news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus lockdown pushes Victoria's Secret UK into administration

Hundreds of jobs are under threat after the UK arm of Victoria 's Secret fell into administration .
The lingerie retailer has 25 UK stores and 785 employees have been on furlough while non-essential stores are closed under government lockdown rules .
Administrators from Deloitte have been hired and the insolvency firm said it would conduct a `` light touch '' administration as it seeks to find a buyer .
Rob Harding , joint administrator at Deloitte , said : `` This is yet another blow to the UK high street and a further example of the impact the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
`` The effect of the lockdowns , combined with broader challenges facing bricks and mortar retailers , has resulted in a funding requirement for this business , resulting in today 's administration .
`` We will now work with the existing management team and broader stakeholders to assess all options available for the future of the business .
`` As administrators we 'd like to thank them and all of the employees for their support , at what we appreciate is a difficult time . ''
Qing Wang , professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert in luxury brands , said : `` Victoria 's Secret was a huge success story , but it has become synonymous with sexism , the objectification of women , and a lack of diversity .
`` Being glamorous , sexy , and 'over the top ' is not a problem in itself .
These characteristics define many other iconic fashion brands such as Tom Ford , Abercrombie & Fitch , and Alexander McQueen .
As a brand Victoria 's Secret has personality , what it lacks is substance and commitment .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the customers and the general public .
In the case of Victoria 's Secret , the main communication channel has been the annual fashion show .
It was once a major pop culture event , drawing millions of viewers each year .
It was an important aspect of the brand 's success story and a remarkable marketing achievement .
`` However , times have changed and the same show that brought the brand so much success has , more recently , contributed to its demise .
It has not kept pace with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who should now be the company 's target customers . ''
She added : `` While the public have voted with their feet by abandoning Victoria 's Secret , their appetite for the supermodels the brand created - such as Tyra Banks , Heidi Klum , and Miranda Kerr - has not wavered .
That shows it is a wider lack of purpose that is the key problem , rather than individual elements of the brand .
`` If the UK arm of Victoria 's Secret is to be saved , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overhaul of its brand and marketing strategy .
It needs to be brought up to date to reflect the values of gender equality , sustainability , and diversity that appeal to today 's shoppers and compete with the brands that have overtaken it . ''

Hundreds of jobs are under threat after the UK arm of Victoria's Secret fell into administration.
The lingerie retailer has 25 UK stores and 785 employees have been on furlough while non-essential stores are closed under government lockdown rules.
Administrators from Deloitte have been hired and the insolvency firm said it would conduct a "light touch" administration as it seeks to find a buyer.
Rob Harding, joint administrator at Deloitte, said: "This is yet another blow to the UK high street and a further example of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the entire retail industry.
"The effect of the lockdowns, combined with broader challenges facing bricks and mortar retailers, has resulted in a funding requirement for this business, resulting in today's administration.
"We will now work with the existing management team and broader stakeholders to assess all options available for the future of the business.
"As administrators we'd like to thank them and all of the employees for their support, at what we appreciate is a difficult time."
Qing Wang, professor of marketing at Warwick Business School and an expert in luxury brands, said: "Victoria's Secret was a huge success story, but it has become synonymous with sexism, the objectification of women, and a lack of diversity.
"Being glamorous, sexy, and 'over the top' is not a problem in itself. These characteristics define many other iconic fashion brands such as Tom Ford, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Alexander McQueen. As a brand Victoria's Secret has personality, what it lacks is substance and commitment.
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"Every brand needs a narrative to communicate to the customers and the general public. In the case of Victoria's Secret, the main communication channel has been the annual fashion show. It was once a major pop culture event, drawing millions of viewers each year. It was an important aspect of the brand's success story and a remarkable marketing achievement.
"However, times have changed and the same show that brought the brand so much success has, more recently, contributed to its demise. It has not kept pace with the strong values of millennials and post-millennials, who should now be the company's target customers."
She added: "While the public have voted with their feet by abandoning Victoria's Secret, their appetite for the supermodels the brand created - such as Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Miranda Kerr - has not wavered. That shows it is a wider lack of purpose that is the key problem, rather than individual elements of the brand.
"If the UK arm of Victoria's Secret is to be saved, it needs a new start and a major overhaul of its brand and marketing strategy. It needs to be brought up to date to reflect the values of gender equality, sustainability, and diversity that appeal to today's shoppers and compete with the brands that have overtaken it."


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock urges Britons not to attend George Floyd protests over COVID-19 fears

The health secretary has urged the public not to take part in mass demonstrations this weekend in breach of the coronavirus lockdown rules .
Matt Hancock pointed out that only groups of up to six people can meet outdoors while observing social distancing of two metres .
On Wednesday , thousands of people took part in a protest in central London against the death of George Floyd in US police custody .
And there could be further demonstrations this weekend .
Speaking at the government 's daily COVID-19 briefing , Mr Hancock said : `` Like so many I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat .
`` The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease .
`` So please for the safety of your loved ones do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outpatients will have to wear face coverings and all hospital staff will be required to wear surgical masks in England from 15 June .
He told the news conference : `` As the NHS reopens right across the country , it 's critically important to stop the spread amongst staff , patients and visitors too .
`` So today we 're setting out that all hospital visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings .
`` One of the things that we 've learnt is that those in hospital , those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to catch coronavirus whether they work in a clinical setting or not .
`` And so to offer even greater protection we 're also providing new guidance for NHS staff in England which will come into force again on June 15 and all hospital staff will be required to wear type one or two surgical masks . ''

The health secretary has urged the public not to take part in mass demonstrations this weekend in breach of the coronavirus lockdown rules.
Matt Hancock pointed out that only groups of up to six people can meet outdoors while observing social distancing of two metres.
On Wednesday, thousands of people took part in a protest in central London against the death of George Floyd in US police custody.
And there could be further demonstrations this weekend.
Image: George Floyd died in US police custody in May. Pic: Shutterstock
Speaking at the government's daily COVID-19 briefing, Mr Hancock said: "Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.
"The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.
"So please for the safety of your loved ones do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people."
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Meanwhile, Mr Hancock also announced hospital visitors and outpatients will have to wear face coverings and all hospital staff will be required to wear surgical masks in England from 15 June.
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He told the news conference: "As the NHS reopens right across the country, it's critically important to stop the spread amongst staff, patients and visitors too.
"So today we're setting out that all hospital visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings.
Image: All hospital staff will be required to wear surgical masks in England from 15 June
"One of the things that we've learnt is that those in hospital, those who are working in hospital, are more likely to catch coronavirus whether they work in a clinical setting or not.
"And so to offer even greater protection we're also providing new guidance for NHS staff in England which will come into force again on June 15 and all hospital staff will be required to wear type one or two surgical masks."


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Only a third of dentists will reopen their doors next week

There will be no return to `` business as usual '' , according to the British Dental Association – with just a third of dentist practices in England planning to re-open next week .
A survey of more than 2,000 practices found that just over 36 % aim to open their doors on Monday 8 June , after being closed due to the coronavirus lockdown .
Problems getting hold of PPE is one factor , as well as not having enough time to implement new guidelines following the outbreak of COVID-19 .
• More than 60 % of dentists in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to treat less than 25 % of usual patient numbers • One third of practices have enough PPE to provide face to face care - with only 25 % saying they have been fit tested to use them .
• Only 15 % of dentists are planning to offer a full range of treatment • The BDA says social distancing measures and decontamination mean there will be longer treatment slots .
The body also warns the new guidelines may put into question the financial viability for practices , and has called for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Anyone expecting dentistry to magically return on Monday will find only a skeleton service .
`` Those practices reopening now face fewer patients and higher costs and will struggle to meet demand .
`` Dentists returning to work still lack the support offered to our neighbours on the high street , and even clarity on key worker status when it comes to childcare .
`` Ministers must change tack if dentistry is going to survive the new normal . ''
The new measures , set out by the chief dental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bristol Dental Suite is one of thousands which will not be ready to re-open on Monday .
It is aiming to have the right PPE and safety measures in place by next Thursday .
Lead dentist Ahmed Nounu said there simply has n't been enough time to prepare .
`` Once the regulations came out it was a free for all pretty much everyone trying to source their appropriate hand washes , equipment and masks , '' he said .
`` We 've decided that Monday is unrealistic , it 's not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us on Monday . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The practice usually treats 150 people a week .
He said that number will dramatically fall .
Mr Nounu added : `` At this stage we will probably see about a quarter of that - so you can imagine the figures .
I 'll be very honest , and most practises in the country will be in this position , we are opening at a loss , there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to speak to people who are waiting for a dentist appointment or have had their upcoming dentist appointment cancelled .

There will be no return to "business as usual", according to the British Dental Association – with just a third of dentist practices in England planning to re-open next week.
A survey of more than 2,000 practices found that just over 36% aim to open their doors on Monday 8 June, after being closed due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Problems getting hold of PPE is one factor, as well as not having enough time to implement new guidelines following the outbreak of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 May: Concerns over DIY dentistry during lockdown
The BDA survey found:
More than 60% of dentists in England estimate they will only be able to treat less than 25% of usual patient numbers
One third of practices have enough PPE to provide face to face care - with only 25% saying they have been fit tested to use them.
Only 15% of dentists are planning to offer a full range of treatment
The BDA says social distancing measures and decontamination mean there will be longer treatment slots.
The body also warns the new guidelines may put into question the financial viability for practices, and has called for further government support.
BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: "Anyone expecting dentistry to magically return on Monday will find only a skeleton service.
"Those practices reopening now face fewer patients and higher costs and will struggle to meet demand.
"Dentists returning to work still lack the support offered to our neighbours on the high street, and even clarity on key worker status when it comes to childcare.
"Ministers must change tack if dentistry is going to survive the new normal."
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The new measures, set out by the chief dental officer for England, include:
Consider physical barriers (e.g: perspex shields) in reception
Allow for 2m distancing
Screening of staff on a daily basis
The Bristol Dental Suite is one of thousands which will not be ready to re-open on Monday.
It is aiming to have the right PPE and safety measures in place by next Thursday.
Lead dentist Ahmed Nounu said there simply hasn't been enough time to prepare.
"Once the regulations came out it was a free for all pretty much everyone trying to source their appropriate hand washes, equipment and masks," he said. "We've decided that Monday is unrealistic, it's not going to happen, it's not safe for us on Monday."
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The practice usually treats 150 people a week. He said that number will dramatically fall.
Mr Nounu added: "At this stage we will probably see about a quarter of that - so you can imagine the figures. I'll be very honest, and most practises in the country will be in this position, we are opening at a loss, there is no doubt about it."
We're looking to speak to people who are waiting for a dentist appointment or have had their upcoming dentist appointment cancelled.
Please email sky.today@sky.uk


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus cases in UK have more than halved in last week - ONS figures

Coronavirus cases in UK have more than halved in last week - ONS figures Coronavirus cases in UK have more than halved in last week - ONS figures The Office for National Statistics says there is now a consistent downward trend in coronavirus cases .
The number of people with coronavirus has more than halved in the last week , according to the latest official figures .
Data released by the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) showed 53,000 people in England had the virus at any one time during the last two weeks of May .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of figures .
The estimates are based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households The ONS says there is now a consistent downward trend - from more than 0.4 % of the population being infected at the end of April down to 0.1 % at the end of May .
The data also shows an estimated 39,000 people a week are currently catching COVID-19 , down from 54,000 last week .
It has n't updated its estimate of the number of people who have had the virus over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
The estimates are based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households .
The ONS data also shows 5,600 people a day are still catching the virus , many more than are being tested and diagnosed .
It suggests many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic , which will reduce the effectiveness of the government 's test and trace strategy in eliminating the virus .
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study shows 6 % of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic , with 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the northwest of England .
After the Pandemic : Science and Medicine New estimates of the R number carried out for the government 's SAGE advisory committee show it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK , below the key threshold of 1 , indicating that spread of the virus is slowing .
The data pre-dates the easing of the lockdown .
The impact of people being allowed to gather in groups of six and schools reopening to more children wo n't be known until next week .
The analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths registered between 7 March and 1 May in England and Wales did not involve coronavirus , totalling 12,900 deaths out of 46,380 .
Excess deaths is the number of deaths above the average total for this period in the last five years .
Many of the non-coronavirus excess deaths have occurred in older age groups , particularly those with underlying health conditions .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Around two-thirds of non-coronavirus excess deaths in this period were linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , signs and ill-defined conditions '' mainly indicating old age , the analysis found .
But the ONS said undiagnosed COVID-19 is a `` likely explanation '' for some of the excess deaths of elderly people with underlying health conditions not linked to coronavirus .
The total number of deaths linked to COVID-19 recorded by the government currently stands at 39,904 - far lower than the 46,380 excess deaths counted by the ONS .
Many countries across the world have begun to ease their lockdowns , including the UK .
But a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been `` upticks '' in coronavirus cases in some countries as social distancing measures were loosened .
The UK has said it will be mandatory for commuters to wear face masks on public transport from 15 June , but the British Medical Association says this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible .

The number of people with coronavirus has more than halved in the last week, according to the latest official figures.
Data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed 53,000 people in England had the virus at any one time during the last two weeks of May.
That's down from 133,000 in the last round of figures.
Image: The estimates are based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households
The ONS says there is now a consistent downward trend - from more than 0.4% of the population being infected at the end of April down to 0.1% at the end of May.
The data also shows an estimated 39,000 people a week are currently catching COVID-19, down from 54,000 last week.
It hasn't updated its estimate of the number of people who have had the virus over the course of the outbreak, which remains at 6.8%.
The estimates are based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households.
The ONS data also shows 5,600 people a day are still catching the virus, many more than are being tested and diagnosed.
It suggests many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, which will reduce the effectiveness of the government's test and trace strategy in eliminating the virus.
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Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study shows 6% of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic, with 16% in London and around 10% in the northwest of England.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:18 After the Pandemic: Science and Medicine
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government's SAGE advisory committee show it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK, below the key threshold of 1, indicating that spread of the virus is slowing.
The data pre-dates the easing of the lockdown. The impact of people being allowed to gather in groups of six and schools reopening to more children won't be known until next week.
The analysis also found that 28% of excess deaths registered between 7 March and 1 May in England and Wales did not involve coronavirus, totalling 12,900 deaths out of 46,380.
Excess deaths is the number of deaths above the average total for this period in the last five years.
Many of the non-coronavirus excess deaths have occurred in older age groups, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
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Around two-thirds of non-coronavirus excess deaths in this period were linked to dementia, Alzheimer's disease and "symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions" mainly indicating old age, the analysis found.
But the ONS said undiagnosed COVID-19 is a "likely explanation" for some of the excess deaths of elderly people with underlying health conditions not linked to coronavirus.
The total number of deaths linked to COVID-19 recorded by the government currently stands at 39,904 - far lower than the 46,380 excess deaths counted by the ONS.
Many countries across the world have begun to ease their lockdowns, including the UK.
But a World Health Organisation spokeswoman said today there have been "upticks" in coronavirus cases in some countries as social distancing measures were loosened.
The UK has said it will be mandatory for commuters to wear face masks on public transport from 15 June, but the British Medical Association says this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible.


news--2020-06-05--BA owner considers legal action against government quarantine plan – and Ryanair vows support

The chief executive of British Airways owner IAG says the company is considering legal action against the government 's quarantine plans - and one of BA 's biggest rivals says it would support him .
Willie Walsh was speaking days after the government announced a 14-day quarantine for arriving air passengers starting later this month , another obstacle for an aviation sector battered by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
The IAG chief executive told Sky 's Ian King Live programme that he is considering a legal challenge against the quarantine and is reviewing the situation with lawyers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` torpedo '' the airline 's chances of flying in July .
`` We think it is irrational , we think it is disproportionate and we are giving consideration to a legal challenge to this legislation , '' he added .
Michael O'Leary , chief executive of BA 's rival Ryanair , has previously said the quarantine is `` nonsense '' and would be `` useless '' .
Following Mr Walsh 's appearance on Sky News , the Irish airline said in a statement : `` Ryanair will support any legal action launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Walsh said the industry was facing its `` most difficult challenge '' , saying British Airways flew only 485 passenger flights last month .
He added : `` We did that by lunchtime on 1 May last year . ''
It comes amid an increasingly bitter row between management and unions over the proposed loss of 12,000 jobs at the airline .
This prompted accusations from Unite union boss Len McCluskey that British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Mr McCluskey has called the move ' '' unlawful and immoral '' following the company 's use of the government 's Job Retention Scheme .
Mr Walsh said : `` What we 're doing is consulting with the trade unions , with the elected representatives on potential job cuts .
`` No decision has been taken in relation to actual redundancies .
`` But what we have done is in compliance with the law - there 's a legal obligation on the company to submit these documents to the elected representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give everybody an opportunity to try and reduce , mitigate , do anything we can to reduce the impact of the potential restructuring of the business . ''
He added : `` We want the trade unions to engage with the British Airways management team to represent the people working hard at BA to ensure the airline can have a future . ''
It comes a day after Sky News reported exclusively that British Airways had told staff its parent firm is burning through £178m of cash a week along with a warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolute right to exist '' .
In a letter to staff seen by Sky News , BA chief executive Alex Cruz criticised the GMB and Unite unions , calling a campaign to take Heathrow landing slots away from BA `` bizarre '' and a threat to jobs .
Mr Cruz also criticised their refusal to attend talks to discuss the airline 's future .

The chief executive of British Airways owner IAG says the company is considering legal action against the government's quarantine plans - and one of BA's biggest rivals says it would support him.
Willie Walsh was speaking days after the government announced a 14-day quarantine for arriving air passengers starting later this month, another obstacle for an aviation sector battered by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The IAG chief executive told Sky's Ian King Live programme that he is considering a legal challenge against the quarantine and is reviewing the situation with lawyers.
Image: Willie Walsh is chief executive of International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways
He said that the new rules would "torpedo" the airline's chances of flying in July.
"We think it is irrational, we think it is disproportionate and we are giving consideration to a legal challenge to this legislation," he added.
Michael O'Leary, chief executive of BA's rival Ryanair, has previously said the quarantine is "nonsense" and would be "useless".
Following Mr Walsh's appearance on Sky News, the Irish airline said in a statement: "Ryanair will support any legal action launched by IAG against this ineffective quarantine."
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Mr Walsh said the industry was facing its "most difficult challenge", saying British Airways flew only 485 passenger flights last month.
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He added: "We did that by lunchtime on 1 May last year."
It comes amid an increasingly bitter row between management and unions over the proposed loss of 12,000 jobs at the airline.
This prompted accusations from Unite union boss Len McCluskey that British Airways management was behaving like "industrial thugs".
Mr McCluskey has called the move '"unlawful and immoral" following the company's use of the government's Job Retention Scheme.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 Union boss Len McCluskey criticises British Airways' plans to cut thousands of jobs during the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Walsh said: "What we're doing is consulting with the trade unions, with the elected representatives on potential job cuts.
"No decision has been taken in relation to actual redundancies.
"But what we have done is in compliance with the law - there's a legal obligation on the company to submit these documents to the elected representatives, then to engage in consultations to give everybody an opportunity to try and reduce, mitigate, do anything we can to reduce the impact of the potential restructuring of the business."
He added: "We want the trade unions to engage with the British Airways management team to represent the people working hard at BA to ensure the airline can have a future."
Image: Many British Airways planes have been parked at Heathrow awaiting the return of normal operations
It comes a day after Sky News reported exclusively that British Airways had told staff its parent firm is burning through £178m of cash a week along with a warning that the airline does not have "an absolute right to exist".
In a letter to staff seen by Sky News, BA chief executive Alex Cruz criticised the GMB and Unite unions, calling a campaign to take Heathrow landing slots away from BA "bizarre" and a threat to jobs.
Mr Cruz also criticised their refusal to attend talks to discuss the airline's future.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: 'Die-in' outside Dominic Cummings's house over COVID-19 response

Protesters staged a `` die-in '' outside Dominic Cummings ' house over the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Holding signs and wearing face masks , about 20 campaigners lay on the street outside the north London home of the prime minister 's controversial adviser on Thursday evening .
One of the placards read : `` Over 50,000 dead while you 're playing king of the castle . ''
Mr Cummings , and his boss Mr Johnson , have faced questions over him travelling to Durham days after the lockdown was announced to stay at a house on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displayed COVID-19 symptoms .
He also drove 30 minutes to beauty spot Barnard Castle , claiming he needed to test his eyesight after being ill to check if he could drive back to London .
Last month Durham Police said Mr Cummings 's trip to Barnard Castle `` might have been a minor breach '' of the lockdown rules , but added they had no intention of taking retrospective action .
Protester Sita Bilani said she was unable to attend her aunt 's funeral after she died with COVID-19 in April due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's insulting to hear Boris Johnson say we should 'move on ' , '' she said .
`` The lack of remorse , not just for Cummings ' disregard for the rules but for the thousands of preventable deaths is a disgrace . ''
Campaigners said they all remained two metres from each other during the 30-minute protest .
They said the response from the street was `` largely positive '' , with about 15 neighbours joining them and one leading a chant of `` Black Lives Matter '' .
The protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings and implement a strategy to tackle the pandemic based on World Health Organisation recommendations .
And they demanded Public Health England publish the `` full findings '' of its review which found black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people are at significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 .
The protesters said they intend to carry out more demonstrations on the issue .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a news conference two weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings said his London home has been a `` target for harassment '' .
He added : `` I did not make my movements public at the time , because my London home was already a target .
`` I did not believe I was obliged to make my parents ' home and my sister 's home a target for harassment as well . ''
The Metropolitan Police said they attended the protest and dispersed it after a `` short time '' , with no arrests made .

Protesters staged a "die-in" outside Dominic Cummings' house over the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Holding signs and wearing face masks, about 20 campaigners lay on the street outside the north London home of the prime minister's controversial adviser on Thursday evening.
One of the placards read: "Over 50,000 dead while you're playing king of the castle."
Image: Protesters held up a sign saying: 'Over 50,000 dead while you're playing king of the castle'
Mr Cummings, and his boss Mr Johnson, have faced questions over him travelling to Durham days after the lockdown was announced to stay at a house on his parents' property after his wife displayed COVID-19 symptoms.
He also drove 30 minutes to beauty spot Barnard Castle, claiming he needed to test his eyesight after being ill to check if he could drive back to London.
Last month Durham Police said Mr Cummings's trip to Barnard Castle "might have been a minor breach" of the lockdown rules, but added they had no intention of taking retrospective action.
Protester Sita Bilani said she was unable to attend her aunt's funeral after she died with COVID-19 in April due to lockdown and social distancing measures.
"It's insulting to hear Boris Johnson say we should 'move on'," she said.
"The lack of remorse, not just for Cummings' disregard for the rules but for the thousands of preventable deaths is a disgrace."
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Image: Mr Cummings's neighbours joined in the protest
Campaigners said they all remained two metres from each other during the 30-minute protest.
They said the response from the street was "largely positive", with about 15 neighbours joining them and one leading a chant of "Black Lives Matter".
The protesters called on the government to sack Mr Cummings and implement a strategy to tackle the pandemic based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
And they demanded Public Health England publish the "full findings" of its review which found black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are at significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19.
The protesters said they intend to carry out more demonstrations on the issue.
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In a news conference two weeks ago about his trip to Durham, Mr Cummings said his London home has been a "target for harassment".
He added: "I did not make my movements public at the time, because my London home was already a target.
"I did not believe I was obliged to make my parents' home and my sister's home a target for harassment as well."
The Metropolitan Police said they attended the protest and dispersed it after a "short time", with no arrests made.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Police planning their own contact tracing system over concerns about government's versi

Coronavirus: Police planning their own contact tracing system over concerns about government's version

Police forces are planning their own contact tracing system over concerns the government 's test and trace scheme could place officers in danger , Sky News has learned .
Under the plans , police officers who test positive for COVID-19 would not give their contacts to NHS contact tracers , but would instead inform their police force who would take over contact tracing to identify anyone at risk of catching the virus .
The plans , which are being developed by national police organisations , could see police forces take over all contact tracing for police officers and staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
Another option being discussed is seconding staff from NHS test and trace to police forces , although police chiefs doubt Public Health England ( PHE ) has the resources to make this possible .
Police forces are concerned strict application of contact tracing rules could see entire stations or units having to shut down , and that contact tracing could compromise sensitive information .
`` There 's a host of areas we have to be very careful , '' said the source , naming undercover operations , counter-terrorism , confidential source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of concern .
The source added : `` If I 'm working undercover with another officer , giving those details across could give away not just their information but the methodology of how we work , which would put people in danger . ''
The National Police Chiefs Council denied it was setting up a separate contact tracing operation and that officers would use NHS Test and Trace `` at the outset '' .
A spokesperson said it was `` in discussions '' with PHE about how to protect sensitive information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with a `` national vetted public health outbreak team '' rather than ordinary contact tracers .
But public health experts said the news raised questions about the entire test and trace system , which is being run by a collection of private companies overseen by PHE .
`` Contact tracing systems are based on trust , '' said Allyson Pollock , director of Newcastle University 's Institute of Health and Society .
`` This tells you that the police do n't trust the system and do n't believe data will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call handlers but the whole system .
`` I think the public needs to be asking very serious questions about this . ''
Kent Police confirmed to Sky News it has told officers who test positive for COVID-19 `` not to disclose details of any police officers and staff they may have had contact with or any other operational details '' to NHS contact tracers .
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said officers and staff would be `` dealt with differently to members of the public '' .
She said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely come into contact with the virus in the course of their duties , when they are wearing personal protective equipment and practising social distancing . ''
Kent Police said officers would be referred to the county 's Local Resilience Forum , following guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council .
The police source said forces might pass some officers who have tested positive to local teams , while keeping contact tracing for officers in sensitive roles in-house , but added this was all to be decided .
`` The guidance has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Kent Police have jumped the gun . ''
Government guidance on the test and trace service suggests emergency service workers will be classified as `` complex '' and referred to local public health experts , but it has not been clear how this will work in practice .
NHS test and trace head Dido Harding said the online form used by the service would detect who has been asked to give up their contacts .
`` If you put into the online form to say that you work in health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , for example , that will immediately be escalated to specialist health protection teams in the local area , '' she told the Health and Social Care Committee .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi , who sits on the committee , called on the government to review its contact tracing system , saying people - including the police - have to trust it and trust data is stored safely .
A Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trace service is for everyone , including police officers . ''
He said any emergency services worker with symptoms should self-isolate and take a test , and anybody who tests positive will be contacted and asked to provide details of their recent contacts .
The National Police Chiefs ' Council said it was `` in ongoing discussions '' with PHE about how the NHS test and trace service will work for police officers in cases where there may be `` operational or security issues to consider '' .
A spokesman said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not setting up a contact tracing system for officers which is separate to the NHS Test and Trace service .
`` In order to ensure information about policing activity and the privacy of members of the public is protected , police officers and staff will not be able to disclose sensitive information to the NHS Test and Trace service .
`` The NPCC is in discussions with Public Health England to resolve this issue , and has proposed a system whereby police officers and staff in certain roles have their cases referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
`` Officers with symptoms will still be required to engage with the Test and Trace process at the outset .
`` They will still be able to access appropriate medical advice and treatment if they have tested positive for coronavirus , or are made aware that they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive . ''
Despite the prime minister 's promise that the scheme would be `` world-beating '' , NHS test and trace has endured a troubled launch , with reports of computer failures and inadequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was appointed to lead the programme in early May , insisted the system would be a success , but was unable to provide any data to back up that assertion .

Police forces are planning their own contact tracing system over concerns the government's test and trace scheme could place officers in danger, Sky News has learned.
Under the plans, police officers who test positive for COVID-19 would not give their contacts to NHS contact tracers, but would instead inform their police force who would take over contact tracing to identify anyone at risk of catching the virus.
The plans, which are being developed by national police organisations, could see police forces take over all contact tracing for police officers and staff, according to a source close to the matter.
Image: A specially created app can trace people's movements
Another option being discussed is seconding staff from NHS test and trace to police forces, although police chiefs doubt Public Health England (PHE) has the resources to make this possible.
Police forces are concerned strict application of contact tracing rules could see entire stations or units having to shut down, and that contact tracing could compromise sensitive information.
"There's a host of areas we have to be very careful," said the source, naming undercover operations, counter-terrorism, confidential source handling and high-profile victims and offenders as areas of concern.
The source added: "If I'm working undercover with another officer, giving those details across could give away not just their information but the methodology of how we work, which would put people in danger."
The National Police Chiefs Council denied it was setting up a separate contact tracing operation and that officers would use NHS Test and Trace "at the outset".
A spokesperson said it was "in discussions" with PHE about how to protect sensitive information, and that it had proposed that officers deal with a "national vetted public health outbreak team" rather than ordinary contact tracers.
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But public health experts said the news raised questions about the entire test and trace system, which is being run by a collection of private companies overseen by PHE.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 Test and trace system launches in England
"Contact tracing systems are based on trust," said Allyson Pollock, director of Newcastle University's Institute of Health and Society.
"This tells you that the police don't trust the system and don't believe data will not be shared more widely, not just with the call handlers but the whole system.
"I think the public needs to be asking very serious questions about this."
Kent Police confirmed to Sky News it has told officers who test positive for COVID-19 "not to disclose details of any police officers and staff they may have had contact with or any other operational details" to NHS contact tracers.
Image: NHS workers are able to track people who have tested positive for COVID-19
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said officers and staff would be "dealt with differently to members of the public".
She said: "This is because police officers will most likely come into contact with the virus in the course of their duties, when they are wearing personal protective equipment and practising social distancing."
Kent Police said officers would be referred to the county's Local Resilience Forum, following guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council.
Image: Police are worried counter-terrorism operations could be put at risk by the government's tracing system
The police source said forces might pass some officers who have tested positive to local teams, while keeping contact tracing for officers in sensitive roles in-house, but added this was all to be decided.
"The guidance hasn't been written yet," the source said. "Kent Police have jumped the gun."
Government guidance on the test and trace service suggests emergency service workers will be classified as "complex" and referred to local public health experts, but it has not been clear how this will work in practice.
NHS test and trace head Dido Harding said the online form used by the service would detect who has been asked to give up their contacts.
"If you put into the online form to say that you work in health or social care or work in a prison, for example, that will immediately be escalated to specialist health protection teams in the local area," she told the Health and Social Care Committee.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi, who sits on the committee, called on the government to review its contact tracing system, saying people - including the police - have to trust it and trust data is stored safely.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "The NHS test and trace service is for everyone, including police officers."
He said any emergency services worker with symptoms should self-isolate and take a test, and anybody who tests positive will be contacted and asked to provide details of their recent contacts.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said it was "in ongoing discussions" with PHE about how the NHS test and trace service will work for police officers in cases where there may be "operational or security issues to consider".
Image: Police forces are concerned the track and trace system could have ramifications for operations
A spokesman said: "To be clear, police forces are not setting up a contact tracing system for officers which is separate to the NHS Test and Trace service.
"In order to ensure information about policing activity and the privacy of members of the public is protected, police officers and staff will not be able to disclose sensitive information to the NHS Test and Trace service.
"The NPCC is in discussions with Public Health England to resolve this issue, and has proposed a system whereby police officers and staff in certain roles have their cases referred to a national vetted public health outbreak team.
"Officers with symptoms will still be required to engage with the Test and Trace process at the outset.
"They will still be able to access appropriate medical advice and treatment if they have tested positive for coronavirus, or are made aware that they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive."
Despite the prime minister's promise that the scheme would be "world-beating", NHS test and trace has endured a troubled launch, with reports of computer failures and inadequate training for contact tracers.
Baroness Harding, who was appointed to lead the programme in early May, insisted the system would be a success, but was unable to provide any data to back up that assertion.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Want to avoid busy train services? This tool will be able to help

A new warning system will allow train passengers to avoid busy services - increasing the chance of them being able to follow social distancing measures .
From today , National Rail will begin displaying red or yellow warning triangles on its app and website next to services that are expected to be in high demand .
The system will use journey planning trends analysis and messages from rail staff at stations and on trains to determine how busy services will be .
Users will also be asked to notify National Rail about which particular service they intend to take .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people staggering their journeys as demand increases with coronavirus lockdown restrictions easing .
Passengers can be kept updated about disruption and overcrowding on their journey and receive alternative travel options .
Alerts will be received via Facebook Messenger at first , with text message and WhatsApp updates available in the coming weeks .
Train companies have also published the busiest times to and from major stations to help people plan .
Services were heavily reduced when the lockdown was introduced in March but have been increased slightly as more people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not work from home .
Overcrowding has been a major issue on some trains , with the RMT transport union threatening to halt services to protect workers and passengers .
On Thursday , the government introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport - with fines for those who do not comply .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Robert Nisbet , director of nations and regions at industry body the Rail Delivery Group , said the technology will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` The eyes and ears of thousands of front line staff will let us know if stations or trains are getting busy while cutting-edge data analysis will help us predict spikes in demand , giving passengers the advice they need in the palm of their hands .
`` While people should only go by train if their journey is really necessary , those who do need to travel should sign up for alerts from National Rail and , before setting off , pop online to check the very latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We also ask everyone travelling to wear a face covering to prevent the spread of the virus . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said train capacity had been reduced to about a fifth - so for people who can not work from home , they should stagger their travel times to avoid crowds and use other forms of transport when possible .
He said : `` For those who need to use the train , it is fantastic to see innovative digital services rolled out to help keep them safe while on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new technology will be crucial both to enable social distancing now , and to modernise the network for the future . ''
The Office of Rail and Road said 51 million fewer journeys were made on Britain 's railways in the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2019 .

A new warning system will allow train passengers to avoid busy services - increasing the chance of them being able to follow social distancing measures.
From today, National Rail will begin displaying red or yellow warning triangles on its app and website next to services that are expected to be in high demand.
The system will use journey planning trends analysis and messages from rail staff at stations and on trains to determine how busy services will be.
Image: Train passengers can get alerts about overcrowded trains ahead of their journey
Users will also be asked to notify National Rail about which particular service they intend to take.
It is hoped the system will mean more people staggering their journeys as demand increases with coronavirus lockdown restrictions easing.
Passengers can be kept updated about disruption and overcrowding on their journey and receive alternative travel options.
Alerts will be received via Facebook Messenger at first, with text message and WhatsApp updates available in the coming weeks.
Train companies have also published the busiest times to and from major stations to help people plan.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Face coverings to be compulsory on public transport
Services were heavily reduced when the lockdown was introduced in March but have been increased slightly as more people have been encouraged to go into work if they cannot work from home.
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Overcrowding has been a major issue on some trains, with the RMT transport union threatening to halt services to protect workers and passengers.
On Thursday, the government introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport - with fines for those who do not comply.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at industry body the Rail Delivery Group, said the technology will help passengers stagger their journeys and stay safe.
He said: "The eyes and ears of thousands of front line staff will let us know if stations or trains are getting busy while cutting-edge data analysis will help us predict spikes in demand, giving passengers the advice they need in the palm of their hands.
"While people should only go by train if their journey is really necessary, those who do need to travel should sign up for alerts from National Rail and, before setting off, pop online to check the very latest information and avoid the busiest times.
"We also ask everyone travelling to wear a face covering to prevent the spread of the virus."
Image: Only a fifth of train services have been operating during lockdown
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said train capacity had been reduced to about a fifth - so for people who cannot work from home, they should stagger their travel times to avoid crowds and use other forms of transport when possible.
He said: "For those who need to use the train, it is fantastic to see innovative digital services rolled out to help keep them safe while on the move.
"Harnessing data and new technology will be crucial both to enable social distancing now, and to modernise the network for the future."
The Office of Rail and Road said 51 million fewer journeys were made on Britain's railways in the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2019.


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Benjamin Zephaniah 'scared' after two family members die of COVID-19

Poet Benjamin Zephaniah has said he is scared of what COVID-19 can do as he revealed two members of his family have died with the virus .
The musician and professor of poetry at Brunel University also told Sky News that his sister nearly died after contracting coronavirus - and his brother-in-law is still suffering .
Zephaniah said he misses being able to hug people but is aware of `` the realities '' of the effects of COVID-19 .
He told Sky News ' After The Pandemic programme : `` I am quite nervous about [ physical interaction ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Let me lay my cards down here , I 've lost two members of my family to this COVID-19 .
`` My sister was very close to death and the day she came out of hospital , she came out on Saturday morning , her husband went in on the afternoon .
`` She got it very badly , physically , but he has n't recovered mentally because of what he saw in the hospital .
`` When they tell you what they went through I think ' I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I can be a tough guy at times but I 'm pretty scared right now . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The dub poet also addressed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer was seen kneeling on his neck for more than eight minutes last week , prompting global protests .
He said his cousin , Mikey Powell , died in almost exactly the same was as Mr Floyd did , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said most of his family work in the NHS , yet it is only now their service has been recognised .
`` My mother came to Britain in 1956 and her dream was to work for the National Health Service , and that 's what she did for most of her life , '' he told Sky News .
`` Most of my family are what we now call frontline workers , up until recently they were called low-paid workers .
`` When nurses went on strike for better pay and better conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to appreciate what these people do .
`` Now we do see black people are dying in higher numbers , I do n't quite understand the reasons for that .
`` I understand we tend to live in multi-generational homes , there is a high level of diabetes among the elderly black community .
`` But not long ago there was this whole thing about Windrush and Brexit and sending us home .
I used to get racist threats in the 70s and 80s and they kind of went away , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwanted in my country .
`` Then this pandemic comes , we 're all indoors , if my family is not indoors we 're in hospitals trying to save the nation 's lives .
`` Then this thing comes up in America .
And it did n't just happen in America , in 2003 my cousin , Mikey Powell , was killed in almost exactly the same way as George Floyd .
`` The coroner said he died of asphyxiation , he had a police officer 's foot in his neck .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time so this is kind of a perfect storm what 's happened recently and we 've said 'we 've got to get out on the streets , we ca n't take it anymore , things have got to change ' .
`` They 've got to change on so many levels .
`` Black lives really do matter and we 're fed up of them not mattering . ''
The self-described anarchist also said he , unusually , agrees with Prince Charles about how important nature is .

Poet Benjamin Zephaniah has said he is scared of what COVID-19 can do as he revealed two members of his family have died with the virus.
The musician and professor of poetry at Brunel University also told Sky News that his sister nearly died after contracting coronavirus - and his brother-in-law is still suffering.
Zephaniah said he misses being able to hug people but is aware of "the realities" of the effects of COVID-19.
Image: Benjamin Zephaniah said his cousin was killed in almost exactly the same way as George Floyd, but in the UK
He told Sky News' After The Pandemic programme: "I am quite nervous about [physical interaction], just because I know of the realities.
"Let me lay my cards down here, I've lost two members of my family to this COVID-19.
"My sister was very close to death and the day she came out of hospital, she came out on Saturday morning, her husband went in on the afternoon.
"She got it very badly, physically, but he hasn't recovered mentally because of what he saw in the hospital.
"When they tell you what they went through I think 'I don't want to go through that'.
"I can be a tough guy at times but I'm pretty scared right now."
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The dub poet also addressed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer was seen kneeling on his neck for more than eight minutes last week, prompting global protests.
He said his cousin, Mikey Powell, died in almost exactly the same was as Mr Floyd did, but in the UK in 2003.
And he said most of his family work in the NHS, yet it is only now their service has been recognised.
"My mother came to Britain in 1956 and her dream was to work for the National Health Service, and that's what she did for most of her life," he told Sky News.
"Most of my family are what we now call frontline workers, up until recently they were called low-paid workers.
"When nurses went on strike for better pay and better conditions they were mean. Suddenly people have got to appreciate what these people do.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Benjamin Zephaniah on George Floyd's death
"Now we do see black people are dying in higher numbers, I don't quite understand the reasons for that.
"I understand we tend to live in multi-generational homes, there is a high level of diabetes among the elderly black community.
"But not long ago there was this whole thing about Windrush and Brexit and sending us home. I used to get racist threats in the 70s and 80s and they kind of went away, but suddenly they were back and I felt unwanted in my country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 The Prince of Wales has told Sky News that he knows he was
"Then this pandemic comes, we're all indoors, if my family is not indoors we're in hospitals trying to save the nation's lives.
"Then this thing comes up in America. And it didn't just happen in America, in 2003 my cousin, Mikey Powell, was killed in almost exactly the same way as George Floyd.
"The coroner said he died of asphyxiation, he had a police officer's foot in his neck.
"This is happening to black people all the time so this is kind of a perfect storm what's happened recently and we've said 'we've got to get out on the streets, we can't take it anymore, things have got to change'.
"They've got to change on so many levels.
"Black lives really do matter and we're fed up of them not mattering."
The self-described anarchist also said he, unusually, agrees with Prince Charles about how important nature is.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: People should start wearing face masks now - and not just on public transport, doctors

Coronavirus: People should start wearing face masks now - and not just on public transport, doctors say

Plans to make face coverings compulsory on public transport do not go far enough , the British Medical Association has warned .
From 15 June , bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures - or face a fine .
But according to the BMA , this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible .
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul also questioned why the introduction of these measures has been delayed - adding that the risk posed by coronavirus would be `` much less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings immediately .
He said : `` The BMA recently advocated the wearing of face coverings by the public several weeks ago in areas where they can not socially distance and believes it is right that people should be required to wear face coverings on public transport .
`` Given there remains a considerable risk of infection , with thousands of new cases every day , wearing masks can reduce the spread of the virus .
`` Not only will this afford greater protection to the public , importantly it will protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport who , as evidence suggests , are at greater risk of infection . ''
However on Friday , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said that masks `` on their own '' will not protect from COVID-19 .
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to provide a supply of face coverings to the public , and offer advice on how they can be used correctly .
BMA Wales council chair Dr David Bailey also pressed the Welsh government to change their position on face coverings to make them mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of face coverings is `` a matter of personal choice '' for the public .
Face coverings can include scarves , a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers , such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties , will be exempt .
At the moment , passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not prevented from boarding transport without one .
Announcing the plans , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said `` we need to ensure every precaution is taken '' as England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers start to increase once again .
The government says face coverings are `` marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure '' .
It 's coronavirus guidance states : `` Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you .
`` However , if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms , it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with . ''
According to official advice , surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work .
London mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers to make face coverings mandatory , welcomed a government `` u-turn '' on the issue .
He told Sky News : `` I do n't understand why it 's taken this long for the government to reach it 's view in relation to making it compulsory .
`` I think that should be extended to shops as well .
`` Not because we 're encouraging people to break the two metre rule , but because ... this is another step we can take to mitigate the chances of catching the virus or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-coverings were being made compulsory on public transport but not in other settings , such as supermarkets , Mr Shapps told Sky News : `` The big difference on public transport is that you 'll likely to be stuck in a space for a longer period of time , whereas in a supermarket you might go past somebody quite quickly .
`` So it is also a factor of the amount of time you spend with somebody .
`` On public transport you could be there for 10 to 20 minutes , half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually becomes more important .
`` It has been quite a marginal scientific argument , on balance we think that now the trains , buses , trams and aircrafts are likely to be more congested than before , it 's a sensible , additional precuationary measure .
`` But certainly not a magic , silver bullet thing to do .
`` It 's also important to note , when you wear a mask , you 're actually protecting those around you a bit , as well as yourself .
`` So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do as well . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was `` another example of the government being slow to act '' , adding : `` Two months ago , Labour immediately backed the mayor of London 's call for face coverings on public transport to be compulsory .
`` Yet only now Tory ministers are acting . ''
Transport unions echoed the criticism of the government - describing the measures as `` long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cash said : `` We fear this announcement is being driven not by safety concerns but by the premature easing of the lockdown which is swelling passenger numbers and making social distancing on transport increasingly impossible . ''

Plans to make face coverings compulsory on public transport do not go far enough, the British Medical Association has warned.
From 15 June, bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures - or face a fine.
But according to the BMA, this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Face coverings to be compulsory on public transport
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul also questioned why the introduction of these measures has been delayed - adding that the risk posed by coronavirus would be "much less" if the public starts wearing face coverings immediately.
He said: "The BMA recently advocated the wearing of face coverings by the public several weeks ago in areas where they cannot socially distance and believes it is right that people should be required to wear face coverings on public transport.
"Given there remains a considerable risk of infection, with thousands of new cases every day, wearing masks can reduce the spread of the virus.
"Not only will this afford greater protection to the public, importantly it will protect the lives of the staff working on public transport who, as evidence suggests, are at greater risk of infection."
However on Friday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that masks "on their own" will not protect from COVID-19.
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to provide a supply of face coverings to the public, and offer advice on how they can be used correctly.
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Image: At present, passengers do not face fines if they fail to wear a face covering on buses and trains
BMA Wales council chair Dr David Bailey also pressed the Welsh government to change their position on face coverings to make them mandatory.
The Welsh government has said the use of face coverings is "a matter of personal choice" for the public.
Face coverings can include scarves, a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers, such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties, will be exempt.
At the moment, passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not prevented from boarding transport without one.
Announcing the plans, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said "we need to ensure every precaution is taken" as England relaxes the lockdown further, and passenger numbers start to increase once again.
The government says face coverings are "marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Study into effectiveness of face masks
It's coronavirus guidance states: "Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you.
"However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with."
According to official advice, surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been lobbying ministers to make face coverings mandatory, welcomed a government "u-turn" on the issue.
He told Sky News: "I don't understand why it's taken this long for the government to reach it's view in relation to making it compulsory.
"I think that should be extended to shops as well.
"Not because we're encouraging people to break the two metre rule, but because... this is another step we can take to mitigate the chances of catching the virus or passing it on."
Image: London mayor Sadiq Khan says the government 'has finally seen sense'
Asked why face-coverings were being made compulsory on public transport but not in other settings, such as supermarkets, Mr Shapps told Sky News: "The big difference on public transport is that you'll likely to be stuck in a space for a longer period of time, whereas in a supermarket you might go past somebody quite quickly.
"So it is also a factor of the amount of time you spend with somebody.
"On public transport you could be there for 10 to 20 minutes, half an hour or longer, so that actually becomes more important.
"It has been quite a marginal scientific argument, on balance we think that now the trains, buses, trams and aircrafts are likely to be more congested than before, it's a sensible, additional precuationary measure.
"But certainly not a magic, silver bullet thing to do.
"It's also important to note, when you wear a mask, you're actually protecting those around you a bit, as well as yourself.
"So it's quite a public-spirited, altruistic thing to do as well."
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Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was "another example of the government being slow to act", adding: "Two months ago, Labour immediately backed the mayor of London's call for face coverings on public transport to be compulsory.
"Yet only now Tory ministers are acting."
Transport unions echoed the criticism of the government - describing the measures as "long overdue".
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "We fear this announcement is being driven not by safety concerns but by the premature easing of the lockdown which is swelling passenger numbers and making social distancing on transport increasingly impossible."


news--2020-06-05--George Floyd death: Sydney Black Lives Matter protest banned - Supreme Court rules

Australian authorities have won a legal fight to prevent a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney which was due to take place on Saturday , following concerns around 10,000 people would attend during the coronavirus pandemic .
The New South Wales Supreme Court ruled late on Friday that the planned demonstration posed too much of a risk of spreading COVID-19 and can not go ahead .
It was organised following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US , and to protest against the deaths of indigenous Australians in custody .
But Justice Desmond Fagan said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposition '' given that state rules say no more than 10 people are allowed to meet - while up to 50 people can go to funerals , places of worship , restaurants , pubs and cafes .
He said : `` It is self-evident that the social distancing measures have been the key element in minimising the spread of this disease , '' adding that the right to free expression was being `` deferred '' until a safer time .
`` I do n't diminish the importance of the issues and no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` No one denies them that , but we 're talking about a situation of a health crisis , '' he added .
The last-minute move by the state 's government came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison told people not to attend the gathering and similar rallies in Melbourne and other major cities .
`` The health advice is very clear , it 's not a good idea to go , '' he told reporters in Canberra , where around 2,000 demonstrators handed out masks and hand sanitiser .
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another way to express these sentiments .
Let 's exercise our liberties responsibly . ''
However , some protesters vowed to carry on , with the event 's organiser , Raul Bassi , saying after the court decision : `` I never lose my decision to fight for what is true . ''
Aboriginal elder Leetona Dungay 's son , David Dungay , died in a prison hospital in 2015 while being restrained by five guards , and just like Mr Floyd , the words `` I ca n't breathe '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outside the Supreme Court in Sydney , his mother also said she still planned to demonstrate in the city on Saturday .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She said : `` The correctional services officers and the doctors and nurses put my son under the ground , and I 'm going to walk on it for my march ... just like George Floyd .
`` We 're not going to stop .
We 're going to march .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law tells us what to do , because those acts of laws are killing us . ''
Australia has reported daily single digit and low double digit numbers of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks .
Overall , it has recorded 7,251 , and 102 people have died , according to the Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the virus .

Australian authorities have won a legal fight to prevent a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney which was due to take place on Saturday, following concerns around 10,000 people would attend during the coronavirus pandemic.
The New South Wales Supreme Court ruled late on Friday that the planned demonstration posed too much of a risk of spreading COVID-19 and cannot go ahead.
It was organised following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US, and to protest against the deaths of indigenous Australians in custody.
But Justice Desmond Fagan said a gathering of thousands was "an unreasonable proposition" given that state rules say no more than 10 people are allowed to meet - while up to 50 people can go to funerals, places of worship, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
He said: "It is self-evident that the social distancing measures have been the key element in minimising the spread of this disease," adding that the right to free expression was being "deferred" until a safer time.
"I don't diminish the importance of the issues and no one would deny them in normal circumstances.
"No one denies them that, but we're talking about a situation of a health crisis," he added.
The last-minute move by the state's government came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison told people not to attend the gathering and similar rallies in Melbourne and other major cities.
"The health advice is very clear, it's not a good idea to go," he told reporters in Canberra, where around 2,000 demonstrators handed out masks and hand sanitiser.
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He added: "Let's find a better way, and another way to express these sentiments. Let's exercise our liberties responsibly."
Image: Aboriginal elder Leetona Dungay told reporters she would still protest in Sydney
However, some protesters vowed to carry on, with the event's organiser, Raul Bassi, saying after the court decision: "I never lose my decision to fight for what is true."
Aboriginal elder Leetona Dungay's son, David Dungay, died in a prison hospital in 2015 while being restrained by five guards, and just like Mr Floyd, the words "I can't breathe", were among his last.
Addressing the media outside the Supreme Court in Sydney, his mother also said she still planned to demonstrate in the city on Saturday.
Image: Leetona Dungay's son David Dungay died in a prison hospital in 2015 while being restrained by five guards
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She said: "The correctional services officers and the doctors and nurses put my son under the ground, and I'm going to walk on it for my march...just like George Floyd.
"We're not going to stop. We're going to march. We don't care what any act of law tells us what to do, because those acts of laws are killing us."
Australia has reported daily single digit and low double digit numbers of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
Overall, it has recorded 7,251, and 102 people have died, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: R number 'rises across England' and 'around 1 in North West and South West'

The R number - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England , according to new estimates .
Public Health England ( PHE ) on Friday gave a regional breakdown of the COVID-19 transmission rate , or R number .
Their estimates , calculated in conjunction with Cambridge University 's MRC Biostatistics Unit , showed it was `` probable '' the R value was below one in all regions of England , with the exception of the North West and South West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median R value was estimated to be over one .
And they said that , although in the South West it is `` around '' one , `` the numbers of new infections occurring in the region on a daily basis is relatively low '' .
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in the UK passed 40,000 , according to Department of Health and Social Care figures .
In the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday , another 357 deaths were reported , taking the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R value below one a critical measure when considering whether to ease the UK 's lockdown .
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted cases were higher in the two regions in question , saying local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups in the number of infections in certain areas .
But he told the Downing Street briefing that the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) still believed the R number was below one across the country .
`` You 're right that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South West and in the North West , the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions , '' he said .
`` However , we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up .
`` We 've been doing this over the last few weeks , for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control . ''
If the R value is one , then it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is above one , it means the number of COVID-19 cases will increase exponentially .
However , if it is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PHE/Cambridge study said there was `` some evidence '' that the R value `` has risen in all regions '' of England , which they added was `` probably due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public and workplace settings '' after lockdown measures were eased .
The R number is only one part of ministers ' consideration when it comes to easing lockdown measures .
The number of new cases is also crucial and it is the interaction between the two that matters most .
An update from the Office for National Statistics ' Infection Survey has suggested there are now around 6,000 new infections in England each day .
However , the Cambridge study estimated that , across England , the number of new daily infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths each day likely to fall to between 100-250 by the middle of this month .
`` There is evidence , from the forecast of deaths for the whole of England , that the increases in the regional reproductive numbers may result in the decline in the national death rate being arrested by mid-June , '' the study added .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , PHE medical director , said : `` Our estimates show that the regional R numbers have increased although they remain below one for most of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we gradually move out of lockdown .
`` It is vital that everyone continues with social distancing , practising good hand hygiene and must remain at home and order a test if they have symptoms . ''
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the R value estimates were `` very worrying '' .
`` It appears , I would say , that lockdown has been relaxed too early , given the fact that 'track , test and trace ' is some way from being up and running , '' he told the Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begs the question as to whether the advice is right to people in the North West . ''
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study showed 6 % of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic , with 16 % in London and around 10 % in the North West of England .
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government 's SAGE advisory committee showed it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole UK , below the key threshold of one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief scientific adviser , said : `` The latest R-value calculation is between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole , it may be a little bit higher in England it may be between 0.7 and 1 , and there is a bit of regional variation . ''
He said there could be `` some places '' where the R-value is very close to one .

The R number - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England, according to new estimates.
Public Health England (PHE) on Friday gave a regional breakdown of the COVID-19 transmission rate, or R number.
Their estimates, calculated in conjunction with Cambridge University's MRC Biostatistics Unit, showed it was "probable" the R value was below one in all regions of England, with the exception of the North West and South West.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Health secretary Matt Hancock talks about the higher R number in the South West and North West of England.
In the North West, the median R value was estimated to be over one.
And they said that, although in the South West it is "around" one, "the numbers of new infections occurring in the region on a daily basis is relatively low".
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in the UK passed 40,000, according to Department of Health and Social Care figures.
In the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday, another 357 deaths were reported, taking the total in all settings to 40,261.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R value below one a critical measure when considering whether to ease the UK's lockdown.
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted cases were higher in the two regions in question, saying local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups in the number of infections in certain areas.
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But he told the Downing Street briefing that the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) still believed the R number was below one across the country.
"You're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West, the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions," he said.
"However, we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up.
"We've been doing this over the last few weeks, for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control."
If the R value is one, then it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus on to one other.
If it is above one, it means the number of COVID-19 cases will increase exponentially.
However, if it is below one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak.
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The PHE/Cambridge study said there was "some evidence" that the R value "has risen in all regions" of England, which they added was "probably due to increasing mobility and mixing between households and in public and workplace settings" after lockdown measures were eased.
The R number is only one part of ministers' consideration when it comes to easing lockdown measures.
The number of new cases is also crucial and it is the interaction between the two that matters most.
An update from the Office for National Statistics' Infection Survey has suggested there are now around 6,000 new infections in England each day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 COVID-19 death figures analysis
However, the Cambridge study estimated that, across England, the number of new daily infections could be closer to 17,000, with the number of deaths each day likely to fall to between 100-250 by the middle of this month.
"There is evidence, from the forecast of deaths for the whole of England, that the increases in the regional reproductive numbers may result in the decline in the national death rate being arrested by mid-June," the study added.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE medical director, said: "Our estimates show that the regional R numbers have increased although they remain below one for most of England - this is to be expected as we gradually move out of lockdown.
"It is vital that everyone continues with social distancing, practising good hand hygiene and must remain at home and order a test if they have symptoms."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the R value estimates were "very worrying".
"It appears, I would say, that lockdown has been relaxed too early, given the fact that 'track, test and trace' is some way from being up and running," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"I think it begs the question as to whether the advice is right to people in the North West."
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study showed 6% of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic, with 16% in London and around 10% in the North West of England.
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government's SAGE advisory committee showed it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole UK, below the key threshold of one.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said: "The latest R-value calculation is between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole, it may be a little bit higher in England it may be between 0.7 and 1, and there is a bit of regional variation."
He said there could be "some places" where the R-value is very close to one.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Welsh police tell English visitors to 'learn lockdown rules' and stay away

Police have urged English visitors to get a grasp on the lockdown rules in Wales after turning away more than 1,000 cars from the Brecon Beacons in just two days .
Tourists coming from as far as London were refused entry to the beauty spot , known as `` waterfall country '' , by Dyfed-Powys Police last weekend .
On Friday , police said many of the drivers claimed they were not aware Wales has a five-mile limit for non-essential journeys to curb the spread of coronavirus .
The lockdown rules differ slightly to that of England 's , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for exercise and to access beauty spots .
One culprit , a doctor from London , travelled to Brecon to buy lamb , while a group from Devon made a 350-mile trip to Wisemans Bridge , Pembrokeshire , to `` look at the beach '' .
And a birthday party from Hemel Hempstead , Hertfordshire , travelled all the way to Elan Valley , Powys , for a barbecue , police said .
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said : `` Police in Powys are reminding people to check the rules before they travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London and Bristol continue to visit despite lockdown restrictions . ''
She added : `` Many of those stopped claimed they thought the rules around travel were the same as in England , while others had deliberately flouted them . ''
Officers said 72 % of people reported for breaches of coronavirus restrictions in Powys since 27 March have been from outside of the area .
Superintendent Steve Davies said : `` Our officers have worked hard to engage with the public at every opportunity throughout these unprecedented times by explaining what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to make the best choices to protect public health in Wales .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But where people have clearly flouted the rules we have dealt with them appropriately and issued fines . ''
Fines for repeated breaches of lockdown regulations start at £60 in Wales , and double for each repeated offence to a maximum of £1,920 .
The country 's three national parks , Snowdon in North Wales , the Elan Valley in Mid Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales all remain closed to the public , as do all National Trust car parks and properties .

Police have urged English visitors to get a grasp on the lockdown rules in Wales after turning away more than 1,000 cars from the Brecon Beacons in just two days.
Tourists coming from as far as London were refused entry to the beauty spot, known as "waterfall country", by Dyfed-Powys Police last weekend.
On Friday, police said many of the drivers claimed they were not aware Wales has a five-mile limit for non-essential journeys to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The lockdown rules differ slightly to that of England's, where people can now travel an unlimited distance for exercise and to access beauty spots.
Image: Restrictions are in place to stop public accessing the Brecon Beacons
One culprit, a doctor from London, travelled to Brecon to buy lamb, while a group from Devon made a 350-mile trip to Wisemans Bridge, Pembrokeshire, to "look at the beach".
And a birthday party from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, travelled all the way to Elan Valley, Powys, for a barbecue, police said.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said: "Police in Powys are reminding people to check the rules before they travel, as tourists from the Midlands, London and Bristol continue to visit despite lockdown restrictions."
She added: "Many of those stopped claimed they thought the rules around travel were the same as in England, while others had deliberately flouted them."
Officers said 72% of people reported for breaches of coronavirus restrictions in Powys since 27 March have been from outside of the area.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Confusion as UK nations diverge on lockdown
Superintendent Steve Davies said: "Our officers have worked hard to engage with the public at every opportunity throughout these unprecedented times by explaining what we are doing and why, and encouraging people to make the best choices to protect public health in Wales.
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"But where people have clearly flouted the rules we have dealt with them appropriately and issued fines."
Fines for repeated breaches of lockdown regulations start at £60 in Wales, and double for each repeated offence to a maximum of £1,920.
The country's three national parks, Snowdon in North Wales, the Elan Valley in Mid Wales, and the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales all remain closed to the public, as do all National Trust car parks and properties.