news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Royal Family post messages to families spending Mother's Day apart

The Royal Family have posted messages of support to families spending Mother 's Day apart amid fears over the spread of coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK is `` stark '' and `` accelerating '' as he told adults the best present they can give their mother for Mother 's Day is to stay away .
A post on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's official Twitter page says : `` To mothers new and old and families spending today together and apart - we are thinking of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The message , which was also posted on Instagram , included pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children ; Diana , Princess of Wales , with Prince William and Prince Harry ; Carole Middleton with her daughter Catherine ; and a Mother 's Day card from Prince George to his mum .
The official Instagram page of the Queen and the Royal Family also posted a poignant message , saying : `` Mothering Sunday is a chance to thank and celebrate all mothers and caregivers , wherever they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different and difficult day for those who would usually plan to spend time with their mothers , as we adapt to the necessary changes and disruption to our normal routine and regular patterns of life , '' it read .
`` But for all Mums everywhere , we are thinking of you , and wish you all a very special # mothersday '' .
A 1951 photo of the Queen - then Princess Elizabeth - with her mother , Queen Elizabeth , accompanied the message .
Mr Johnson has said Britons `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing their mothers , saying : `` It does n't matter necessarily whether they 're over 70 .
The issue is whether they are in one of the vulnerable groups . ''
Doctors have echoed this view , with GP Sarah Jarvis , tweeting that `` the best present we can give elderly mums for Mother 's Day is to cancel big family lunches and buy them a device with Skype or FaceTime - then use it regularly . ''
Planned celebrations at restaurants for lunches or afternoon teas have been cancelled after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars and restaurants to close for the foreseeable future in the latest move aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19 .
On Thursday , the Queen issued a message of solidarity , saying families around the UK were entering `` a period of great concern and uncertainty '' .
She moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle a week earlier than planned for the Easter period - and will likely stay there longer than originally thought - with coronavirus at its most widespread in London .

The Royal Family have posted messages of support to families spending Mother's Day apart amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK is "stark" and "accelerating" as he told adults the best present they can give their mother for Mother's Day is to stay away.
A post on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's official Twitter page says: "To mothers new and old and families spending today together and apart - we are thinking of you all at this difficult time".
"Happy Mother's Day."
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The message, which was also posted on Instagram, included pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children; Diana, Princess of Wales, with Prince William and Prince Harry; Carole Middleton with her daughter Catherine; and a Mother's Day card from Prince George to his mum.
The official Instagram page of the Queen and the Royal Family also posted a poignant message, saying: "Mothering Sunday is a chance to thank and celebrate all mothers and caregivers, wherever they may be."
Image: The Royal Family also posted a 1951 photo of the Queen with her mother
"Today may be a different and difficult day for those who would usually plan to spend time with their mothers, as we adapt to the necessary changes and disruption to our normal routine and regular patterns of life," it read.
"But for all Mums everywhere, we are thinking of you, and wish you all a very special #mothersday".
A 1951 photo of the Queen - then Princess Elizabeth - with her mother, Queen Elizabeth, accompanied the message.
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Mr Johnson has said Britons "should really think very carefully" about seeing their mothers, saying: "It doesn't matter necessarily whether they're over 70. The issue is whether they are in one of the vulnerable groups."
Doctors have echoed this view, with GP Sarah Jarvis, tweeting that "the best present we can give elderly mums for Mother's Day is to cancel big family lunches and buy them a device with Skype or FaceTime - then use it regularly."
Planned celebrations at restaurants for lunches or afternoon teas have been cancelled after the government ordered cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close for the foreseeable future in the latest move aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19.
On Thursday, the Queen issued a message of solidarity, saying families around the UK were entering "a period of great concern and uncertainty".
She moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle a week earlier than planned for the Easter period - and will likely stay there longer than originally thought - with coronavirus at its most widespread in London.


news--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: 4,500 retired doctors and nurses sign up to battle COVID-19 pandemic

The health secretary has said 4,500 retired healthcare workers have signed up to help battle the coronavirus outbreak in the UK .
It comes after NHS England struck a deal with independent hospitals to provide 20,000 fully qualified staff and 8,000 more hospital beds .
The NHS will also have access to nearly 1,200 more ventilators facilities and other critical care facilities that have come under intense pressure as the coronavirus crisis intensifies .
Matt Hancock tweeted on Saturday night : `` Delighted that 4,000 nurses and 500 doctors have signed up to return to the NHS in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said it was `` brilliant support in our national effort '' to tackle the virus .
In a video accompanying the post , he added : `` But we need many more .
It 's easy to do , and we will make sure that your service is put to best effect .
`` The whole country needs the NHS right now and if you 're a retired doctor or a retired nurse then your NHS needs you . ''
Earlier this week , up to 65,000 former doctors and nurses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
Hundreds of new cases are being confirmed in the UK each day - with an additional 1,035 in the latest 24-hour figures , bringing the total to 5,018 in the biggest daily rise yet .
Meanwhile , Jeremy Corbyn has urged the government to go further to ensure economic security for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
In a letter to Boris Johnson , he welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's plans to underwrite the wages of millions of workers who would have otherwise lost their jobs , but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover the five million self-employed .
The Labour leader also called for protection for workers from losing their jobs , more support for renters , improved social security , and an increase in statutory sick pay .
He added that Labour would continue to work `` constructively '' with the government and that its proposals were intended to strengthen its response to the crisis .
He wrote : `` We welcome the direction of the chancellor 's announcements .
But we continue to have concerns that the plans do not provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to take precautionary measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic . ''
The number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK reached 233 on Saturday .
A 41-year-old patient is thought to be the youngest UK victim since the outbreak began .
NHS England said all 53 whose deaths were announced in England on Saturday had underlying health conditions and the eldest was 94 .
The number of deaths in Wales has risen to five , while Scotland now stands at seven and Northern Ireland 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The new figures came as Environment Secretary George Eustice said there was no shortage of food in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic , with manufacturers having increased production by 50 % .
At the daily Downing Street press conference , NHS England national medical director Stephen Powis said crisis panic buyers `` should be ashamed '' for causing needless shortages for NHS staff .
The NHS said it was also offering temporary work to final-year medical students and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And those who join the `` NHS Army '' will be assessed to see what kind of help they could offer in the service 's battle against the crisis .

The health secretary has said 4,500 retired healthcare workers have signed up to help battle the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
It comes after NHS England struck a deal with independent hospitals to provide 20,000 fully qualified staff and 8,000 more hospital beds.
The NHS will also have access to nearly 1,200 more ventilators facilities and other critical care facilities that have come under intense pressure as the coronavirus crisis intensifies.
Matt Hancock tweeted on Saturday night: "Delighted that 4,000 nurses and 500 doctors have signed up to return to the NHS in the first 48 hours of our call."
He said it was "brilliant support in our national effort" to tackle the virus.
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In a video accompanying the post, he added: "But we need many more. It's easy to do, and we will make sure that your service is put to best effect.
"The whole country needs the NHS right now and if you're a retired doctor or a retired nurse then your NHS needs you."
Earlier this week, up to 65,000 former doctors and nurses were asked to answer the call to return to work.
Image: The Wembley Stadium arch is lit up in blue to show public support for the NHS during the pandemic. Pic: Jed Leicester for The FA/Shutterstock
Hundreds of new cases are being confirmed in the UK each day - with an additional 1,035 in the latest 24-hour figures, bringing the total to 5,018 in the biggest daily rise yet.
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Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has urged the government to go further to ensure economic security for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter to Boris Johnson, he welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak's plans to underwrite the wages of millions of workers who would have otherwise lost their jobs, but said the government needed to extend that support to cover the five million self-employed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 NHS staff struggle with lack of resources
The Labour leader also called for protection for workers from losing their jobs, more support for renters, improved social security, and an increase in statutory sick pay.
He added that Labour would continue to work "constructively" with the government and that its proposals were intended to strengthen its response to the crisis.
Image: A London commuter wearing a protective face mask
He wrote: "We welcome the direction of the chancellor's announcements. But we continue to have concerns that the plans do not provide the economic security that everyone needs to be able to take precautionary measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic."
The number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK reached 233 on Saturday.
Image: Nurses posted pictures of clinical waste bags on their heads because they have not got enough personal protection equipment
A 41-year-old patient is thought to be the youngest UK victim since the outbreak began.
NHS England said all 53 whose deaths were announced in England on Saturday had underlying health conditions and the eldest was 94.
The number of deaths in Wales has risen to five, while Scotland now stands at seven and Northern Ireland's remains at one.
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The new figures came as Environment Secretary George Eustice said there was no shortage of food in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, with manufacturers having increased production by 50%.
Image: Empty shelves in Sainsbury's in Cheshire
Image: People queue outside the Costco wholesalers in Glasgow
At the daily Downing Street press conference, NHS England national medical director Stephen Powis said crisis panic buyers "should be ashamed" for causing needless shortages for NHS staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Tech firms help to make ventilators
The NHS said it was also offering temporary work to final-year medical students and student nurses, as well as retirees.
And those who join the "NHS Army" will be assessed to see what kind of help they could offer in the service's battle against the crisis.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: 'Healthy' NHS nurse, 36, in intensive care after contracting COVID-19

A 36-year-old NHS nurse , with no underlying health issues , is fighting for her life in hospital after contracting coronavirus .
Areema Nasreen is on a ventilator in intensive care in Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands - where she has worked for the past 16 years .
The mother-of-three developed symptoms 10 days ago , starting with body aches , a high temperature and then a cough .
On Friday , she tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory disease COVID-19 , which has infected more than 300,000 people worldwide .
A doctor at the hospital confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sick and in a critical condition .
Speaking anonymously , he said her condition had `` deteriorated very quickly '' .
He added : `` I ca n't confirm much but I can say she deteriorated within the space of 24 hours and is in ITU [ intensive treatment unit ] .
I agree we need awareness regarding this so people realise the role the NHS is playing and risking themselves . ''
Her sister Kazeema Nasreen , who works as a healthcare assistant at the same hospital , told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked it up `` virtually anywhere '' .
The 22-year-old healthcare assistant added that her sibling was on annual leave when she first started showing symptoms and does n't think she picked it up from work .
She confirmed her sister is currently in a critical condition and on a ventilator , but `` making tiny little progress '' .
As Ms Nasreen lives with her husband and three children , they are now in isolation and unable to visit her .
Kazeema said she got the chance to visit her sister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking good care of her .
Before being put on a ventilator , Ms Nasreen sent out a text to everyone to let them know and asked everyone to show the utmost respect to the NHS staff who she called her `` family '' .
Ms Nasreen began working at Walsall Manor Hospital as a housekeeper and qualified as a staff nurse in January last year .
In words of encouragement for people thinking about going into nursing - especially those from Muslim backgrounds - she said at the time : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspire others .
I cry every morning because I am so happy that I have finally realised my dream of becoming a nurse .
`` `` I would urge anyone reading this to not give up . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She also told of how she had aspired to become a nurse since she was a teenager after caring for her grandmother who suffered a stroke .
`` I just wanted to be able to look after people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable , '' she said .
The number of people who have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus has risen by 48 to 281 .
Infections have increased by 635 to 5,683 , the Department of Health said .

A 36-year-old NHS nurse, with no underlying health issues, is fighting for her life in hospital after contracting coronavirus.
Areema Nasreen is on a ventilator in intensive care in Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands - where she has worked for the past 16 years.
The mother-of-three developed symptoms 10 days ago, starting with body aches, a high temperature and then a cough.
Image: Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands. Pic: Google Street View
On Friday, she tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory disease COVID-19, which has infected more than 300,000 people worldwide.
A doctor at the hospital confirmed to Sky News that his colleague was very sick and in a critical condition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 PM tells Britons: 'Don't think fresh air provides immunity'
Speaking anonymously, he said her condition had "deteriorated very quickly".
He added: "I can't confirm much but I can say she deteriorated within the space of 24 hours and is in ITU [intensive treatment unit]. I agree we need awareness regarding this so people realise the role the NHS is playing and risking themselves."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 Sky's Ashish Joshi takes us through which areas of the UK have been most affected by COVID-19
Her sister Kazeema Nasreen, who works as a healthcare assistant at the same hospital, told Sky News that the family think she could have picked it up "virtually anywhere".
The 22-year-old healthcare assistant added that her sibling was on annual leave when she first started showing symptoms and doesn't think she picked it up from work.
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She confirmed her sister is currently in a critical condition and on a ventilator, but "making tiny little progress".
As Ms Nasreen lives with her husband and three children, they are now in isolation and unable to visit her.
Kazeema said she got the chance to visit her sister, who repeatedly praised the hospital staff for taking good care of her.
Before being put on a ventilator, Ms Nasreen sent out a text to everyone to let them know and asked everyone to show the utmost respect to the NHS staff who she called her "family".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Are you among the 1.5m urged to self-isolate?
Ms Nasreen began working at Walsall Manor Hospital as a housekeeper and qualified as a staff nurse in January last year.
In words of encouragement for people thinking about going into nursing - especially those from Muslim backgrounds - she said at the time: "I would like to think that I can inspire others. I cry every morning because I am so happy that I have finally realised my dream of becoming a nurse.""I would urge anyone reading this to not give up."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She also told of how she had aspired to become a nurse since she was a teenager after caring for her grandmother who suffered a stroke.
"I just wanted to be able to look after people, particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable," she said.
The number of people who have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus has risen by 48 to 281.
Infections have increased by 635 to 5,683, the Department of Health said.


news--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Warning issued for those who should avoid sex

Self-isolating couples who do not live together or who fall into one of the vulnerable categories should avoid sex when it comes to getting coronavirus , says an expert .
If one partner shows symptoms such as a cough or fever and lives separately from their other half , couples should avoid sex for seven days , Professor Paul Hunter advised .
Couples who live together should also abstain if one of them is in the higher-risk group such as being 70 or older , has an underlying illness or is pregnant and one of the two people has possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given by the government telling people to socially distance themselves as much as possible to slow the spread of the virus .
They should self-isolate if they have symptoms or live with people who does but no specific information has been issued on what to do about sex .
Prof Hunter said : `` If you or your partner are self-isolating because one of you have symptoms ( cough or fever ) then providing you live together then you do not necessarily need to give up sex for the seven-day period recommended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if your partner is in one of the vulnerable groups because of age , pre-existing disease or she is pregnant , then you need to stay away from them as much as possible , and this would mean avoid sex for the first seven days .
`` If your partner does not live with you then they should be staying away . ''
He also advised avoiding sex if one of you is feeling unwell , and reiterated the advice on good hand hygiene .
He said : `` The evidence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you when you are acutely unwell with fever or pneumonia .
Nevertheless , it would probably be best to avoid sex whilst you feel poorly .
`` Whether you do or do not still have sex during this period , remember to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and avoid touching your or your partner 's face with unwashed hands . ''
People who live a `` bohemian '' sex life where they mix with other people should avoid it and stay at home , Professor Hunter advised .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather more bohemian and you can not get to have sex without mixing with some/many other people , this mixing is advised against , so stay at home .
This is especially important if you are in one of the at-risk groups . ''
The main risk of catching the virus during sex `` comes from being close , face-to-face , through droplet spread , through kissing and touching each other 's faces '' , the professor said .

Self-isolating couples who do not live together or who fall into one of the vulnerable categories should avoid sex when it comes to getting coronavirus, says an expert.
If one partner shows symptoms such as a cough or fever and lives separately from their other half, couples should avoid sex for seven days, Professor Paul Hunter advised.
Couples who live together should also abstain if one of them is in the higher-risk group such as being 70 or older, has an underlying illness or is pregnant and one of the two people has possible COVID-19 symptoms.
Strong advice has been given by the government telling people to socially distance themselves as much as possible to slow the spread of the virus.
They should self-isolate if they have symptoms or live with people who does but no specific information has been issued on what to do about sex.
Prof Hunter said: "If you or your partner are self-isolating because one of you have symptoms (cough or fever) then providing you live together then you do not necessarily need to give up sex for the seven-day period recommended for individual cases to self-isolate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 COVID-19 patients could show 'loss of smell'
"However, if your partner is in one of the vulnerable groups because of age, pre-existing disease or she is pregnant, then you need to stay away from them as much as possible, and this would mean avoid sex for the first seven days.
"If your partner does not live with you then they should be staying away."
He also advised avoiding sex if one of you is feeling unwell, and reiterated the advice on good hand hygiene.
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He said: "The evidence is unclear about whether vigorous exercise is bad for you when you are acutely unwell with fever or pneumonia. Nevertheless, it would probably be best to avoid sex whilst you feel poorly.
"Whether you do or do not still have sex during this period, remember to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and avoid touching your or your partner's face with unwashed hands."
People who live a "bohemian" sex life where they mix with other people should avoid it and stay at home, Professor Hunter advised.
He added: "If your sex life is rather more bohemian and you cannot get to have sex without mixing with some/many other people, this mixing is advised against, so stay at home. This is especially important if you are in one of the at-risk groups."
The main risk of catching the virus during sex "comes from being close, face-to-face, through droplet spread, through kissing and touching each other's faces", the professor said.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: UK could be following 'similar path to Italy' over deaths, experts say

The UK is just days away from experiencing a similar trajectory in coronavirus death rates as Italy , experts have warned .
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter , from Cambridge University , said Britain could face the same problems because cases are doubling roughly every three days .
Boris Johnson has urged people to stay at home to enable `` thousands of lives '' potentially to be saved .
The prime minister has also said he fears the NHS could become `` overwhelmed '' like Italian hospitals have .
The number of infections in the UK currently stands at 5,061 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a rise of 48 in a day .
Professor Spiegelhalter said a technique called Poisson regression showed that the daily increase in deaths in the UK was almost the same as in Italy .
He said : `` To compare rates of exponential growth early on in the epidemic , it is best to fit a line to the logarithm of the observed number of deaths each day , using a technique called Poisson regression .
`` This reveals that , over the 12 days following each country reaching five deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK ( 37 % ) was only marginally higher than that of Italy ( 35 % ) .
`` A difference this size could easily occur by chance , were the countries following a similar underlying trajectory . ''
Italy reported 793 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday , the largest one-day number of fatalities so far reported in any country since the outbreak started .
On Sunday , it was announced by Italian authorities that a further 651 people had died .
There has been a total of 5,476 deaths and 59,138 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister , Mr Johnson , said of the UK figures : `` The numbers are very stark , and they are accelerating .
We are only a matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy .
`` The Italians have a superb healthcare system .
And yet their doctors and nurses have been completely overwhelmed by the demand .
The Italian death toll is already in the thousands and climbing .
`` Unless we act together , unless we make the heroic and collective national effort to slow the spread - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own NHS will be similarly overwhelmed .
`` That is why this country has taken the steps that it has , in imposing restrictions never seen before either in peace or war . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Sky News has analysed figures published by Public Health England .
They reveal that London has four times as many cases as anywhere else in the UK with 1,965 cases .
The boroughs with the highest number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lambeth ( 118 cases ) , Westminster ( 110 cases ) , Brent ( 108 cases ) and Wandsworth ( 107 cases ) .
In the South East , the most populous region , has the second largest total with 499 cases , an increase of 82 on Friday .
In the West Midlands , Wolverhampton recorded the biggest increase in cases with 45 .
This is almost twice that of any other authority in the region .
Hampshire in the South East has the most confirmed cases of an local authority area @ @ @ @ @ @

The UK is just days away from experiencing a similar trajectory in coronavirus death rates as Italy, experts have warned.
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University, said Britain could face the same problems because cases are doubling roughly every three days.
Boris Johnson has urged people to stay at home to enable "thousands of lives" potentially to be saved.
The prime minister has also said he fears the NHS could become "overwhelmed" like Italian hospitals have.
Image: Statistics from World in Data show the percentage increase in deaths for the UK is slightly higher than Italy over a 12-day period
The number of infections in the UK currently stands at 5,061, and the number of deaths is 281 following a rise of 48 in a day.
Professor Spiegelhalter said a technique called Poisson regression showed that the daily increase in deaths in the UK was almost the same as in Italy.
He said: "To compare rates of exponential growth early on in the epidemic, it is best to fit a line to the logarithm of the observed number of deaths each day, using a technique called Poisson regression.
"This reveals that, over the 12 days following each country reaching five deaths, the daily increase in underlying death rate in the UK (37%) was only marginally higher than that of Italy (35%).
"A difference this size could easily occur by chance, were the countries following a similar underlying trajectory."
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Image: The number of cases of COVID-19 in the UK over the past month
Italy reported 793 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, the largest one-day number of fatalities so far reported in any country since the outbreak started.
On Sunday, it was announced by Italian authorities that a further 651 people had died.
There has been a total of 5,476 deaths and 59,138 infections in the country.
The prime minister, Mr Johnson, said of the UK figures: "The numbers are very stark, and they are accelerating. We are only a matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 Sky's Ashish Joshi takes us through which areas of the UK have been most affected by COVID-19.
"The Italians have a superb healthcare system. And yet their doctors and nurses have been completely overwhelmed by the demand. The Italian death toll is already in the thousands and climbing.
"Unless we act together, unless we make the heroic and collective national effort to slow the spread - then it is all too likely that our own NHS will be similarly overwhelmed.
"That is why this country has taken the steps that it has, in imposing restrictions never seen before either in peace or war."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Meanwhile, Sky News has analysed figures published by Public Health England.
Image: Daily fatalities in London are increasing at a faster rate than other regions
They reveal that London has four times as many cases as anywhere else in the UK with 1,965 cases.
The boroughs with the highest number of cases include Southwark (134 cases), Lambeth (118 cases), Westminster (110 cases), Brent (108 cases) and Wandsworth (107 cases).
Image: London has four times as many COVID-19 cases as anywhere else in the UK
In the South East, the most populous region, has the second largest total with 499 cases, an increase of 82 on Friday.
In the West Midlands, Wolverhampton recorded the biggest increase in cases with 45. This is almost twice that of any other authority in the region.
Hampshire in the South East has the most confirmed cases of an local authority area in the UK with 138.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Londoners warned 'people will die' if they ignore social distancing advice

Londoners have been starkly warned `` people will die '' if they continue to ignore advice to stay at home in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Those in the capital have been warned parks will be shut if people do not follow the government 's guidelines on social distancing .
This weekend , spring sunshine and the forced closure of pubs , cafes and restaurants has seen London 's parks crowded with people .
Police on Sunday prevented traffic from entering Richmond , Bushy and Greenwich parks , with only workers holding a permit allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which maintains those parks and five of London 's other largest open spaces , also posted on Twitter : `` After scenes of crowds not # SocialDistancing yesterday we want to urge you again to follow the government 's advice and keep a safe distance from others .
`` We have a shared responsibility to keep London 's parks safe for everyone who needs them .
`` We will keep this situation under constant review .
If people do not follow social distancing guidelines , we will have no choice but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulham Council have already shut their parks from 7pm on Sunday `` until further notice '' , while Kew Gardens has been shut `` as a precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus '' .
Victoria Park and Columbia Road flower market in east London were also pictured as being full of people on Sunday .
In the UK , coronavirus is estimated to be at its most widespread in London , with one hospital in the capital having already declared a `` critical incident '' after running out of critical care beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a stark message on Twitter for all those in the capital , telling them `` life has changed '' .
`` Do not leave your home unless you have to , '' he posted on Twitter .
`` Stay at home for yourself .
Stay at home to save the lives of your loved ones .
Stay at home to help our heroic NHS staff .
`` Ignore these instructions and people will die . ''
Mr Khan had earlier told the BBC 's Andrew Marr show : `` Social interaction leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people dying .
`` Do n't leave your home unless you really , really have to .
Work from home , do n't use public transport unless it 's genuinely essential .
`` Look out for your neighbours who are elderly and vulnerable .
Do some shopping for them , leave it on their doorstep .
Only buy what you need , there 's plenty to get around .
`` Do n't just do it for yourself , do it to stop the disease spreading .
Do it for your vulnerable loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , do it for the heroic NHS who need our help .
`` These are extraordinary times which need and demand extraordinary measures . ''

Londoners have been starkly warned "people will die" if they continue to ignore advice to stay at home in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Those in the capital have been warned parks will be shut if people do not follow the government's guidelines on social distancing.
This weekend, spring sunshine and the forced closure of pubs, cafes and restaurants has seen London's parks crowded with people.
Police on Sunday prevented traffic from entering Richmond, Bushy and Greenwich parks, with only workers holding a permit allowed to use car parks.
Image: Police on Sunday prevented traffic from entering Richmond Park
The Royal Parks, which maintains those parks and five of London's other largest open spaces, also posted on Twitter: "After scenes of crowds not #SocialDistancing yesterday we want to urge you again to follow the government's advice and keep a safe distance from others.
"We have a shared responsibility to keep London's parks safe for everyone who needs them.
"We will keep this situation under constant review. If people do not follow social distancing guidelines, we will have no choice but to close the parks."
Image: The Royal Parks have warned they could shut access completely if Londoners continue to ignore advice
Hammersmith and Fulham Council have already shut their parks from 7pm on Sunday "until further notice", while Kew Gardens has been shut "as a precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus".
Victoria Park and Columbia Road flower market in east London were also pictured as being full of people on Sunday.
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In the UK, coronavirus is estimated to be at its most widespread in London, with one hospital in the capital having already declared a "critical incident" after running out of critical care beds.
London mayor Sadiq Khan on Sunday issued a stark message on Twitter for all those in the capital, telling them "life has changed".
"Do not leave your home unless you have to," he posted on Twitter.
"Stay at home for yourself. Stay at home to save the lives of your loved ones. Stay at home to help our heroic NHS staff.
"Ignore these instructions and people will die."
Mr Khan had earlier told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "Social interaction leads to the disease spreading, leads to people dying.
"Don't leave your home unless you really, really have to. Work from home, don't use public transport unless it's genuinely essential.
"Look out for your neighbours who are elderly and vulnerable. Do some shopping for them, leave it on their doorstep. Only buy what you need, there's plenty to get around.
Image: London mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning to those in the capital
"Don't just do it for yourself, do it to stop the disease spreading. Do it for your vulnerable loved ones who will die if you don't, do it for the heroic NHS who need our help.
"These are extraordinary times which need and demand extraordinary measures."


news--2020-03-22--German Chancellor Angela Merkel in quarantine after a doctor tests positive for coronavirus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tested positive for coronavirus .
Ms Merkel was told about the doctor 's test shortly after holding a news briefing about new measures to curb the spread of the virus , her spokesman Steffen Seibert said .
It comes as Senator Rand Paul became the first US senator to contract COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
In a statement , Mr Seibert said Ms Merkel had received a precautionary vaccine on Friday against pneumococcus , a pneumonia-causing bacteria .
He added the 65-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being .
Ms Merkel will undergo `` regular tests '' in the coming days .
In the conference earlier on Sunday , the German chancellor announced a nationwide ban on public meetings of more than two people outside of work , to be in place for at least two weeks .
She ordered restaurants to only offer takeaway services , while hairdressers and beauty , massage and tattoo parlours must close .
The chancellor expressed gratitude to Germans who were following the social distancing rule of staying at least 1.5 metres apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ means making sacrifices , both personal and economic , '' Ms Merkel said .
`` I am very moved that so many people are obeying the rules .
That 's how we show that we care for older people and the sick , for whom the virus is the most dangerous .
In short , that 's how we save lives . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The great aim is to gain time in the fight against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of US Senator Rand Paul confirmed in a statement that he has tested positive for coronavirus .
`` Paul has no symptoms and was tested out of 'abundance of caution ' given his recent travels , '' the statement read .

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in quarantine after a doctor who gave her a vaccine tested positive for coronavirus.
Ms Merkel was told about the doctor's test shortly after holding a news briefing about new measures to curb the spread of the virus, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
It comes as Senator Rand Paul became the first US senator to contract COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Image: Rand Paul is the first US senator to test positive for coronavirus
In a statement, Mr Seibert said Ms Merkel had received a precautionary vaccine on Friday against pneumococcus, a pneumonia-causing bacteria.
He added the 65-year-old would work from home for the time being.
Ms Merkel will undergo "regular tests" in the coming days.
In the conference earlier on Sunday, the German chancellor announced a nationwide ban on public meetings of more than two people outside of work, to be in place for at least two weeks.
She ordered restaurants to only offer takeaway services, while hairdressers and beauty, massage and tattoo parlours must close.
The chancellor expressed gratitude to Germans who were following the social distancing rule of staying at least 1.5 metres apart.
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"Thank you. I know it means making sacrifices, both personal and economic," Ms Merkel said.
"I am very moved that so many people are obeying the rules. That's how we show that we care for older people and the sick, for whom the virus is the most dangerous. In short, that's how we save lives."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The great aim is to gain time in the fight against the virus."
Meanwhile, the office of US Senator Rand Paul confirmed in a statement that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
"Paul has no symptoms and was tested out of 'abundance of caution' given his recent travels," the statement read.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: UK could be put on lockdown if Britons ignore advice, suggests cabinet minister

The UK could be put on lockdown if Britons continue to ignore advice aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus , a cabinet minister has suggested .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick warned that asking people to stay at home in an attempt to suppress the number of COVID-19 cases was not `` a game '' , as he refused to rule out tougher action .
The government on Friday closed cafes , pubs , bars , restaurants and gyms for the foreseeable future as the spread of coronavirus continues to accelerate .
Britons are being asked to not go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in order to prevent the NHS becoming overburdened and to save the lives of the elderly and most vulnerable .
But the UK has not yet followed the example of France , which is now requiring citizens to carry official paperwork in order to leave their homes .
Asked whether Britain could follow other European countries in enforcing an official lockdown , Mr Jenrick told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show : `` We do n't want to go down that route .
`` We want to live in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go about activities while continuing to follow the medical advice .
`` But this is n't a game , this is very serious ; People need to follow that advice .
`` We have now closed the pubs , the restaurants , the clubs , the indoor gyms and leisure activities , and we want people now to follow that advice and stay at home wherever possible .
`` If people do n't follow that advice , we 'll clearly have to consider other options .
`` But none of us want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenrick stressed most people could continue to go out for walks , enjoy the countryside and take children to playgrounds , but warned them to `` stay a couple of metres away from others '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the number of UK coronavirus cases is `` stark '' and `` accelerating '' .
He told adults the best present they can give their mother for Mother 's Day on Sunday is to stay away .
Some 1.5 million people with specific health conditions who have been identified as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written to by the government to ask them to stay at home .
This group of people are being asked to remain at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks .
Mr Jenrick clarified those people can continue to live with those they are currently living with , although the government is asking family members of the most vulnerable to limit the time spent in shared spaces .
`` We 're not expecting families to be broken up as a result of this , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would be doing `` whatever it takes '' to support these people , including helping with the supply of food and medicines .
`` We want you to know that you might be staying at home for a long period of time but you will not be alone , '' he said .
In order to help those who are unable to work or whose businesses are affected by the coronavirus outbreak , the government has introduced an `` unprecedented '' package of economic help .
Mr Jenrick hinted more action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are self-employed , following criticism they have been left unsupported by the government .
`` It is more complicated for the self-employed than it is for employees ... but if we need to do more , we will do it and the chancellor is keeping this under review , '' he said .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to the prime minister to demand more help for the self-employed and a rise in the level of statutory sick pay and welfare payments .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday , he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems within the NHS '' .
He added : `` It does indicate just how damaged our NHS has been by the loss of beds over the last 10 years . ''
The government has struck a deal with private hospitals in order to secure 8,000 beds across England , nearly 1,200 ventilators and almost 20,000 staff .
Ex-health secretary and former Conservative leadership contender Jeremy Hunt , who is now the chair of the House of Commons health committee , said : `` I do think the NHS needs more resources but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a different debate .
`` This is a debate about how you cope with a pandemic that can blow over any healthcare system anywhere in the world . ''

The UK could be put on lockdown if Britons continue to ignore advice aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, a cabinet minister has suggested.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick warned that asking people to stay at home in an attempt to suppress the number of COVID-19 cases was not "a game", as he refused to rule out tougher action.
The government on Friday closed cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants and gyms for the foreseeable future as the spread of coronavirus continues to accelerate.
Britons are being asked to not go out and to reduce social interaction with others, in order to prevent the NHS becoming overburdened and to save the lives of the elderly and most vulnerable.
But the UK has not yet followed the example of France, which is now requiring citizens to carry official paperwork in order to leave their homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Coronavirus: You will not be alone, vulnerable told
Asked whether Britain could follow other European countries in enforcing an official lockdown, Mr Jenrick told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show: "We don't want to go down that route.
"We want to live in a free society where we can continue to go about activities while continuing to follow the medical advice.
"But this isn't a game, this is very serious; People need to follow that advice.
"We have now closed the pubs, the restaurants, the clubs, the indoor gyms and leisure activities, and we want people now to follow that advice and stay at home wherever possible.
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"If people don't follow that advice, we'll clearly have to consider other options.
"But none of us want to go down that route."
Mr Jenrick stressed most people could continue to go out for walks, enjoy the countryside and take children to playgrounds, but warned them to "stay a couple of metres away from others".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the number of UK coronavirus cases is "stark" and "accelerating".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
He told adults the best present they can give their mother for Mother's Day on Sunday is to stay away.
Some 1.5 million people with specific health conditions who have been identified as being most at risk to coronavirus are being written to by the government to ask them to stay at home.
This group of people are being asked to remain at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 COVID-19: Who are the most vulnerable?
Mr Jenrick clarified those people can continue to live with those they are currently living with, although the government is asking family members of the most vulnerable to limit the time spent in shared spaces.
"We're not expecting families to be broken up as a result of this," the cabinet minister said.
He also vowed the government would be doing "whatever it takes" to support these people, including helping with the supply of food and medicines.
"We want you to know that you might be staying at home for a long period of time but you will not be alone," he said.
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In order to help those who are unable to work or whose businesses are affected by the coronavirus outbreak, the government has introduced an "unprecedented" package of economic help.
Mr Jenrick hinted more action could be taken to help those who are self-employed, following criticism they have been left unsupported by the government.
"It is more complicated for the self-employed than it is for employees...but if we need to do more, we will do it and the chancellor is keeping this under review," he said.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to the prime minister to demand more help for the self-employed and a rise in the level of statutory sick pay and welfare payments.
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
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he also claimed the coronavirus crisis "exposes the problems within the NHS".
He added: "It does indicate just how damaged our NHS has been by the loss of beds over the last 10 years."
The government has struck a deal with private hospitals in order to secure 8,000 beds across England, nearly 1,200 ventilators and almost 20,000 staff.
Ex-health secretary and former Conservative leadership contender Jeremy Hunt, who is now the chair of the House of Commons health committee, said: "I do think the NHS needs more resources but I think we also have to recognise this is a different debate.
"This is a debate about how you cope with a pandemic that can blow over any healthcare system anywhere in the world."


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Transformers actress Sophia Myles reveals father died after contracting COVID-19

Transformers actress Sophia Myles has announced her father has died after contracting coronavirus .
The star , 40 , revealed on 14 March that her father Peter had caught the illness while battling other underlying health conditions .
She has been posting regular updates about Mr Myles , a retired Church of England vicar , and posted photographs of visiting him in hospital .
On Saturday , she said he had died .
She told her Twitter followers : `` RIP Peter Myles .
My dear Dad died only a few hours ago .
It was the coronavirus that finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myles posted a photograph of herself at her father 's bedside wearing a pair of plastic gloves , an apron and a surgical face mask .
She also posted an old image of the pair together with her brother .
In 2018 , she revealed her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson 's , a progressive neurological condition .
Since his diagnosis , she has been posting daily video blogs updating her fans on his condition and what life is like for her while filming new movie Decrypted .
It comes as seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - taking the UK 's total to 240 .
Italy 's toll has risen to 4,825 , making it the hardest-hit country in the world .
Myles rose to fame after starring in The Prince and The Pauper as Lady Jane Grey in 1996 .
Since then she has appeared in Doctor Who , Spooks and 2008 film Outlander .
In 2014 she starred in the Transformers : Age of Extinction as Darcy Tyril .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Transformers actress Sophia Myles has announced her father has died after contracting coronavirus.
The star, 40, revealed on 14 March that her father Peter had caught the illness while battling other underlying health conditions.
She has been posting regular updates about Mr Myles, a retired Church of England vicar, and posted photographs of visiting him in hospital.
On Saturday, she said he had died.
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
She told her Twitter followers: "RIP Peter Myles. My dear Dad died only a few hours ago. It was the coronavirus that finally took him."
Hours before, Myles posted a photograph of herself at her father's bedside wearing a pair of plastic gloves, an apron and a surgical face mask.
Image: Sophia Myles rose to fame after starring in The Prince and The Pauper in 1996
She also posted an old image of the pair together with her brother. In 2018, she revealed her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson's, a progressive neurological condition.
Since his diagnosis, she has been posting daily video blogs updating her fans on his condition and what life is like for her while filming new movie Decrypted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Don't take any chances, coronavirus patient warns
It comes as seven more died after testing positive in Wales - taking the UK's total to 240.
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Italy's toll has risen to 4,825, making it the hardest-hit country in the world.
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Myles rose to fame after starring in The Prince and The Pauper as Lady Jane Grey in 1996.
Since then she has appeared in Doctor Who, Spooks and 2008 film Outlander.
In 2014 she starred in the Transformers: Age of Extinction as Darcy Tyril.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: My girl has a brain tumour - now COVID-19 is stopping us fundraise for US clinical tria

Coronavirus: My girl has a brain tumour - now COVID-19 is stopping us fundraise for US clinical trial

Paul Slapa from North Wales faces a battle no parent would ever want to confront .
His nine-year-old daughter Eva has a brain tumour , with doctors warning that she may have less than a year to live .
Paul and his family are determined to raise £250,000 for a clinical trial in the US - but coronavirus has just made their fight even tougher .
Here is his story ... On 1 January this year , my wife and I were sat down by doctors at Alder Hey Children 's Hospital and told that our daughter was going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our nine-year-old beautiful little girl , has an inoperable and incurable brain tumour , and that she would likely have less than 12 months to live .
Nothing can prepare you for that - no parent should ever hear it , and no child should have to face that diagnosis .
Twenty-four hours earlier , we were shopping for a New Year 's get together with friends , and never had any idea that our lives would be devastated by this horrible , unfair and terrifying cancer .
Initially , we made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private matter - only very close family were aware , and we did n't want anyone to find out through fear of Eva learning the prognosis .
After all , if there is n't a cure , there is no reason to risk Eva hearing the full extent of what she was facing .
But as time passed and Eva started radiotherapy , used to help temporarily control the growth of the tumour , we started to read about clinical trials and experimental treatments .
We found a whole community of families who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had been through it and were trying to help others .
When we found clinical trials which were being run in the US , and found that the trials , although early , were showing positive results for children - life-extending - we talked with our consultant at Alder Hey , and with his support , we decided we wanted to try to access one .
The problem : the cost of accessing the trial is £250,000 and we would never be able to afford that .
It is cruel that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help children with the worst of conditions , but that the cost puts them out of reach for most families .
As parents , we would do anything for our children , and so we decided that we would have to publicise our situation , in the hope that we would be able to call on the community and beyond to help us to raise the funds and get Eva the treatment she deserves .
So , we set up the Go Fund Me page , and as I sit here typing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised £150,000 already .
The generosity and kindness of people , along with the support and efforts of friends and family , has been so incredible .
There are no words we can use to describe truly how grateful we are for everyone 's efforts .
But now there is another hurdle for us .
We 've had to cancel or postpone many of the events we had scheduled because of the coronavirus outbreak .
It is heartbreaking .
We are so close to what we need .
We had planned to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction , we had Paul Sinha hosting a quiz night , which is now on hold , and we had planned a big event at a local pub in early April with the hope of getting lots of people together .
All of these can no longer go ahead , at least not in the short term .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker We were also concerned about how we would travel to the US , however , we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , and the hospital in the US , that as soon as we are able to travel , Eva will be eligible for the trials still - and this is a huge relief for us as we know that we can continue to fight to raise funds and get Eva her treatment .
And that is the main thing for us : Eva needs this treatment as we know that if we can buy some extra time , Eva is strong enough to fight through this .
She is the bravest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just want her to have every opportunity possible to fight on and live her life like every child should do .

Paul Slapa from North Wales faces a battle no parent would ever want to confront.
His nine-year-old daughter Eva has a brain tumour, with doctors warning that she may have less than a year to live.
Paul and his family are determined to raise £250,000 for a clinical trial in the US - but coronavirus has just made their fight even tougher.
Here is his story...
On 1 January this year, my wife and I were sat down by doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and told that our daughter was going to die.
We were told that Eva, our nine-year-old beautiful little girl, has an inoperable and incurable brain tumour, and that she would likely have less than 12 months to live.
Image: Nine-year-old Eva is 'the bravest and most amazing little girl'
Nothing can prepare you for that - no parent should ever hear it, and no child should have to face that diagnosis.
Twenty-four hours earlier, we were shopping for a New Year's get together with friends, and never had any idea that our lives would be devastated by this horrible, unfair and terrifying cancer.
Initially, we made the decision that this would be a private matter - only very close family were aware, and we didn't want anyone to find out through fear of Eva learning the prognosis.
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After all, if there isn't a cure, there is no reason to risk Eva hearing the full extent of what she was facing.
But as time passed and Eva started radiotherapy, used to help temporarily control the growth of the tumour, we started to read about clinical trials and experimental treatments.
We found a whole community of families who were going through this pain, or who had been through it and were trying to help others.
When we found clinical trials which were being run in the US, and found that the trials, although early, were showing positive results for children - life-extending - we talked with our consultant at Alder Hey, and with his support, we decided we wanted to try to access one.
The problem: the cost of accessing the trial is £250,000 and we would never be able to afford that.
It is cruel that there are possible treatments out there that can help children with the worst of conditions, but that the cost puts them out of reach for most families.
Image: Eva's family want to give her every opportunity to fight on and live her life like every other child
As parents, we would do anything for our children, and so we decided that we would have to publicise our situation, in the hope that we would be able to call on the community and beyond to help us to raise the funds and get Eva the treatment she deserves.
So, we set up the Go Fund Me page, and as I sit here typing, just two weeks on, we have raised £150,000 already.
The generosity and kindness of people, along with the support and efforts of friends and family, has been so incredible.
There are no words we can use to describe truly how grateful we are for everyone's efforts.
But now there is another hurdle for us. We've had to cancel or postpone many of the events we had scheduled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
It is heartbreaking. We are so close to what we need.
We had planned to have a sports evening with a speaker and auction, we had Paul Sinha hosting a quiz night, which is now on hold, and we had planned a big event at a local pub in early April with the hope of getting lots of people together.
All of these can no longer go ahead, at least not in the short term.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
We were also concerned about how we would travel to the US, however, we have been reassured by both our doctors in the UK, and the hospital in the US, that as soon as we are able to travel, Eva will be eligible for the trials still - and this is a huge relief for us as we know that we can continue to fight to raise funds and get Eva her treatment.
And that is the main thing for us: Eva needs this treatment as we know that if we can buy some extra time, Eva is strong enough to fight through this.
She is the bravest and most amazing little girl, and we just want her to have every opportunity possible to fight on and live her life like every child should do.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: NHS staff urge PM to provide more protective equipment as two consultants receive criti

Coronavirus: NHS staff urge PM to provide more protective equipment as two consultants receive critical care

Thousands of frontline NHS staff have written to Boris Johnson to plead for protective equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from infected patients .
In a letter to the prime minister , the 6,200 signatories warned healthcare workers have been left feeling like `` cannon fodder '' in the battle against COVID-19 .
Arranged by Dr Rinesh Parmar , the chair of the Doctors ' Association , the letter stated : `` We are pleading with you to intervene to ensure NHS staff have adequate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) when facing the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling us for weeks that they do n't feel safe at work , with many reporting they do not have access to PPE recommended by Public Health England . ''
The letter added it is `` simply unacceptable '' that those working in intensive care have reported having to put ventilators on coronavirus sufferers with masks that expired in 2015 , while workers in other areas have either seen their stocks run out or only have days left .
`` The reality is that many of us will get sick , '' it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of the possibility that they will lose colleagues , as has happened in outbreaks around the world .
`` It is therefore deeply upsetting to hear dedicated healthcare professionals say that they feel like 'cannon fodder ' . ''
The signatories urged Mr Johnson to `` demonstrate your commitment to the NHS and protect the lives of the life-savers '' .
It comes as two NHS ear , nose and throat consultants are receiving critical care after contracting coronavirus from infected patients .
The ENT medics are on ventilators and `` most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection from people who did not show any symptoms .
Professor Nirmal Kumar , the president of ENT UK , told Sky News : `` We sadly have two consultants who are on ventilators in this country and most likely having acquired the infection from passive carriers in the course of their daily clinical work .
`` We are in strong support of the prime minister 's request for social distancing and also recommend that full PPE is made available for those clinicians dealing with such work and in close contact with patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the UK had to `` be better '' at providing protective equipment to healthcare workers .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` NHS staff have not all got full protective equipment at the moment or protective clothing .
`` Care staff have almost none at all and care workers , some of whom work in care homes , are obviously at risk but even more at risk are the care workers who are going from house to house of their clients and clearly are in danger of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the government was `` working very hard '' to ensure more PPE is available , but admitted `` there is more to do '' .
`` Everybody who is on the frontline , supporting us as a country through this crisis , must have the equipment that they need to do their job and to be personally protected , '' the cabinet minister told Sophy Ridge .
`` We are working very hard , with success , to get more PPE available , I think by this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals across the country .
`` We have delivered supplies to GP surgeries and to pharmacies and next week all social care providers will receive further supplies .
`` We are manufacturing and importing large quantities and I think in recent days we have received three million masks for example but I completely accept there is more to do .
`` We are manufacturing and importing more and we need to get that to the frontline as quickly as possible . ''
Mr Jenrick also revealed the country now has 12,000 ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry to help produce the vital machines .
Last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK had 5,000 ventilators but needed many more times that number .
Ex-health secretary and former Conservative leadership contender Jeremy Hunt , who is now chair of the House of Commons health committee , said the NHS had `` moved heaven and earth '' to get protective equipment into hospitals .
He told Sophy Ridge : `` A lot has changed in the last week and we have had lorries on the road pretty much every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had a very difficult committee hearing on Tuesday in which we raised these issues to Sir Simon Stevens [ chief executive of NHS England ] and the NHS really has moved heaven and earth to get protective equipment out to every hospital . ''

Thousands of frontline NHS staff have written to Boris Johnson to plead for protective equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from infected patients.
In a letter to the prime minister, the 6,200 signatories warned healthcare workers have been left feeling like "cannon fodder" in the battle against COVID-19.
Arranged by Dr Rinesh Parmar, the chair of the Doctors' Association, the letter stated: "We are pleading with you to intervene to ensure NHS staff have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) when facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Frontline doctors have been telling us for weeks that they don't feel safe at work, with many reporting they do not have access to PPE recommended by Public Health England."
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The letter added it is "simply unacceptable" that those working in intensive care have reported having to put ventilators on coronavirus sufferers with masks that expired in 2015, while workers in other areas have either seen their stocks run out or only have days left.
"The reality is that many of us will get sick," it continued.
"Doctors are all too aware of the possibility that they will lose colleagues, as has happened in outbreaks around the world.
"It is therefore deeply upsetting to hear dedicated healthcare professionals say that they feel like 'cannon fodder'."
The signatories urged Mr Johnson to "demonstrate your commitment to the NHS and protect the lives of the life-savers".
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It comes as two NHS ear, nose and throat consultants are receiving critical care after contracting coronavirus from infected patients.
The ENT medics are on ventilators and "most likely" acquired the highly contagious respiratory infection from people who did not show any symptoms.
Professor Nirmal Kumar, the president of ENT UK, told Sky News: "We sadly have two consultants who are on ventilators in this country and most likely having acquired the infection from passive carriers in the course of their daily clinical work.
"We are in strong support of the prime minister's request for social distancing and also recommend that full PPE is made available for those clinicians dealing with such work and in close contact with patients."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned' for wanting to invest money
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also said the UK had to "be better" at providing protective equipment to healthcare workers.
He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "NHS staff have not all got full protective equipment at the moment or protective clothing.
"Care staff have almost none at all and care workers, some of whom work in care homes, are obviously at risk but even more at risk are the care workers who are going from house to house of their clients and clearly are in danger of either contracting or spreading the virus."
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the government was "working very hard" to ensure more PPE is available, but admitted "there is more to do".
"Everybody who is on the frontline, supporting us as a country through this crisis, must have the equipment that they need to do their job and to be personally protected," the cabinet minister told Sophy Ridge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Coronavirus: You will not be alone, vulnerable told
"We are working very hard, with success, to get more PPE available, I think by this afternoon we will have delivered
more supplies to hospitals across the country.
"We have delivered supplies to GP surgeries and to pharmacies and next week all social care providers will receive further supplies.
"We are manufacturing and importing large quantities and I think in recent days we have received three million masks for example but I completely accept there is more to do.
"We are manufacturing and importing more and we need to get that to the frontline as quickly as possible."
Mr Jenrick also revealed the country now has 12,000 ventilators, which follows a call to British industry to help produce the vital machines.
Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK had 5,000 ventilators but needed many more times that number.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:06 Hunt: NHS is funded to deal with crisis
Ex-health secretary and former Conservative leadership contender Jeremy Hunt, who is now chair of the House of Commons health committee, said the NHS had "moved heaven and earth" to get protective equipment into hospitals.
He told Sophy Ridge: "A lot has changed in the last week and we have had lorries on the road pretty much every day going around the country.
"We had a very difficult committee hearing on Tuesday in which we raised these issues to Sir Simon Stevens [chief executive of NHS England] and the NHS really has moved heaven and earth to get protective equipment out to every hospital."


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Six-week-old baby dies with COVID-19 as UK deaths pass 31,000

A six-week-old baby has died with coronavirus as the number of deaths linked to the disease in the UK passed 31,000 .
The baby 's death was announced on Friday afternoon as the number of deaths recorded in the UK increased by 626 in the past 24 hours .
There have now been a total of 31,241 UK coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the wider community .
The number of tests done on Thursday was just over 97,000 - below the government 's 100,000 target for the sixth consecutive day .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 211,364 .
NHS England announced 332 deaths in hospitals , bringing the total there to 22,764 .
The oldest patient was 103 , and 22 of the 332 people - aged between 40 and 96 - had no known underlying health conditions .
Figures are released daily but they often include uncounted deaths from days or even weeks ago .
This is due to the time it takes for the presence of COVID-19 to be confirmed , for post-mortem examinations to be processed , and for data to be validated .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after testing positive for coronavirus , an increase of 28 on Thursday 's figures .
The number of deaths in Northern Ireland has increased by five to 427 and in Scotland , the number of deaths among people confirmed to have had COVID-19 increased by 49 to 1,811. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The number of deaths involving COVID-19 that have been registered across the UK now stands at 33,021 , according to the Office for National Statistics .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road map '' for easing the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation at 7pm on Sunday .
But it appears there could be slightly different rules in each part of the UK , after announcements from the leaders of the Welsh and Scottish governments suggested deviation .
Earlier , it was announced that Wales will remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid `` a return of the virus '' - but restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday .
Scotland is likely to see alterations to the exercise restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told there will be only `` nuanced changes '' .

A six-week-old baby has died with coronavirus as the number of deaths linked to the disease in the UK passed 31,000.
The baby's death was announced on Friday afternoon as the number of deaths recorded in the UK increased by 626 in the past 24 hours.
There have now been a total of 31,241 UK coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
Image: The number of coronavirus tests
Image: The number of coronavirus deaths
The number of tests done on Thursday was just over 97,000 - below the government's 100,000 target for the sixth consecutive day.
The number of positive tests was up by 4,699 to 211,364.
NHS England announced 332 deaths in hospitals, bringing the total there to 22,764.
The oldest patient was 103, and 22 of the 332 people - aged between 40 and 96 - had no known underlying health conditions.
Figures are released daily but they often include uncounted deaths from days or even weeks ago.
This is due to the time it takes for the presence of COVID-19 to be confirmed, for post-mortem examinations to be processed, and for data to be validated.
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Public Health Wales has said 1,090 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, an increase of 28 on Thursday's figures.
The number of deaths in Northern Ireland has increased by five to 427 and in Scotland, the number of deaths among people confirmed to have had COVID-19 increased by 49 to 1,811.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The number of deaths involving COVID-19 that have been registered across the UK now stands at 33,021, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his "road map" for easing the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation at 7pm on Sunday.
But it appears there could be slightly different rules in each part of the UK, after announcements from the leaders of the Welsh and Scottish governments suggested deviation.
Earlier, it was announced that Wales will remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid "a return of the virus" - but restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday.
Scotland is likely to see alterations to the exercise restrictions, while those in Northern Ireland have been told there will be only "nuanced changes".


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Australia sets out three-point plan to lift lockdown by July

Australia has set out plans to lift the nation 's lockdown and restart its economy by July in a three-stage process as cases of coronavirus fall .
The country imposed tough social distancing restrictions in March , which , together with the closure of its borders , are credited with drastically slowing the number of new infections of COVID-19 .
With fewer than 20 new cases of coronavirus being recorded each day , Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australian states and territories had agreed a roadmap to remove most of the curbs .
Using an Australian word for a duvet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can stay under the doona forever .
You 'll never face any danger .
`` But we 've got to get out from under the doona at some time . ''
He said the states will set their own pace in easing coronavirus restrictions .
Each step will likely be separated by a four-week transition .
Several states , including Queensland and South Australia , said they would ease restrictions from Monday .
The country 's most populated states , New South Wales and Victoria , which have the most COVID-19 cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least several more days Despite the staggered easing , Mr Morrison warned the country should still expect further outbreaks .
Australia has had fewer than 7,000 confirmed cases of COVD-19 and fewer than 800 people are still ill with the disease .
Under the first stage of the plan , restaurants and cafes currently limited to takeaway services will be allowed to reopen , but with a maximum of 10 customers at a time .
Australia 's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said : `` Step one is tentative , baby steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks are recorded states and territories will move to stage two where gyms , cinemas and galleries will be allowed to re-open , although businesses will only be able to have 20 customers at a time .
At this point , states that have closed their borders would start to allow some interstate travel , Mr Morrison said .
When implemented , stage three will allow gatherings of up to 100 people , allow staff to return to their offices and see the re-opening of nightclubs .
All interstate travel will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including flights between Australia and New Zealand .
International students would also potentially be allowed to return to Australia , but would face two weeks in quarantine .
While the lockdown restrictions have successfully kept a lid on the outbreak , they have had a devastating impact on the economy .
Australia 's central bank has predicted the country is facing its biggest economic contraction on record , despite pledges from it and the government of £168bn in support to cushion the economic blow .
Despite the government subsidising the wages of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of unemployment statistics , about 10 % of the country 's workforce is also expected to be without a job this year .
However , Mr Morrison , said once the three-stage process is implemented , his government expects about 850,000 people will return to work .
Elsewhere , the number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by more than 10,000 for the sixth day running .
It brings the number nationwide to 187,859 , while the number of deaths recorded stands at 1,723 .
And in Germany , a survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curb their future spending , while the same proportion expect to be financially worse off over the next 12 months as a result of the pandemic .
The poll published by GfK market research group also suggested a quarter of Germans had cancelled their holidays .

Australia has set out plans to lift the nation's lockdown and restart its economy by July in a three-stage process as cases of coronavirus fall.
The country imposed tough social distancing restrictions in March, which, together with the closure of its borders, are credited with drastically slowing the number of new infections of COVID-19.
With fewer than 20 new cases of coronavirus being recorded each day, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australian states and territories had agreed a roadmap to remove most of the curbs.
Image: The restrictions have had a devastating impact on the economy
Using an Australian word for a duvet, Mr Morrison said: "You can stay under the doona forever. You'll never face any danger.
"But we've got to get out from under the doona at some time."
He said the states will set their own pace in easing coronavirus restrictions.
Each step will likely be separated by a four-week transition.
Several states, including Queensland and South Australia, said they would ease restrictions from Monday.
The country's most populated states, New South Wales and Victoria, which have the most COVID-19 cases, said relaxing restrictions would not begin for at least several more days
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Despite the staggered easing, Mr Morrison warned the country should still expect further outbreaks. Australia has had fewer than 7,000 confirmed cases of COVD-19 and fewer than 800 people are still ill with the disease.
Almost 100 people have died.
Under the first stage of the plan, restaurants and cafes currently limited to takeaway services will be allowed to reopen, but with a maximum of 10 customers at a time.
Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said: "Step one is tentative, baby steps into normalisation."
If no major outbreaks are recorded states and territories will move to stage two where gyms, cinemas and galleries will be allowed to re-open, although businesses will only be able to have 20 customers at a time.
At this point, states that have closed their borders would start to allow some interstate travel, Mr Morrison said.
When implemented, stage three will allow gatherings of up to 100 people, allow staff to return to their offices and see the re-opening of nightclubs.
All interstate travel will be allowed, along with some limited international travel, including flights between Australia and New Zealand.
International students would also potentially be allowed to return to Australia, but would face two weeks in quarantine.
While the lockdown restrictions have successfully kept a lid on the outbreak, they have had a devastating impact on the economy.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg estimated the measures are costing £2.1bn a week.
Image: States will set their own pace in easing coronavirus restrictions
Australia's central bank has predicted the country is facing its biggest economic contraction on record, despite pledges from it and the government of £168bn in support to cushion the economic blow.
Despite the government subsidising the wages of about six million Australians that keeps them out of unemployment statistics, about 10% of the country's workforce is also expected to be without a job this year.
However, Mr Morrison, said once the three-stage process is implemented, his government expects about 850,000 people will return to work.
Elsewhere, the number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by more than 10,000 for the sixth day running.
It brings the number nationwide to 187,859, while the number of deaths recorded stands at 1,723.
And in Germany, a survey found a third of people expect to curb their future spending, while the same proportion expect to be financially worse off over the next 12 months as a result of the pandemic.
The poll published by GfK market research group also suggested a quarter of Germans had cancelled their holidays.