news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Government giving out mixed messages over lockdown, says Met Police Federation

The Metropolitan Police Federation , which represents officers in London , has accused the government of giving out mixed messages to the public over the coronavirus lockdown .
The association has called for `` clear and unambiguous laws , guidance and communication '' from ministers around what people `` can and ca n't do '' .
It comes just hours after the home secretary claimed the government 's message `` has been clear and consistent from day one '' as she led the daily Downing Street coronavirus news briefing on tackling the pandemic .
Priti Patel insisted `` there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people must follow the rules or face law enforcement as data shows more people are on the move .
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules , while there have been long queues outside B & Q stores this week , with safety measures in place .
Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said : `` Contrary to the view we heard today from Downing Street , the Metropolitan Police Federation does believe there are mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown for the public .
`` This makes our already difficult job of policing this unprecedented crisis harder .
`` We have to ask whether DIY stores - for instance - are essential stores for the public to attend ?
Their opening creates increased footfall and vehicles on our roads which surely goes against what we have been told around people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Mr Marsh added : `` Police officers are on the front line of combating the coronavirus crisis - we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication from government around what the public can and ca n't do .
What is essential and what is n't .
`` If officers are confused about all this then so will the public be . ''
Ms Patel earlier warned the public that frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet .
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions , the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect the rules - and she insisted the government 's message is clear .
`` We understand the frustration , '' she said , adding : `` Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital . ''
Ms Patel said `` we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible '' but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered .
She said it would be `` irresponsible '' to offer a date when rules could be relaxed , saying : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus . ''
Echoing the message , director of NHS England Stephen Powis said : `` The sun is out around the country , the days are getting longer , and I 'm sure it 's tempting for people to feel that they should go out . ''
But he added : `` I ca n't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet ... it wo n't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks , which I know have been hard for everybody , so it 's really important that despite the weather , we stay at home , we keep to the guidelines that we 've been issued with . ''
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths , Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more .
Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities .
The Department of Health says the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached 20,319 .
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules , while there have been long queues outside B & Q stores this week , with safety measures in place .
This , coupled with data showing more people are on the move , has forced the government to deny mixed messaging .
One of the government 's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules , the messaging `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Susan Michie , professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser , told Sky News : `` What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport .
`` We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do , they are not flouting the rules .
`` I think it 's very , very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home , on the other hand go into non-essential work . ''
To ensure continued adherence to the rules , Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging , but also with financial security and psychological support .
Meanwhile , it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium .
It has also emerged that talks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers in London, has accused the government of giving out mixed messages to the public over the coronavirus lockdown.
The association has called for "clear and unambiguous laws, guidance and communication" from ministers around what people "can and can't do".
It comes just hours after the home secretary claimed the government's message "has been clear and consistent from day one" as she led the daily Downing Street coronavirus news briefing on tackling the pandemic.
Image: Members of the public pictured in Victoria Park, east London, on Saturday
Priti Patel insisted "there are no mixed messages", adding that people must follow the rules or face law enforcement as data shows more people are on the move.
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: "Contrary to the view we heard today from Downing Street, the Metropolitan Police Federation does believe there are mixed messages coming out from the government around the lockdown for the public.
"This makes our already difficult job of policing this unprecedented crisis harder.
"We have to ask whether DIY stores - for instance - are essential stores for the public to attend? Their opening creates increased footfall and vehicles on our roads which surely goes against what we have been told around people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives."
Mr Marsh added: "Police officers are on the front line of combating the coronavirus crisis - we need clear and unambiguous laws, guidance and communication from government around what the public can and can't do. What is essential and what isn't.
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"If officers are confused about all this then so will the public be."
Image: People sit in the warm weather in Castlefield, central Manchester
Image: Penarth Pier promenade in South Wales
Ms Patel earlier warned the public that frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet.
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions, the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys continues to rise but that people must respect the rules - and she insisted the government's message is clear.
"We understand the frustration," she said, adding: "Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital."
Ms Patel said "we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible" but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered.
She said it would be "irresponsible" to offer a date when rules could be relaxed, saying: "The fact of the matter is, we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus."
Echoing the message, director of NHS England Stephen Powis said: "The sun is out around the country, the days are getting longer, and I'm sure it's tempting for people to feel that they should go out."
But he added: "I can't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet...it won't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more widely."
He went on: "It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks, which I know have been hard for everybody, so it's really important that despite the weather, we stay at home, we keep to the guidelines that we've been issued with."
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths, Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more. Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities. The Department of Health says the overall number of deaths in hospitals has now reached 20,319.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
This, coupled with data showing more people are on the move, has forced the government to deny mixed messaging.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 B&... queue? Long lines as hardware chain reopens
Image: Queues outside the B&Q Warehouse in south west London, which has reopened after more than a month's closure
One of the government's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules, the messaging "urgently needs to be dealt with".
Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser, told Sky News: "What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport.
"We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do, they are not flouting the rules.
"I think it's very, very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government.
"On the one hand stay at home, on the other hand go into non-essential work."
To ensure continued adherence to the rules, Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging, but also with financial security and psychological support.
Image: Daily exercise in Greenwich Park, south east London
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Meanwhile, it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium.
It has also emerged that talks have been taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: World Health Organisation warns against 'immunity passports'

The World Health Organisation has warned governments not to use so-called `` immunity passports '' to allow people to return to work simply because they have antibodies for COVID-19 .
Immunity passports are a proposed way of allowing countries to begin to lift their coronavirus lockdowns in a targeted manner and resume economic activity .
They would be issued to people who have already overcome a COVID-19 infection and test positive for antibodies to the virus , based on the assumption they are therefore immune .
But in an update to its guidance , the WHO warned there was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection '' .
There are reports of dozens of reinfections of patients who had previously been diagnosed with the disease in East Asia , adding weight to the WHO 's concerns .
Immunity passports have been suggested by health ministers in the UK and Germany , and Chile has officially announced its intention to issue them to patients who have recovered from the virus .
In the UK , Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested `` something like an immunity certificate or a wristband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing restrictions but critics described the proposal as problematic .
The privileges which an immunity certification could bring might also introduce perverse incentives , such as some people trying to contract the virus on purpose .
People could try to sell their certificate to someone who is not immune , as it could bring significant privileges such as exempting them from lockdown restrictions .
One academic explained to Sky News that this would make it crucial to tie the test to the person who had taken it - but that setting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole population brought its own challenge .
In addition to questioning whether the presence of antibodies conferred immunity , the WHO warned that the rapidly developed tests needed to be checked for accuracy and reliability before being used .
Inaccurate tests could falsely label people who have antibodies as vulnerable to it , and vice versa , but also need to be able to distinguish between the virus causing COVID-19 and other coronaviruses , such as MERS and SARS .
The WHO said : `` People who assume that they are immune to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive test result may ignore public health advice . ''
`` The use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission , '' its guidance added .

The World Health Organisation has warned governments not to use so-called "immunity passports" to allow people to return to work simply because they have antibodies for COVID-19.
Immunity passports are a proposed way of allowing countries to begin to lift their coronavirus lockdowns in a targeted manner and resume economic activity.
They would be issued to people who have already overcome a COVID-19 infection and test positive for antibodies to the virus, based on the assumption they are therefore immune.
But in an update to its guidance, the WHO warned there was "no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 Backlash against Trump for cutting WHO funds
There are reports of dozens of reinfections of patients who had previously been diagnosed with the disease in East Asia, adding weight to the WHO's concerns.
Immunity passports have been suggested by health ministers in the UK and Germany, and Chile has officially announced its intention to issue them to patients who have recovered from the virus.
In the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested "something like an immunity certificate or a wristband" to help manage the lifting of social distancing restrictions but critics described the proposal as problematic.
The privileges which an immunity certification could bring might also introduce perverse incentives, such as some people trying to contract the virus on purpose.
People could try to sell their certificate to someone who is not immune, as it could bring significant privileges such as exempting them from lockdown restrictions.
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One academic explained to Sky News that this would make it crucial to tie the test to the person who had taken it - but that setting up a reliable identity checking system for the whole population brought its own challenge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 England deaths for COVID-19 rise by 711
In addition to questioning whether the presence of antibodies conferred immunity, the WHO warned that the rapidly developed tests needed to be checked for accuracy and reliability before being used.
Inaccurate tests could falsely label people who have antibodies as vulnerable to it, and vice versa, but also need to be able to distinguish between the virus causing COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, such as MERS and SARS.
The WHO said: "People who assume that they are immune to a second infection because they have received a positive test result may ignore public health advice."
"The use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission," its guidance added.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: The cheese craftsman turned milkman to help Northern Ireland's isolated neighbours

He would normally be producing artisan cheese for the high-end market , the Royal Family among his customers .
Instead , Dean Wright is delivering milk and other necessities to the doorsteps of isolated neighbours in Northern Ireland .
The fifth-generation farmer from Ballylisk in County Armagh believes COVID-19 will lead to a restoration of old traditions .
He said : `` Whenever I was a child , we used to have a milkman , we used to have a breadman , we used to have a fishmonger and the postman .
`` Those were four people who used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of service that we 're trying to put back on the map again . ''
Last summer , Dean was catering for the biggest names in golf - Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy - at The Open in Royal Portrush , County Antrim .
Now he 's donning his white coat , protective gloves and hair net each evening to load his van with milk , eggs and potatoes .
He is supplying customers within a 10-mile radius of his 400-acre farm and is the only contact some have with the outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's a social thing , especially for rural dwellers , to have produce from a local farm delivered to their door .
`` We 're in lockdown , there 's vulnerable people , there 's elderly people who can not get to local stores to get their daily necessities . ''
Dean , who hopes his daughters will be the sixth generation to farm the land , had to respond quickly when 70 % of his business disappeared .
With less demand for his award-winning craft cheese , he decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take it on the road .
He said : `` I was n't prepared to let my business fail over this and I had always dreamt of restoring these traditions , and this was the right time to do it .
`` When 45,000 people responded to our Facebook post about delivering supplies , I felt energised about the whole project . ''
It is a cashless service , paid for online or by phone , limiting physical contact with customers concerned about infection .
Dean said : `` I think the long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to buying local food produced by their local farm .
`` We will continue to bring these items to the community long after we get out of the troubled waters we are in . ''

He would normally be producing artisan cheese for the high-end market, the Royal Family among his customers.
Instead, Dean Wright is delivering milk and other necessities to the doorsteps of isolated neighbours in Northern Ireland.
The fifth-generation farmer from Ballylisk in County Armagh believes COVID-19 will lead to a restoration of old traditions.
Image: Royal Portrush which hosted golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory Mcllroy at The Open last year
He said: "Whenever I was a child, we used to have a milkman, we used to have a breadman, we used to have a fishmonger and the postman.
"Those were four people who used to regularly call… and this is exactly the sort of service that we're trying to put back on the map again."
Last summer, Dean was catering for the biggest names in golf - Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy - at The Open in Royal Portrush, County Antrim.
Image: Dean supplies customers within a 10-mile radius of his farm in County Armagh
Now he's donning his white coat, protective gloves and hair net each evening to load his van with milk, eggs and potatoes.
He is supplying customers within a 10-mile radius of his 400-acre farm and is the only contact some have with the outside world right now.
He explained: "It's a social thing, especially for rural dwellers, to have produce from a local farm delivered to their door.
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"We're in lockdown, there's vulnerable people, there's elderly people who cannot get to local stores to get their daily necessities."
Image: Dean preparing to make another delivery to a family in lockdown
Dean, who hopes his daughters will be the sixth generation to farm the land, had to respond quickly when 70% of his business disappeared.
With less demand for his award-winning craft cheese, he decided to pasteurise milk from his own farm and take it on the road.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Sasha Treanor is a self-employed photographer. In the lockdown work has dried up. So she decided to do something different.
He said: "I wasn't prepared to let my business fail over this and I had always dreamt of restoring these traditions, and this was the right time to do it.
"When 45,000 people responded to our Facebook post about delivering supplies, I felt energised about the whole project."
It is a cashless service, paid for online or by phone, limiting physical contact with customers concerned about infection.
Dean said: "I think the long-term effect will be that people may go back to buying local food produced by their local farm.
"We will continue to bring these items to the community long after we get out of the troubled waters we are in."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: We're not out of danger yet - Warning not to break lockdown in sunny weather

Frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the coronavirus lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet , the public has been warned .
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions , the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys continues to rise but that people must respect the rules - and she insisted the government 's message is clear .
`` We understand the frustration , '' Priti Patel said , adding : `` Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily coronavirus news conference , Ms Patel said `` we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible '' but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered .
She said it would be `` irresponsible '' to offer a date when rules could be relaxed , saying : `` The fact of the matter is , we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus . ''
Echoing the message , director of NHS England Stephen Powis said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the days are getting longer , and I 'm sure it 's tempting for people to feel that they should go out . ''
But he added : `` I ca n't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet ... it wo n't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more widely . ''
He went on : `` It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks , which I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's really important that despite the weather , we stay at home , we keep to the guidelines that we 've been issued with . ''
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths , Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more .
Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities .
The Department of Health says the overall number of deaths in hospitals has now reached 20,319 .
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules , while there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Q stores this week , with safety measures in place .
This , coupled with data showing more people are on the move , has forced the government to deny mixed messaging .
One of the government 's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules , the messaging `` urgently needs to be dealt with '' .
Susan Michie , professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser , told Sky News : `` What we have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport .
`` We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do , they are not flouting the rules .
`` I think it 's very , very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government .
`` On the one hand stay at home , on the other hand go into non-essential work . ''
Ms Patel said the government message `` has been clear and consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no mixed messages , '' she insisted , adding that people must follow the rules or face law enforcement .
To ensure continued adherence to the rules , Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging , but also with financial security and psychological support .
Meanwhile , it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pressure has been growing on the government to spell out how it plans to start lifting the lockdown and re-energise the devastated economy .
Adding his voice to the mounting chorus , former chancellor Philip Hammond said the country can not afford to wait until a vaccine becomes available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Downing Street next week after recovering from the virus , Mr Hammond said he hoped it would mark a `` clear step change '' in the government 's response to the crisis .
He told the BBC : `` We ca n't wait until a vaccine is developed , produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population .
The economy wo n't survive that long .
`` But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from COVID .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase . ''

Frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the coronavirus lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet, the public has been warned.
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions, the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys continues to rise but that people must respect the rules - and she insisted the government's message is clear.
"We understand the frustration," Priti Patel said, adding: "Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital."
Image: Members of the public pictured in Victoria Park, east London, on Saturday
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus news conference, Ms Patel said "we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible" but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered.
She said it would be "irresponsible" to offer a date when rules could be relaxed, saying: "The fact of the matter is, we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus."
Image: People sit in the warm weather in Castlefield, central Manchester
Image: Penarth Pier promenade in South Wales
Echoing the message, director of NHS England Stephen Powis said: "The sun is out around the country, the days are getting longer, and I'm sure it's tempting for people to feel that they should go out."
But he added: "I can't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet...it won't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more widely."
He went on: "It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks, which I know have been hard for everybody, so it's really important that despite the weather, we stay at home, we keep to the guidelines that we've been issued with."
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths, Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more. Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities. The Department of Health says the overall number of deaths in hospitals has now reached 20,319.
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Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
This, coupled with data showing more people are on the move, has forced the government to deny mixed messaging.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 B&... queue? Long lines as hardware chain reopens
Image: Queues outside the B&Q Warehouse in south west London, which has reopened after more than a month's closure
One of the government's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules, the messaging "urgently needs to be dealt with".
Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser, told Sky News: "What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport.
"We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do, they are not flouting the rules.
"I think it's very, very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government.
"On the one hand stay at home, on the other hand go into non-essential work."
Ms Patel said the government message "has been clear and consistent from day one".
"There are no mixed messages," she insisted, adding that people must follow the rules or face law enforcement.
To ensure continued adherence to the rules, Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging, but also with financial security and psychological support.
Image: Daily exercise in Greenwich Park, south east London
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Meanwhile, it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium.
It has also emerged that talks have been taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pressure has been growing on the government to spell out how it plans to start lifting the lockdown and re-energise the devastated economy.
Adding his voice to the mounting chorus, former chancellor Philip Hammond said the country cannot afford to wait until a vaccine becomes available.
With Boris Johnson expected to return to Downing Street next week after recovering from the virus, Mr Hammond said he hoped it would mark a "clear step change" in the government's response to the crisis.
He told the BBC: "We can't wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population. The economy won't survive that long.
"But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from COVID.
"That's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Zoo running out of money to look after animals

A zoo in Devon says it has just two and a half weeks of money left before it could be forced to close for good .
Dartmoor Zoo says it needs £11,500 a week to keep looking after the 250 animals on site and is appealing for the public 's help .
Ben Mee took over the zoo in 2006 .
During feeding time for two of the zoo 's Siberian tigers he told Sky News : `` We 're a seasonal charity - absolutely dependent on income through the holiday period to keep endangered animals alive . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people through the door in order to pay for his food , his vet bills and for the keepers who look after him . ''
According to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( BIAZA ) , 40 % of zoos are now registered charities like Dartmoor .
The lockdown has meant many zoos up and down the country are struggling , with running costs remaining high .
Dartmoor Zoo has furloughed around two thirds of its staff , but 14 are kept on to feed the animals .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to claim £100,000 of business interruption money through their insurance company .
Deputy chief executive Coral Jonas has worked at the zoo for eight years .
Her passion for the job and animals is clear , but she admitted the zoo could have to close if no more money became available .
She said : `` We 'd have to look for homes for these guys and hopefully we 'd find suitable homes for them which is not easy considering the animals we 've got .
`` The worst case scenario is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which absolutely can not happen as far as we 're concerned , and we 'll work very hard not to be the end result . ''
With traditional fundraising events not possible , they have launched an emergency appeal to raise money .
Eleven-year-old Joshua White heard about the zoo 's problems , and is now climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest up his stairs at home to raise money .
He said : `` We love animals , I 've always loved animals all my life ...
I like all the powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals have superpowers , so I really wanted to help save the animals and a lot of people do too .
So I wanted to do it . ''
Joshua says he has completed around 1,000 of 3,400 steps so far .
The zoo became famous following the release of the 2011 Matt Damon film We Bought A Zoo , which was based on Ben 's story .
• Dartmoor Zoo says following the Sky News report , nearly one months running costs came in overnight .
Around £40,000 was donated , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care of the animals .

A zoo in Devon says it has just two and a half weeks of money left before it could be forced to close for good.
Dartmoor Zoo says it needs £11,500 a week to keep looking after the 250 animals on site and is appealing for the public's help.
Ben Mee took over the zoo in 2006. During feeding time for two of the zoo's Siberian tigers he told Sky News: "We're a seasonal charity - absolutely dependent on income through the holiday period to keep endangered animals alive."
He added: "We need funds from people through the door in order to pay for his food, his vet bills and for the keepers who look after him."
Image: Lions are among 250 animals on site
According to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), 40% of zoos are now registered charities like Dartmoor.
The lockdown has meant many zoos up and down the country are struggling, with running costs remaining high.
Image: Endangered species are preserved at the zoo
Image: Many of the animals are expensive to feed and safeguard
Dartmoor Zoo has furloughed around two thirds of its staff, but 14 are kept on to feed the animals.
Mr Mee says they have so far been unable to claim £100,000 of business interruption money through their insurance company.
Image: Running costs remain high
Image: Traditional fundraising is difficult during lockdown
Deputy chief executive Coral Jonas has worked at the zoo for eight years. Her passion for the job and animals is clear, but she admitted the zoo could have to close if no more money became available.
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She said: "We'd have to look for homes for these guys and hopefully we'd find suitable homes for them which is not easy considering the animals we've got.
"The worst case scenario is we'd have to look at euthanasia which absolutely cannot happen as far as we're concerned, and we'll work very hard not to be the end result."
Image: Some staff have been kept on to feed the animals
With traditional fundraising events not possible, they have launched an emergency appeal to raise money.
Eleven-year-old Joshua White heard about the zoo's problems, and is now climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest up his stairs at home to raise money.
He said: "We love animals, I've always loved animals all my life... I like all the powers it can do...it's like animals have superpowers, so I really wanted to help save the animals and a lot of people do too. So I wanted to do it."
Joshua says he has completed around 1,000 of 3,400 steps so far.
The zoo became famous following the release of the 2011 Matt Damon film We Bought A Zoo, which was based on Ben's story.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Police support the elderly and isolated as doorstep scams rise in lockdown

Frontline police officers in parts of London are making the most of the fall in crime during lockdown to help the most vulnerable in society .
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in fewer burglaries and assaults but criminals are taking the opportunity to target the elderly and most isolated across the country .
It means an initiative set up last summer in Croydon called Operation Nogi , aimed at supporting the elderly and isolated , is needed more than ever - and there are now more officers like Sergeant Liam Hack available to help out .
`` We have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doorstep scams where people are going around and offering to get money out for people or bring supplies to their house in exchange for goods or money , '' he said , as Sky News followed him on one of his shifts .
`` Elderly people love to see people in uniform turn up .
We are there to just give them the confidence to say no to people and keep them up to date on key questions to be asking , whether it be somebody at the door or someone ringing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been targeted twice by criminals recently .
On one occasion , he was followed home by a woman claiming to be a carer who then snatched his coat and ran .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He was one of the elderly people visited by Sgt Hack and his colleague Sgt Greg Peart in his flat .
He was given groceries courtesy of a high street supermarket , information from Trading Standards about scams and the chance of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was conducted from the doorstep due to social distancing .
Referring to the lockdown , he said : `` It 's been absolute hell .
Not to mix with people , to stay indoors and watch people on TV .
It 's not enough for me . ''
Officers working on Operation Nogi are given referrals by social services or other officers and the different agencies then work together to resolve issues .
In the case of Dennis , whom the officers went to visit next , the team was alerted after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke his fence during the lockdown .
But the officers are not from a safer neighbourhood team .
Even before the pandemic , Operation Nogi was the work of police more used to responding to 999 calls .
`` We normally work as part of an emergency response team in Croydon which lends itself to us seeing the worst in society a lot of the time , '' said Sgt Peart .
`` During the lockdown , there has been a 37 % reduction in crime and policing demand across the borough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend with initiatives like this . ''
Back at the police station , the council was contacted so action could be taken to get Mr Crosby a new door , after it was damaged during a burglary .
The initiative seems to be working in south London and discussions have begun to quickly expand it across the capital .
The hope is that it will eventually cover the UK .

Frontline police officers in parts of London are making the most of the fall in crime during lockdown to help the most vulnerable in society.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in fewer burglaries and assaults but criminals are taking the opportunity to target the elderly and most isolated across the country.
It means an initiative set up last summer in Croydon called Operation Nogi, aimed at supporting the elderly and isolated, is needed more than ever - and there are now more officers like Sergeant Liam Hack available to help out.
"We have seen a rise in the trend of coronavirus doorstep scams where people are going around and offering to get money out for people or bring supplies to their house in exchange for goods or money," he said, as Sky News followed him on one of his shifts.
Image: Mr Crosby, 93, has been targeted twice by criminals recently
"Elderly people love to see people in uniform turn up. We are there to just give them the confidence to say no to people and keep them up to date on key questions to be asking, whether it be somebody at the door or someone ringing their phone."
Steve Crosby, 93, has been targeted twice by criminals recently. On one occasion, he was followed home by a woman claiming to be a carer who then snatched his coat and ran.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He was one of the elderly people visited by Sgt Hack and his colleague Sgt Greg Peart in his flat. He was given groceries courtesy of a high street supermarket, information from Trading Standards about scams and the chance of a chat.
Mr Crosby enjoyed the visit which was conducted from the doorstep due to social distancing.
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Referring to the lockdown, he said: "It's been absolute hell. Not to mix with people, to stay indoors and watch people on TV. It's not enough for me."
Officers working on Operation Nogi are given referrals by social services or other officers and the different agencies then work together to resolve issues.
In the case of Dennis, whom the officers went to visit next, the team was alerted after criminals jumped over his back gate and broke his fence during the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 Home Sec: 'We're not out of danger yet'
But the officers are not from a safer neighbourhood team. Even before the pandemic, Operation Nogi was the work of police more used to responding to 999 calls.
"We normally work as part of an emergency response team in Croydon which lends itself to us seeing the worst in society a lot of the time," said Sgt Peart.
"During the lockdown, there has been a 37% reduction in crime and policing demand across the borough. This has allowed us more time to spend with initiatives like this."
Back at the police station, the council was contacted so action could be taken to get Mr Crosby a new door, after it was damaged during a burglary.
The initiative seems to be working in south London and discussions have begun to quickly expand it across the capital. The hope is that it will eventually cover the UK.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: How the pandemic is ruining the European economy

As Pierre Villiers slides open a heavy door , it is the smell that hits you .
Inside the chilled room sit rack after rack of rapidly maturing cheeses .
Many of them are cut into a heart shape - that is the tradition of Neufchatel .
Others are prepared into circles , or squares .
All of them have that distinct strong smell .
But the trouble is , it 's too strong .
They are going off , now too mature to sell to customers who , in the most part , have stopped buying cheese anyway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheese worth more than €30,000 ( £26,300 ) , and it will all be thrown away .
Next door is another €16,000 ( £14,000 ) worth of stock facing the same dismal future .
Coronavirus has savaged farming , and it did so suddenly .
Mr Villiers says the lockdown imposed by the French government caused a sudden and profound collapse in demand from restaurants and markets that were told to close .
He , like many others , was left with a load of stock and nowhere to sell it .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention on coping with panic buying , on finding supplies of toilet paper and pasta .
Questions about cheese orders went unanswered .
The products were left unsought .
He responded by stopping production of cheese for a while .
More than 20,000 litre of milk - enough to supply a small village for a year - was simply tipped down the drain .
Only now has production started again , thanks to Mr Villiers 's hope that his heart-shaped cheese will be seen by some as a fun treat to celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the lockdown is extended , however , he may lose a lot more money .
This farm , in the sweeping fields of Normandy , has belonged to his family since 1850 .
Rarely , though , has it faced such pressure .
`` The last time we were unable to sell on a similar level was during the Second World War , when the German occupation prevented open markets , '' he says .
`` I 've never seen it like this .
The worst problem for us is the drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closure of open markets , restaurants and caterers .
`` All of this mean that in March we lost 70 % of our sales .
The cost to us in March was €30k ( £26k ) , so a lot of cheese , and for April we still have n't done the sums , but the amount will be high . ''
This is the economic damage that is being done across farms in Europe .
Some , like these small dairy farms , are especially vulnerable because their produce has such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsold steel bars or cars , for instance .
But cheese just goes off .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is the same story across so many businesses making perishable goods .
We take a journey over the border to the Netherlands and visit Henk van der Slot .
You ca n't miss his farm .
There are thousands upon thousands of tulips in his field , a mass of different colours and types .
But the market in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and florists closed .
Weddings are being cancelled everywhere .
Instead , he is concentrating on selling bulbs around the world .
But even there , the price has halved - dragged down by nervousness over the future .
`` You 're always thinking to yourself , 'Will it kill my company ? '
'' said van der Slot , as we chatted in his giant greenhouse .
`` I think I will be pushed backwards for a few years .
I 'll have to start again , but I 'm not old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us to get money from the bank , to cope with what 's happening , but I 'll have to pay that loan back .
`` So the next time I need a tractor , or new equipment , I might not have the money to invest . ''
`` Some companies are going to fall down , that 's for sure , '' he says .
`` You can not compare this crisis to anything else .
It 's much , much worse . ''

As Pierre Villiers slides open a heavy door, it is the smell that hits you.
Inside the chilled room sit rack after rack of rapidly maturing cheeses. Many of them are cut into a heart shape - that is the tradition of Neufchatel. Others are prepared into circles, or squares.
All of them have that distinct strong smell. But the trouble is, it's too strong. They are going off, now too mature to sell to customers who, in the most part, have stopped buying cheese anyway.
In this single room, there is cheese worth more than €30,000 (£26,300), and it will all be thrown away. Next door is another €16,000 (£14,000) worth of stock facing the same dismal future.
Coronavirus has savaged farming, and it did so suddenly. Mr Villiers says the lockdown imposed by the French government caused a sudden and profound collapse in demand from restaurants and markets that were told to close.
He, like many others, was left with a load of stock and nowhere to sell it.
At the time, supermarkets were concentrating their attention on coping with panic buying, on finding supplies of toilet paper and pasta. Questions about cheese orders went unanswered. The products were left unsought.
He responded by stopping production of cheese for a while. More than 20,000 litre of milk - enough to supply a small village for a year - was simply tipped down the drain.
Only now has production started again, thanks to Mr Villiers's hope that his heart-shaped cheese will be seen by some as a fun treat to celebrate the end of the lockdown next month.
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If the lockdown is extended, however, he may lose a lot more money.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 The growers left behind due to COVID-19
This farm, in the sweeping fields of Normandy, has belonged to his family since 1850. Rarely, though, has it faced such pressure.
"The last time we were unable to sell on a similar level was during the Second World War, when the German occupation prevented open markets," he says.
"I've never seen it like this. The worst problem for us is the drop in consumption of cheese, combined with the closure of open markets, restaurants and caterers.
Image: Cheeses like these ones are being thrown out because makers cannot sell them
"All of this mean that in March we lost 70% of our sales. The cost to us in March was €30k (£26k), so a lot of cheese, and for April we still haven't done the sums, but the amount will be high."
This is the economic damage that is being done across farms in Europe. Some, like these small dairy farms, are especially vulnerable because their produce has such a short shelf-life.
Factories can store unsold steel bars or cars, for instance. But cheese just goes off.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It is the same story across so many businesses making perishable goods. We take a journey over the border to the Netherlands and visit Henk van der Slot.
You can't miss his farm. There are thousands upon thousands of tulips in his field, a mass of different colours and types. But the market in these flowers has also collapsed, with restaurants and florists closed. Weddings are being cancelled everywhere.
Instead, he is concentrating on selling bulbs around the world. But even there, the price has halved - dragged down by nervousness over the future.
Image: Henk van der Slot owns a tulip farm - but with events cancelled, he can't sell his flowers
"You're always thinking to yourself, 'Will it kill my company?'" said van der Slot, as we chatted in his giant greenhouse.
"I think I will be pushed backwards for a few years. I'll have to start again, but I'm not old enough to quit. The government will help us to get money from the bank, to cope with what's happening, but I'll have to pay that loan back.
"So the next time I need a tractor, or new equipment, I might not have the money to invest."
"Some companies are going to fall down, that's for sure," he says.
"You cannot compare this crisis to anything else. It's much, much worse."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Free school meals scheme branded 'disaster' as 'parents struggle to get vouchers'

Parents are being left in limbo over how to feed their children because the government 's free meals voucher scheme has been a `` disaster '' , senior teachers have claimed .
The Department for Education ( DfE ) is currently providing vouchers during the coronavirus pandemic - worth £15 per child per week - for youngsters who would normally be eligible for free meals .
The DfE initially promised schools that parents would receive codes to obtain vouchers online on the same day as schools applied for them , according to documents seen by Sky News .
But teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DfE that orders had to be placed `` four calendar days before the due date '' .
One senior teacher told Sky News she had spent the last two days fielding questions from parents who could not redeem vouchers or had not received codes .
Claire Lotriet , an acting co-headteacher from south London , said the scheme - which is run by the DfE and a company called Edenred - had been a `` nightmare '' .
`` When I try to resend codes , I get constant errors , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few days and nothing ...
I feel helpless .
`` The Edenred system can not cope and it is immensely stressful knowing families who need these vouchers are not getting them and yet there 's relatively little I can do to resolve it . ''
Chris Dyson , headteacher of Parklands Primary School in Leeds , which serves one of the most deprived areas of the UK , called the government 's free meals voucher system a `` disaster '' .
He said the online system was `` very middle class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many families with children at his school .
`` I 've only got 20 % of parents on email , '' Mr Dyson said .
`` So I ca n't even email it out to the most vulnerable .
Then you 've got to download it and you 're hearing horror stories where , still , after three weeks , schools have not got the vouchers .
`` These kids are three weeks without any food - the most vulnerable in our society . ''
Mr Dyson said he had been working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his school 's kitchens , and businesses who would normally donate to his school 's Christmas fund , to get food to families in his local area .
`` We 're putting food directly into bellies - we 're getting that much now , I can share it amongst all of Leeds , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The DfE has claimed that all orders for free meal vouchers up to 19 April have been been fulfilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News he had ordered codes on 15 April for parents and none had so far managed to get a voucher .
`` [ The codes ] actually started being delivered yesterday , more than a week after I 'd placed the order , '' Michael Tidd , a headteacher from Sussex , said .
`` Just logging on to the website takes an hour - and it 's not clear how long it then takes to get the actual voucher delivered . ''
Edenred defended the running of its scheme , saying claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to log on to the website to get vouchers were `` not reflective '' of average wait times on the site on Friday 24 April .
`` The changes we have made to the scheme are resulting in a scheme which is easier and faster to use , '' the company said .
`` We will make continue to make improvements in the days ahead . ''
In a statement , the DfE said : `` We continue to encourage schools to work with their suppliers to arrange food parcels or collections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Where this is not possible , a national scheme was launched for schools to provide supermarket vouchers .
`` As of 24 April , over £22.5m worth of vouchers have been converted into supermarket gift cards by schools and families . ''

Parents are being left in limbo over how to feed their children because the government's free meals voucher scheme has been a "disaster", senior teachers have claimed.
The Department for Education (DfE) is currently providing vouchers during the coronavirus pandemic - worth £15 per child per week - for youngsters who would normally be eligible for free meals.
The DfE initially promised schools that parents would receive codes to obtain vouchers online on the same day as schools applied for them, according to documents seen by Sky News.
But teaching staff were told last week by the DfE that orders had to be placed "four calendar days before the due date".
One senior teacher told Sky News she had spent the last two days fielding questions from parents who could not redeem vouchers or had not received codes.
Claire Lotriet, an acting co-headteacher from south London, said the scheme - which is run by the DfE and a company called Edenred - had been a "nightmare".
"When I try to resend codes, I get constant errors," she said.
"I've tried over the last few days and nothing... I feel helpless.
"The Edenred system cannot cope and it is immensely stressful knowing families who need these vouchers are not getting them and yet there's relatively little I can do to resolve it."
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Image: Claire Lotriet said the free meals voucher scheme has been 'a nightmare'
Chris Dyson, headteacher of Parklands Primary School in Leeds, which serves one of the most deprived areas of the UK, called the government's free meals voucher system a "disaster".
He said the online system was "very middle class" and it was not accessible for many families with children at his school.
"I've only got 20% of parents on email," Mr Dyson said.
Image: Chris Dyson said the online system to claim vouchers was 'very middle class'
"So I can't even email it out to the most vulnerable. Then you've got to download it and you're hearing horror stories where, still, after three weeks, schools have not got the vouchers.
"These kids are three weeks without any food - the most vulnerable in our society."
Mr Dyson said he had been working with wholesalers, which normally provide food for his school's kitchens, and businesses who would normally donate to his school's Christmas fund, to get food to families in his local area.
"We're putting food directly into bellies - we're getting that much now, I can share it amongst all of Leeds," he added.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The DfE has claimed that all orders for free meal vouchers up to 19 April have been been fulfilled.
But another senior teacher told Sky News he had ordered codes on 15 April for parents and none had so far managed to get a voucher.
"[The codes] actually started being delivered yesterday, more than a week after I'd placed the order," Michael Tidd, a headteacher from Sussex, said.
Image: Michael Tidd also raised concerns about the free meals voucher system
"Just logging on to the website takes an hour - and it's not clear how long it then takes to get the actual voucher delivered."
Edenred defended the running of its scheme, saying claims that it takes an hour or more to log on to the website to get vouchers were "not reflective" of average wait times on the site on Friday 24 April.
"The changes we have made to the scheme are resulting in a scheme which is easier and faster to use," the company said.
"We will make continue to make improvements in the days ahead."
In a statement, the DfE said: "We continue to encourage schools to work with their suppliers to arrange food parcels or collections for families eligible for free school meals.
"Where this is not possible, a national scheme was launched for schools to provide supermarket vouchers.
"As of 24 April, over £22.5m worth of vouchers have been converted into supermarket gift cards by schools and families."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Five tips from The Chase's Dark Destroyer as quizzing becomes the new cool

Quizzing - whether it 's watching on TV , dusting off the Trivial Pursuit board , or your new Friday night drinks with friends on the Houseparty app - has certainly become a popular way to pass the time in lockdown .
The surge in demand for general knowledge during the coronavirus pandemic has not escaped the attention of Shaun `` The Dark Destroyer '' Wallace , one of the best-known quizzers in the UK .
As one of five Chasers on ITV 's hit show The Chase , this man would be your dream pub quiz teammate .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nation 's favourite pastimes as we find new ways to spend time with family and friends while stuck indoors due to COVID-19 .
`` Quizzing is the new cool , '' Wallace tells Sky News .
`` I mean , the other day I took part in a quiz in New Zealand .
It 's a way in which people can connect… we had 25,000 people round the world listening - twenty-five !
`` So , you know , it really is a good way for people to actually connect with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if people are isolated , they can actually join in . ''
For fans of The Chase , an exciting development in the form of new spin-off series , Beat The Chasers , is on the way .
The show , still hosted by Bradley Walsh , sees Wallace team up with the other professional quizzers for the first time - with contestants finding themselves taking on not just one , but up to all five Chasers .
While there 's some healthy competition between the professionals , Wallace says it never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all want to win , and obviously there is a pecking order in relation to who 's won the most shows and who 's won the least shows , but in the main , we are very , very supportive of each other , '' he says .
`` I think that 's the reason why the show 's lasted so long , because if you had egos or if you had people thinking that ' I 'm better than you ' , then that would breed resentment .
And I can tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've been working on the show , I 've never seen that , not once . ''
So in the spirit of sharing , The Dark Destroyer has given us his tips for those looking to beat their opponents .
`` Because I 'm on lockdown now I revise up to three hours a day .
I download all the top shows like University Challenge , Mastermind and the likes .
When I test myself , I 'm only interested in the questions I get wrong .
`` Most of the questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in that ?
I know the answer .
It 's the questions you get wrong you 're going to remember . ''
Start with something that interests you '' It 's a simplistic format in terms of quizzing .
If you 're interested in something , you 're going to remember it .
`` I 'm telling you , if you 're interested in something , it 's going to make it easy for you to remember . ''
Use skills from your day job '' I 'm a trained barrister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet , think under pressure .
So I can recall things and I 'm taught to research .
`` That 's why I 'm sort of dedicated to the art of quizzing , because it 's a way of actually improving my mind . ''
Get to know your history '' I 'm a student of history and you will find most of the quizzers , the top quizzers in the world , are good because their history is good .
`` Remember , history is the origins of something - you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of music - and if you 've got an appreciation of the beginnings of an origin and you 're interested in it , it 's going to make it easier to understand the subject .
`` That 's why you find quizzers are really good at all-round subjects like science , geography , history , because of their understanding and their passion for history . ''
`` Top quizzers are not interested in using aide memoires to actually answer questions .
We 're there to actually test ourselves under the pressure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's good that we do have search engines like Google and Wikipedia , where you can access information , but once you 're quizzing , you 're quizzing on your own . ''
Beat The Chasers starts on ITV on 27 April

Quizzing - whether it's watching on TV, dusting off the Trivial Pursuit board, or your new Friday night drinks with friends on the Houseparty app - has certainly become a popular way to pass the time in lockdown.
The surge in demand for general knowledge during the coronavirus pandemic has not escaped the attention of Shaun "The Dark Destroyer" Wallace, one of the best-known quizzers in the UK.
As one of five Chasers on ITV's hit show The Chase, this man would be your dream pub quiz teammate. And now, his hobby-turned-career has become one of the nation's favourite pastimes as we find new ways to spend time with family and friends while stuck indoors due to COVID-19.
Image: Quiz is getting serious: The professionals are teaming up for spin-off, Beat The Chasers
"Quizzing is the new cool," Wallace tells Sky News. "I mean, the other day I took part in a quiz in New Zealand. It's a way in which people can connect… we had 25,000 people round the world listening - twenty-five!
"So, you know, it really is a good way for people to actually connect with each other, a way in which, if people are isolated, they can actually join in."
For fans of The Chase, an exciting development in the form of new spin-off series, Beat The Chasers, is on the way. The show, still hosted by Bradley Walsh, sees Wallace team up with the other professional quizzers for the first time - with contestants finding themselves taking on not just one, but up to all five Chasers.
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While there's some healthy competition between the professionals, Wallace says it never becomes anything more serious.
"We all want to win, and obviously there is a pecking order in relation to who's won the most shows and who's won the least shows, but in the main, we are very, very supportive of each other," he says.
"I think that's the reason why the show's lasted so long, because if you had egos or if you had people thinking that 'I'm better than you', then that would breed resentment. And I can tell you now, in the 10 years I've been working on the show, I've never seen that, not once."
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So in the spirit of sharing, The Dark Destroyer has given us his tips for those looking to beat their opponents.
Revise
"Because I'm on lockdown now I revise up to three hours a day. I download all the top shows like University Challenge, Mastermind and the likes. When I test myself, I'm only interested in the questions I get wrong.
"Most of the questions I get right - why am I interested in that? I know the answer. It's the questions you get wrong you're going to remember."
Start with something that interests you
"It's a simplistic format in terms of quizzing. If you're interested in something, you're going to remember it.
"I'm telling you, if you're interested in something, it's going to make it easy for you to remember."
Use skills from your day job
"I'm a trained barrister, I'm trained to think on my feet, think under pressure. So I can recall things and I'm taught to research.
"That's why I'm sort of dedicated to the art of quizzing, because it's a way of actually improving my mind."
Get to know your history
"I'm a student of history and you will find most of the quizzers, the top quizzers in the world, are good because their history is good.
"Remember, history is the origins of something - you've got the history of art, the history of music - and if you've got an appreciation of the beginnings of an origin and you're interested in it, it's going to make it easier to understand the subject.
"That's why you find quizzers are really good at all-round subjects like science, geography, history, because of their understanding and their passion for history."
No cheating!
"Top quizzers are not interested in using aide memoires to actually answer questions. We're there to actually test ourselves under the pressure, the circumstance in which we find ourselves.
"It's good that we do have search engines like Google and Wikipedia, where you can access information, but once you're quizzing, you're quizzing on your own."
Beat The Chasers starts on ITV on 27 April


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Belgium reopens DIY stores and garden centres as it eases restrictions

This weekend , Belgium became the latest European nation to lift some of the restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus .
DIY and gardening stores were allowed to open their doors for the first time in a month , and at one big hardware and garden centre in the capital Brussels , people were queuing from when the doors opened .
Some told Sky News they were desperate to get supplies to keep them occupied at home .
One man coming to buy items for his garden said : `` I think it is good that people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it is in the garden or doing some construction work .
`` It will be good to keep the spirits up and make sure people can control the next few weeks if necessary at home . ''
A woman wearing a mask while buying building supplies with her elderly father said : `` If the right measures are taken there are no differences going to buy some food or some of this other stuff .
After all , people have to make themselves busy . ''
There seemed to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could shop to find something constructive to do while the limits on social movement and contact continue .
And there was a sense of relief too for the staff at the Brico store , who have been off work for weeks .
Store manager Olivier Moulan told us : `` Some of our employees are happy to be back at work as they were put on unemployment benefits when the shops were forced to close . ''
He said staff had been reassured it would be safe to work .
Social distancing would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in at a time .
`` I feel safe and having had a conversation with my staff this morning , they also will be as long as they continue to follow the measures we 've brought in . ''
The sense of relief of staff and shoppers is likely to be shared in Germany on Monday when smaller non-essential shops up to 800 square metres will be allowed to start trading again .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker German Chancellor Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she called `` fragile intermediate success '' - had been made with slowing the spread of COVID-19 , meaning some businesses could open again .
But in Germany , people will still have to keep their distance from each other and gatherings of more than two people other than family members living in the same household will be restricted .
Schools , cafes and bars will remain closed for now .
Germany will review the situation at the end of the month .
The real concern is that lifting controls could undo the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending on what happens in Germany and elsewhere , there is no guarantee tougher measures wo n't have to be implemented again .

This weekend, Belgium became the latest European nation to lift some of the restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
DIY and gardening stores were allowed to open their doors for the first time in a month, and at one big hardware and garden centre in the capital Brussels, people were queuing from when the doors opened.
Some told Sky News they were desperate to get supplies to keep them occupied at home.
Image: Social distancing measures are still in place
One man coming to buy items for his garden said: "I think it is good that people can have some things to do at home, whether it is in the garden or doing some construction work.
"It will be good to keep the spirits up and make sure people can control the next few weeks if necessary at home."
A woman wearing a mask while buying building supplies with her elderly father said: "If the right measures are taken there are no differences going to buy some food or some of this other stuff. After all, people have to make themselves busy."
There seemed to be a sense of relief amongst people that they could shop to find something constructive to do while the limits on social movement and contact continue.
And there was a sense of relief too for the staff at the Brico store, who have been off work for weeks.
Store manager Olivier Moulan told us: "Some of our employees are happy to be back at work as they were put on unemployment benefits when the shops were forced to close."
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Image: Some people say they have been desperate to get supplies
Image: Only 20 people are allowed in at a time
He said staff had been reassured it would be safe to work. Social distancing would be enforced and only 20 people allowed in at a time.
"I feel safe and having had a conversation with my staff this morning, they also will be as long as they continue to follow the measures we've brought in."
The sense of relief of staff and shoppers is likely to be shared in Germany on Monday when smaller non-essential shops up to 800 square metres will be allowed to start trading again.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
German Chancellor Angela Merkel decided that sufficient progress - what she called "fragile intermediate success"- had been made with slowing the spread of COVID-19, meaning some businesses could open again.
But in Germany, people will still have to keep their distance from each other and gatherings of more than two people other than family members living in the same household will be restricted.
Image: Police are patrolling the stores
Schools, cafes and bars will remain closed for now.
Germany will review the situation at the end of the month.
The real concern is that lifting controls could undo the progress made with tackling coronavirus.
And depending on what happens in Germany and elsewhere, there is no guarantee tougher measures won't have to be implemented again.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Port Talbot-owner Tata Steel seeks £500m state bailout

Britain ’ s biggest steel producer is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in government support as the industry grapples with a slump in global orders caused by the coronavirus .
Sky News has learnt that Tata Steel , owner of the Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales , has approached ministers to ask for a funding package worth in the region of £500m .
The request is said to be under discussion with the Treasury and the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy .
It comes after Tata Steel 's big customers , which include car manufacturers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Although some plants are to reopen in the coming weeks , economists believe a recovery in industrial production will be slow and protracted with demand continuing to be weak for some time , and manufacturers forced to cope with long-term social distancing measures .
In a statement this weekend , a Tata Steel spokesman said : `` We continue to work with both the UK and Welsh governments to identify what support is available . ''
Further details of the funding request were unclear this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprise a commercial loan that would be repayable when demand for steel recovers .
Tata Steel , which employs about 8000 people in the UK , has already been hit by a rise in raw material costs , with China 's reopening after the pandemic contributing to high iron ore prices even as global demand has slumped .
Sources close to Tata Steel indicated this weekend that the talks were at a preliminary stage , and that no agreement between the company and government was imminent .
One insider said the £500m figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company 's funding need .
Tata has been wrestling with the future of the Port Talbot plant for years .
In January , Natarajan Chandrasekaran , chairman of Tata Steel 's parent company , told The Sunday Times : `` I need to get to a situation where at least the [ Port Talbot ] plant is self-sustaining .
`` Whether it is in the Netherlands or here , we ca n't have a situation where India keeps funding the losses just to keep it going . ''
Stephen Kinnock , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Port Talbot steelworks , has urged the Treasury to increase the limit on its Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) beyond £50m .
He said the £50m limit represented `` only one tenth of what Tata Steel believes will be the cashflow impact on the company over a six-month period '' .
Responding to a question in the Commons from Mr Kinnock on Wednesday , foreign secretary Dominic Raab said : `` I know that the chancellor is looking carefully at the steel sector in the hon .
gentleman 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not directly benefiting from this particular scheme to ensure that in the round we are providing the measures that we need in a targeted way to support all the different crucial elements of the economy . ''
Mr Raab 's answer has offered hope to Tata Steel that its request will be viewed sympathetically , particularly after British Steel , the industry 's second-largest player , received hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayer support after it collapsed into liquidation nearly a year ago .
British Steel was recently sold to Jingye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to resume production at its Skinningrove works next week .
The industry association pleaded last week for government support to see it through the crisis .
`` Whether it is constructing HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail or providing the steel for our new hospitals , the steel industry stands ready to support the national effort as well as the Government 's infrastructure revolution and levelling up agenda , '' Gareth Stace , the director of UKSteel , said .
Tata Steel said last month that `` a sudden drop in European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers paused production , including European car manufacturers '' had prompted it to slash production at some of its mills .
The company added that it was continuing to supply steel to supply chains in industries such as food packaging and construction materials for emergency medical buildings .
Roughly 1500 members of its UK workforce have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , according to company insiders .
Tata Steel said : `` A number of European governments have introduced job retention schemes to support businesses impacted by coronavirus which Tata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This includes a scheme in the UK which will lead to some employees being asked to take temporary leave . ''
`` As a responsible employer , we will use this and other national schemes while available , and where our own activities are much reduced .
`` It will allow us to retain the skills and experience we need for when steel demand recovers . ''

Britain’s biggest steel producer is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in government support as the industry grapples with a slump in global orders caused by the coronavirus.
Sky News has learnt that Tata Steel, owner of the Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales, has approached ministers to ask for a funding package worth in the region of £500m.
The request is said to be under discussion with the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
It comes after Tata Steel's big customers, which include car manufacturers, called a halt to production across Europe because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although some plants are to reopen in the coming weeks, economists believe a recovery in industrial production will be slow and protracted with demand continuing to be weak for some time, and manufacturers forced to cope with long-term social distancing measures.
Image: Sources close to Tata Steel say the talks are at a preliminary stage
In a statement this weekend, a Tata Steel spokesman said: "We continue to work with both the UK and Welsh governments to identify what support is available."
Further details of the funding request were unclear this weekend, although it is largely understood to comprise a commercial loan that would be repayable when demand for steel recovers.
Tata Steel, which employs about 8000 people in the UK, has already been hit by a rise in raw material costs, with China's reopening after the pandemic contributing to high iron ore prices even as global demand has slumped.
Sources close to Tata Steel indicated this weekend that the talks were at a preliminary stage, and that no agreement between the company and government was imminent.
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One insider said the £500m figure was a "ballpark" estimate of the company's funding need.
Tata has been wrestling with the future of the Port Talbot plant for years.
In January, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Steel's parent company, told The Sunday Times: "I need to get to a situation where at least the [Port Talbot] plant is self-sustaining.
"Whether it is in the Netherlands or here, we can't have a situation where India keeps funding the losses just to keep it going."
Stephen Kinnock, the Labour MP whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot steelworks, has urged the Treasury to increase the limit on its Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) beyond £50m.
Image: Tata Steel employs around 8,000 people in the UK
He said the £50m limit represented "only one tenth of what Tata Steel believes will be the cashflow impact on the company over a six-month period".
Responding to a question in the Commons from Mr Kinnock on Wednesday, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: "I know that the chancellor is looking carefully at the steel sector in the hon. gentleman's constituency, and at all those who are not directly benefiting from this particular scheme to ensure that in the round we are providing the measures that we need in a targeted way to support all the different crucial elements of the economy."
Mr Raab's answer has offered hope to Tata Steel that its request will be viewed sympathetically, particularly after British Steel, the industry's second-largest player, received hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayer support after it collapsed into liquidation nearly a year ago.
British Steel was recently sold to Jingye Group, a Chinese conglomerate, and is expected to resume production at its Skinningrove works next week.
The industry association pleaded last week for government support to see it through the crisis.
"Whether it is constructing HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail or providing the steel for our new hospitals, the steel industry stands ready to support the national effort as well as the Government's infrastructure revolution and levelling up agenda," Gareth Stace, the director of UKSteel, said.
Image: The loan request comes as many of Tata's customers have halted production due to the COVID-19 outbreak
Tata Steel said last month that "a sudden drop in European steel demand after a number of steel-using manufacturers paused production, including European car manufacturers" had prompted it to slash production at some of its mills.
The company added that it was continuing to supply steel to supply chains in industries such as food packaging and construction materials for emergency medical buildings.
Roughly 1500 members of its UK workforce have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, according to company insiders.
Tata Steel said: "A number of European governments have introduced job retention schemes to support businesses impacted by coronavirus which Tata Steel will be using wherever appropriate.
"This includes a scheme in the UK which will lead to some employees being asked to take temporary leave."
"As a responsible employer, we will use this and other national schemes while available, and where our own activities are much reduced.
"It will allow us to retain the skills and experience we need for when steel demand recovers."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Portrait Artist Of The Year on Sky Arts gets lockdown makeover

As people get creative to combat lockdown boredom , Sky Arts has come up with an interactive way for viewers to brush up on their art skills .
Portrait Artist Of The Year is transforming itself into a live , weekly paint-along , redesigned for a world staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak .
Hosted by Joan Bakewell , Portrait Artist Of The Week will feature a celebrity sitter posing live from their own home each week .
This of course gives viewers an extra incentive to tune in , with the chance to peep into stars ' homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting session will be broadcast live on the Sky TV Facebook page , and viewers all over the world will be able to join in the challenge .
The first model is dancer and choreographer Akram Khan , who admits : `` The idea of sitting still for several hours haunts me . ''
He will be painted by the winner of this year 's Portrait Artist Of The Year , Christabel Blackburn .
Blackburn , who will also be painting from her home , will offer tips to the audience in real-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Viewers will be able to share their finished work on Instagram via @ artistoftheyear using the hashtag # myPAOTW .
Judges Tai Shan Schierenberg , Kathleen Soriano , and Kate Bryan will highlight their favourites each week .
The competition will run every Sunday for four weeks with a different celebrity sitter , with previous series winners taking turns to paint live .
A highlights programme will be shown on Sky Arts at the end of the series .
Additionally , Sky Arts has also released a raft of arts content - free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sky TV YouTube channel .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Highlights include episodes of Celebrity Portrait Artist Of The Year and Treasures of the British Library , and live concerts from Queen , Shania Twain and Take That .
But be quick , they 'll only be available for a limited time .
Viewing figures on Sky Arts have more than doubled since lockdown began .
Portrait Artist Of The Week will start at 10am on Sunday 26 April .

As people get creative to combat lockdown boredom, Sky Arts has come up with an interactive way for viewers to brush up on their art skills.
Portrait Artist Of The Year is transforming itself into a live, weekly paint-along, redesigned for a world staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: Regular Portrait Artist Of The Year has been put on hold due to lockdown
Hosted by Joan Bakewell, Portrait Artist Of The Week will feature a celebrity sitter posing live from their own home each week.
This of course gives viewers an extra incentive to tune in, with the chance to peep into stars' homes while also getting creative.
Each four-hour sitting session will be broadcast live on the Sky TV Facebook page, and viewers all over the world will be able to join in the challenge.
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The first model is dancer and choreographer Akram Khan, who admits: "The idea of sitting still for several hours haunts me."
He will be painted by the winner of this year's Portrait Artist Of The Year, Christabel Blackburn.
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Blackburn, who will also be painting from her home, will offer tips to the audience in real-time as she works on her portrait.
Viewers will be able to share their finished work on Instagram via @artistoftheyear using the hashtag #myPAOTW.
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Image: Joan Bakewell will host the lockdown show
Judges Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano, and Kate Bryan will highlight their favourites each week.
The competition will run every Sunday for four weeks with a different celebrity sitter, with previous series winners taking turns to paint live.
A highlights programme will be shown on Sky Arts at the end of the series.
Additionally, Sky Arts has also released a raft of arts content - free for all in the UK - on the Sky TV YouTube channel.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Highlights include episodes of Celebrity Portrait Artist Of The Year and Treasures of the British Library, and live concerts from Queen, Shania Twain and Take That.
But be quick, they'll only be available for a limited time.
Viewing figures on Sky Arts have more than doubled since lockdown began.
Portrait Artist Of The Week will start at 10am on Sunday 26 April.