news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Collapse of rent-to-own giant BrightHouse puts 2,400 jobs at risk

Britain 's biggest rent-to-own retailer will next week become the latest corporate casualty of the coronavirus outbreak when it collapses into administration , putting 2,400 jobs at risk .
Sky News has learnt that BrightHouse is to appoint Grant Thornton , the accountancy firm , as administrator within days after its investors withdrew support for a proposed restructuring .
The insolvency will reinforce fears of a cataclysm on the high street as non-food retailers close their stores - potentially for a period lasting several months .
BrightHouse , which provides loans to consumers to purchase electrical items such as televisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores across the UK and has roughly 200,000 customers .
Sources said an announcement was likely to be made on Monday .
Its administration is likely to mean that customers with outstanding mis-selling complaints will receive only a fraction of the sums they are seeking .
A spokesman told Sky News on Friday : `` The national response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers , in particular by closing all stores in the last few days .
`` While we continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these developments have made the task of finding a future for BrightHouse more challenging . ''
Although BrightHouse 's problems are long-standing , insiders said that discussions with regulators and other stakeholders about restructuring its liabilities had evaporated after the COVID-19 outbreak .
Administrators are expected to put the business into effective run-off by continuing to collect outstanding loans from customers .
Some new lending activity may also continue for a limited period , sources indicated .
BrightHouse has been hit a surge in customer compensation claims in recent months , continuing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Wonga and QuickQuid disappear .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A previous restructuring in 2017 was designed to put the business on a more stable footing .
That deal resulted in two big US-based investors , Apollo and Highbridge Capital , and retail turnaround specialist Alteri Investors becoming the largest shareholders in BrightHouse .
One of the options which had been explored in recent months was a scheme of arrangement to deal with mis-selling claims , although discussions with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a move proved inconclusive .
Separate conversations also took place with the Financial Ombudsman Service ( FOS ) , which adjudicates on complaints .
Claims have been costing BrightHouse about £1m every month , although executives are understood to believe that the eventual toll will be far greater as claims management companies deluge it with complaints .
In results issued to bondholders last month , BrightHouse said it was conducting a strategic review to maximise value for stakeholders .
This included a shift away from rent-to-own activity and towards cash loans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with respect to the uncertainty around the future volume of claims and the potential outcome of the test cases under discussion with FOS , '' the company said .
`` The level of redress claims from customers is putting increasing pressure on the available liquidity in the group . ''
The entire rent-to-own sector has been struggling since the imposition of a price cap by the FCA last year .
This means customers can not end up repaying more than double the cost of their loan , a move that the regulator said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annually .
Christopher Woolard , the acting boss of the City watchdog , said in his role as executive director of strategy and competition last year that rent-to-own firms were frequently overcharging their customers .
`` We will review the impact of the price cap in 2020 and if further work is needed to protect these customers we are prepared to intervene again , '' he said .
In 2017 , the FCA ordered BrightHouse to repay nearly 250,000 customers for failing to act as a `` responsible lender '' .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by BrightHouse for their ability to repay their loans , which accrue interest at such a rate that the cheapest washing machine available to customers ended up costing them more than £1,000 .
Anth Mooney recently stepped down as BrightHouse 's chief executive , and was replaced by Alan Gullan , an experienced turnaround executive .

Britain's biggest rent-to-own retailer will next week become the latest corporate casualty of the coronavirus outbreak when it collapses into administration, putting 2,400 jobs at risk.
Sky News has learnt that BrightHouse is to appoint Grant Thornton, the accountancy firm, as administrator within days after its investors withdrew support for a proposed restructuring.
The insolvency will reinforce fears of a cataclysm on the high street as non-food retailers close their stores - potentially for a period lasting several months.
BrightHouse, which provides loans to consumers to purchase electrical items such as televisions and washing machines, trades from 240 stores across the UK and has roughly 200,000 customers.
Sources said an announcement was likely to be made on Monday.
Its administration is likely to mean that customers with outstanding mis-selling complaints will receive only a fraction of the sums they are seeking.
A spokesman told Sky News on Friday: "The national response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers, in particular by closing all stores in the last few days.
Image: BrightHouse has described itself as 'leading by lending responsibly'
"While we continue to actively engage with our stakeholders, these developments have made the task of finding a future for BrightHouse more challenging."
Although BrightHouse's problems are long-standing, insiders said that discussions with regulators and other stakeholders about restructuring its liabilities had evaporated after the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Administrators are expected to put the business into effective run-off by continuing to collect outstanding loans from customers.
Some new lending activity may also continue for a limited period, sources indicated.
BrightHouse has been hit a surge in customer compensation claims in recent months, continuing a trend which has seen other short-term lenders including Wonga and QuickQuid disappear.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A previous restructuring in 2017 was designed to put the business on a more stable footing.
That deal resulted in two big US-based investors, Apollo and Highbridge Capital, and retail turnaround specialist Alteri Investors becoming the largest shareholders in BrightHouse.
One of the options which had been explored in recent months was a scheme of arrangement to deal with mis-selling claims, although discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about such a move proved inconclusive.
Separate conversations also took place with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which adjudicates on complaints.
Claims have been costing BrightHouse about £1m every month, although executives are understood to believe that the eventual toll will be far greater as claims management companies deluge it with complaints.
In results issued to bondholders last month, BrightHouse said it was conducting a strategic review to maximise value for stakeholders.
This included a shift away from rent-to-own activity and towards cash loans.
"We have disclosed a contingent liability with respect to the uncertainty around the future volume of claims and the potential outcome of the test cases under discussion with FOS," the company said.
"The level of redress claims from customers is putting increasing pressure on the available liquidity in the group."
The entire rent-to-own sector has been struggling since the imposition of a price cap by the FCA last year.
This means customers cannot end up repaying more than double the cost of their loan, a move that the regulator said would save British consumers up to £22.7m annually.
Christopher Woolard, the acting boss of the City watchdog, said in his role as executive director of strategy and competition last year that rent-to-own firms were frequently overcharging their customers.
"We will review the impact of the price cap in 2020 and if further work is needed to protect these customers we are prepared to intervene again," he said.
In 2017, the FCA ordered BrightHouse to repay nearly 250,000 customers for failing to act as a "responsible lender".
More than 80,000 people had not been properly assessed by BrightHouse for their ability to repay their loans, which accrue interest at such a rate that the cheapest washing machine available to customers ended up costing them more than £1,000.
Anth Mooney recently stepped down as BrightHouse's chief executive, and was replaced by Alan Gullan, an experienced turnaround executive.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Evangeline Lilly apologises for 'arrogant' comments over COVID-19

Evangeline Lilly has apologised for her `` arrogant '' comments about coronavirus , telling fans she is now doing her bit `` to flatten the curve '' .
The Avengers and Lost star had previously dismissed self-isolation measures and suggested the US government was overreacting to the pandemic .
Following a backlash , Lilly told her 2.3m Instagram followers that her comments came before official advice in her area changed dramatically .
Lilly wrote : `` I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
`` Grandparents , parents , children , sisters and brothers are dying , the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat , and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive , arrogant and cryptic message .
`` My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic .
I never meant to hurt you . ''
Her earlier comments had made light of those practising social distancing , saying : `` Some people value their lives over freedom , some people value freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our choices . ''
Now that stricter rules are in place , the 40-year-old actress says she has modified her behaviour and is doing her part `` to flatten the curve , practising social distancing and staying at home with my family '' .
The Canadian actress has two young sons , and lives with her father who has stage four leukaemia .
They have now been social distancing for 10 days .
Lilly says she is also seeking out ways to help those struggling in the community .
Referring to her earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , which she posted with the hashtag `` # businessasusual '' , Lilly wrote : `` I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria .
`` I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation . ''
Lilly became widely known after starring in fantasy series Lost , then appearing in Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker , before becoming part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope Van Dyne / Wasp .
Acknowledging that many may still be angry with her for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Sending love to all of you , even if you ca n't return it right now . ''
Lilly 's Lost co-star Daniel Dae Kim , who played Jin-Soo Kwon , is currently recovering from coronavirus after revealing he had tested positive for COVID-19 .

Evangeline Lilly has apologised for her "arrogant" comments about coronavirus, telling fans she is now doing her bit "to flatten the curve".
The Avengers and Lost star had previously dismissed self-isolation measures and suggested the US government was overreacting to the pandemic.
Following a backlash, Lilly told her 2.3m Instagram followers that her comments came before official advice in her area changed dramatically.
Image: Lilly with her Ant-Man And The Wasp co-star Paul Rudd
Lilly wrote: "I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID-19.
"Grandparents, parents, children, sisters and brothers are dying, the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message.
"My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic. I never meant to hurt you."
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Her earlier comments had made light of those practising social distancing, saying: "Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make our choices."
Now that stricter rules are in place, the 40-year-old actress says she has modified her behaviour and is doing her part "to flatten the curve, practising social distancing and staying at home with my family".
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The Canadian actress has two young sons, and lives with her father who has stage four leukaemia.
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They have now been social distancing for 10 days.
Lilly says she is also seeking out ways to help those struggling in the community.
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Referring to her earlier dismissal of coronavirus as "respiratory flu", which she posted with the hashtag "#businessasusual", Lilly wrote: "I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria.
"I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation."
Lilly became widely known after starring in fantasy series Lost, then appearing in Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker, before becoming part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope Van Dyne / Wasp.
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Acknowledging that many may still be angry with her for her ill-judged comments, she concluded: "Sending love to all of you, even if you can't return it right now."
Lilly's Lost co-star Daniel Dae Kim, who played Jin-Soo Kwon, is currently recovering from coronavirus after revealing he had tested positive for COVID-19.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Who did Boris Johnson meet before testing positive for COVID-19?

As the prime minister announces he has coronavirus , concern will turn to the number of people he has come into contact with .
Boris Johnson was last seen in public on Thursday evening as he clapped outside Number 10 as part of a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff .
He was standing alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak - both were clearly adhering to the two metre rule .
On Wednesday , Mr Johnson chaired a COVID-19 meeting before appearing at Prime Minister 's Question 's where he was sitting close to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Home Secretary Priti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet meetings and emergency coronavirus sessions - however most ministers are believed to have dialled in .
He has also been seen at several of the government 's televised daily briefings in where he has appeared alongside senior medical officials including England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty and the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
Downing Street has previously confirmed that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would stand in if Mr Johnson was too unwell to continue .
If Mr Raab was also ill , the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of his ministers .
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mr Johnson was tested on the personal advice of Professor Whitty .
`` In keeping with the guidance , the prime minister is self-isolating in Downing Street , '' she added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is not known whether he is staying with his fiancee , Carrie Symonds , who is several months pregnant .
Neither the prime minister 's senior adviser Dominic Cummings nor Mr Sunak have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement comes just days after Prince Charles confirmed he had tested positive for coronavirus .
Meanwhile , it is understood Mr Johnson last saw the Queen on 11 March when the monarch held her weekly audience with the prime minister at Buckingham Palace .
Their following meeting , held on 18 March , was conducted via telephone as have their subsequent conversations .

As the prime minister announces he has coronavirus, concern will turn to the number of people he has come into contact with.
Boris Johnson was last seen in public on Thursday evening as he clapped outside Number 10 as part of a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff.
He was standing alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak - both were clearly adhering to the two metre rule.
On Wednesday, Mr Johnson chaired a COVID-19 meeting before appearing at Prime Minister's Question's where he was sitting close to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Mr Johnson has held regular cabinet meetings and emergency coronavirus sessions - however most ministers are believed to have dialled in.
Image: Professor Chris Whitty (left) and chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance look on as Mr Johnson holds a news conference
He has also been seen at several of the government's televised daily briefings in where he has appeared alongside senior medical officials including England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty and the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Downing Street has previously confirmed that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would stand in if Mr Johnson was too unwell to continue.
If Mr Raab was also ill, the prime minister has the power to delegate responsibility to any of his ministers.
Image: It is not known whether Mr Johnson is staying with his fiancee Carrie Symonds
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Mr Johnson was tested on the personal advice of Professor Whitty.
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"In keeping with the guidance, the prime minister is self-isolating in Downing Street," she added.
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It is not known whether he is staying with his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who is several months pregnant.
Neither the prime minister's senior adviser Dominic Cummings nor Mr Sunak have symptoms or have been tested.
Image: Dominic Cummings seen leaving Number 10 today
The announcement comes just days after Prince Charles confirmed he had tested positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile, it is understood Mr Johnson last saw the Queen on 11 March when the monarch held her weekly audience with the prime minister at Buckingham Palace.
Their following meeting, held on 18 March, was conducted via telephone as have their subsequent conversations.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Ineos tycoon's venture seeks government loan

An energy business part-owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe , one of Britain 's richest men , has appealed to the government for an emergency loan amid a slump in oil demand triggered by the coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has learnt that Petroineos , which is jointly owned by Sir Jim 's Ineos Group and the state-owned Chinese company PetroChina , has been in talks for weeks with the Scottish and UK governments about a loan package worth hundreds of millions of pounds .
Industry sources said that Petroineos , which is based at Ineos 's Grangemouth refinery near Falkirk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as £500m in state support , although they cautioned that a formal request could ultimately be for a substantially smaller sum .
Its structure could also vary from a conventional commercial loan , they added .
The appeal comes a year after Sir Jim , who is estimated by The Sunday Times Rich List to be the UK 's third-wealthiest person with an £18bn fortune , relocated to Monaco for what reports described as tax reasons .
The disclosure of his joint venture 's request for taxpayer funding will raise fresh questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for their businesses .
Sir Richard Branson has faced criticism for warning that Virgin Atlantic would collapse without government support , even as he prepares to sell a stake in his Virgin Galactic space tourism venture that could raise in the region of $ 400m ( £323m ) .
Like Sir Jim , the Virgin Group tycoon has also chosen to live offshore , although he recently denied that his long-standing residence in the British Virgin Islands had been motivated by the tax benefits of doing so .
One government source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Petroineos without further evidence of the extent to which the company had sought to access its existing shareholders ' resources .
Petroineos processes 420,000 barrels of oil every day at its two refineries at Grangemouth and Lavera in France .
It was unclear on Tuesday whether Petroineos had also sought support from the French government .
The company produces 19 million tonnes of oil products annually , and is one of the biggest refiners of its kind in Europe .
Its request for state funding is understood to have been lodged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been held with the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Treasury .
An Ineos spokesman said : `` It should not come as any surprise that the refinery is talking to government at a time when demand for fuel has fallen during the period of lockdown . ''
He refused to respond to further questions about Petroineos 's funding talks .
The loan appeal is said to be under review as part of Project Birch , the UK government 's unit set up to assess companies ' requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the companies which have asked ministers for urgent help are Tata Steel UK , owner of the Port Talbot steelworks , the supercar maker McLaren , and Virgin Atlantic Airways .
It is not the first time that Sir Jim has turned to the government to provide funding for his business interests .
In 2014 , he secured a £230m state loan guarantee to facilitate the expansion of the Grangemouth site .
The purchase of the refineries in Scotland and France in 2005 was a landmark moment in Sir Jim 's progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading chemicals groups .
Ineos now employs 22,000 people and is one of the world 's largest privately owned companies .
The company said it had not used taxpayers ' money to subsidise workers ' wages .
The Pig-branded hotel chain , in which Sir Jim is the controlling shareholder , has , however , furloughed the majority of its workforce .
Since amassing his multibillion-pound fortune , the businessman has acquired an array of interests in sports and luxury brand manufacturing , including the Team Ineos cycling franchise and Britain 's Americas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interest in a takeover of Chelsea Football Club .

An energy business part-owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain's richest men, has appealed to the government for an emergency loan amid a slump in oil demand triggered by the coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has learnt that Petroineos, which is jointly owned by Sir Jim's Ineos Group and the state-owned Chinese company PetroChina, has been in talks for weeks with the Scottish and UK governments about a loan package worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Industry sources said that Petroineos, which is based at Ineos's Grangemouth refinery near Falkirk, had signalled that it needed as much as £500m in state support, although they cautioned that a formal request could ultimately be for a substantially smaller sum.
Image: Petroineos is based at Ineos's Grangemouth refinery near Falkirk
Its structure could also vary from a conventional commercial loan, they added.
The appeal comes a year after Sir Jim, who is estimated by The Sunday Times Rich List to be the UK's third-wealthiest person with an £18bn fortune, relocated to Monaco for what reports described as tax reasons.
The disclosure of his joint venture's request for taxpayer funding will raise fresh questions about billionaires' judgement in seeking state support for their businesses.
Sir Richard Branson has faced criticism for warning that Virgin Atlantic would collapse without government support, even as he prepares to sell a stake in his Virgin Galactic space tourism venture that could raise in the region of $400m (£323m).
Like Sir Jim, the Virgin Group tycoon has also chosen to live offshore, although he recently denied that his long-standing residence in the British Virgin Islands had been motivated by the tax benefits of doing so.
One government source said a loan was unlikely to be granted to Petroineos without further evidence of the extent to which the company had sought to access its existing shareholders' resources.
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Petroineos processes 420,000 barrels of oil every day at its two refineries at Grangemouth and Lavera in France.
It was unclear on Tuesday whether Petroineos had also sought support from the French government.
The company produces 19 million tonnes of oil products annually, and is one of the biggest refiners of its kind in Europe.
Its request for state funding is understood to have been lodged with the Scottish government, while discussions have also been held with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Treasury.
An Ineos spokesman said: "It should not come as any surprise that the refinery is talking to government at a time when demand for fuel has fallen during the period of lockdown."
He refused to respond to further questions about Petroineos's funding talks.
The loan appeal is said to be under review as part of Project Birch, the UK government's unit set up to assess companies' requests for support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the companies which have asked ministers for urgent help are Tata Steel UK, owner of the Port Talbot steelworks, the supercar maker McLaren, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Image: In 2014, Sir Jim secured a £230m state loan guarantee for the expansion of the Grangemouth site
It is not the first time that Sir Jim has turned to the government to provide funding for his business interests.
In 2014, he secured a £230m state loan guarantee to facilitate the expansion of the Grangemouth site.
The purchase of the refineries in Scotland and France in 2005 was a landmark moment in Sir Jim's progress towards building one of the world's leading chemicals groups.
Ineos now employs 22,000 people and is one of the world's largest privately owned companies.
The company said it had not used taxpayers' money to subsidise workers' wages.
The Pig-branded hotel chain, in which Sir Jim is the controlling shareholder, has, however, furloughed the majority of its workforce.
Since amassing his multibillion-pound fortune, the businessman has acquired an array of interests in sports and luxury brand manufacturing, including the Team Ineos cycling franchise and Britain's Americas Cup team.
He has also signalled an interest in a takeover of Chelsea Football Club.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: All Wuhan residents to get COVID-19 test after new outbreak

All Wuhan residents will be tested for COVID-19 after a new outbreak occurred in the city where the pandemic started , local authorities said .
There were six new coronavirus cases over the weekend in the central Chinese city - the first in the whole of Hubei province for 35 days .
None of the new cases came in from overseas , prompting Wuhan authorities to announce nucleic acid testing of all its residents will happen over 10 days , according to an emergency notice circulated by state-run media outlet The Paper .
Wuhan , with a population of 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown on 23 January but it was lifted on 8 April and , until the weekend , there had been no new cases since .
Nucleic testing detects the virus ' genetic code and can be more effective at picking up the virus , especially in the early stages , than the more easily carried out immune response tests .
Older people , densely populated communities and areas which are visited by a lot of people will be prioritised , the notice said .
`` We must profoundly realise that decisive achievements do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zhonglin , a member of Hubei Province 's standing committee , told the Changjiang Daily .
`` And that downgrading the emergency response does not mean downgrading defence .
`` We must not be careless , paralysed and lax . ''
The city had been slowly getting back to normal after the 76-day lockdown , with people allowed outside their homes but many businesses remain closed .
China 's government will not be pleased with the new cases as Wuhan had been held up as a shining example to the world for stopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it started .
State media reported that Zhang Yuxin , the chief official in Wuhan 's Dongxihu district , was removed from his post `` for failures in epidemic prevention and control work at the residential compound '' where the new cases were .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Any further infections found by testing will raise serious questions over the transparency and accuracy of the city 's previous numbers .
Chinese officials are already facing accusations of covering up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early stages .
A further 12 new cases in the city of Shulan in China 's northeast Jilin province were recorded on Sunday , prompting it to be placed under `` wartime control mode '' , its head of state said .
South Korea has also experienced a new outbreak after 101 new cases have been linked to one man who visited several nightclubs in Seoul last Saturday .
Bars and clubs across the South Korean capital have now been closed over fears of a second spike in infections .

All Wuhan residents will be tested for COVID-19 after a new outbreak occurred in the city where the pandemic started, local authorities said.
There were six new coronavirus cases over the weekend in the central Chinese city - the first in the whole of Hubei province for 35 days.
None of the new cases came in from overseas, prompting Wuhan authorities to announce nucleic acid testing of all its residents will happen over 10 days, according to an emergency notice circulated by state-run media outlet The Paper.
Image: Wuhan celebrated the end of the lockdown on 8 April with a light show
Wuhan, with a population of 11 million, was placed on a strict lockdown on 23 January but it was lifted on 8 April and, until the weekend, there had been no new cases since.
Nucleic testing detects the virus' genetic code and can be more effective at picking up the virus, especially in the early stages, than the more easily carried out immune response tests.
Older people, densely populated communities and areas which are visited by a lot of people will be prioritised, the notice said.
"We must profoundly realise that decisive achievements do not mean decisive victory," Wang Zhonglin, a member of Hubei Province's standing committee, told the Changjiang Daily.
"And that downgrading the emergency response does not mean downgrading defence.
"We must not be careless, paralysed and lax."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 Students head back to school in Wuhan
The city had been slowly getting back to normal after the 76-day lockdown, with people allowed outside their homes but many businesses remain closed.
China's government will not be pleased with the new cases as Wuhan had been held up as a shining example to the world for stopping the virus' spread within the city where it started.
State media reported that Zhang Yuxin, the chief official in Wuhan's Dongxihu district, was removed from his post "for failures in epidemic prevention and control work at the residential compound" where the new cases were.
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Any further infections found by testing will raise serious questions over the transparency and accuracy of the city's previous numbers.
Chinese officials are already facing accusations of covering up the severity of the virus in the early stages.
A further 12 new cases in the city of Shulan in China's northeast Jilin province were recorded on Sunday, prompting it to be placed under "wartime control mode", its head of state said.
Image: A few clubs in Seoul had to be disinfected after a man spread COVID-19 to 100 people
South Korea has also experienced a new outbreak after 101 new cases have been linked to one man who visited several nightclubs in Seoul last Saturday.
Bars and clubs across the South Korean capital have now been closed over fears of a second spike in infections.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Carer worker 'risked her life to help others', says daughter

Iris Critchley had been a carer most of her working life and was devoted to helping people .
The grandmother of five , 64 , had been working in a local nursing home in Macclesfield , Cheshire , when the pandemic started , and had been helping out while some of the carers were self-isolating .
Her job as a housekeeper meant she often cleaned the rooms and communal areas and supported the carers in looking after the elderly residents .
Iris 's daughter , Lisa Flynn , said her mother was determined to continue working despite fears over coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of the staff that were showing symptoms or had family members showing symptoms were n't able to come in .
`` So my mum was the first one to offer to help and when we asked her not to go , she said if everyone had that attitude no one would go in and look after those people .
`` As a family , we were begging her not to go . ''
Iris began to develop a dry throat but the family thought nothing of it because at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not one of the now well-known symptoms .
`` She said she 'd got a scratchy throat .
And she was laughing and joking telling us she felt fine , '' Lisa said .
`` I got a call on my mobile and it was my dad saying he 'd called an ambulance .
My mum was n't well .
`` And in the background , she shouted : 'Tell her I love her ' .
That was the last I heard from my mum . ''
Within minutes she had closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue .
An ambulance was called but by the time it arrived it was too late .
Iris died from COVID-19 on 28 March at 7.30am .
`` She was very popular .
Her neighbours decided to line the streets and they stood and applauded as the hearse went past , '' her daughter said .
`` People paid tribute by lighting a candle and they were posting it on social media at the time of the funeral , which gave us a lot of comfort .
`` We were told we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We could n't have a service indoors because it was a burial , so we were told we had to have everything done around the graveside .
`` We had to have it at the side on a path .
So they had mum 's coffin on a trolley at the side of the cars . ''
Iris 's family believe she may have contracted the disease because of the work she was doing in the care home , which had suspected COVID-19 cases .
Social care staff have been particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 death rate among carers is double that of the general working age population , according to data published by the ONS .
New figures based on deaths registered up to and including 20 April 2020 in England and Wales recorded a total of 131 deaths involving COVID-19 among social care workers .
There were 8,312 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes up to 1 May in England and Wales , the ONS reported on Tuesday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to help others .
`` I think carers are the forgotten heroes in all of this .
And she was a hero , '' she said .
`` She put her life at risk every day going to work .
And sadly , she lost her life through that .
`` She was the most amazing , loving , most caring woman you could ever meet .
`` And that 's how we will always remember her . ''

Iris Critchley had been a carer most of her working life and was devoted to helping people.
The grandmother of five, 64, had been working in a local nursing home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, when the pandemic started, and had been helping out while some of the carers were self-isolating.
Her job as a housekeeper meant she often cleaned the rooms and communal areas and supported the carers in looking after the elderly residents.
Image: Care workers have a 50% higher chance of dying with coronavirus compared to the rest of the working population, ONS figures found
Iris's daughter, Lisa Flynn, said her mother was determined to continue working despite fears over coronavirus.
She told Sky News: "Some of the staff that were showing symptoms or had family members showing symptoms weren't able to come in.
"So my mum was the first one to offer to help and when we asked her not to go, she said if everyone had that attitude no one would go in and look after those people.
"As a family, we were begging her not to go."
Iris began to develop a dry throat but the family thought nothing of it because at the time, towards the end of March, that was not one of the now well-known symptoms.
"She said she'd got a scratchy throat. And she was laughing and joking telling us she felt fine," Lisa said.
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"I got a call on my mobile and it was my dad saying he'd called an ambulance. My mum wasn't well.
"And in the background, she shouted: 'Tell her I love her'. That was the last I heard from my mum."
Image: Lisa Flynn said her mother refused to stay at home as she wanted to help others
Within minutes she had closed her eyes and her lips had turned blue. An ambulance was called but by the time it arrived it was too late.
Iris died from COVID-19 on 28 March at 7.30am.
"She was very popular. Her neighbours decided to line the streets and they stood and applauded as the hearse went past," her daughter said.
"People paid tribute by lighting a candle and they were posting it on social media at the time of the funeral, which gave us a lot of comfort.
"We were told we could only have 10 people at the funeral.
"We couldn't have a service indoors because it was a burial, so we were told we had to have everything done around the graveside.
"We had to have it at the side on a path. So they had mum's coffin on a trolley at the side of the cars."
Iris's family believe she may have contracted the disease because of the work she was doing in the care home, which had suspected COVID-19 cases.
Social care staff have been particular badly hit in the pandemic.
The COVID-19 death rate among carers is double that of the general working age population, according to data published by the ONS.
New figures based on deaths registered up to and including 20 April 2020 in England and Wales recorded a total of 131 deaths involving COVID-19 among social care workers.
There were 8,312 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes up to 1 May in England and Wales, the ONS reported on Tuesday.
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Lisa believes her mum risked her own life to help others.
"I think carers are the forgotten heroes in all of this. And she was a hero," she said.
"She put her life at risk every day going to work. And sadly, she lost her life through that.
"She was the most amazing, loving, most caring woman you could ever meet.
"And that's how we will always remember her."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Bryan Adams accused of racism over 'bat eating, virus making' rant

Bryan Adams has caused controversy thanks to a social media post blaming the coronavirus pandemic on `` f****** bat eating , wet market animal selling , virus making greedy b******* '' .
The singer-songwriter made the comments in an Instagram caption lamenting the cancellation of his three-night residency at London 's Royal Albert Hall , which had been due to take place this week before COVID-19 hit , alongside a video of himself singing his 1983 song Cuts Like A Knife .
He said his message is to `` go vegan '' .
A link to the post has apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account , but the statement remained on his Instagram page on Tuesday afternoon , almost 24 hours after it was originally posted .
`` Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of a tenancy of gigs at the @ royalalberthall , but thanks to some f****** bat eating , wet market animal selling , virus making greedy b******* , the whole world is now on hold , not to mention the thousands that have suffered or died from this virus , '' he said .
`` My message to them other than 'thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Adams said while he has enjoyed isolation with his family he is missing his `` other family , my band , my crew and my fans '' .
The comments have led to the Canadian star 's name trending on Twitter , with some calling his post racist .
`` Bryan Adams ' racist xenophobic tirade has been up for 10 hours now .
Damage has been done , '' Dr Wing Kar Li posted .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the star - including former reality TV star Katie Hopkins , who is now better known for her controversial views and support of people such as former EDL leader Tommy Robinson .
And another user wrote : `` There is nothing racist in his comments .
His rage is against meat eaters , particularly 'exotic meat ' eaters , and he 's right .
Every coronavirus had its origins in meat consumption .
Bryan Adams is right , go vegan ! ''
Sky News has contacted representatives for Adams for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticise wet markets , with Sir Paul McCartney accusing them of being `` medieval '' and `` obscene '' in April .
While the virus is believed to have originated in Wuhan , China , most scientists say it was most likely transmitted from bats to humans via an intermediary animal such as the armadillo-like pangolin .
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan , which was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus , is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitehall sources told Sky News that the UK believes it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally .
The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 - the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19 - might have leaked accidentally from a Chinese laboratory can not be disproved , but it is considered unlikely , they said .

Bryan Adams has caused controversy thanks to a social media post blaming the coronavirus pandemic on "f****** bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy b*******".
The singer-songwriter made the comments in an Instagram caption lamenting the cancellation of his three-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall, which had been due to take place this week before COVID-19 hit, alongside a video of himself singing his 1983 song Cuts Like A Knife.
He said his message is to "go vegan".
Image: Adams was due to be playing at London's Royal Albert Hall this week
A link to the post has apparently since been deleted from Adams' Twitter account, but the statement remained on his Instagram page on Tuesday afternoon, almost 24 hours after it was originally posted.
"Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of a tenancy of gigs at the @royalalberthall, but thanks to some f****** bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy b*******, the whole world is now on hold, not to mention the thousands that have suffered or died from this virus," he said.
"My message to them other than 'thanks a f****** lot' is go vegan."
Adams said while he has enjoyed isolation with his family he is missing his "other family, my band, my crew and my fans".
The comments have led to the Canadian star's name trending on Twitter, with some calling his post racist.
"Bryan Adams' racist xenophobic tirade has been up for 10 hours now. Damage has been done," Dr Wing Kar Li posted.
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However, many have sided with the star - including former reality TV star Katie Hopkins, who is now better known for her controversial views and support of people such as former EDL leader Tommy Robinson.
And another user wrote: "There is nothing racist in his comments. His rage is against meat eaters, particularly 'exotic meat' eaters, and he's right. Every coronavirus had its origins in meat consumption. Bryan Adams is right, go vegan!"
Sky News has contacted representatives for Adams for comment.
He is not the first star to criticise wet markets, with Sir Paul McCartney accusing them of being "medieval" and "obscene" in April.
While the virus is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, most scientists say it was most likely transmitted from bats to humans via an intermediary animal such as the armadillo-like pangolin.
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, which was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus, is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been conclusively proved.
Last week, informed Whitehall sources told Sky News that the UK believes it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally.
The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 - the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19 - might have leaked accidentally from a Chinese laboratory cannot be disproved, but it is considered unlikely, they said.


news--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: British Airways pilots facing redundancy could join the RAF on secondment

British Airways pilots and other civilian aviators at risk of redundancy because of coronavirus job cuts might be able to join the Royal Air Force on secondment , Sky News understands .
Talks are underway between the RAF and members of the aviation industry to explore whether civilian pilots who previously served in the armed forces and those with no prior military experience could fill hundreds of vacancies in flying and ground-based roles , according to RAF and aviation industry officials and sources .
A note issued by a trade union body set out details about the discussions regarding BA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association ( BALPA ) message , seen by Sky News , said its representatives had been in touch with the RAF for several weeks to discuss the possibility of BA pilots making the switch on 18-month to 48-month secondments .
`` The RAF was very receptive to the idea and has indicated that there are a wide range of positions available in both flying and ground roles , '' the association said .
It urged any of its members who are interested to fill in an `` expression of interest form '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , described the talks as `` exploratory '' as the union is still doing all it can to ensure the maximum number of pilots stay working with BA .
But the airline has warned of swingeing job cuts following a dramatic slump in demand for travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Strutton said there was a well-established career path from the RAF to British Airways .
`` So people are exploring whether it could work in reverse… It makes a lot of sense to explore but there are a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told Sky News .
`` We are using our common sense to prepare for future eventualities . ''
Some 1,100 BA pilots could be looking for employment .
Pilots contemplating a secondment to the RAF , however , may want assurances they will be able to return to a job with BA in the future .
A spokesman for the RAF confirmed that talks are underway with BALPA , British Airways and other aviation companies .
`` The Royal Air Force are always interested in recruiting high quality people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK aviation industry on the possibility of employing suitable available personnel , '' he said .
The other companies include GKN Aerospace , British Aerospace and Ascent .
RAF vacancies are thought to comprise a number of flying roles , with opportunities to operate the C130 transport plane , the Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft and other airframes .
Non-flying roles include flight data monitoring , simulator instructors and aviation safety and operations support .
There are also staff jobs at the RAF 's headquarters at High Wycombe .
The air force already runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has left the armed forces for the civil aviation sector to return if they change their mind .
Civilian pilots who had previously been commissioned officers in the RAF , the Royal Navy or the British Army are expected to be most highly sought after in these talks prompted by the COVID-19 crisis .
They would require the least training for the roles available and could potentially slot back into previous positions .
Ex-service personnel from other ranks and non-commissioned officers might be required to go through officer training .
Anyone with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training , meaning it would take a lot longer before they could start deploying .
Willie Walsh , the chief executive of International Airlines Group , which owns British Airways , was asked about RAF opportunities for his pilots with a military background when he faced questions from MPs on the transport select committee on Monday .
`` I have heard a suggestion of the scheme but I 've not seen any specifics and I 'm not aware any specifics exist , but if they did exist we would be delighted to facilitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our pilots who could avail of that , '' Mr Walsh said .
`` Quite honestly if it is available it would be excellent .
`` I have not seen any specific details of a scheme as yet .
I have heard a suggestion it is being looked over and talked about . ''
The talks between the RAF and the aviation industry are still understood to be at an initial stage so details such as contracts are yet to be agreed .

British Airways pilots and other civilian aviators at risk of redundancy because of coronavirus job cuts might be able to join the Royal Air Force on secondment, Sky News understands.
Talks are underway between the RAF and members of the aviation industry to explore whether civilian pilots who previously served in the armed forces and those with no prior military experience could fill hundreds of vacancies in flying and ground-based roles, according to RAF and aviation industry officials and sources.
A note issued by a trade union body set out details about the discussions regarding BA pilots.
The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) message, seen by Sky News, said its representatives had been in touch with the RAF for several weeks to discuss the possibility of BA pilots making the switch on 18-month to 48-month secondments.
"The RAF was very receptive to the idea and has indicated that there are a wide range of positions available in both flying and ground roles," the association said.
It urged any of its members who are interested to fill in an "expression of interest form".
Brian Strutton, general secretary of BALPA, described the talks as "exploratory" as the union is still doing all it can to ensure the maximum number of pilots stay working with BA.
But the airline has warned of swingeing job cuts following a dramatic slump in demand for travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Strutton said there was a well-established career path from the RAF to British Airways.
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"So people are exploring whether it could work in reverse… It makes a lot of sense to explore but there are a lot of details that need to be worked out," he told Sky News.
"We are using our common sense to prepare for future eventualities."
Some 1,100 BA pilots could be looking for employment. Pilots contemplating a secondment to the RAF, however, may want assurances they will be able to return to a job with BA in the future.
A spokesman for the RAF confirmed that talks are underway with BALPA, British Airways and other aviation companies.
"The Royal Air Force are always interested in recruiting high quality people and are currently in initial discussions with the UK aviation industry on the possibility of employing suitable available personnel," he said.
The other companies include GKN Aerospace, British Aerospace and Ascent.
RAF vacancies are thought to comprise a number of flying roles, with opportunities to operate the C130 transport plane, the Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft and other airframes.
Non-flying roles include flight data monitoring, simulator instructors and aviation safety and operations support. There are also staff jobs at the RAF's headquarters at High Wycombe.
The air force already runs a re-joiner scheme that enables anyone who has left the armed forces for the civil aviation sector to return if they change their mind.
Civilian pilots who had previously been commissioned officers in the RAF, the Royal Navy or the British Army are expected to be most highly sought after in these talks prompted by the COVID-19 crisis.
They would require the least training for the roles available and could potentially slot back into previous positions.
Ex-service personnel from other ranks and non-commissioned officers might be required to go through officer training.
Anyone with no military background would have to go through training, meaning it would take a lot longer before they could start deploying.
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways, was asked about RAF opportunities for his pilots with a military background when he faced questions from MPs on the transport select committee on Monday.
"I have heard a suggestion of the scheme but I've not seen any specifics and I'm not aware any specifics exist, but if they did exist we would be delighted to facilitate the RAF and to facilitate any of our pilots who could avail of that," Mr Walsh said.
"Quite honestly if it is available it would be excellent.
"I have not seen any specific details of a scheme as yet. I have heard a suggestion it is being looked over and talked about."
The talks between the RAF and the aviation industry are still understood to be at an initial stage so details such as contracts are yet to be agreed.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Class sizes limited to 15 and staggered drop-off times for England schools

Primary school class sizes should be limited to 15 pupils , desks should be spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor space should be utilised , the government 's new guidance says .
The Department for Education ( DfE ) guidelines advise schools to stagger break times , as well as drop-off and pick-up times , to reduce the number of pupils moving around .
Schools should also consider introducing one-way circulation , or placing a divider down the middle of corridors .
The advice also suggests nurseries and schools should remove soft furnishings and toys that are hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children in the same small groups at all times each day .
Those who can not keep pupils in small groups have been told to discuss options with their local authority or trust , with the possibility of sending some children to nearby schools .
It comes after the government 's 50-page COVID-19 recovery strategy detailed plans for all primary school pupils in England to be back in the classroom for a month before the summer .
The government expects children to be able to return to nurseries and childcare settings , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six pupils to be back from 1 June .
Families who choose to keep their children at home when schools reopen will not face fines .
But parents will be strongly encouraged to take up the places - unless the child or a family member is shielding , or the child is particularly vulnerable .
The guidance says most staff in education settings will not require PPE when they open up , but it should be worn if a pupil becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 while in the setting .
While acknowledging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain two metres apart , the advice says demand for childcare is `` likely to be lower than usual '' which `` should allow for small group working '' .
However , in some cases , it may be necessary to introduce a temporary cap on numbers to ensure safety is prioritised .
The DfE has also said pupils eligible to return on 1 June will have access to testing if they display coronavirus symptoms , alongside symptomatic members of their household .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` I know how hard schools , colleges , early years settings and parents are working to make sure children and young people can continue to learn at home , and I can not thank them enough for that .
`` But nothing can replace being in the classroom , which is why I want to get children back to school as soon as it is safe to do so .
`` The latest scientific advice indicates it will be safe for more children to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will continue to limit the overall numbers in school and introduce protective measures to prevent transmission . ''
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of school leaders ' union NAHT , said : `` It seems wildly optimistic , to the point of being irresponsible , to suggest that we will be in a position to return all primary children to school within the next seven weeks . ''

Primary school class sizes should be limited to 15 pupils, desks should be spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor space should be utilised, the government's new guidance says.
The Department for Education (DfE) guidelines advise schools to stagger break times, as well as drop-off and pick-up times, to reduce the number of pupils moving around.
Schools should also consider introducing one-way circulation, or placing a divider down the middle of corridors.
The advice also suggests nurseries and schools should remove soft furnishings and toys that are hard to clean - and try to keep children in the same small groups at all times each day.
Image: The guidance says desks should be spaced as far apart as possible
Those who cannot keep pupils in small groups have been told to discuss options with their local authority or trust, with the possibility of sending some children to nearby schools.
It comes after the government's 50-page COVID-19 recovery strategy detailed plans for all primary school pupils in England to be back in the classroom for a month before the summer.
The government expects children to be able to return to nurseries and childcare settings, and for Reception, Year one and Year six pupils to be back from 1 June.
Families who choose to keep their children at home when schools reopen will not face fines.
But parents will be strongly encouraged to take up the places - unless the child or a family member is shielding, or the child is particularly vulnerable.
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The guidance says most staff in education settings will not require PPE when they open up, but it should be worn if a pupil becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 while in the setting.
While acknowledging many young pupils will not be able to remain two metres apart, the advice says demand for childcare is "likely to be lower than usual" which "should allow for small group working".
However, in some cases, it may be necessary to introduce a temporary cap on numbers to ensure safety is prioritised.
The DfE has also said pupils eligible to return on 1 June will have access to testing if they display coronavirus symptoms, alongside symptomatic members of their household.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "I know how hard schools, colleges, early years settings and parents are working to make sure children and young people can continue to learn at home, and I cannot thank them enough for that.
"But nothing can replace being in the classroom, which is why I want to get children back to school as soon as it is safe to do so.
"The latest scientific advice indicates it will be safe for more children to return to school from 1 June, but we will continue to limit the overall numbers in school and introduce protective measures to prevent transmission."
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: "It seems wildly optimistic, to the point of being irresponsible, to suggest that we will be in a position to return all primary children to school within the next seven weeks."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: 40% of recent COVID-19 deaths in England and Wales occurred in care homes - ONS

Deaths in care homes made up 40.4 % of the overall number of coronavirus fatalities across England and Wales in the week to 1 May .
COVID-19 was mentioned on a third of all 17,953 death certificates in the two countries that week , according to the Office for National Statistics .
The ONS ' death total since the start of the outbreak - 33,337 - is also still 6,495 higher than the Department for Health 's figures during the same period .
In total , there were 8,312 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that date , the total number of fatalities with COVID-19 on death certificates in England and Wales decreased for the second consecutive time .
There were 6,035 in the week ending 1 May , compared to 8,237 the previous week .
And for the first time , there was a decrease in all regions on the previous week and London did not account for the biggest share - that went to the South East .
There were 966 coronavirus-related deaths in the region , making up 16 % of the total , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributor to the overall figure at 40.2 % of all fatalities linked to the disease .
In another first , the number of deaths in the week to 1 May involving COVID-19 was highest in women aged 85 and over at 6,780 .
There were also more than 6,000 deaths among men aged between 75 and 84 ( 6,625 ) and 85 and over ( 6,434 ) .
Men made up the majority of deaths in all age groups other than the over-85s .
The proportion of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where they have accounted for 45 % of fatalities linked to the disease .
According to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency , there have been 232 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in care homes across the country .
Pressures on social care are far from over Analysis by Laura Bundock , news correspondent The ONS figures are the most accurate measure of the death toll related to the pandemic .
They include deaths where COVID-19 is suspected but a test was n't carried out .
For the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , confirming we have passed the peak .
Break the figure down by region and London no longer has the highest number of COVID related deaths .
It shows the capital reached and came through its peak earlier than the rest of the country .
But what we also see is where the deaths are occurring , and once again the number of deaths in care homes is continuing to rise .
It shows while the pressure on hospitals is easing , the pressures on social care are far from over .
Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` My thoughts are with everyone who has lost someone to coronavirus .
Every death from this virus is a tragedy .
I 'd like to personally thank the care workers who are looking after our loved ones for their compassion and commitment .
`` We continue to work night and day to give social care providers the best possible support and ensure they have the protection they need as quickly as possible .
We 've already made millions of items of PPE available across the social care system .
Now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 30,000 tests a day to residents and staff in care homes for older people .
`` It is a relief to see the number of deaths in care homes falling , but sadly they continue to make up a significant proportion of coronavirus-related deaths and our work is not done .
Supporting the social care sector through this pandemic has always been a priority , and we are doing everything in our power to ensure they have all they need to look after those in their care . ''

Deaths in care homes made up 40.4% of the overall number of coronavirus fatalities across England and Wales in the week to 1 May.
COVID-19 was mentioned on a third of all 17,953 death certificates in the two countries that week, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The ONS' death total since the start of the outbreak - 33,337 - is also still 6,495 higher than the Department for Health's figures during the same period.
In total, there were 8,312 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales up to 1 May.
In the week up to that date, the total number of fatalities with COVID-19 on death certificates in England and Wales decreased for the second consecutive time.
There were 6,035 in the week ending 1 May, compared to 8,237 the previous week.
And for the first time, there was a decrease in all regions on the previous week and London did not account for the biggest share - that went to the South East.
There were 966 coronavirus-related deaths in the region, making up 16% of the total, although the capital is still the biggest contributor to the overall figure at 40.2% of all fatalities linked to the disease.
In another first, the number of deaths in the week to 1 May involving COVID-19 was highest in women aged 85 and over at 6,780.
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There were also more than 6,000 deaths among men aged between 75 and 84 (6,625) and 85 and over (6,434).
Men made up the majority of deaths in all age groups other than the over-85s.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
The proportion of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes has reached even higher levels across Northern Ireland, where they have accounted for 45% of fatalities linked to the disease.
According to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, there have been 232 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in care homes across the country.
Pressures on social care are far from over
Analysis by Laura Bundock, news correspondent
The ONS figures are the most accurate measure of the death toll related to the pandemic.
They include deaths where COVID-19 is suspected but a test wasn't carried out.
For the second week now, this figure has dropped, confirming we have passed the peak.
Break the figure down by region and London no longer has the highest number of COVID related deaths. It shows the capital reached and came through its peak earlier than the rest of the country.
But what we also see is where the deaths are occurring, and once again the number of deaths in care homes is continuing to rise.
It shows while the pressure on hospitals is easing, the pressures on social care are far from over.
Government statement
Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said: "My thoughts are with everyone who has lost someone to coronavirus. Every death from this virus is a tragedy. I'd like to personally thank the care workers who are looking after our loved ones for their compassion and commitment.
"We continue to work night and day to give social care providers the best possible support and ensure they have the protection they need as quickly as possible. We've already made millions of items of PPE available across the social care system. Now we also have the capacity to deliver up to 30,000 tests a day to residents and staff in care homes for older people.
"It is a relief to see the number of deaths in care homes falling, but sadly they continue to make up a significant proportion of coronavirus-related deaths and our work is not done. Supporting the social care sector through this pandemic has always been a priority, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure they have all they need to look after those in their care.''


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Prisoners filmed trying to catch COVID-19 to try to get early release

Prison inmates have been caught on camera trying to infect themselves with the coronavirus in the hope it would secure early release .
Two groups of inmates being held in a unit at the Los Angeles County jail in Castaic , California , were filmed sharing water bottles and a face mask .
The behaviour , according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff , resulted in almost half of the inmates in the unit later testing positive for the virus .
`` Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive there was some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and release inmates , '' said LA County sheriff Alex Villaneuva .
`` That is not going to happen . ''
In April , officials became alarmed by a sudden spike in suspected cases at the North County Correctional Facility .
There had been no coronavirus cases until then .
When they studied surveillance footage from a day-room , they saw inmates passing around and sniffing a face mask and drinking from a shared Styrofoam cup .
Investigators then found footage of a second incident where inmates were taking sips from the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were due to have their temperatures checked by a nurse .
Within weeks , 30 inmates - out of a population of around 50 in the unit - had either tested positive or fallen ill. Villaneuva said : `` It is sad to think that someone would deliberately try to expose themselves to COVID-19 . ''
He said no one had admitted trying to spread the virus but that `` their behaviour convicted them '' .
He said inmates usually `` jealously guard '' their own drinking mugs for fear of contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Los Angeles County jail system is the biggest in the world and more than 5,000 inmates have been released during the coronavirus crisis .
To qualify , inmates must be within 60 days of their scheduled release .
An investigation into the attempt to spread the virus is now being carried out and inmates could face criminal charges .
The sheriff said it was `` deeply disturbing '' that they would imperil themselves , other inmates and staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're behind bars in the first place , because they violate the norms of society . ''

Prison inmates have been caught on camera trying to infect themselves with the coronavirus in the hope it would secure early release.
Two groups of inmates being held in a unit at the Los Angeles County jail in Castaic, California, were filmed sharing water bottles and a face mask.
The behaviour, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff, resulted in almost half of the inmates in the unit later testing positive for the virus.
"Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive there was some way that it would force our hands and release inmates," said LA County sheriff Alex Villaneuva.
"That is not going to happen."
In April, officials became alarmed by a sudden spike in suspected cases at the North County Correctional Facility. There had been no coronavirus cases until then.
When they studied surveillance footage from a day-room, they saw inmates passing around and sniffing a face mask and drinking from a shared Styrofoam cup.
Investigators then found footage of a second incident where inmates were taking sips from the same bottle of hot water, moments before they were due to have their temperatures checked by a nurse.
Within weeks, 30 inmates - out of a population of around 50 in the unit - had either tested positive or fallen ill.
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Villaneuva said: "It is sad to think that someone would deliberately try to expose themselves to COVID-19."
He said no one had admitted trying to spread the virus but that "their behaviour convicted them". He said inmates usually "jealously guard" their own drinking mugs for fear of contracting an illness.
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The Los Angeles County jail system is the biggest in the world and more than 5,000 inmates have been released during the coronavirus crisis. To qualify, inmates must be within 60 days of their scheduled release.
An investigation into the attempt to spread the virus is now being carried out and inmates could face criminal charges.
The sheriff said it was "deeply disturbing" that they would imperil themselves, other inmates and staff.
"There's a reason why they're behind bars in the first place, because they violate the norms of society."


news--2020-06-27--Coronavirus: MPs to be ordered back to parliament to 'set an example' as lockdown gradually lifted

MPs have been told they should be working in Westminster at the start of June to `` set an example '' to the rest of the country as lockdown is eased further .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the historic `` virtual parliament '' measures which saw MPs cast their first ever online votes on Tuesday due coronavirus will soon come to an end .
He made the announcement ahead of confirmation the rules letting politicians debate and challenge ministers via videolink will be extended for another few weeks .
The changes were brought in so MPs could stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , which has so far killed at least 32,000 people .
But Mr Rees-Mogg signalled that as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses for people to start going back to work where it is safe to do so in England , MPs would soon have to do so too .
`` It is clear that soon parliament must set an example of how we move back gradually to a fully-function country again - our constituents would expect nothing less , '' he told the Commons .
`` So while we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is vital that when we are asking other people to work and go to their places of work if they can not do so from home we should not be the ones who are exempt from that .
`` Indeed , we should be leading by example . ''
The announcement puts MPs from Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland in a difficult position - as their devolved governments are still enforcing the `` stay at home '' rules .
The Scottish National Party 's John Nicholson said the move would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break guidelines north of the border and would `` expose our constituents to danger '' .
Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain added : `` The current advice is that people should work at home if the can - we have proven that MPs can .
`` As yet , the government has published no guidance as to how MPs and staff are meant to keep a two metres distance from each other whilst working in parliament .
`` Perhaps most worryingly of all , MPs and staff would be further filling up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forth to communities all over the country . ''
A government source told Sky News that `` MPs are critical workers so nationwide and throughout they have been encouraged to go to work if they can not work from home '' .
When asked why the rules had to be changed if the guidance for critical workers such as MPs remains the same , the source said : `` The measures were only ever intended to be temporary .
`` As many members said this evening , hybridity has a damaging effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to progress its legislative agenda as it would like to - the two constitutional roles of parliament .
`` This is all provisional , subject to the medical advice . ''

MPs have been told they should be working in Westminster at the start of June to "set an example" to the rest of the country as lockdown is eased further.
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the historic "virtual parliament" measures which saw MPs cast their first ever online votes on Tuesday due coronavirus will soon come to an end.
He made the announcement ahead of confirmation the rules letting politicians debate and challenge ministers via videolink will be extended for another few weeks.
Image: Unprecedented measures include remote voting and speaking via videolink
The changes were brought in so MPs could stay at home but still scrutinise the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed at least 32,000 people.
But Mr Rees-Mogg signalled that as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses for people to start going back to work where it is safe to do so in England, MPs would soon have to do so too.
Image: Mr Rees-Mogg said MPs 'should be leading by example'
"It is clear that soon parliament must set an example of how we move back gradually to a fully-function country again - our constituents would expect nothing less," he told the Commons.
"So while we must move in step with public health guidance, it is vital that when we are asking other people to work and go to their places of work if they cannot do so from home we should not be the ones who are exempt from that.
"Indeed, we should be leading by example."
The announcement puts MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in a difficult position - as their devolved governments are still enforcing the "stay at home" rules.
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The Scottish National Party's John Nicholson said the move would only "set the wrong example" to break guidelines north of the border and would "expose our constituents to danger".
Image: The 'stay at home' message remains in force in Scotland
Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain added: "The current advice is that people should work at home if the can - we have proven that MPs can.
"As yet, the government has published no guidance as to how MPs and staff are meant to keep a two metres distance from each other whilst working in parliament.
"Perhaps most worryingly of all, MPs and staff would be further filling up public transport networks and presumably travelling back and forth to communities all over the country."
A government source told Sky News that "MPs are critical workers so nationwide and throughout they have been encouraged to go to work if they cannot work from home".
When asked why the rules had to be changed if the guidance for critical workers such as MPs remains the same, the source said: "The measures were only ever intended to be temporary.
"As many members said this evening, hybridity has a damaging effect on scrutiny and neither is the government able to progress its legislative agenda as it would like to - the two constitutional roles of parliament.
"This is all provisional, subject to the medical advice."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Chancellor expected to extend furlough scheme to September, but cut it to 60% of earnin

Coronavirus: Chancellor expected to extend furlough scheme to September, but cut it to 60% of earnings

The chancellor is expected to extend the government 's furlough scheme - currently paying 6.5 million laid off workers 80 % of their earnings - from June to September .
But Rishi Sunak is expected to cut the payments to 60 % of earnings , although he will pledge to continue to top up the wage packets of laid off staff if they return to work part-time .
The move , which the chancellor insists will avoid the `` cliff-edge '' cut-off of the scheme feared by Tory MPs and business leaders , is aimed at preventing an estimated 1.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as retailers are unlikely to need all of their staff when they first reopen , because social distancing rules mean shops will have to be less crowded .
A part-time furloughing scheme , therefore , could allow companies to bring back more staff on a rota and prevent steep cuts , ministers believe .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Signalling Mr Sunak 's announcement , Boris Johnson told MPs : `` I have no desire to steal his thunder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been one of the most remarkable features of the government 's response .
`` It is unlike anything seen internationally , with 6.5 million people currently being supported .
It is absolutely right that we should do it .
`` One of the most salient and important features of this country 's response to this crisis so far is that we have looked after some of the lowest paid people in our society - the hardest -working people - and we will continue to do so . ''
Mr Sunak , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference , is expected to lower the £2,500 cap on monthly payments as well as reducing the wage subsidy .
It is thought he will announce that self-employed workers with trading profits of more than £30,000 could be barred from claiming government grants .
At present the threshold is £50,000 .
Welcoming the changes , Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , director general of the Confederation of British Industry , told The Daily Telegraph : `` We would like to see it extended through to the end of September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very cautious approach to reopening the economy , the last thing we want is unnecessary redundancies . ''
The government is also issuing advice to employers on how to get staff back to work safely and give them confidence to return and guidelines on making it safe to travel to work on public transport .
The Business Secretary Alok Sharma and the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will make Commons statements , following an urgent question on the government 's economic response to COVID-19 from the shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclay .
Trade union leaders and the Labour Party are demanding more protection for workers before they return to work , however .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said : `` Our message to our members is that if they feel that their workplace is n't safe then they should n't go to work . ''
Rail unions also warned they could disrupt transport services if there is a significant rise in passenger numbers .
Manuel Cortes , general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs ' Association , said : `` All bets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He accused Mr Johnson of having `` thrown public transport into chaos and panic '' .
And shadow employment rights minister Andy McDonald told Sky News : `` When you look at the detail it all becomes vague and imprecise and weak .
`` There are no new obligations on behalf of employers and it really is n't robust measures there that we should be seeing .
`` The language is very , very vague .
It says what people could do rather than what they should do .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too weak . ''

The chancellor is expected to extend the government's furlough scheme - currently paying 6.5 million laid off workers 80% of their earnings - from June to September.
But Rishi Sunak is expected to cut the payments to 60% of earnings, although he will pledge to continue to top up the wage packets of laid off staff if they return to work part-time.
The move, which the chancellor insists will avoid the "cliff-edge" cut-off of the scheme feared by Tory MPs and business leaders, is aimed at preventing an estimated 1.2 million redundancies.
The Treasury believes firms such as retailers are unlikely to need all of their staff when they first reopen, because social distancing rules mean shops will have to be less crowded.
A part-time furloughing scheme, therefore, could allow companies to bring back more staff on a rota and prevent steep cuts, ministers believe.
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Signalling Mr Sunak's announcement, Boris Johnson told MPs: "I have no desire to steal his thunder.
"I think that the furloughing scheme has been one of the most remarkable features of the government's response.
"It is unlike anything seen internationally, with 6.5 million people currently being supported. It is absolutely right that we should do it.
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"One of the most salient and important features of this country's response to this crisis so far is that we have looked after some of the lowest paid people in our society - the hardest -working people - and we will continue to do so."
Mr Sunak, who is likely to announce the changes at the daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference, is expected to lower the £2,500 cap on monthly payments as well as reducing the wage subsidy.
It is thought he will announce that self-employed workers with trading profits of more than £30,000 could be barred from claiming government grants. At present the threshold is £50,000.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 PM takes questions from public
Welcoming the changes, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, told The Daily Telegraph: "We would like to see it extended through to the end of September.
"Particularly as we are seeing the very cautious approach to reopening the economy, the last thing we want is unnecessary redundancies."
The government is also issuing advice to employers on how to get staff back to work safely and give them confidence to return and guidelines on making it safe to travel to work on public transport.
The Business Secretary Alok Sharma and the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will make Commons statements, following an urgent question on the government's economic response to COVID-19 from the shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, to be answered by the Treasury Chief Secretary Steve Barclay.
Trade union leaders and the Labour Party are demanding more protection for workers before they return to work, however.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "Our message to our members is that if they feel that their workplace isn't safe then they shouldn't go to work."
Rail unions also warned they could disrupt transport services if there is a significant rise in passenger numbers. Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, said: "All bets are off if overcrowding becomes an issue." He accused Mr Johnson of having "thrown public transport into chaos and panic".
And shadow employment rights minister Andy McDonald told Sky News: "When you look at the detail it all becomes vague and imprecise and weak.
"There are no new obligations on behalf of employers and it really isn't robust measures there that we should be seeing.
"The language is very, very vague. It says what people could do rather than what they should do. There are some positives but sadly it is all too weak."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Queen joins royal telephone calls to thank nurses

The Queen has joined other members of the Royal Family in calling nurses around the world to thank them for their efforts in the face of the coronavirus crisis .
She and other royals took part in the unprecedented series of calls , messages and video chats to mark International Nurses Day and the `` very important part '' the healthcare profession has had to play recently .
The Queen rang Professor Kathleen McCourt , president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation and fellow of the Royal College of Nursing , from Windsor Castle .
In a recording of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard saying : `` This is rather an important day ... because obviously they 've had very important part to play recently . ''
Also contacting nurses to express their gratitude were the Prince of Wales , the Duchess of Cornwall , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , the Princess Royal , the Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra .
In a montage of the calls , messages and videos posted on social media , Kate said : `` I do n't know how you manage to do this and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra pressures you 're all under and the challenging conditions - it 's just shown how vital the role that nurses play across the world .
You should be so proud of the work that you do . ''
Charles , in an excerpt from his video message to all nurses , said : `` On this International Nurses Day , my family and I want to join in the chorus of thank yous to nursing and midwifery staff across the country and indeed the world . ''
Many of the nurses could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they discussed the impact of the COVID-19 crisis with the royals .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A palace spokeswoman said : `` On every call , the Royal Family reiterated their thanks to nurses across the Commonwealth for the incredible work they do on a daily basis . ''
Kate is patron of the Nursing Now campaign , the global initiative to raise the status and profile of nurses , while Sophie is a global ambassador of the International Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to nurses across the Commonwealth , including those at Gidgee Healing in Queensland , Australia ; HIV and maternal health nurses at the Phalombe District Hospital in Malawi ; mental health nurses at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in Nassau in the Bahamas , those working at Aberdeen Women 's Centre in Freetown , Sierra Leone , and the LV Prasad Eye Institute and Apollo Hospitals , Hyderabad , India .
Anita Kamara , fistula supervisor and nurse at the women 's centre in Sierra Leone , said : `` Having the future queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was really special . ''
International Nurses Day takes place on Florence Nightingale 's birthday , with this year marking the 200th anniversary of her birth .

The Queen has joined other members of the Royal Family in calling nurses around the world to thank them for their efforts in the face of the coronavirus crisis.
She and other royals took part in the unprecedented series of calls, messages and video chats to mark International Nurses Day and the "very important part" the healthcare profession has had to play recently.
The Queen rang Professor Kathleen McCourt, president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation and fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, from Windsor Castle.
Image: Members of the royal family on video calls to nurses around the world
In a recording of the telephone conversation, the monarch could be heard saying: "This is rather an important day... because obviously they've had very important part to play recently."
Also contacting nurses to express their gratitude were the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra.
In a montage of the calls, messages and videos posted on social media, Kate said: "I don't know how you manage to do this and keep the show on the road despite the extra pressures you're all under and the challenging conditions - it's just shown how vital the role that nurses play across the world. You should be so proud of the work that you do."
Charles, in an excerpt from his video message to all nurses, said: "On this International Nurses Day, my family and I want to join in the chorus of thank yous to nursing and midwifery staff across the country and indeed the world."
Many of the nurses could be seen wearing face masks, as they discussed the impact of the COVID-19 crisis with the royals.
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A palace spokeswoman said: "On every call, the Royal Family reiterated their thanks to nurses across the Commonwealth for the incredible work they do on a daily basis."
Kate is patron of the Nursing Now campaign, the global initiative to raise the status and profile of nurses, while Sophie is a global ambassador of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
They spoke to nurses across the Commonwealth, including those at Gidgee Healing in Queensland, Australia; HIV and maternal health nurses at the Phalombe District Hospital in Malawi; mental health nurses at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in Nassau in the Bahamas, those working at Aberdeen Women's Centre in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and the LV Prasad Eye Institute and Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India.
Anita Kamara, fistula supervisor and nurse at the women's centre in Sierra Leone, said: "Having the future queen and the countess speak to us today was really special."
International Nurses Day takes place on Florence Nightingale's birthday, with this year marking the 200th anniversary of her birth.