news--2020-02-07--Coronavirus: Pangolins identified as 'most likely' intermediate host

The deadly coronavirus outbreak in China could have spread from bats to humans through the illegal traffic of pangolins - the world 's only scaly mammals which are prized in Asia for food and medicine .
The pangolin is one of Asia 's most trafficked mammals , although protected by international law , because its meat is considered a delicacy in countries such as China and its scales are used in traditional medicine .
`` This latest discovery will be of great significance for the prevention and control of the origin ( of the virus ) , '' South China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in a statement on its website .
The news came as : • The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 636 , with more than 31,000 people infected globally • A British man on board a cruise ship has been diagnosed with the coronavirus while on his honeymoon • The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) warned of a chronic shortage of gowns , masks , gloves and other protective equipment in the fight against the spreading epidemic • The head of the WHO said a drop in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days is `` good news '' but warned `` the numbers could go up again '' • Hong Kong said it may jail or fine anyone who fails to observe the two-week quarantine for arrivals from mainland China • A doctor who tried to warn others about the coronavirus outbreak in December died from the infection .
The outbreak , which has killed more than 600 people in mainland China , is believed to have started in a market in the city of Wuhan , in central Hubei province that also sold live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have originated in bats and then passed to humans , possibly via another species .
The genome sequence of the novel coronavirus strain separated from pangolins in the study was 99 % identical to that from infected people , China 's official Xinhua news agency reported .
It added that the research found that pangolins to be `` the most likely intermediate host '' .
But Dirk Pfeiffer , professor of veterinary medicine at Hong Kong 's City University , said the study was still a long way from proving pangolins transmitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw more definitive conclusions if you compare prevalence ( of the coronavirus ) between different species based on representative samples , which these almost certainly are not , '' he said .
Even then , a link to humans via food markets still needs to be established , Prof Pfeiffer added .
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The deadly coronavirus outbreak in China could have spread from bats to humans through the illegal traffic of pangolins - the world's only scaly mammals which are prized in Asia for food and medicine.
The pangolin is one of Asia's most trafficked mammals, although protected by international law, because its meat is considered a delicacy in countries such as China and its scales are used in traditional medicine.
"This latest discovery will be of great significance for the prevention and control of the origin (of the virus)," South China Agricultural University, which led the research, said in a statement on its website.
Image: The mammal's scales are used in traditional medicine
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The news came as:
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 636, with more than 31,000 people infected globally
outbreak rose to 636, with more than 31,000 people infected globally A British man on board a cruise ship has been diagnosed with the coronavirus while on his honeymoon
while on his honeymoon The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of a chronic shortage of gowns, masks, gloves and other protective equipment in the fight against the spreading epidemic
The head of the WHO said a drop in the number of new virus cases for two days is "good news" but warned "the numbers could go up again"
Hong Kong said it may jail or fine anyone who fails to observe the two-week quarantine for arrivals from mainland China
A doctor who tried to warn others about the coronavirus outbreak in December died from the infection.
The outbreak, which has killed more than 600 people in mainland China, is believed to have started in a market in the city of Wuhan, in central Hubei province that also sold live wild animals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Doctor killed by coronavirus 'a symbol of transparency'
Health experts think it may have originated in bats and then passed to humans, possibly via another species.
The genome sequence of the novel coronavirus strain separated from pangolins in the study was 99% identical to that from infected people, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.
It added that the research found that pangolins to be "the most likely intermediate host".
But Dirk Pfeiffer, professor of veterinary medicine at Hong Kong's City University, said the study was still a long way from proving pangolins transmitted the virus.
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"You can only draw more definitive conclusions if you compare prevalence (of the coronavirus) between different species based on representative samples, which these almost certainly are not," he said.
Even then, a link to humans via food markets still needs to be established, Prof Pfeiffer added.
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news--2020-02-07--Coronavirus: 40 new cases on quarantined cruise ship described as a 'floating prison'

More than 40 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed on a quarantined cruise ship where dozens of Britons are trapped .
A total of 61 passengers aboard the Diamond Princess have been infected - and 20 of them have been escorted off the luxury cruise liner for further treatment .
The ship is being held for two weeks in a harbour in Yokohama , Japan - and about 3,700 people on board .
Many have been consigned to their cabins , with one stranded tourist comparing the atmosphere to a `` floating prison '' .
Japan is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship - currently travelling from Hong Kong to Okinawa - because suspected coronavirus cases have been identified on board .
The outbreak has now killed at least 636 people in mainland China - with a total of 31,161 confirmed cases .
According to a British holidaymaker aboard the Diamond Princess , passengers are being given thermometers to monitor their temperatures and have been told to contact medics if they go above 37.5C .
The stranded tourist , Alan from Nottingham , told Sky News that the staff on the docked vessel were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look after them , but described the situation as `` scary '' .
It is believed that 78 people with British passports - including crew - are currently on the Diamond Princess .
Alan said : `` We are not really worried about the virus as it is out of our hands , ( but ) it is a talking point that 61 people we have been mingling with for over two weeks have been tested positive and taken off the ship .
`` Some passengers are aware that some passengers they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive and removed from the ship , and you do wonder if it was you who tested positive how it would work out .
`` It is an extraordinary situation that has to be managed , and methods are constantly being developed to meet needs .
We are confident that at the moment everything is being done . ''
Small groups of passengers are being allowed out on to a designated and controlled deck area for some daylight , fresh air and exercise , but they are requested not to congregate in groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other .
Alan said that masks and gloves needed to be worn when outside the cabins , with the remaining time spent inside monitoring temperatures , eating delivered meals and watching media helicopters and boats .
David Abel , another of the some 3,700 people stranded , wrote on Facebook that he booked the cruise for his 50th wedding anniversary and that it was now like being on a `` floating prison '' .
But Alan told Sky News that he was in no rush `` to go back home and risk spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a middle-aged man - was confirmed in the UK .
The Department of Health said he was diagnosed in Brighton and transferred to St Thomas ' Hospital in London , but has not commented on reports he contracted the virus in Singapore .
The number of cases on the Diamond Princess has made Japan home to the most coronavirus patients outside of China - prompting the British government to add the country to its travel advice regarding the outbreak .
Anyone who has arrived from the following countries and territories in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been advised to self-isolate and call the NHS on 111 for advice : Symptoms to watch out for include a cough , fever and shortness of breath .
For those who have returned from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and Hubei province , the epicentre of the outbreak , they are advised to stay indoors , avoid contact with other people and call 111 .
The first two cases in the UK were confirmed on 31 January - both were staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of York , while the other is related to them .
They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and Public Health England insists the overall risk to people in the UK remains low .
The coronavirus is making its presence felt far more strongly in a number of other countries around the world , but the vast majority of cases and deaths remain restricted to China - specifically Hubei .
Among those who died after contracting the coronavirus is a doctor who attempted to warn others about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarm about the SARS-like illness on 30 December , when he sent a message to his medical school alumni group warning them to wear protective clothing .
Dr Li told them that seven patients from a local seafood market had been diagnosed and were quarantined in hospital , only for police in Wuhan to accuse him of `` rumour-mongering '' and try to silence him .
Another confirmed case - but not fatality - was a baby in Wuhan who tested positive just 36 hours after being born , becoming the youngest known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear how the infant became infected and not yet known if the virus can be transmitted in the womb .
Zeng Lingkong , director of neonatal diseases at Wuhan Children 's Hospital , told Chinese TV : `` The baby was immediately separated from the mother after the birth and has been under artificial feeding .
`` There was no close contact with the parents , yet it was diagnosed with the disease . ''
Outside of mainland China , Japan has had the most cases with 86 , while Singapore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 30 , 25 and 24 respectively .
Hong Kong has had 24 cases and one death , and Taiwan , Australia and Malaysia have had 16 , 15 and 14 cases respectively .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Thirteen cases , including two children , have been identified in Germany - all with links to a car parts supplier whose headquarters outside Munich were visited by a Chinese trainer .
Other countries with cases making up at least 260 outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and India .
The wide spread prompted the World Health Organisation to declare a global public health emergency last week .

More than 40 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed on a quarantined cruise ship where dozens of Britons are trapped.
A total of 61 passengers aboard the Diamond Princess have been infected - and 20 of them have been escorted off the luxury cruise liner for further treatment.
The ship is being held for two weeks in a harbour in Yokohama, Japan - and about 3,700 people on board.
Image: The cruise ship will be docked for two weeks
Many have been consigned to their cabins, with one stranded tourist comparing the atmosphere to a "floating prison".
Japan is also denying entry of foreign passengers on another cruise ship - currently travelling from Hong Kong to Okinawa - because suspected coronavirus cases have been identified on board.
The outbreak has now killed at least 636 people in mainland China - with a total of 31,161 confirmed cases.
According to a British holidaymaker aboard the Diamond Princess, passengers are being given thermometers to monitor their temperatures and have been told to contact medics if they go above 37.5C.
The stranded tourist, Alan from Nottingham, told Sky News that the staff on the docked vessel were "working their hearts out" to look after them, but described the situation as "scary".
It is believed that 78 people with British passports - including crew - are currently on the Diamond Princess.
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Alan said: "We are not really worried about the virus as it is out of our hands, (but) it is a talking point that 61 people we have been mingling with for over two weeks have been tested positive and taken off the ship.
"Some passengers are aware that some passengers they have been eating with have now been tested positive and removed from the ship, and you do wonder if it was you who tested positive how it would work out.
"It is an extraordinary situation that has to be managed, and methods are constantly being developed to meet needs. We are confident that at the moment everything is being done."
Image: Emergency service workers have removed confirmed patients
Image: More than 60 passengers have been diagnosed
Small groups of passengers are being allowed out on to a designated and controlled deck area for some daylight, fresh air and exercise, but they are requested not to congregate in groups or get within one metre of each other.
Alan said that masks and gloves needed to be worn when outside the cabins, with the remaining time spent inside monitoring temperatures, eating delivered meals and watching media helicopters and boats.
David Abel, another of the some 3,700 people stranded, wrote on Facebook that he booked the cruise for his 50th wedding anniversary and that it was now like being on a "floating prison".
But Alan told Sky News that he was in no rush "to go back home and risk spreading it further" after a third case - a middle-aged man - was confirmed in the UK.
The Department of Health said he was diagnosed in Brighton and transferred to St Thomas' Hospital in London, but has not commented on reports he contracted the virus in Singapore.
Image: Journalists have congregated on the harbour
Image: There are still some 3,700 people on board the liner
Image: People have mostly been consigned to their cabins
The number of cases on the Diamond Princess has made Japan home to the most coronavirus patients outside of China - prompting the British government to add the country to its travel advice regarding the outbreak.
Anyone who has arrived from the following countries and territories in the past fortnight and begins to feel unwell has been advised to self-isolate and call the NHS on 111 for advice:
China
Hong Kong
Japan
Macau
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Symptoms to watch out for include a cough, fever and shortness of breath.
For those who have returned from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, they are advised to stay indoors, avoid contact with other people and call 111.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 'We're being quarantined for two weeks'
The first two cases in the UK were confirmed on 31 January - both were staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill and one of them is a student at the University of York, while the other is related to them.
They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and Public Health England insists the overall risk to people in the UK remains low.
The coronavirus is making its presence felt far more strongly in a number of other countries around the world, but the vast majority of cases and deaths remain restricted to China - specifically Hubei.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Coronavirus survivor jokes outside hospital
Among those who died after contracting the coronavirus is a doctor who attempted to warn others about the outbreak.
Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old ophthalmologist working in Wuhan, died on Friday.
He had raised the alarm about the SARS-like illness on 30 December, when he sent a message to his medical school alumni group warning them to wear protective clothing.
Dr Li told them that seven patients from a local seafood market had been diagnosed and were quarantined in hospital, only for police in Wuhan to accuse him of "rumour-mongering" and try to silence him.
Image: Worshippers wear masks at Che Kung Temple in Hong Kong
Image: A member of the Thai Airways crew disinfects the cabin of an aircraft
Another confirmed case - but not fatality - was a baby in Wuhan who tested positive just 36 hours after being born, becoming the youngest known person to be infected.
It is not clear how the infant became infected and not yet known if the virus can be transmitted in the womb.
Zeng Lingkong, director of neonatal diseases at Wuhan Children's Hospital, told Chinese TV: "The baby was immediately separated from the mother after the birth and has been under artificial feeding.
"There was no close contact with the parents, yet it was diagnosed with the disease."
Image: Women wear face masks in London
Image: A man wears a face mask in Chinatown, London
Outside of mainland China, Japan has had the most cases with 86, while Singapore, Thailand and South Korea follow comfortably behind with 30, 25 and 24 respectively.
Hong Kong has had 24 cases and one death, and Taiwan, Australia and Malaysia have had 16, 15 and 14 cases respectively.
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Thirteen cases, including two children, have been identified in Germany - all with links to a car parts supplier whose headquarters outside Munich were visited by a Chinese trainer.
Other countries with cases making up at least 260 outside mainland China include the US, Canada and India.
The wide spread prompted the World Health Organisation to declare a global public health emergency last week.


news--2020-02-07--UK coronavirus victim infected five more Britons at French ski resort

Five Britons , including a nine-year-old child , who were staying in a chalet at a French ski resort have been diagnosed with coronavirus .
They tested positive after sharing lodgings in Les Contamines-Montjoie with a man who is believed to have contracted the disease in Singapore , said France 's health ministry .
He is a fellow Briton who was in the Alpine village in late January and later confirmed to have the virus after returning to the UK .
The man is now being treated at Guy 's and St Thomas ' Hospital in London , Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case in Britain .
All five new victims in France were part of a group of 11 Britons who were in the same chalet .
They were taken to hospital overnight in the Savoie region and are not in a serious condition .
The six other people who came into contact with the virus carrier were also taken to hospitals in Lyon , Saint-Etienne and Grenoble .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There were three children in the group of 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who recently spent time in a school in Les Contamines-Montjoie - a mountain village of which he was also a resident .
French authorities will close two schools next week in the area near the ski resort .
The British national who is thought to have infected the five in France was in Singapore on 20-23 January , then stayed in the area in eastern France for four days from 24 January , before returning to England on 28 January .
The man is thought to have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Brighton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school student has been told to self-isolate for 14 days .
In a message sent to parents , the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy said the pupil was staying at home and that the school would be notified should they start to present symptoms .
In nearby Hove , meanwhile , several members of staff at a pub have been advised to `` self-isolate '' after it emerged the British man with coronavirus visited their premises about a week ago before becoming unwell .
A spokesperson for the Grenadier pub told Sky News : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working closely with Public Health England who have advised us that there is minimal ongoing risk of infection to either guests or staff , and as such the pub remains open for business as usual . ''
Singapore authorities are looking into a business congress that took place in a hotel last month , which was attended by 94 foreigners .
The British man who has tested positive for coronavirus had travelled to that meeting .
A UK company called Servomex has said a number of its workers in different countries have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being treated .
Need a catch-up ?
Here 's the latest on the coronavirus : • The global number of deaths is 813 .
Some 811 were in China , including a Japanese man and a US citizen , and one in the Philippines and Hong Kong • The toll exceeds the 774 killed by the SARS epidemic in 2003 • More than 37,000 people have been infected by coronavirus around the world , almost all in China • British citizens being flown back from Wuhan on Sunday will be quarantined for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park in Milton Keynes • A British family of four is being tested in Majorca after coming into contact with a coronavirus sufferer in France • Thousands remain stranded on cruise ships docked in Japan and Hong Kong • The World Health Organisation warns of a chronic shortage of gowns , masks , gloves and other protective gear • A WHO-led international team investigating the outbreak will leave for China on Monday or Tuesday Some 81 new fatalities have been recorded in Hubei province in China , where Wuhan - the sprawling city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas - is located .
There are three confirmed cases in the UK .
They are a man believed to have caught the virus in Singapore and two people who were diagnosed in York and are now at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle .
Other British cases have been reported abroad , including a passenger , Alan Steele , 58 , on the stranded Diamond Princess cruise ship which has been quarantined off the coast of Japan .
About 3,700 passengers and crew are being kept at the port city of Yokohama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the operator Princess Cruises hoping the quarantine will end on 19 February barring `` unforeseen developments '' .
An evacuation flight out of Wuhan will land in the UK on Sunday carrying more than 200 passengers .
The second and final flight to be chartered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office left Wuhan at 3.20am local time on Sunday , carrying Britons and other nationalities .
The plane , with British government staff and military medics on board , is expected to arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at around 7.20am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill Park , a conference centre and hotel , will be used to house the returnees and they will remain there in isolation for 14 days .
The ambulance service said the presence of the group in Milton Keynes does not present a risk to local people .
Everyone boarding the plane in Wuhan will be assessed and will continue to be monitored after landing in the UK .
Anyone displaying symptoms would not have been permitted to board the plane .

Five Britons, including a nine-year-old child, who were staying in a chalet at a French ski resort have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
They tested positive after sharing lodgings in Les Contamines-Montjoie with a man who is believed to have contracted the disease in Singapore, said France's health ministry.
He is a fellow Briton who was in the Alpine village in late January and later confirmed to have the virus after returning to the UK.
The man is now being treated at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, Sky News understands, and is the third confirmed case in Britain.
All five new victims in France were part of a group of 11 Britons who were in the same chalet.
They were taken to hospital overnight in the Savoie region and are not in a serious condition.
The six other people who came into contact with the virus carrier were also taken to hospitals in Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Grenoble.
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There were three children in the group of 11. Among them was a nine-year-old child who recently spent time in a school in Les Contamines-Montjoie - a mountain village of which he was also a resident.
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French authorities will close two schools next week in the area near the ski resort.
The British national who is thought to have infected the five in France was in Singapore on 20-23 January, then stayed in the area in eastern France for four days from 24 January, before returning to England on 28 January.
The man is thought to have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Brighton, where it has emerged that a school student has been told to self-isolate for 14 days.
Image: The Portslade Aldridge Community Academy in Brighton says one student has been told to self-isolate. Pic: PACA
In a message sent to parents, the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy said the pupil was staying at home and that the school would be notified should they start to present symptoms.
In nearby Hove, meanwhile, several members of staff at a pub have been advised to "self-isolate" after it emerged the British man with coronavirus visited their premises about a week ago before becoming unwell.
A spokesperson for the Grenadier pub told Sky News: "We are following the advice and working closely with Public Health England who have advised us that there is minimal ongoing risk of infection to either guests or staff, and as such the pub remains open for business as usual."
Singapore authorities are looking into a business congress that took place in a hotel last month, which was attended by 94 foreigners. The British man who has tested positive for coronavirus had travelled to that meeting.
A UK company called Servomex has said a number of its workers in different countries have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and are now being treated.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
Need a catch-up? Here's the latest on the coronavirus:
The global number of deaths is 813. Some 811 were in China, including a Japanese man and a US citizen, and one in the Philippines and Hong Kong
The toll exceeds the 774 killed by the SARS epidemic in 2003
More than 37,000 people have been infected by coronavirus around the world, almost all in China
British citizens being flown back from Wuhan on Sunday will be quarantined for a fortnight at a facility at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes
A British family of four is being tested in Majorca after coming into contact with a coronavirus sufferer in France
Thousands remain stranded on cruise ships docked in Japan and Hong Kong
The World Health Organisation warns of a chronic shortage of gowns, masks, gloves and other protective gear
A WHO-led international team investigating the outbreak will leave for China on Monday or Tuesday
Some 81 new fatalities have been recorded in Hubei province in China, where Wuhan - the sprawling city where the infection was first reported after Christmas - is located.
There are three confirmed cases in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Rumours of shortages lead to panic buying in Hong Kong
They are a man believed to have caught the virus in Singapore and two people who were diagnosed in York and are now at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle.
Image: Alan Steele with his wife on their wedding day
Other British cases have been reported abroad, including a passenger, Alan Steele, 58, on the stranded Diamond Princess cruise ship which has been quarantined off the coast of Japan.
About 3,700 passengers and crew are being kept at the port city of Yokohama, about 25 miles from Tokyo, with the operator Princess Cruises hoping the quarantine will end on 19 February barring "unforeseen developments".
An evacuation flight out of Wuhan will land in the UK on Sunday carrying more than 200 passengers.
The second and final flight to be chartered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office left Wuhan at 3.20am local time on Sunday, carrying Britons and other nationalities.
The plane, with British government staff and military medics on board, is expected to arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at around 7.20am.
Image: The evacuees will spend 14 days in isolation at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes
South Central Ambulance Service said Kents Hill Park, a conference centre and hotel, will be used to house the returnees and they will remain there in isolation for 14 days.
The ambulance service said the presence of the group in Milton Keynes does not present a risk to local people.
Everyone boarding the plane in Wuhan will be assessed and will continue to be monitored after landing in the UK.
Anyone displaying symptoms would not have been permitted to board the plane.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Mourinho admits he was wrong to hold training session - but fails to apologise

Jose Mourinho has admitted he was wrong to hold a one-on-one training session with a player in a public park despite official restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus .
However , the Tottenham Hotspur manager failed to apologise .
Mourinho was pictured on social media flouting government coronavirus rules by meeting up with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common on Tuesday , even though they kept to social distancing guidelines .
But while the former Chelsea , Real Madrid and Manchester United boss accepted he should abide by official COVID-19 advice `` in order to support our heroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he conspicuously passed up the chance to say sorry for not having done so .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Images also showed fellow Spurs players Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were running side by side in a separate session , while defender Serge Aurier posted a video of himself on Instagram running alongside a friend .
Mourinho said of his session with Ndombele : `` I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own household .
`` It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives . ''
It comes after Spurs attracted widespread criticism for their decision to furlough non-playing staff last week .

Jose Mourinho has admitted he was wrong to hold a one-on-one training session with a player in a public park despite official restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
However, the Tottenham Hotspur manager failed to apologise.
Mourinho was pictured on social media flouting government coronavirus rules by meeting up with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common on Tuesday, even though they kept to social distancing guidelines.
But while the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss accepted he should abide by official COVID-19 advice "in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives", he conspicuously passed up the chance to say sorry for not having done so.
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Images also showed fellow Spurs players Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were running side by side in a separate session, while defender Serge Aurier posted a video of himself on Instagram running alongside a friend.
Mourinho said of his session with Ndombele: "I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household.
"It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives."
It comes after Spurs attracted widespread criticism for their decision to furlough non-playing staff last week.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Fancy lunch with Dame Joan Collins? Take part in auction to help NHS

Ever wondered how fabulous it would be to dine with Dame Joan Collins ?
Well , now you can be in with a chance , as lunch with the star at swanky Mayfair hotel Claridge 's is among the lots going under the hammer to raise funds for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic .
Not only that , but the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to be taken once social distancing is over - also includes guests Percy Gibson , Dame Joan 's husband , and actor Christopher Biggins , plus an overnight stay in a suite ( stars not included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital auction is being conducted by Bonhams , with pledges from some of the country 's leading actors , musicians and artists .
All proceeds will go towards the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal , organisers have said , and the aim is to raise £100m .
In a video message , Dame Joan said : `` As you know , the NHS is in urgent need of funds ... '' In conjunction with Bonhams auction house , my husband Percy Gibson and myself , and Christopher Biggins , are offering ourselves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's after this whole thing has ended , so please bid a lot . ''
`` And you can order whatever you want - it 's on us , '' Gibson added .
Lots up for grabs include drinks with Jools Holland behind the scenes at one of his shows , a special families round of University Challenge , hosted by Jeremy Paxman through Zoom video conferencing , and a signed clapperboard from the James Bond No Time To Die set .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Anish Kapoor , Julian Opie and The Connor Brothers , and a visit to Grayson Perry 's studio , are also among the lots .
And Fans of Call The Midwife could get the opportunity to play a walk-on role in the popular period drama , before having lunch or tea with the cast .
Patrick Masson , Bonhams managing director for the UK and Europe , said : `` The NHS staff and volunteers are heroes to us all .
`` We at Bonhams are honoured to host this initiative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our auction house to support those who are working so hard for us on the frontline . ''
Money raised will go towards wellbeing packs for NHS staff and volunteers , including food and wash kits , as well as travel and accommodation expenses and other items requested to help workers and COVID-19 patients .
The auction is hosted at bonhams.com and runs for three weeks until 29 April .

Ever wondered how fabulous it would be to dine with Dame Joan Collins?
Well, now you can be in with a chance, as lunch with the star at swanky Mayfair hotel Claridge's is among the lots going under the hammer to raise funds for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
Not only that, but the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to be taken once social distancing is over - also includes guests Percy Gibson, Dame Joan's husband, and actor Christopher Biggins, plus an overnight stay in a suite (stars not included for that part).
Image: Test your knowledge with a families University Challenge round on Zoom
The not-for-profit digital auction is being conducted by Bonhams, with pledges from some of the country's leading actors, musicians and artists.
All proceeds will go towards the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal, organisers have said, and the aim is to raise £100m.
In a video message, Dame Joan said: "As you know, the NHS is in urgent need of funds...
"In conjunction with Bonhams auction house, my husband Percy Gibson and myself, and Christopher Biggins, are offering ourselves as auction prizes for a lunch at Claridge's after this whole thing has ended, so please bid a lot."
"And you can order whatever you want - it's on us," Gibson added.
Lots up for grabs include drinks with Jools Holland behind the scenes at one of his shows, a special families round of University Challenge, hosted by Jeremy Paxman through Zoom video conferencing, and a signed clapperboard from the James Bond No Time To Die set.
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Artworks by Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie and The Connor Brothers, and a visit to Grayson Perry's studio, are also among the lots.
And Fans of Call The Midwife could get the opportunity to play a walk-on role in the popular period drama, before having lunch or tea with the cast.
Patrick Masson, Bonhams managing director for the UK and Europe, said: "The NHS staff and volunteers are heroes to us all.
"We at Bonhams are honoured to host this initiative and to donate the skills we have at our auction house to support those who are working so hard for us on the frontline."
Money raised will go towards wellbeing packs for NHS staff and volunteers, including food and wash kits, as well as travel and accommodation expenses and other items requested to help workers and COVID-19 patients.
The auction is hosted at bonhams.com and runs for three weeks until 29 April.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Third of Britons think police have gone 'too far' in some cases in enforcing lockdown

Most Britons support police action in enforcing the coronavirus lockdown , but a third of the public think officers have gone `` too far '' in some cases , a survey suggests .
A YouGov poll asked 1,646 adults between Friday and Sunday for their views on the police 's handling of the new laws and government guidance to keep people indoors and slow the spread of COVID-19 .
It found that 42 % of respondents fully support the approach taken by the police , while a further 32 % , while supporting the approach , felt they had gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been claims some forces have been overzealous in their approach to policing the new laws and guidance since social distancing enforcement measures were put in place .
About 14 % said the police should take tougher action , while 6 % felt their approach to date had been too heavy handed .
According to the poll , 72 % were comfortable with the police arresting someone who had failed to comply with an instruction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncomfortable .
Half of respondents said they had no objections to forces using drones to photograph people making unnecessary journeys - as was the case in Derbyshire - as well as using facial recognition in public places to identify people who were not adhering to the lockdown rules .
But 43 % and 42 % respectively felt uncomfortable with these proposals .
The survey found that while around 70 % agreed with the use of roadblocks , more than half ( 54 % ) did not like the idea of naming and shaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
Londoners were found to be least likely to be fully supportive of the police approach ( 35 % ) , with people in Scotland the most likely to be fully supportive ( 48 % ) .
Joe Caluori , head of policy at Crest Advisory , said the survey `` underlines the challenge police forces have in striking a balance between effective enforcement of the lockdown '' as well as the need to maintain Britain 's model of policing by consent .
National Police Chiefs ' Council chairman Martin Hewitt urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the NHS .
He said : `` Officers may have to ask people about their circumstances if they 're outdoors .
`` We will engage with the public , explain the social distancing regulations and the responsibilities we all share , and encourage those who are out without good reason to go back home . ''
He added that those who do not comply may be issued a fine as a last resort .
A Home Office spokeswoman said : `` Our police are doing a fantastic job keeping us safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public stay at home , and using emergency powers only when necessary .
`` We 're pleased that the vast majority of the public support the police in their approach . ''

Most Britons support police action in enforcing the coronavirus lockdown, but a third of the public think officers have gone "too far" in some cases, a survey suggests.
A YouGov poll asked 1,646 adults between Friday and Sunday for their views on the police's handling of the new laws and government guidance to keep people indoors and slow the spread of COVID-19.
It found that 42% of respondents fully support the approach taken by the police, while a further 32%, while supporting the approach, felt they had gone too far in some cases.
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There have been claims some forces have been overzealous in their approach to policing the new laws and guidance since social distancing enforcement measures were put in place.
About 14% said the police should take tougher action, while 6% felt their approach to date had been too heavy handed.
According to the poll, 72% were comfortable with the police arresting someone who had failed to comply with an instruction to return home, while 22% were uncomfortable.
Half of respondents said they had no objections to forces using drones to photograph people making unnecessary journeys - as was the case in Derbyshire - as well as using facial recognition in public places to identify people who were not adhering to the lockdown rules.
But 43% and 42% respectively felt uncomfortable with these proposals.
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The survey found that while around 70% agreed with the use of roadblocks, more than half (54%) did not like the idea of naming and shaming those who flouted the rules on social media.
Londoners were found to be least likely to be fully supportive of the police approach (35%), with people in Scotland the most likely to be fully supportive (48%).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Warm weather pushes social distancing to the limit
Joe Caluori, head of policy at Crest Advisory, said the survey "underlines the challenge police forces have in striking a balance between effective enforcement of the lockdown" as well as the need to maintain Britain's model of policing by consent.
National Police Chiefs' Council chairman Martin Hewitt urged the public to follow social distancing rules to protect the NHS.
He said: "Officers may have to ask people about their circumstances if they're outdoors.
"We will engage with the public, explain the social distancing regulations and the responsibilities we all share, and encourage those who are out without good reason to go back home."
Image: Aerial footage has shown some Londoners sunbathing, despite social distancing advice
He added that those who do not comply may be issued a fine as a last resort.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Our police are doing a fantastic job keeping us safe and protecting the NHS by ensuring the public stay at home, and using emergency powers only when necessary.
"We're pleased that the vast majority of the public support the police in their approach."


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Lockdown isn't the windfall you'd expect for the British games industry

Globally the coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a double-edged sword for the games industry .
Despite the potential availability of more players due to people staying at home because of COVID-19 social distancing measures , remote working and a looming recession are bringing significant challenges .
The industry 's headline events , including the E3 games exhibition in Las Vegas , have also been cancelled leaving development studios without a major platform to debut new titles .
Even though the industry 's work is almost all digital , the collaborative nature of development is hampering productivity due to remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of independent games industry trade association TIGA , told Sky News he had spoken to one company which said productivity had dropped up to 20 % because of the challenges in bringing teams together .
Wider economic difficulties are being felt here too .
Smaller studios often commissioned to build tailored games are finding these commissions are drying up - while for medium-sized firms , venture capital finance is becoming completely inaccessible .
Dr Wilson said : `` Two thirds of UK games studios employ are micro businesses employing four or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As such , they are highly vulnerable to a fall in demand , orders and projects . ''
Mobile games developers which are dependent on advertising revenues are finding themselves hit by the economic downturn .
Despite an increase in players , businesses are simply cutting back on their advertising spend .
But for those parts of the industry which have products on hand to face consumers , the outbreak has definitely brought a surge .
As Dr Wilson noted , PC gaming platform Steam is busier than ever before .
On average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than eight million more concurrent players now than before social distancing guidelines came into effect in March .
Dr Wilson told Sky News that the feeling he had from speaking to around 20 companies on Wednesday morning was that sales and player numbers were definitely up .
According to the government , there are approximately 37 million people in the UK who play video games , and there are more than 2,200 active video game companies in the UK .
A number of British companies , including Activision Blizzard King , behind Candy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Home '' messaging in their mobile games to reinforce social distancing instructions .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` It is absolutely vital that we all follow the simple government advice to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives .
`` I 'm delighted to see the UK 's brilliant video games industry stepping up to strongly reinforce this message to gamers across the UK . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Jo Twist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` Games are played by tens of millions of people across the UK and we know they can play an important role in bringing people together at this challenging time . ''
In addition to sharing public health message , the industry in the UK has `` supported the creation of home school computing lessons through Digital Schoolhouse , '' Dr Twist added .
Dr Wilson suggested the government could help the industry , which `` generates an estimated £747m in direct and indirect tax revenues to the Exchequer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is export focused '' , by increasing Video Games Tax Relief and fast-tracking claims .
He added that `` many businesses , including games firms , face having empty premises for the foreseeable future because their teams are all working remotely '' and the government should consider relieving the cost of rent '' .
`` Thirdly , the government should consider the introduction of a Games Investment Fund , which would provide pound for pound matched funding , up to a maximum of £500,000 for original game projects . ''

Globally the coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a double-edged sword for the games industry.
Despite the potential availability of more players due to people staying at home because of COVID-19 social distancing measures, remote working and a looming recession are bringing significant challenges.
The industry's headline events, including the E3 games exhibition in Las Vegas, have also been cancelled leaving development studios without a major platform to debut new titles.
Even though the industry's work is almost all digital, the collaborative nature of development is hampering productivity due to remote working.
Dr Richard Wilson, the chief executive of independent games industry trade association TIGA, told Sky News he had spoken to one company which said productivity had dropped up to 20% because of the challenges in bringing teams together.
Wider economic difficulties are being felt here too.
Smaller studios often commissioned to build tailored games are finding these commissions are drying up - while for medium-sized firms, venture capital finance is becoming completely inaccessible.
Dr Wilson said: "Two thirds of UK games studios employ are micro businesses employing four or fewer people with limited financial resources. As such, they are highly vulnerable to a fall in demand, orders and projects."
Mobile games developers which are dependent on advertising revenues are finding themselves hit by the economic downturn.
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Despite an increase in players, businesses are simply cutting back on their advertising spend.
But for those parts of the industry which have products on hand to face consumers, the outbreak has definitely brought a surge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 COVID-19 deaths rise by 828 in England
As Dr Wilson noted, PC gaming platform Steam is busier than ever before. On average it is currently being used by more than eight million more concurrent players now than before social distancing guidelines came into effect in March.
Dr Wilson told Sky News that the feeling he had from speaking to around 20 companies on Wednesday morning was that sales and player numbers were definitely up.
According to the government, there are approximately 37 million people in the UK who play video games, and there are more than 2,200 active video game companies in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Warm weather pushes social distancing to the limit
A number of British companies, including Activision Blizzard King, behind Candy Crush Sage, are inserting "Stay at Home" messaging in their mobile games to reinforce social distancing instructions.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "It is absolutely vital that we all follow the simple government advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
"I'm delighted to see the UK's brilliant video games industry stepping up to strongly reinforce this message to gamers across the UK."
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Dr Jo Twist, the chief executive of trade body Ukie, said: "Games are played by tens of millions of people across the UK and we know they can play an important role in bringing people together at this challenging time."
In addition to sharing public health message, the industry in the UK has "supported the creation of home school computing lessons through Digital Schoolhouse," Dr Twist added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:41 Will the Chancellor's package be enough?
Dr Wilson suggested the government could help the industry, which "generates an estimated £747m in direct and indirect tax revenues to the Exchequer, employs 14,500 full-time highly skilled development staff and is export focused", by increasing Video Games Tax Relief and fast-tracking claims.
He added that "many businesses, including games firms, face having empty premises for the foreseeable future because their teams are all working remotely" and the government should consider relieving the cost of rent".
"Thirdly, the government should consider the introduction of a Games Investment Fund, which would provide pound for pound matched funding, up to a maximum of £500,000 for original game projects."


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Schools reopen in Chinese city where pandemic began

Schools have reopened in Wuhan , the city where COVID-19 originated , in a sign of China 's increasing confidence that it is over the worst of its outbreak .
Around 57,000 high school students with university entrance exams to prepare for returned to class in the central Chinese city today .
Pupils wore masks and walked in single file past thermal scanners and anyone with a high temperature was not allowed in as they entered for the first time since schools were shut down in January .
Desks were kept one metre apart and arrival times staggered .
Return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junior and middle school students .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Officials in Wuhan say students and staff must all have had virus tests before going back to school , and campuses have been disinfected and cleaned .
It has been three weeks since any new deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the country where the pandemic began late last year .
Health officials have registered just one new infection and said fewer than 400 patients are still being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt whether Beijing has revealed the full extent of its coronavirus outbreak .
In South Korea , baseball is being played once again - making it one of the world 's first major professional sports to return .
The season , which was meant to start on 28 March , began on Tuesday in empty stadiums filled only with images of fans , while players and coaches had temperature checks before they entered .
Cheerleaders danced beneath rows of empty seats and players and umpires wore protective masks as sports fans watched on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported only three new cases of the virus on Tuesday , its lowest total since 18 February , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the pandemic .
Under its strict lockdown and 'test , trace and contain ' policy , the country has registered fewer than 11,000 cases overall while only 255 people have died as of Tuesday .
The country 's professional football leagues will kick off on Friday , also without spectators , while Seoul has announced that schools there will be reopened in phased steps , starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other parts of the Asia-Pacific region have also suppressed outbreaks , including Hong Kong , Taiwan , Vietnam , Thailand , Australia and New Zealand , which has had no new cases for two days .
But experts say India , a nation of 1.3 billion people , has yet to see the peak of its outbreak .

Schools have reopened in Wuhan, the city where COVID-19 originated, in a sign of China's increasing confidence that it is over the worst of its outbreak.
Around 57,000 high school students with university entrance exams to prepare for returned to class in the central Chinese city today.
Pupils wore masks and walked in single file past thermal scanners and anyone with a high temperature was not allowed in as they entered for the first time since schools were shut down in January.
Image: Students arrive at a high school in Wuhan
Desks were kept one metre apart and arrival times staggered.
Return dates have not yet been confirmed for junior and middle school students.
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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Officials in Wuhan say students and staff must all have had virus tests before going back to school, and campuses have been disinfected and cleaned.
It has been three weeks since any new deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the country where the pandemic began late last year.
Image: The stands at SK Wyverns club's Happy Dream Ballpark were empty
Health officials have registered just one new infection and said fewer than 400 patients are still being treated for the illness, although many doubt whether Beijing has revealed the full extent of its coronavirus outbreak.
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In South Korea, baseball is being played once again - making it one of the world's first major professional sports to return.
The season, which was meant to start on 28 March, began on Tuesday in empty stadiums filled only with images of fans, while players and coaches had temperature checks before they entered.
Image: Masked cheerleaders perform for empty stands as baseball resumed in Incheon, South Korea
Cheerleaders danced beneath rows of empty seats and players and umpires wore protective masks as sports fans watched on television or via streaming.
South Korea reported only three new cases of the virus on Tuesday, its lowest total since 18 February, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the pandemic.
Image: The game between SK Wyverns and Hanwha Eagles had been due to be played on 28 March
Under its strict lockdown and 'test, trace and contain' policy, the country has registered fewer than 11,000 cases overall while only 255 people have died as of Tuesday.
The country's professional football leagues will kick off on Friday, also without spectators, while Seoul has announced that schools there will be reopened in phased steps, starting with high school seniors in a week.
Image: Fake fans in a baseball stadium in Incheon, South Korea
Other parts of the Asia-Pacific region have also suppressed outbreaks, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, which has had no new cases for two days.
But experts say India, a nation of 1.3 billion people, has yet to see the peak of its outbreak.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Pompeo admits US 'not certain' COVID-19 came from Wuhan lab

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has admitted the United States is not certain that COVID-19 came from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan , despite having said there was `` significant evidence '' to support the claim .
Renewing his criticism of China over the coronavirus pandemic , the senior Trump administration official said Beijing could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent .
But pressed on his previous comments during a news conference , he conceded officials did not have solid proof COVID-19 originated in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have certainty , '' he said .
`` And there is significant evidence that this came from the laboratory .
Those statements can both be true .
I 've made them both .
Administration officials have made them .
They 're all true . ''
It comes after Sky News revealed UK officials believe it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally , unconnected to a laboratory .
Mr Pompeo 's comments were latest examples of the Trump administration attacking China for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the new coronavirus , which has killed more than 255,000 people worldwide .
Critics say the administration is seeking to deflect attention from what they see as a slow response to the outbreak in the US - where more than 72,000 people with the disease have died and internal estimates reportedly indicate the daily death toll could reach 3,000 by June .
Mr Pompeo 's claim on Sunday that there was `` a significant amount of evidence '' that the new coronavirus emerged from a Chinese laboratory appeared to clash with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those of the top US general on Tuesday - that it was still unknown where the virus emerged from .
`` Let me just put this to bed .
Your effort to try to find just - to spend your whole life trying to drive a little wedge between senior American officials ... it 's just false , '' he told a reporter , at times talking over her .
`` Every one of those statements is entirely consistent .
Every one of them .
Lay them down together , there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out the right answer .
We are all trying to get the clarity .
There are different levels of certainty assessed at different places . ''
Mr Pompeo also repeated his more general claims around China 's handling of the outbreak .
`` China could have spared the world a descent into global economic malaise , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They had a choice but instead , instead , China covered up the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to share the information we need to keep people safe . ''
It comes as Donald Trump announced the White House coronavirus task force would continue its work on the outbreak - a day after the saying its operations would be wound down .
`` Because of this success , the Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN .
We may add or subtract people to it , as appropriate .
The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of tweets .

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has admitted the United States is not certain that COVID-19 came from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan, despite having said there was "significant evidence" to support the claim.
Renewing his criticism of China over the coronavirus pandemic, the senior Trump administration official said Beijing could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent.
But pressed on his previous comments during a news conference, he conceded officials did not have solid proof COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Pompeo: 'This isn't the first time a virus has come out of China'
"We don't have certainty," he said.
"And there is significant evidence that this came from the laboratory. Those statements can both be true. I've made them both. Administration officials have made them. They're all true."
It comes after Sky News revealed UK officials believe it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally, unconnected to a laboratory.
Mr Pompeo's comments were latest examples of the Trump administration attacking China for its handling of the COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus, which has killed more than 255,000 people worldwide.
Critics say the administration is seeking to deflect attention from what they see as a slow response to the outbreak in the US - where more than 72,000 people with the disease have died and internal estimates reportedly indicate the daily death toll could reach 3,000 by June.
Mr Pompeo's claim on Sunday that there was "a significant amount of evidence" that the new coronavirus emerged from a Chinese laboratory appeared to clash with his remarks last week - as well as those of the top US general on Tuesday - that it was still unknown where the virus emerged from.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Health Secretary Matt Hancock says he can see no evidence that coronavirus originated from a lab, despite Donald Trump's claims.
"Let me just put this to bed. Your effort to try to find just - to spend your whole life trying to drive a little wedge between senior American officials... it's just false," he told a reporter, at times talking over her.
"Every one of those statements is entirely consistent. Every one of them. Lay them down together, there is no separation. We are all trying to figure out the right answer. We are all trying to get the clarity. There are different levels of certainty assessed at different places."
Mr Pompeo also repeated his more general claims around China's handling of the outbreak.
"China could have spared the world a descent into global economic malaise," he said.
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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"They had a choice but instead, instead, China covered up the outbreak in Wuhan.
"China is still refusing to share the information we need to keep people safe."
It comes as Donald Trump announced the White House coronavirus task force would continue its work on the outbreak - a day after the saying its operations would be wound down.
"Because of this success, the Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN. We may add or subtract people to it, as appropriate. The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & Therapeutics," Mr Trump said in a series of tweets.


news--2020-03-08--Coronavirus UK tracker: How many cases are in your area – updated daily

Tens of thousands of people have tested positive for coronavirus so far in the UK .
Thousands of people have also died after testing positive for COVID-19 .
The government has provided figures showing how many cases have been reported daily in every upper tier local authority in England ( county councils , unitary authorities , London and metropolitan boroughs ) .
Sky News has also calculated the rate for each of those authority areas , per 100,000 population .
The list immediately below orders the authorities by rate .
In England , outside of London , the places with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities in the North East .
Search to find how many cases have been reported in each local authority : Use the filter below to find out how many new cases have been confirmed in each local authority in England every day .
The Scottish and Welsh governments have provided figures broken down by health authority , rather than local authority .
In Scotland , Shetland was the worst affected area for many weeks , but other authorities have now caught up .
In Wales , four health authorities in the south are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Use the filter below to find out how many new cases have been confirmed in each health board in Wales and Scotland every day .
The UK as a whole was seeing near exponential growth in the total number of cases but the rate of increase has slowed slightly .
One of the key indicators of the situation across the country is how many new cases are being identified daily .
In China , the first place to report an outbreak but also the first to enforce a lockdown , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the epidemic has passed its peak in the UK will come when the number of daily cases starts to fall consistently .
Some modellers however , have predicted there may be more than one peak , so although cases may begin to fall , they may later start to rise again .
Across English regions , the North East has the highest case rate , and the South West the lowest .
It is important to stress , however , that the number of cases directly relates to the level of testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not test positive .
Matt Hancock promised to increase the number of daily tests to 100,000 by the end of April - a target that was met but has not been met every day since .
Worldwide , the US has replaced China by recording by far the most cases of COVID-19 , followed by Spain .
European countries have replaced Asian ones among the top 10 as the situation on the continent has worsened .
Tap or click through the chart below to find out which countries have been affected @ @ @ @

Hundreds of thousands of people have tested positive for coronavirus so far in the UK.
Tens of thousands of people have also died after testing positive for COVID-19.
National governments and assemblies have provided figures showing how many cases have been reported daily in every local authority.
Up to 2 July, data for England shows only cases found through something called Pillar 1 testing - that is tests done by the NHS and Public Health England, not their commercial partners.
The majority of the cases came from that pillar until the end of April, after which the number of tests carried out by commercial partners (Pillar 2) started to increase.
But on 2 July, the government changed the methodology of reporting and published the number of coronavirus cases found across both pillars.
The numbers of cases shown below includes those reported through both testing regimes in each local authority.
This is the table showing every authority and includes the whole of Great Britain.
The chart below shows the number of cases being reported in all local authorities in England and Wales every day.
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Scotland is not included because data provided by the Scottish government at local level is not complete, with more up to date data to be made available during the summer.
The map below shows the number of cases per 100,000 people in each authority in the UK.
The UK as a whole, initially, saw near exponential growth but the increase in total cases is now stable.
One of the key indicators of the situation across the country is how many new cases are being identified daily.
The graph below suggests the epidemic has passed its peak in the UK as the number of daily cases has fallen consistently.
But some modellers have predicted there may be more than one peak, so although cases may have fallen, they may later start to rise again.
Across English regions, the North East has the highest case rate, and the South West the lowest.
It is important to stress, however, that the number of cases directly relates to the level of testing - if people are not tested, they cannot test positive.
The government is publishing the number of tests carried out and the number of people tested. As a person can be tested more than once, these two figures are different.
But the government stopped publishing the information about how many people have been tested for coronavirus every day, regardless having a positive or negative outcome, on the 22 May.
At the time, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "This is simply a statistical issue and part of our efforts to ensure we continue to apply best practice.
"There are a small percentage of cases under Pillar 2 of our testing programme where a person has had multiple tests, or tested positive more than once for coronavirus. We are ensuring that the way these people are counted in a rolling cumulative total is consistent with Pillar 1.
"This doesn't affect any test results, testing in general or the number of tests conducted each day."
As a result, after 22 May, we can only show how many tests have been carried out - not how many people have been tested.
Worldwide, the US recording by far the most cases of COVID-19.
The worst affected countries are mostly in the Americas and Europe.
Tap or click through the chart below to find out which countries have been affected and how badly.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Government misses COVID-19 testing target for fourth day in a row

The government has failed to meet its coronavirus testing target for the fourth day in a row .
Latest figures show 69,463 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday , well short of the 100,000 benchmark .
The total was 84,806 up to 9am on Tuesday , 85,186 up to 9am on Monday and 76,496 up to 9am on Sunday .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that Britain would be carrying out 100,000 daily tests for the virus by the end of April .
The government said this milestone was reached on the last day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 122,347 tests on 30 April .
But this total included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned , including several which people were told to bin .
Opponents accused the government of manipulating the figures in order to reach the target .
But ministers rejected this and hailed a considerable boost in testing capacity within a matter of weeks .
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday , Mr Hancock claimed Britain was `` miles ahead '' and now a world leader on testing .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
In February we got the number of tests up to 2,000 ( a day ) .
In March we multiplied that by five times to 10,000 .
Then we set the 100,000 target .
`` The Germans started with this enormous diagnostics industry .
But if you look at other countries around the world we are miles ahead on testing and we are now one of the world leaders .
`` It is true that Germany has a very high capacity - about the same as ours .
So we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this massive capability .
`` We are miles ahead of South Korea now .
Absolutely . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Reacting to the latest testing figures , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day , testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row .
`` A test , trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus .
`` Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising . ''
And Labour 's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it `` does not inspire confidence '' in plans to begin easing the UK 's lockdown .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said he wanted the UK to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of May .
Downing Street later clarified that this was for capacity , rather than the number of tests carried out .
The issue of testing was raised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs - his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election last month .
`` On April 30 , the government claimed success in meeting its 100,000 tests a day target .
Since then , as the prime minister knows , the number has fallen back , '' Sir Keir said .
`` On Monday , there were just 84,000 tests and that meant 24,000 available tests were not used .
`` What does the prime minister think was so special about April 30 that meant that testing that day was so high ? ''
The PM said in response : `` Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeds demand , we 're working on that , we 're running at about 100,000 a day , but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher .
`` And as he knows and the whole House will know , a fantastic testing regime is going to be absolutely critical to our long-term economic recovery . ''
England 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told MPs on Tuesday that it would have been `` beneficial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been increased more quickly .
`` I think that probably we , in the early phases , and I 've said this before , I think if we 'd managed to ramp up testing capacity quicker it would have been beneficial , '' he said .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , told the same committee of MPs that limited resources required a balance to be struck at the time .
But she added that `` if we had unlimited capacity , and the ongoing support beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slightly different approach '' .

The government has failed to meet its coronavirus testing target for the fourth day in a row.
Latest figures show 69,463 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday, well short of the 100,000 benchmark.
The total was 84,806 up to 9am on Tuesday, 85,186 up to 9am on Monday and 76,496 up to 9am on Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Drop in daily testing skimmed over in briefing
Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that Britain would be carrying out 100,000 daily tests for the virus by the end of April.
The government said this milestone was reached on the last day of the month, with more than 122,347 tests on 30 April.
But this total included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned, including several which people were told to bin.
Opponents accused the government of manipulating the figures in order to reach the target.
But ministers rejected this and hailed a considerable boost in testing capacity within a matter of weeks.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Mr Hancock claimed Britain was "miles ahead" and now a world leader on testing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:46 UK COVID-19 deaths up 649 as testing falls
He said: "We invented the test in January. In February we got the number of tests up to 2,000 (a day). In March we multiplied that by five times to 10,000. Then we set the 100,000 target.
"The Germans started with this enormous diagnostics industry. But if you look at other countries around the world we are miles ahead on testing and we are now one of the world leaders.
"It is true that Germany has a very high capacity - about the same as ours. So we have basically caught up with Germany that started with this massive capability.
"We are miles ahead of South Korea now. Absolutely."
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Reacting to the latest testing figures, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day, testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row.
"A test, trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus.
"Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising."
And Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it "does not inspire confidence" in plans to begin easing the UK's lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Starmer on UK deaths: 'How on earth did it come to this?'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said he wanted the UK to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of May.
Downing Street later clarified that this was for capacity, rather than the number of tests carried out.
The issue of testing was raised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs - his first clash with the PM since his election last month.
"On April 30, the government claimed success in meeting its 100,000 tests a day target. Since then, as the prime minister knows, the number has fallen back," Sir Keir said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:25 Ashworth: 'Why do we have the highest death toll?'
"On Monday, there were just 84,000 tests and that meant 24,000 available tests were not used.
"What does the prime minister think was so special about April 30 that meant that testing that day was so high?"
The PM said in response: "Yes, he's right that capacity currently exceeds demand, we're working on that, we're running at about 100,000 a day, but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher.
"And as he knows and the whole House will know, a fantastic testing regime is going to be absolutely critical to our long-term economic recovery."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'No govt is going to get everything right'
England's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told MPs on Tuesday that it would have been "beneficial" if the UK's testing capacity had been increased more quickly.
"I think that probably we, in the early phases, and I've said this before, I think if we'd managed to ramp up testing capacity quicker it would have been beneficial," he said.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, told the same committee of MPs that limited resources required a balance to be struck at the time.
But she added that "if we had unlimited capacity, and the ongoing support beyond that, then we perhaps would choose a slightly different approach".


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: NHS frontline messages 'difficult for Hancock to hear', says Labour MP and A&E doctor

Health Secretary Matt Hancock found messages from the NHS frontline `` difficult to hear '' when challenged over the government 's testing strategy , a Labour MP and serving A & E doctor has claimed .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said many lives had been lost because `` not everything was right '' about how the government responded at the start of the coronavirus outbreak .
She was speaking to Sky News a day after clashing in the Commons with Mr Hancock , who told her to watch her `` tone '' during their exchange .
Dr Allin-Khan said frontline NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` could have been avoided '' if there had been more testing .
Speaking to Kay Burley about Mr Hancock 's reaction , she said : `` Obviously , he 's been having a difficult time .
He found the content of what I said at the despatch box , where I was merely bringing messages forward from the frontline , difficult to hear .
`` I think we are starting to see an admission of the fact that not everything was right throughout the start of this process .
We missed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , I think we have paid the price for that dearly with many lives being lost . ''
She added : `` At the despatch box , I said that many frontline NHS and care workers feel that when they are having to break families ' hearts into pieces , much of it could have been avoided if we got on top of the testing sooner . ''
Dr Allin-Khan , the shadow minister for mental health , said the government needs to put into place a `` fair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll out of any future vaccine .
She said : `` We need to see real transparency over every single decision taken and if there is going to be a vaccine , we need to make sure it is rolled out properly . ''
During their exchange in the Commons , Dr Allin-Khan called on Mr Hancock to commit to a `` minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward '' .
Mr Hancock said she `` might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state 's book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allin-Khan later tweeted she would `` not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily '' .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock found messages from the NHS frontline "difficult to hear" when challenged over the government's testing strategy, a Labour MP and serving A&E doctor has claimed.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said many lives had been lost because "not everything was right" about how the government responded at the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
She was speaking to Sky News a day after clashing in the Commons with Mr Hancock, who told her to watch her "tone" during their exchange.
Dr Allin-Khan said frontline NHS staff feel that many of the deaths "could have been avoided" if there had been more testing.
Image: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said the government's testing strategy had 'missed an opportunity'
Speaking to Kay Burley about Mr Hancock's reaction, she said: "Obviously, he's been having a difficult time. He found the content of what I said at the despatch box, where I was merely bringing messages forward from the frontline, difficult to hear.
"I think we are starting to see an admission of the fact that not everything was right throughout the start of this process. We missed an opportunity to scale up testing.
"As a result, I think we have paid the price for that dearly with many lives being lost."
She added: "At the despatch box, I said that many frontline NHS and care workers feel that when they are having to break families' hearts into pieces, much of it could have been avoided if we got on top of the testing sooner."
Dr Allin-Khan, the shadow minister for mental health, said the government needs to put into place a "fair, robust and transparent programme" for the roll out of any future vaccine.
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She said: "We need to see real transparency over every single decision taken and if there is going to be a vaccine, we need to make sure it is rolled out properly."
During their exchange in the Commons, Dr Allin-Khan called on Mr Hancock to commit to a "minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward".
Mr Hancock said she "might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state's book in terms of tone".
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would "not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily".