there are no figures available for Northern Ireland, overall deaths in Scottish care homes are also double the five-year average.
There have been 2,054 additional deaths in care homes there, with 4,070 people dying compared to the 2,016 previous average, according to the NRS.
These figures cover the deaths registered in care homes during almost the same time period as the England and Wales figures, with the Scottish figures going from week 12 (16-22 March) to week 19 (4-10 May).
Chairwoman of the National Care Association, Nadra Ahmed, believes there are many reasons why there has been such a big rise in the number of excess deaths.
She told Sky News: "We are in a pandemic [and] there has been some fairly chaotic guidance and very little clinical support."
She says that when residents feel unwell in normal times, a GP would be called and health support would be provided to ensure the patient has a good chance of recovery.
But this has become difficult, with Ms Ahmed highlighting a case where a consultation from a GP had to be done via an iPad, which meant a physical examination couldn't take place.
Additionally, she has concerns that some residents may have fears about going into hospital because of the virus, so might try to hide that they feel unwell - something that is compounded by a stretched staff team who don't have as much time to notice such signals.
"People may not be addressing those issues [of feeling unwell]. Those who are compos mentis might think, 'I don't want to get involved in all this, I'll just keep quiet, I can manage this'.
"I don't want to play a blame game here but this is about not having the normal levels of primary care support that [care homes] would normally have," she says.
She continues: "I think staff will have been crisis managing.
"Here we have a situation where the staff are trying to not only be the coalface of delivering personal care but also the social and the mental health care that they can."
Ms Ahmed says there are "multiple factors of this virus being so dangerous for older people", highlighting the example of the difficulties of getting a person with dementia to self-isolate or remember to wash their hands regularly.
She also raises that, especially for older people, stress and fear can have a big impact on people's minds and bodies.
Excess deaths are happening in both care homes and in hospitals, but the number of excess deaths is higher in care homes.
The total number of deaths registered between weeks 12 and 19 in hospitals in England and Wales is 40% higher than expected.
There were 15,787 additional deaths: 54,862 deaths compared to the 39,075 five-year average.
Almost half of these hospital deaths had COVID-19 on the death certificates.
Meanwhile in Scotland, there were 548 additional deaths in hospitals between the weeks 12 and 19. This is 13% higher than the expected numbers.
Of the 4,871 people who died during that period in Scottish hospitals, a third of them were recorded as COVID-19-related.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have sadly lost relatives.
"Supporting the social care sector throughout this pandemic is a priority. We are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need.
"We are ensuring millions of items of PPE are available to care workers, using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents and staff regardless of symptoms, and introducing our new £600m infection control fund to help prevent the spread in care homes."
Analysis: Equivalent of at least one in 10 of the care home population have died during the pandemic
By Ed Conway, Sky News economics editor
The number of care home residents who have died during the COVID-19 outbreak is now equivalent to at least one in 10 of the entire care home population, according to Sky News analysis.
Between early March and the first week of May, nearly 54,000 care home residents have died in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Where is UK on COVID curve?
The number includes deaths from all causes, and while only a fraction are formally attributed to COVID-19, the cumulative total is now well over double the historical average for deaths at this point in the year.
Since the total number of beds in the care sector across the UK is 532,000, it means that more than 10% of the care home population has died since March.
This calculation is a cautious one, since at any point the care sector typically has a below 100% occupancy rate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:24 COVID-19: Killer in our care homes
Plus, while the 54,000 deaths include just under 6,000 care home residents who died in hospitals, they also under-count the total number of care home deaths in Northern Ireland, since those statistics aren't provided by its statistical office.
The figures are the latest evidence of how severely the epidemic and lockdown have hit the care sector, where the number of excess deaths are higher than in hospitals or any other setting.
The word "decimate" is often misused. Strictly speaking, it means to eliminate one in 10 of a given figure.
It is perhaps one of the most depressing outcomes of the epidemic that during this outbreak, Britain's care home population has literally been decimated.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Businesses told to flush out water supply before reopening to avoid potentially deadly

Coronavirus: Businesses told to flush out water supply before reopening to avoid potentially deadly Legionella bacteria

Businesses have been told to flush out the water supply in their buildings before they reopen , in order to prevent spreading the potentially deadly Legionella bacteria .
Public Health England ( PHE ) guidance says there should be `` regular flushing '' of the water system at the likes of dental practices , hairdressers , gyms and hotels , as well as office buildings , to stop bacterial growth .
Premises are also required to undertake a detailed review of all aspects of their water management system before reopening amid the continuing coronavirus lockdown .
Legionella is naturally present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Fatal in 10 % of cases , it can lead to serious illnesses in people aged over 50 , smokers and those with underlying health conditions .
When the temperature of water is between 25C and 50C , the bacteria multiply .
Poor or no flow into the system can also have that effect .
Because many hot and cold water systems will not be running during the lockdown , the chances of the bacteria forming will increase if no action is taken , particularly given summer is approaching .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PHE guidance says : `` Regular flushing out of the premises ' water system throughout the shutdown period is required .
`` However all aspects of the water management system need to be reviewed before reopening the business , and necessary action will be dependent on the complexities of the system .
`` This may be done by a combination of workers employed by the organisation if they have the necessary skills and knowledge .
`` However , if a water system requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed . ''
People who think they may have Legionnaires ' disease are advised to visit nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/ or to call 111

Businesses have been told to flush out the water supply in their buildings before they reopen, in order to prevent spreading the potentially deadly Legionella bacteria.
Public Health England (PHE) guidance says there should be "regular flushing" of the water system at the likes of dental practices, hairdressers, gyms and hotels, as well as office buildings, to stop bacterial growth.
Premises are also required to undertake a detailed review of all aspects of their water management system before reopening amid the continuing coronavirus lockdown.
Legionella is naturally present in water systems and causes Legionnaires' disease.
Fatal in 10% of cases, it can lead to serious illnesses in people aged over 50, smokers and those with underlying health conditions.
When the temperature of water is between 25C and 50C, the bacteria multiply.
Poor or no flow into the system can also have that effect.
Because many hot and cold water systems will not be running during the lockdown, the chances of the bacteria forming will increase if no action is taken, particularly given summer is approaching.
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
Advertisement
The PHE guidance says: "Regular flushing out of the premises' water system throughout the shutdown period is required.
"However all aspects of the water management system need to be reviewed before reopening the business, and necessary action will be dependent on the complexities of the system.
"This may be done by a combination of workers employed by the organisation if they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
"However, if a water system requires disinfection then a water consultant will be needed."
People who think they may have Legionnaires' disease are advised to visit nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/ or to call 111


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Alarm over number of deaths among black people in US

Alarm is growing over the number of coronavirus deaths among people of colour across the US .
Aggressive public health campaigns are being launched in cities including Chicago , where black people accounted for 72 % of deaths from COVID-19 complications and 52 % of positive tests , despite making up only 30 % of the population .
Experts say the trend is unsurprising given the longstanding barriers to health care for African-American communities in the geographically divided city , higher poverty rates and jobs that require them to keep attending their workplace while others are able to continue their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large black populations that are considered hot spots for the coronavirus , including New York , Detroit , Milwaukee and New Orleans , have also seen people of colour suffering disproportionately from the outbreak .
In Michigan , official figures showed African Americans , who make up 14 % of the state 's population , account for about 33 % of cases statewide and 41 % of deaths .
And Chicago 's mayor , Lori Lightfoot , said the disparities in his city `` take your breath away '' and demanded an immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare providers .
`` We ca n't simply stand by and let this disease wreak havoc in our communities , '' he said .
`` Lives are truly at stake . ''
A series of measures are being rolled out across the city in an effort to curb the outbreak , with officials planning to contact residents considered most vulnerable , increase monitoring on buses and enforce social distancing limits in stores .
Healthcare providers in the city have also been asked to collect data on COVID-19 patients ' race and ethnicity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker National group the Lawyers ' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law demanded more transparency across the US on race and ethnicity among the testing results , cases and patient outcomes reported by federal health authorities and state health agencies .
Illinois governor JB Pritzker said the state was responding to the disease 's impact on minorities by `` reopening hospitals that are in those communities '' and by targeting messages around social distancing `` directly into the African-American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have previously called on health and human services secretary Alex Azar to ensure race and ethnic data is collected by health agencies across the country during the outbreak .
Detroit , which is about 80 % black , has recorded 5,032 confirmed cases with 196 people dead from complications due to the COVID-19 virus .
Coronavirus data specific to black residents was not available from the city , but Detroit and its surrounding suburbs account for about 80 % of the state 's confirmed cases .
`` It 's clear that what COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in health in this country , '' said Detroit mayor Mike Duggan , who led the Detroit Medical Center before taking office .

Alarm is growing over the number of coronavirus deaths among people of colour across the US.
Aggressive public health campaigns are being launched in cities including Chicago, where black people accounted for 72% of deaths from COVID-19 complications and 52% of positive tests, despite making up only 30% of the population.
Experts say the trend is unsurprising given the longstanding barriers to health care for African-American communities in the geographically divided city, higher poverty rates and jobs that require them to keep attending their workplace while others are able to continue their employment from home.
Other cities with large black populations that are considered hot spots for the coronavirus, including New York, Detroit, Milwaukee and New Orleans, have also seen people of colour suffering disproportionately from the outbreak.
In Michigan, official figures showed African Americans, who make up 14% of the state's population, account for about 33% of cases statewide and 41% of deaths.
And Chicago's mayor, Lori Lightfoot, said the disparities in his city "take your breath away" and demanded an immediate response from officials, community activists and healthcare providers.
"We can't simply stand by and let this disease wreak havoc in our communities," he said.
"Lives are truly at stake."
A series of measures are being rolled out across the city in an effort to curb the outbreak, with officials planning to contact residents considered most vulnerable, increase monitoring on buses and enforce social distancing limits in stores.
Advertisement
Healthcare providers in the city have also been asked to collect data on COVID-19 patients' race and ethnicity, seeking to address existing gaps.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
National group the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law demanded more transparency across the US on race and ethnicity among the testing results, cases and patient outcomes reported by federal health authorities and state health agencies.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker said the state was responding to the disease's impact on minorities by "reopening hospitals that are in those communities" and by targeting messages around social distancing "directly into the African-American community".
Democratic members of Congress have previously called on health and human services secretary Alex Azar to ensure race and ethnic data is collected by health agencies across the country during the outbreak.
Detroit, which is about 80% black, has recorded 5,032 confirmed cases with 196 people dead from complications due to the COVID-19 virus.
Coronavirus data specific to black residents was not available from the city, but Detroit and its surrounding suburbs account for about 80% of the state's confirmed cases.
"It's clear that what COVID-19 is doing is exacerbating the racial disparity in health in this country," said Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, who led the Detroit Medical Center before taking office.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: School closures 'have little effect' on slowing spread of COVID-19

School closures are not likely to have a significant effect on the spread of infections during outbreaks such as coronavirus , a study suggests .
Researchers found that school closures alone were predicted to reduce deaths by around 2 % to 4 % amid the coronavirus outbreak in the UK , which is less than other social distancing measures .
The study , led by University College London ( UCL ) , found that closures have only minimal effects on highly contagious infections where children are not the main drivers , such as COVID-19 .
UK schools closed their doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago as the country was put under lockdown , following in the footsteps of other European countries including Spain and Italy .
Other countries around the world have also implemented mass school closures amid the coronavirus pandemic , which has infected more than 1.3 million people .
Researchers analysed 16 studies , which included articles on severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) as well as a report on COVID-19 in the UK .
School closures did not appear to have contributed to the control of the SARS epidemic in China , Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a study in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal .
It found that other control measures such as isolation are more effective during a coronavirus outbreak .
The paper said : `` Modelling studies from the COVID-19 pandemic support the use of national school closure as part of a package of social distancing measures .
`` Yet the only study to examine school closures as a separate intervention warned that the impact was relatively marginal , given the reasonable assumptions that household and community contacts would rise as a consequence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs and potential harms '' of mass school closures , especially for the most disadvantaged children .
Researchers suggested some less disruptive social distancing interventions in schools such as closing playgrounds and increasing spacing between students in class rather than full closures .
Russell Viner , professor of adolescent health at the UCL Institute of Child Health , said : `` We know from previous studies that school closures are likely to have the greatest effect if the virus has low transmissibility and attack rates are higher in children .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` With nearly 90 % of the world 's students ( more than 1.5 billion young people ) out of school , more data and robust modelling studies are urgently needed to help us identify how countries can , in time , safely return students to education . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said : `` These findings demonstrate that the Government must keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is certainly the case that a prolonged shutdown will damage the education of children and it is likely that those from disadvantaged backgrounds will suffer the most . ''

School closures are not likely to have a significant effect on the spread of infections during outbreaks such as coronavirus, a study suggests.
Researchers found that school closures alone were predicted to reduce deaths by around 2% to 4% amid the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, which is less than other social distancing measures.
The study, led by University College London (UCL), found that closures have only minimal effects on highly contagious infections where children are not the main drivers, such as COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 Schools results to be known by end of July
UK schools closed their doors to most students more than two weeks ago as the country was put under lockdown, following in the footsteps of other European countries including Spain and Italy.
Other countries around the world have also implemented mass school closures amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 1.3 million people.
Researchers analysed 16 studies, which included articles on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as well as a report on COVID-19 in the UK.
School closures did not appear to have contributed to the control of the SARS epidemic in China, Hong Kong and Singapore in 2003, according to a study in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal.
It found that other control measures such as isolation are more effective during a coronavirus outbreak.
The paper said: "Modelling studies from the COVID-19 pandemic support the use of national school closure as part of a package of social distancing measures.
Advertisement
"Yet the only study to examine school closures as a separate intervention warned that the impact was relatively marginal, given the reasonable assumptions that household and community contacts would rise as a consequence."
The study also highlighted "economic costs and potential harms" of mass school closures, especially for the most disadvantaged children.
Researchers suggested some less disruptive social distancing interventions in schools such as closing playgrounds and increasing spacing between students in class rather than full closures.
Russell Viner, professor of adolescent health at the UCL Institute of Child Health, said: "We know from previous studies that school closures are likely to have the greatest effect if the virus has low transmissibility and attack rates are higher in children. This is the opposite of COVID-19."
He added: "With nearly 90% of the world's students (more than 1.5 billion young people) out of school, more data and robust modelling studies are urgently needed to help us identify how countries can, in time, safely return students to education."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "These findings demonstrate that the Government must keep the decision to close schools under review.
"It is certainly the case that a prolonged shutdown will damage the education of children and it is likely that those from disadvantaged backgrounds will suffer the most."


news--2020-03-25--How could the new coronavirus antibody tests work?

Millions of people could soon have access to new 15-minute coronavirus testing kits , as part of government plans .
On Wednesday , the director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England , Professor Sharon Peacock , said millions of the kits have been ordered and could be available to the public in days .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has made it clear the tests are still being evaluated and they will only be used if they are found to be accurate .
He stressed frontline NHS workers would need the tests first so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have had already had the virus .
But what are the new test kits and could they make a difference ?
What is the new test ?
It will be able to identify if someone had the infection previously by showing if they have antibodies for COVID-19 .
The human body produces antibodies to fight infection , so by measuring antibodies in the blood , the test can detect whether the individual has already been infected .
Public Health England ( PHE ) says this type of testing will allow individuals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and help to refine estimates of how the virus has spread across the UK .
It could also identify people who contracted the virus without showing any , or very mild , symptoms .
During the daily press briefing on Wednesday , the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it is `` important to find out who has had the virus asymptomatically '' .
What does the test involve ?
The tests look similar to pregnancy tests and will require a blood prick .
Prof Peacock explained : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would , then get a drop of blood and put it on a filter paper and then run some liquid to make that blood run into the test zone . ''
Some people will be asked to have a second blood test , checked with a `` gold standard '' test , to ensure the kits are working properly .
How can I get hold of it ?
People will be able to order the new test on Amazon , or they could take it at high street branches such as Boots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made it clear that it is not currently stocking the test in its stores .
One possible model is that the test is ordered via Amazon and performed at home before being sent back for results .
Who will have access to the new test ?
This test will initially be used to find out what proportion of the population get the virus without showing symptoms .
Another priority is to work out which NHS workers are very likely to be immune .
Prof Whitty said that once we have gone through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the test will be spread out to the general population .
PHE says it expects to test around 1,500 people a week at first .
Why has n't it been introduced already ?
PHE says it has to be sure first that the tests `` work as they are claimed to do '' and they are still being evaluated .
`` Once they have been tested this week and the bulk of tests arrive , they will be distributed into the community , '' said Prof Peacock .
Prof Whitty has warned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` bad tests are worse than no tests '' .
What testing is available currently ?
The tests being used at the moment can only show if someone currently has COVID-19 .
Earlier this month , Prof Whitty said only those in hospital will be routinely tested .
Prof Whitty said it was `` no longer necessary for us to identify every case '' , despite criticism from the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in places including Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury , but the main focus has been on those in hospital .
People suffering `` mild symptoms '' , including a fever and new continuous cough , have been told to self-isolate for a week rather than ask to be tested .
However the government has said in the last few days that it plans to ramp up its testing .
Between 5,000 to 6,000 people are currently being tested per day , but this is expected to increase to 25,000 tests a day within four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'm confirmed positive , can I stop social distancing ?
It is widely believed that having COVID-19 makes people immune to the disease , or that if they get it a second time , they are no longer able to spread it .
Prof Chris Whitty said : `` Once we have these , the key thing for - in the first case healthcare workers - and then other workers and members of society , we 'll be able to say to somebody , you 've had this virus , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least in the immediate term , and now we can be confident you can return to work and now we can be confident you do n't need to be taking some of the precautions you 've been taking to date . ''
What will happen if we start mass testing ?
WHO has insisted that testing citizens should be the `` backbone '' of every government 's response , with countries urged to `` test , test , test '' every suspected case .
`` You can not fight a fire blindfolded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic if we do n't know who is infected , '' WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said .
Some countries which have used aggressive testing , including South Korea and Germany , have seen lower death rates .
More testing also means authorities can pick up on asymptomatic cases , helping them to identify virus hotspots and what percentage of cases do not show symptoms .

Millions of people could soon have access to new 15-minute coronavirus testing kits, as part of government plans.
On Wednesday, the director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England, Professor Sharon Peacock, said millions of the kits have been ordered and could be available to the public in days.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has made it clear the tests are still being evaluated and they will only be used if they are found to be accurate.
He stressed frontline NHS workers would need the tests first so they could get back to work if they have had already had the virus.
But what are the new test kits and could they make a difference?
What is the new test?
It will be able to identify if someone had the infection previously by showing if they have antibodies for COVID-19.
The human body produces antibodies to fight infection, so by measuring antibodies in the blood, the test can detect whether the individual has already been infected.
Public Health England (PHE) says this type of testing will allow individuals, including NHS workers, to return to work and help to refine estimates of how the virus has spread across the UK.
Advertisement
It could also identify people who contracted the virus without showing any, or very mild, symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Should we introduce weekly tests for NHS staff?'
During the daily press briefing on Wednesday, the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it is "important to find out who has had the virus asymptomatically".
What does the test involve?
The tests look similar to pregnancy tests and will require a blood prick.
Prof Peacock explained: "You prick your finger like a diabetic would, then get a drop of blood and put it on a filter paper and then run some liquid to make that blood run into the test zone."
Some people will be asked to have a second blood test, checked with a "gold standard" test, to ensure the kits are working properly.
Image: Signs for coronavirus testing at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
How can I get hold of it?
People will be able to order the new test on Amazon, or they could take it at high street branches such as Boots, according to Prof Peacock.
However Boots has made it clear that it is not currently stocking the test in its stores.
One possible model is that the test is ordered via Amazon and performed at home before being sent back for results.
Who will have access to the new test?
This test will initially be used to find out what proportion of the population get the virus without showing symptoms.
Another priority is to work out which NHS workers are very likely to be immune.
Prof Whitty said that once we have gone through these "critical uses", then the test will be spread out to the general population.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 COVID-19 'not trivial' for young people
PHE says it expects to test around 1,500 people a week at first.
Why hasn't it been introduced already?
PHE says it has to be sure first that the tests "work as they are claimed to do" and they are still being evaluated.
"Once they have been tested this week and the bulk of tests arrive, they will be distributed into the community," said Prof Peacock.
Prof Whitty has warned the tests must pass the evaluation stage first as "bad tests are worse than no tests".
What testing is available currently?
The tests being used at the moment can only show if someone currently has COVID-19.
Earlier this month, Prof Whitty said only those in hospital will be routinely tested.
Prof Whitty said it was "no longer necessary for us to identify every case", despite criticism from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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
Some drive-through testing has been introduced in places including Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, but the main focus has been on those in hospital.
People suffering "mild symptoms", including a fever and new continuous cough, have been told to self-isolate for a week rather than ask to be tested.
However the government has said in the last few days that it plans to ramp up its testing.
Between 5,000 to 6,000 people are currently being tested per day, but this is expected to increase to 25,000 tests a day within four weeks.
If I get the new test and I'm confirmed positive, can I stop social distancing?
It is widely believed that having COVID-19 makes people immune to the disease, or that if they get it a second time, they are no longer able to spread it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
Prof Chris Whitty said: "Once we have these, the key thing for - in the first case healthcare workers - and then other workers and members of society, we'll be able to say to somebody, you've had this virus, you're not likely to get it again at least in the immediate term, and now we can be confident you can return to work and now we can be confident you don't need to be taking some of the precautions you've been taking to date."
What will happen if we start mass testing?
WHO has insisted that testing citizens should be the "backbone" of every government's response, with countries urged to "test, test, test" every suspected case.
"You cannot fight a fire blindfolded, and we cannot stop this pandemic if we don't know who is infected," WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.
Some countries which have used aggressive testing, including South Korea and Germany, have seen lower death rates.
More testing also means authorities can pick up on asymptomatic cases, helping them to identify virus hotspots and what percentage of cases do not show symptoms.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: The Walking Dead postpones season 10 finale due to COVID-19 outbreak

The Walking Dead is postponing the finale of its current series due to the coronavirus outbreak .
AMC Networks , which makes the long-running zombie horror , said the current COVID-19 pandemic had made it `` impossible '' to go ahead with season 10 as planned .
Posting a statement on their official Twitter page , they told fans : `` Current events have unfortunately made it impossible to complete post-production of The Walking Dead Season 10 finale , so the current season will end with its 15th episode on April 5 .
`` The planned finale will appear as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This means the series , which started last October , will now conclude with its penultimate episode , while the finale will follow as a standalone episode at an as yet unknown date .
Executive producer and director Greg Nicotero clarified in the comments : `` Post production for those who are curious involves VFX , music , sound mixing and sound FX .
This process usually goes up to about 3 weeks from air date . ''
He added : `` I 'm finding out about this same time you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the episode will not disappoint .
Be safe everyone . ''
The American show , which is based on a comic book series , has run for 10 years and starred British actor Andrew Lincoln in the first nine seasons .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Samantha Morton joined the cast in season 10 , playing leader of the Whisperers , Alpha .
Pre-production of season 11 has already been put on hold due to the virus , like many TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln was also due to reprise his role of Rick Grimes in a film trilogy based on the show , but these plans too will no doubt have been put on hold .
A new spinoff of the show - The Walking Dead : World Beyond - has also been pushed back to `` later this year '' due to coronavirus .
Meanwhile , streaming sites have seen a huge surge in downloads of apocalyptic films including Contagion and Outbreak following the pandemic .
Many stuck at home due to social distancing or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disaster thrillers , which simulate the spread of a global pandemic , in a bid to come to terms with the current coronavirus climate .

The Walking Dead is postponing the finale of its current series due to the coronavirus outbreak.
AMC Networks, which makes the long-running zombie horror, said the current COVID-19 pandemic had made it "impossible" to go ahead with season 10 as planned.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Posting a statement on their official Twitter page, they told fans: "Current events have unfortunately made it impossible to complete post-production of The Walking Dead Season 10 finale, so the current season will end with its 15th episode on April 5.
"The planned finale will appear as a special episode later in the year."
This means the series, which started last October, will now conclude with its penultimate episode, while the finale will follow as a standalone episode at an as yet unknown date.
Image: Streaming of disaster films like Contagion have recently soared. Pic: Moviestore/Shutterstock
Executive producer and director Greg Nicotero clarified in the comments: "Post production for those who are curious involves VFX, music, sound mixing and sound FX. This process usually goes up to about 3 weeks from air date."
He added: "I'm finding out about this same time you guys are and it's disappointing but the episode will not disappoint. Be safe everyone."
The American show, which is based on a comic book series, has run for 10 years and starred British actor Andrew Lincoln in the first nine seasons.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
Samantha Morton joined the cast in season 10, playing leader of the Whisperers, Alpha.
Pre-production of season 11 has already been put on hold due to the virus, like many TV and film productions around the world.
Lincoln was also due to reprise his role of Rick Grimes in a film trilogy based on the show, but these plans too will no doubt have been put on hold.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
A new spinoff of the show - The Walking Dead: World Beyond - has also been pushed back to "later this year" due to coronavirus.
Meanwhile, streaming sites have seen a huge surge in downloads of apocalyptic films including Contagion and Outbreak following the pandemic.
Many stuck at home due to social distancing or self-isolation seem to have turned to the disaster thrillers, which simulate the spread of a global pandemic, in a bid to come to terms with the current coronavirus climate.