news--2020-01-20--China's coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know about the 'Wuhan virus'

Chinese authorities have acted to stop the spread of a new coronavirus that has already claimed scores of lives and infected thousands more .
But what is a coronavirus - and what traits does this one have ?
How easily does it spread ?
And should you be worried about jetting off to East Asia ?
Here 's what you need to know .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) describes coronaviruses as a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak that also started in China .
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified , as is the case with the current outbreak in China , it temporarily becomes known as a novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) .
The current outbreak has been dubbed `` Wuhan virus '' , named after the city where the first report emerged in January .
All coronaviruses are zoonotic , meaning they are transmitted between animals and people .
Christopher Coleman , assistant professor of infection immunology at Nottingham University , told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because under the electron microscope there 's a bright ring around the central core of the virus , like the sun essentially . ''
What are the symptoms ?
There are a number of common signs that you may be infected , most of which are respiratory such as experiencing breathing difficulties , shortness of breath and having a cough .
You may have a fever .
More serious cases could lead to potentially deadly conditions such as pneumonia and kidney failure , with the former having been reported among some patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What does self-isolation mean ?
People who have returned to the UK from Wuhan in China are being told to stay in for 14 days , and to `` self-isolate '' .
Self-isolation involves not going to work , school or into public places .
People should also avoid having visitors , although it is okay for family and friends to drop off parcels or medicines , for example .
They should also not use public transport for a fortnight after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak have any specific traits ?
Since first being reported in the city of Wuhan , where it is believed to have originated at a seafood market , the virus has not provoked unusual symptoms in people who have been diagnosed .
Doctors have seen fever , coughing and breathing difficulties , which are all to be expected .
What remains unknown is how exactly this nCoV came about and how easily it could spread , with researchers at Imperial College London suggesting on 20 January there could have been more than 1,700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Chinese authorities were reporting just 62 .
Should you be concerned about travelling ?
On 23 January , Chinese authorities confirmed this nCov can be transmitted between humans , with dozens of medical staff contracting the virus after treating infected patients .
The UK Foreign Office advised Britons against all but essential travel to mainland China , and airlines around the world suspended flights or offered full refunds or destination and date changes .
Thousands of cases have been identified in China , including in every province of the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and North America have also had confirmed cases , including the UK .
Major global airports , including London Heathrow , are monitoring people arriving from China for signs of illness .
The risk to the UK population has been raised from very low to low , according to Public Health England , which says the country is `` well prepared for new diseases '' .
What is China doing about it ?
Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to tackle the spread of the virus , saying : `` People 's lives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed . ''
Wuhan 's local transport networks - including bus , subway and ferries - were suspended from 10am on 23 January , and airport and train stations closed to outgoing passengers .
Authorities asked citizens not to leave the city unless there are special circumstances .
Millions of others in cities across China have also been placed on lockdown to help prevent the spread of the disease .
When has something like this happened before ?
The 2003 outbreak of SARS killed 774 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Asia , and the current outbreak is considered to be more closely related to that virus than any other .
Another prominent coronavirus to emerge since the turn of the century is Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) , which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and killed more than 800 people .
The WHO says humans are mostly infected with MERS through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels , and human-to-human transmission is rare .
Professor Coleman was involved in some of the first research into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News : `` SARS and MERS are the two severe coronaviruses .
There are four that are very mild that people can get very regularly . ''
How can you protect yourself from coronaviruses ?
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove , of the WHO 's emerging diseases unit , says it is important that you keep up basic hand and respiratory hygiene , such as washing your hands with soap and water and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue .
`` Ways to protect yourself against a potential animal source would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with an animal , '' she adds .
`` And also to make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming . ''
There has been a global surge in face mask sales , however Dr Nathalie MacDermott , a clinical lecturer at King 's College London , said there is `` not any good evidence '' to suggest they can protect the public from the virus .
She told Sky News : `` Surgical masks are not designed with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not able to really filter out finer particles such as viruses .
`` They also do n't always fit ideally around the face to provide enough protection for someone .
`` We breathe out humidified air which essentially moistens the mask over time and once that mask becomes moist , it 's really no longer very effective . ''
Can you be treated ?
There are no reliable vaccines available to rid your body of a coronavirus , although scientists are working night and day on one specific to the 2019 nCov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms .
Professor Coleman told Sky News : `` Unfortunately there is no vaccine and no specific therapeutics that can be used against the coronavirus .
`` Standard respiratory support therapies are used to treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to be cleared by itself . ''

Chinese authorities have acted to stop the spread of a new coronavirus that has already claimed scores of lives and infected thousands more.
But what is a coronavirus - and what traits does this one have? How easily does it spread? And should you be worried about jetting off to East Asia?
Here's what you need to know.
Image: The new virus originated in the city of Wuhan
What is a coronavirus?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes coronaviruses as a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified, as is the case with the current outbreak in China, it temporarily becomes known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV).
The current outbreak has been dubbed "Wuhan virus", named after the city where the first report emerged in January.
All coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Christopher Coleman, assistant professor of infection immunology at Nottingham University, told Sky News: "They get their name because under the electron microscope there's a bright ring around the central core of the virus, like the sun essentially."
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Image: The current strain has not yet been identified
What are the symptoms?
There are a number of common signs that you may be infected, most of which are respiratory such as experiencing breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and having a cough.
You may have a fever.
More serious cases could lead to potentially deadly conditions such as pneumonia and kidney failure, with the former having been reported among some patients in China.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What does self-isolation mean?
People who have returned to the UK from Wuhan in China are being told to stay in for 14 days, and to "self-isolate".
Self-isolation involves not going to work, school or into public places.
People should also avoid having visitors, although it is okay for family and friends to drop off parcels or medicines, for example.
They should also not use public transport for a fortnight after returning to Britain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Govt update on UK response to virus
Does the current outbreak have any specific traits?
Since first being reported in the city of Wuhan, where it is believed to have originated at a seafood market, the virus has not provoked unusual symptoms in people who have been diagnosed.
Doctors have seen fever, coughing and breathing difficulties, which are all to be expected.
What remains unknown is how exactly this nCoV came about and how easily it could spread, with researchers at Imperial College London suggesting on 20 January there could have been more than 1,700 cases in Wuhan alone by that point, when Chinese authorities were reporting just 62.
Image: Wuhan authorities are working to stop the virus spreading
Should you be concerned about travelling?
On 23 January, Chinese authorities confirmed this nCov can be transmitted between humans, with dozens of medical staff contracting the virus after treating infected patients.
The UK Foreign Office advised Britons against all but essential travel to mainland China, and airlines around the world suspended flights or offered full refunds or destination and date changes.
Thousands of cases have been identified in China, including in every province of the country.
Countries across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America have also had confirmed cases, including the UK.
Major global airports, including London Heathrow, are monitoring people arriving from China for signs of illness.
The risk to the UK population has been raised from very low to low, according to Public Health England, which says the country is "well prepared for new diseases".
Image: The cause of the virus has not yet been established
What is China doing about it?
Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to tackle the spread of the virus, saying: "People's lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed."
Wuhan's local transport networks - including bus, subway and ferries - were suspended from 10am on 23 January, and airport and train stations closed to outgoing passengers.
Authorities asked citizens not to leave the city unless there are special circumstances.
Millions of others in cities across China have also been placed on lockdown to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Image: Passengers arrive in Beijing for the of lunar new year
When has something like this happened before?
The 2003 outbreak of SARS killed 774 people across dozens of countries, mostly in Asia, and the current outbreak is considered to be more closely related to that virus than any other.
Another prominent coronavirus to emerge since the turn of the century is Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and killed more than 800 people.
The WHO says humans are mostly infected with MERS through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, and human-to-human transmission is rare.
Professor Coleman was involved in some of the first research into MERS in the US.
He told Sky News: "SARS and MERS are the two severe coronaviruses. There are four that are very mild that people can get very regularly."
Image: Families leave the Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre
How can you protect yourself from coronaviruses?
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, of the WHO's emerging diseases unit, says it is important that you keep up basic hand and respiratory hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue.
"Ways to protect yourself against a potential animal source would be to avoid unnecessary contact with live animals and make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with an animal," she adds.
"And also to make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming."
There has been a global surge in face mask sales, however Dr Nathalie MacDermott, a clinical lecturer at King's College London, said there is "not any good evidence" to suggest they can protect the public from the virus.
She told Sky News: "Surgical masks are not designed with a very decent filter on them so they're not able to really filter out finer particles such as viruses.
"They also don't always fit ideally around the face to provide enough protection for someone.
"We breathe out humidified air which essentially moistens the mask over time and once that mask becomes moist, it's really no longer very effective."
Image: Many are wearing masks to protect themselves
Can you be treated?
There are no reliable vaccines available to rid your body of a coronavirus, although scientists are working night and day on one specific to the 2019 nCov.
The best you can do is take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms.
Professor Coleman told Sky News: "Unfortunately there is no vaccine and no specific therapeutics that can be used against the coronavirus.
"Standard respiratory support therapies are used to treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to be cleared by itself."


news--2020-01-20--China confirms deadly Wuhan coronavirus can be transmitted by humans

Chinese authorities have confirmed a deadly virus that has infected more than 200 people in four countries can be transmitted via human-to-human contact .
The confirmation comes as airports around the world introduced temperature screening , with hundreds of millions of Chinese people travelling home and abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday .
China 's President Xi Jinping said 217 people in the country have been infected by the new viral pneumonia .
Four people have died so far , while cases have also been confirmed in Thailand , Japan and South Korea .
The fourth person confirmed dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan on 13 January and was admitted to hospital five days later .
The virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which killed nearly 800 people around the world during a 2002-03 outbreak that started in China .
The newest virus , which has no cure , has been dubbed Wuhan Virus as it originated at the seafood market in the city of Wuhan in central Hubei province .
Chinese New Year is this Saturday and brings with it a week-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , often to the countryside from the cities , or take the chance to go overseas .
President Xi said : `` The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan and other places must be taken seriously .
`` Party committees , governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people 's lives and health first .
`` They should ensure that the masses have a quiet , peaceful and joyous Spring Festival . ''
The virus spread on Monday to Shanghai , east of Wuhan , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guandong were also recorded , including a 66-year-old man in Shenzhen , just over the border from Hong Kong .
Five people in Beijing have also been diagnosed , according to state broadcaster CCTV .
Authorities in other countries have been put on alert , with at least half a dozen Asian countries and three US airports - New York 's JFK , LA and San Francisco - screening incoming passengers from central China .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Geneva to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public emergency , a move only used for the worst epidemics .
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said doctors do not know how easily the virus is being spread among humans and the likely cause is `` the animal world '' .
He told Sky News : `` There is no specific treatment , treatment is being based on symptoms .
`` There are some treatments being developed for coronaviruses , like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome , as well as vaccines but they 're still in a trial phase .
`` But for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many coronaviruses , the treatment is symptomatic . ''
He added that China quickly identified the virus and shared the genetic sequences with the WHO which has helped other countries to develop diagnostic tests - and because the international community is on alert more cases are being detected .
Australia 's chief medical officer said his country will be increasing airport screening in response to the outbreak .
Brendan Murphy said Australia receives a significant number of travellers from China , including three direct flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security and biosecurity staff for assessments .
Two cases have been confirmed in Thailand , both women who had been to Wuhan , and the four Thai airports running flights between Wuhan are carrying out tests .
One of the cases was detected by thermal surveillance equipment at Bangkok airport .
South Korea reported its first case on Monday after a 35-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan tested positive a day after arriving at Seoul 's Incheon airport .
Videos posted online showed authorities in protective suits on a plane at the airport in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's south coast , checking the temperatures of every passenger arriving from Wuhan .
Hong Kong airport , where temperature screening is commonplace after the SARS outbreak , is stepping up its measures .
Singapore 's ministry of health confirmed all passengers arriving at Changi Airport from China will be temperature screened in response to more cases and the spike in travel volume ahead of Chinese New Year .
Doctors began seeing symptoms including fever , coughing and breathing difficulties in people who worked at or visited Wuhan 's seafood market late last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is not easily transmitted between humans and hundreds of people who have been in close contact with diagnosed patients have not got sick .
President Xi 's announcement that 217 people had been infected is much higher than the 62 cases health officials said on Sunday .
However , both figures are dramatically lower than a study from London 's Imperial College which suggested there could be more than 1,723 cases in Wuhan alone .
It said : `` It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or severe respiratory illness than currently reported . ''
Some experts say the new virus may not be as deadly as SARS , but there is still little known about it , including its origin and how easily it can be transmitted between humans .

Chinese authorities have confirmed a deadly virus that has infected more than 200 people in four countries can be transmitted via human-to-human contact.
The confirmation comes as airports around the world introduced temperature screening, with hundreds of millions of Chinese people travelling home and abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday.
China's President Xi Jinping said 217 people in the country have been infected by the new viral pneumonia.
Image: Passengers wearing face masks at Beijing West railway station
Four people have died so far, while cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
The fourth person confirmed dead was an 89-year-old man who developed symptoms in Wuhan on 13 January and was admitted to hospital five days later.
He died on 19 January.
The virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people around the world during a 2002-03 outbreak that started in China.
The newest virus, which has no cure, has been dubbed Wuhan Virus as it originated at the seafood market in the city of Wuhan in central Hubei province.
Chinese New Year is this Saturday and brings with it a week-long holiday when most people will travel home on Friday, often to the countryside from the cities, or take the chance to go overseas.
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President Xi said: "The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan and other places must be taken seriously.
"Party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people's lives and health first.
"They should ensure that the masses have a quiet, peaceful and joyous Spring Festival."
Image: Tokyo's Haneda airport tells passengers who had been to Wuhan to make themselves known
The virus spread on Monday to Shanghai, east of Wuhan, and the first cases in the southern province of Guandong were also recorded, including a 66-year-old man in Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.
Five people in Beijing have also been diagnosed, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Authorities in other countries have been put on alert, with at least half a dozen Asian countries and three US airports - New York's JFK, LA and San Francisco - screening incoming passengers from central China.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Geneva to determine whether to declare the outbreak an international public emergency, a move only used for the worst epidemics.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said doctors do not know how easily the virus is being spread among humans and the likely cause is "the animal world".
Image: A worker in a protective suit stands outside the closed Wuhan seafood market
He told Sky News: "There is no specific treatment, treatment is being based on symptoms.
"There are some treatments being developed for coronaviruses, like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, as well as vaccines but they're still in a trial phase.
"But for the time being the treatment, like for many coronaviruses, the treatment is symptomatic."
He added that China quickly identified the virus and shared the genetic sequences with the WHO which has helped other countries to develop diagnostic tests - and because the international community is on alert more cases are being detected.
Image: A woman wears a mask while walking past the closed Huanan seafood wholesale market
Australia's chief medical officer said his country will be increasing airport screening in response to the outbreak.
Brendan Murphy said Australia receives a significant number of travellers from China, including three direct flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney, and these flights will be met by border security and biosecurity staff for assessments.
Two cases have been confirmed in Thailand, both women who had been to Wuhan, and the four Thai airports running flights between Wuhan are carrying out tests. One of the cases was detected by thermal surveillance equipment at Bangkok airport.
South Korea reported its first case on Monday after a 35-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan tested positive a day after arriving at Seoul's Incheon airport.
Videos posted online showed authorities in protective suits on a plane at the airport in Macau, an autonomous region on China's south coast, checking the temperatures of every passenger arriving from Wuhan.
Hong Kong airport, where temperature screening is commonplace after the SARS outbreak, is stepping up its measures.
Image: Passengers arrive in Beijing ahead of lunar new year celebrations
Singapore's ministry of health confirmed all passengers arriving at Changi Airport from China will be temperature screened in response to more cases and the spike in travel volume ahead of Chinese New Year.
Doctors began seeing symptoms including fever, coughing and breathing difficulties in people who worked at or visited Wuhan's seafood market late last month.
Health officials maintained on Sunday that the virus is not easily transmitted between humans and hundreds of people who have been in close contact with diagnosed patients have not got sick.
President Xi's announcement that 217 people had been infected is much higher than the 62 cases health officials said on Sunday.
However, both figures are dramatically lower than a study from London's Imperial College which suggested there could be more than 1,723 cases in Wuhan alone.
It said: "It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported."
Some experts say the new virus may not be as deadly as SARS, but there is still little known about it, including its origin and how easily it can be transmitted between humans.


news--2020-01-20--Third person dies in China virus outbreak as 139 new cases are confirmed

A third person has died in a virus outbreak in China as 139 new cases of the illness were found over the weekend , health officials have said .
The new virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China .
Authorities have warned the coronavirus is spreading to more cities as the country gears up for the lunar new year later this week .
Hundreds of millions of Chinese people are expected to travel domestically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daxing health commission in the capital Beijing has confirmed two new cases of the virus , while the southern Guangdong province 's health commission confirmed one case in Shenzhen .
The cases are the first reported outside the city of Wuhan where the virus originated .
The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a statement that 136 new cases of coronavirus had been discovered in the city on Saturday and Sunday .
As of late Sunday , 198 cases had been reported in Wuhan in total , including three deaths .
Some 170 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 25 had been cured , the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said .
The statement gave no further details of the latest death toll .
Two cases have also been reported in Thailand , one in Japan and one in South Korea , all involving people from Wuhan or who recently visited the city .
Beijing said on Sunday it will increase efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak , while health authorities around the world are working to prevent its spread .
The outbreak is believed to originated from a seafood market in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever , coughing and breathing difficulties in people who worked at or visited the market late last month .
Health officials said on Sunday there were 62 cases of the illness , but a study from London 's Imperial College suggested there could be more than 1,723 cases in Wuhan alone .
It said : `` It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported . ''
Some experts say the new virus may not be as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still little known about it including its origin and how easily it can be transmitted between humans .

A third person has died in a virus outbreak in China as 139 new cases of the illness were found over the weekend, health officials have said.
The new virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.
Authorities have warned the coronavirus is spreading to more cities as the country gears up for the lunar new year later this week.
Hundreds of millions of Chinese people are expected to travel domestically and abroad for the celebration.
The Daxing health commission in the capital Beijing has confirmed two new cases of the virus, while the southern Guangdong province's health commission confirmed one case in Shenzhen.
The cases are the first reported outside the city of Wuhan where the virus originated.
The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a statement that 136 new cases of coronavirus had been discovered in the city on Saturday and Sunday.
As of late Sunday, 198 cases had been reported in Wuhan in total, including three deaths.
Some 170 people were still being treated in hospital while 25 had been cured, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said.
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The statement gave no further details of the latest death toll.
Image: Passengers arrive in Beijing ahead of lunar new year celebrations
Two cases have also been reported in Thailand, one in Japan and one in South Korea, all involving people from Wuhan or who recently visited the city.
Beijing said on Sunday it will increase efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, while health authorities around the world are working to prevent its spread.
The outbreak is believed to originated from a seafood market in Wuhan.
Doctors began seeing symptoms including fever, coughing and breathing difficulties in people who worked at or visited the market late last month.
Health officials said on Sunday there were 62 cases of the illness, but a study from London's Imperial College suggested there could be more than 1,723 cases in Wuhan alone.
It said: "It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported."
Some experts say the new virus may not be as deadly as SARS, but there is still little known about it including its origin and how easily it can be transmitted between humans.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Images reveal how COVID-19 'destroys' the lungs

Researchers in the US have used virtual reality ( VR ) for the first time to reveal how coronavirus attacks the lungs and kills people .
Such is the ferocity with which coronavirus can target the lungs , even otherwise healthy people can fall seriously ill - and could die .
The images , from George Washington University Hospital in Washington DC paint a stark picture of the potential impact of the COVID-19 disease , which can be so serious that even patients who survive may be left with lifelong breathing difficulties .
In these images , which were recreated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mid-March , the green areas show where the virus has damaged tissue in the lungs .
`` There is such a stark contrast between the virus-infected abnormal lung and the more healthy , adjacent lung tissue , '' explains Dr Keith Mortman , chief of thoracic surgery at GWHU .
`` The damage that we 're seeing is not isolated to any one part of the lung .
`` This is severe damage to both lungs diffusely . ''
Such damage could come in the form of an illness such as pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , which stops oxygen from reaching vital organs .
Normally oxygen would enter down the windpipe and head into the lungs , filling up air sacs that then enter red blood cells , which in turn circulate around the heart and the body .
ARDS would stop the oxygen before it gets to the lungs , starting a domino effect for the rest of the body .
GHWU has been using its so-called Surgical Theater VR technology since 2016 - it has previously been used for surgical planning and to educate patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his late 50s - had mild symptoms ( fever , cough , shortness of breath ) to start with , but his condition deteriorated and he needed to be hospitalised and placed on a ventilator .
When his condition escalated further , he was transferred to GWUH for more intensive treatment called ECMO , which stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygeneration .
It sees blood removed from the body , infused with oxygen , and then returned to the body .
Speaking on GWHU 's coronavirus podcast , Dr Mortman said the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have long-lasting effects on its most critical victims .
He said : `` It starts off as a viral infection , but you can see that it becomes severe inflammation in the lung , and when it does not subside it becomes scarring , creating long term damage .
`` It could really impact somebody 's ability to breathe in the long term . ''
Dr Mortman said that while the majority of people who get infected will recover well from minor symptoms or have no symptoms whatsoever , around 20 % will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , intensive care treatment and ventilation could all follow .
`` People who so far have not been heeding the warning of public health professionals can see these images and the destruction that 's being caused in the lungs , and why these patient 's lungs are failing to the point of needing a mechanical ventilator , '' he said .
`` Hopefully the public can see these images and start to understand why this situation is so serious and how this virus really is not discriminating among various people . ''

Researchers in the US have used virtual reality (VR) for the first time to reveal how coronavirus attacks the lungs and kills people.
Such is the ferocity with which coronavirus can target the lungs, even otherwise healthy people can fall seriously ill - and could die.
The images, from George Washington University Hospital in Washington DC paint a stark picture of the potential impact of the COVID-19 disease, which can be so serious that even patients who survive may be left with lifelong breathing difficulties.
In these images, which were recreated from the university's first COVID-19 patient in mid-March, the green areas show where the virus has damaged tissue in the lungs.
Image: The infection causes the lungs to become inflamed. Pic: George Washington University Hospital
"There is such a stark contrast between the virus-infected abnormal lung and the more healthy, adjacent lung tissue," explains Dr Keith Mortman, chief of thoracic surgery at GWHU.
"The damage that we're seeing is not isolated to any one part of the lung.
"This is severe damage to both lungs diffusely."
Such damage could come in the form of an illness such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which stops oxygen from reaching vital organs.
Normally oxygen would enter down the windpipe and head into the lungs, filling up air sacs that then enter red blood cells, which in turn circulate around the heart and the body.
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ARDS would stop the oxygen before it gets to the lungs, starting a domino effect for the rest of the body.
Image: The damage can stop oxygen getting to vital organs. Pic: George Washington University Hospital
GHWU has been using its so-called Surgical Theater VR technology since 2016 - it has previously been used for surgical planning and to educate patients.
The COVID-19 patient - a man in his late 50s - had mild symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to start with, but his condition deteriorated and he needed to be hospitalised and placed on a ventilator.
When his condition escalated further, he was transferred to GWUH for more intensive treatment called ECMO, which stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygeneration.
It sees blood removed from the body, infused with oxygen, and then returned to the body.
Image: The patient is a man in his 50s who initially had mild symptoms. Pic: George Washington University Hospital
Speaking on GWHU's coronavirus podcast, Dr Mortman said the damage shown in the images suggests COVID-19 could have long-lasting effects on its most critical victims.
He said: "It starts off as a viral infection, but you can see that it becomes severe inflammation in the lung, and when it does not subside it becomes scarring, creating long term damage.
"It could really impact somebody's ability to breathe in the long term."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Your guide to self-isolating
Dr Mortman said that while the majority of people who get infected will recover well from minor symptoms or have no symptoms whatsoever, around 20% will develop more severe problems.
Hospital admission, intensive care treatment and ventilation could all follow.
"People who so far have not been heeding the warning of public health professionals can see these images and the destruction that's being caused in the lungs, and why these patient's lungs are failing to the point of needing a mechanical ventilator," he said.
"Hopefully the public can see these images and start to understand why this situation is so serious and how this virus really is not discriminating among various people."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Armed forces rapidly expand their response to COVID-19

The armed forces response to the coronavirus crisis is rapidly expanding with the Ministry of Defence revealing more than 2,680 personnel are already deployed around the country .
Thousands more are on standby .
From building hospitals and driving ambulances , to assisting government departments and even purchasing ventilators , the range and scale of the operation is unprecedented .
And it is happening at the same time as the military carries out its core function of defence and security - an area that officials say has not been affected by the hospitalisation of Boris Johnson , who as prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters .
Instead Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , who is deputising for him , and the Cabinet would be able to respond to any threats in his absence , according to the prime minister 's spokesman .
Ben Wallace , as defence secretary , remains the sole authority in government for the use of lethal force by the military .
Technically the prime minister acts as his adviser .
General Sir Nick Carter , the head of the armed forces , has said there remained a `` very clear '' chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident that it 's business as usual as far as the operations are concerned , '' he said in an interview on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
By far the biggest operation is the response to COVID-19 , with 76 requests so far for assistance from government ministries and local authorities .
• Freeing up more than 2,300 vehicles to be used by troops in 34 locations nationwide as temporary ambulances and to deliver food and other equipment • Using the branch of the Ministry of Defence that normally procures equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Support - to purchase ventilators for the NHS , drawing on its ability to rearm at speed in a war to help doctors fight the virus • Helping to turn several sites into temporary Nightingale hospitals , starting with the giant ExCel Exhibition Centre in London but also including constructions in Glasgow , Birmingham , Manchester , Cardiff and possibly Farnborough in Hampshire • Building five temporary patient recovery centres in Cumbria , with 500 beds for patients discharged from hospital but not well enough to return home • Assisting in setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nottingham and at the Chessington World of Adventures theme park .
• Troops are transporting testing equipment to laboratories and delivering protective equipment to hospitals • Freeing up parts of the defence estate to be used as temporary mortuaries for coronavirus victims .
This includes an aircraft hangar on a base in Scotland and two vehicle hangars on a base in Northern Ireland • Scoping out using parts of the defence estate to house hundreds of low risk prisoners • Flying coronavirus patients across the UK to hospital ; helping the foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Supporting Britain 's overseas territories , including by sending additional military kit and medics to the Falklands and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship to the Caribbean as part of hurricane relief duties The Headquarters Standing Joint Command in Aldershot is running the military 's coronavirus response , led by Lieutenant-General Tyrone Urch .
In terms of size alone , it is gearing up to be the largest mobilisation within the UK in decades , with 23,000 servicemen and women being assembled as part of what is being called the COVID Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are supporting , rather than heading , the effort , with the civilian authorities in overall charge even though the armed forces often bring the greater experience of crisis management , according to defence sources .
`` Humble education has gone on , '' a senior defence source said , describing the need to assist local authorities and central government ministries without appearing to take over .
`` People ( in civilian organisations ) do not want to be seen as failing . ''
Dozens of military advisers and planners are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's civilian COVID-19 response , including at the Department of Health and Social Care , where the source said they had become `` indispensable '' .
Military personnel are also assisting at the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government .
Dozens more soldiers , sailors and airmen with expertise in planning have also been deployed across the country to support 38 local resilience forums , which head the preparations and the execution on the ground of the coronavirus response .
General Sir Nick Parker was in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK of military personnel in support of the government .
It was during the 2012 London Olympics when almost 20,000 servicemen and women helped to provide the security .
He told Sky News : `` I just know they 'll be working in support of the NHS to pick-up those things that appear at the last minute , that need somebody to react quickly to deal with , and they will do it … with no fuss , they will get it done because it is in their DNA . ''
Officers assess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and government departments .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Where possible they respond , sending teams of planners to assess a problem and offer a solution or freeing up troops and equipment , such as training 150 service personnel to drive oxygen tankers for the NHS or driving ambulances .
The military is ready to support the police as is always the case at a time of crisis .
But the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) has said there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed on the streets to help enforce public order .
Sir Hew Strachan , a military historian , said he thought the last time the military mobilised in such large numbers within the UK was in 1977 when they took over responsibility for fighting fires during a fire brigade strike .
This time around , however , the armed forces ' role is far more varied , making it unprecedented , he said .
`` What is happening now is the armed forces are acting alongside the civilian authorities and what they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sir Hew said .
He hoped their deployment could help to re-engage the military with society - a bond that has slowly eroded as the size of the military has shrunk over the decades .
`` A decade ago the government was very wary about using military in support of civil power for fears that it would make the state seem to be unable to deal with a crisis .
`` Today I think the government absolutely recognises first of all there is no threat to the government to deploy armed forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to engineer a military coup .
`` And secondly what they are getting is a great deal of credibility because the armed forces are popular , they are well regarded . ''
In a sign that the military effort to combat coronavirus will be enduring , the government last week began calling up 3,000 reservists for an initial mobilisation of six months .
They are on top of the 20,000 regular soldiers , sailors , airmen and Royal Marines that are on standby to assist or are already working in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be able to perform its most important tasks to protect the nation .
Commanders must also deal with up to 20 % of its workforce being off work at the peak of the coronavirus crisis because of falling sick or family members falling sick .

The armed forces response to the coronavirus crisis is rapidly expanding with the Ministry of Defence revealing more than 2,680 personnel are already deployed around the country.
Thousands more are on standby.
From building hospitals and driving ambulances, to assisting government departments and even purchasing ventilators, the range and scale of the operation is unprecedented.
And it is happening at the same time as the military carries out its core function of defence and security - an area that officials say has not been affected by the hospitalisation of Boris Johnson, who as prime minister has ultimate responsibility for national security matters.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 'PM is a fighter - I'm confident he'll pull through'
Instead Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, who is deputising for him, and the Cabinet would be able to respond to any threats in his absence, according to the prime minister's spokesman.
Ben Wallace, as defence secretary, remains the sole authority in government for the use of lethal force by the military. Technically the prime minister acts as his adviser.
General Sir Nick Carter, the head of the armed forces, has said there remained a "very clear" chain of command.
"We're pretty confident that it's business as usual as far as the operations are concerned," he said in an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
By far the biggest operation is the response to COVID-19, with 76 requests so far for assistance from government ministries and local authorities.
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Image: The military has been assisting with the coronavirus response
Military activities include:
Freeing up more than 2,300 vehicles to be used by troops in 34 locations nationwide as temporary ambulances and to deliver food and other equipment
Using the branch of the Ministry of Defence that normally procures equipment for the armed forces - Defence Equipment and Support - to purchase ventilators for the NHS, drawing on its ability to rearm at speed in a war to help doctors fight the virus
Helping to turn several sites into temporary Nightingale hospitals, starting with the giant ExCel Exhibition Centre in London but also including constructions in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and possibly Farnborough in Hampshire
Building five temporary patient recovery centres in Cumbria, with 500 beds for patients discharged from hospital but not well enough to return home
Assisting in setting up coronavirus test centres, such as in Nottingham and at the Chessington World of Adventures theme park.
test centres, such as in Nottingham and at the Chessington World of Adventures theme park. Troops are transporting testing equipment to laboratories and delivering protective equipment to hospitals
Freeing up parts of the defence estate to be used as temporary mortuaries for coronavirus victims. This includes an aircraft hangar on a base in Scotland and two vehicle hangars on a base in Northern Ireland
Scoping out using parts of the defence estate to house hundreds of low risk prisoners
Flying coronavirus patients across the UK to hospital; helping the foreign office to repatriate British nationals stuck overseas
Supporting Britain's overseas territories, including by sending additional military kit and medics to the Falklands and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship to the Caribbean as part of hurricane relief duties
The Headquarters Standing Joint Command in Aldershot is running the military's coronavirus response, led by Lieutenant-General Tyrone Urch.
In terms of size alone, it is gearing up to be the largest mobilisation within the UK in decades, with 23,000 servicemen and women being assembled as part of what is being called the COVID Support Force.
But military chiefs are mindful that they are supporting, rather than heading, the effort, with the civilian authorities in overall charge even though the armed forces often bring the greater experience of crisis management, according to defence sources.
"Humble education has gone on," a senior defence source said, describing the need to assist local authorities and central government ministries without appearing to take over.
"People (in civilian organisations) do not want to be seen as failing."
Image: The armed forces is expanding its COVID-19 response
Dozens of military advisers and planners are embedded at the heart of the UK's civilian COVID-19 response, including at the Department of Health and Social Care, where the source said they had become "indispensable".
Military personnel are also assisting at the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Dozens more soldiers, sailors and airmen with expertise in planning have also been deployed across the country to support 38 local resilience forums, which head the preparations and the execution on the ground of the coronavirus response.
General Sir Nick Parker was in charge of the last mass mobilisation within the UK of military personnel in support of the government.
It was during the 2012 London Olympics when almost 20,000 servicemen and women helped to provide the security.
He told Sky News: "I just know they'll be working in support of the NHS to pick-up those things that appear at the last minute, that need somebody to react quickly to deal with, and they will do it … with no fuss, they will get it done because it is in their DNA."
Officers assess multiple requests for help from local authorities and government departments.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Where possible they respond, sending teams of planners to assess a problem and offer a solution or freeing up troops and equipment, such as training 150 service personnel to drive oxygen tankers for the NHS or driving ambulances.
The military is ready to support the police as is always the case at a time of crisis.
But the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said there are currently no plans for troops to be deployed on the streets to help enforce public order.
Sir Hew Strachan, a military historian, said he thought the last time the military mobilised in such large numbers within the UK was in 1977 when they took over responsibility for fighting fires during a fire brigade strike.
This time around, however, the armed forces' role is far more varied, making it unprecedented, he said.
"What is happening now is the armed forces are acting alongside the civilian authorities and what they are doing in that is providing resilience," Sir Hew said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
He hoped their deployment could help to re-engage the military with society - a bond that has slowly eroded as the size of the military has shrunk over the decades.
"A decade ago the government was very wary about using military in support of civil power for fears that it would make the state seem to be unable to deal with a crisis.
"Today I think the government absolutely recognises first of all there is no threat to the government to deploy armed forces on the street, they are not going to engineer a military coup.
"And secondly what they are getting is a great deal of credibility because the armed forces are popular, they are well regarded."
In a sign that the military effort to combat coronavirus will be enduring, the government last week began calling up 3,000 reservists for an initial mobilisation of six months.
They are on top of the 20,000 regular soldiers, sailors, airmen and Royal Marines that are on standby to assist or are already working in support of the COVID-19 response.
The military must still be able to perform its most important tasks to protect the nation.
Commanders must also deal with up to 20% of its workforce being off work at the peak of the coronavirus crisis because of falling sick or family members falling sick.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Why are patients put into intensive care?

The symptoms of coronavirus can vary hugely from person to person , but those most badly affected will require intensive care in hospital .
Among them is Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who was admitted to ICU ( Intensive Care Unit ) after his condition worsened .
But what are the reasons for moving a coronavirus patient from a ward to ICU ?
And what sort of treatment do doctors and nurses provide ?
Sky News has spoken to a number of consultants .
What has to happen for you to end up in intensive care ?
Patients end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult for them to breathe , which in worst cases can cause them to develop pneumonia - fluid on the lungs .
They also may require sudden access to equipment to aid breathing that is not available on general wards .
Mervyn Singer , professor of intensive care medicine at University College London ( UCL ) , told Sky News that being placed on an intensive ward meant the patient needed `` greater support and monitoring '' .
`` In a general ward , the doctors can not offer the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment to place someone on a ventilator , '' he said .
Will a patient in ICU definitely be put on a ventilator ?
There are less invasive methods by which their breathing can be assisted - starting with an oxygen mask and then potentially more specialised types of non-invasive support such as a CPAP ( continuous positive airway pressure ) .
CPAP breathing aids , described by Professor Singer as a `` very tight and pressurised mask '' , have been developed by UCL and Mercedes for use in treating coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imaging at UCL , said they bridge the gap between an oxygen mask and ventilation .
However , data from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre ( ICNARC ) * shows that 63 % of COVID-19 patients do receive ventilation within 24 hours of admission .
What does a ventilator do ?
They do the majority - or all - of the patient 's breathing for them .
When a patient is put on a ventilator , something called an endotracheal tube is guided through the mouth and into the windpipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this procedure .
Dr Ron Daniels , an intensive care consultant from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust , told Sky News that ventilators are in high demand at the moment .
`` We would n't normally use these resources for someone about whom we were n't pretty concerned , '' he said .
Patients can also be fed at the same time through a tube going into their stomach via their nose .
Doctors have also found that patients can benefit from being placed on their tummy while being ventilated , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen around the body .
What are the medical objectives in ICU ?
The goals of those caring for coronavirus patients in intensive care are : • Trying to maintain good kidney and heart function • Trying to prevent secondary complications like new infections All these things can happen when the lungs are n't working properly .
Secondary infections are a risk for those who suffer pneumonia as a result of COVID-19 , and so medics will use antibiotics and other anti-viral medication to counter that threat .
Professor Singer said that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition of a COVID-19 patient in intensive care , doctors must also work to prevent a `` domino effect '' of other organs being compromised .
What treatments do patients receive besides being put on oxygen ?
Dr Simon Clarke , a microbiologist from the University of Reading , told Sky News that hospital patients would normally also be supported with fluids and drugs such as paracetamol to help tackle symptoms .
Treatments are designed to try to help prevent what is known as a cytokine storm - a severe auto-immune reaction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ News the cytokine storm happens when `` the body 's natural defences are overwhelmed and the body shuts down with multi-organ failure '' .
How long can someone be in intensive care ?
Patients given CPAP can see a turnaround in their condition in two to three days , according to Professor Singer .
But those patients who need to be placed on a ventilator tend to be in intensive care for 10 to 14 days , and some receiving treatment for coronavirus can be ventilated for up to three weeks .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Professor Singer added - but that has not been the case anywhere in the world with COVID-19 .
`` Clearly if you can avert the need for ventilation , from my experience it 's better for the patient , '' he said .
What happens after treatment ?
The ICNARC ( Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre ) has recorded outcomes for 690 COVID-19 patients - of whom 346 patients have died and 344 were discharged ( 1,559 are still in care as of 3 April ) . Those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several weeks or even months to fully recover .
Post-intensive care syndrome are problems that persist after treatment and can include physical , cognitive and psychological issues that can take a long time to clear up .
Dr Carl Waldmann , an intensive care consultant from Royal Berkshire Hospital , told Sky News : `` All patients that have been in intensive care do require longer than usual to be allowed to go back to work .
`` It is recognised that you need a gradual return - we do need to assess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and well mentally and physically before we say they can go back to work . ''
*Data covers the first reported 2249 intensive care patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the UK .

The symptoms of coronavirus can vary hugely from person to person, but those most badly affected will require intensive care in hospital.
Among them is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was admitted to ICU (Intensive Care Unit) after his condition worsened.
But what are the reasons for moving a coronavirus patient from a ward to ICU? And what sort of treatment do doctors and nurses provide?
Sky News has spoken to a number of consultants.
Image: Boris Johnson in the first video he posted to Twitter after testing positive for coronavirus
What has to happen for you to end up in intensive care?
Patients end up in intensive care when COVID-19 makes it very difficult for them to breathe, which in worst cases can cause them to develop pneumonia - fluid on the lungs.
They also may require sudden access to equipment to aid breathing that is not available on general wards.
Mervyn Singer, professor of intensive care medicine at University College London (UCL), told Sky News that being placed on an intensive ward meant the patient needed "greater support and monitoring".
"In a general ward, the doctors cannot offer the kind of expertise needed and don't have the equipment to place someone on a ventilator," he said.
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Image: Ventilators are used on coronavirus patients who have the most difficulty breathing
Will a patient in ICU definitely be put on a ventilator?
No.
There are less invasive methods by which their breathing can be assisted - starting with an oxygen mask and then potentially more specialised types of non-invasive support such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).
CPAP breathing aids, described by Professor Singer as a "very tight and pressurised mask", have been developed by UCL and Mercedes for use in treating coronavirus patients.
Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at UCL, said they bridge the gap between an oxygen mask and ventilation.
However, data from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC)* shows that 63% of COVID-19 patients do receive ventilation within 24 hours of admission.
Image: The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing aid
What does a ventilator do?
They do the majority - or all - of the patient's breathing for them.
When a patient is put on a ventilator, something called an endotracheal tube is guided through the mouth and into the windpipe. Patients are given anaesthetic or sedation for this procedure.
Dr Ron Daniels, an intensive care consultant from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, told Sky News that ventilators are in high demand at the moment.
"We wouldn't normally use these resources for someone about whom we weren't pretty concerned," he said.
Patients can also be fed at the same time through a tube going into their stomach via their nose.
Doctors have also found that patients can benefit from being placed on their tummy while being ventilated, as it can assist with the distribution of oxygen around the body.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 'The sickest patients I've ever seen'
What are the medical objectives in ICU?
The goals of those caring for coronavirus patients in intensive care are:
Protecting the organs
Trying to maintain good kidney and heart function
Giving fluid and nutrition
Trying to prevent secondary complications like new infections
All these things can happen when the lungs aren't working properly.
Secondary infections are a risk for those who suffer pneumonia as a result of COVID-19, and so medics will use antibiotics and other anti-viral medication to counter that threat.
Professor Singer said that while "respiratory failure" was the primary condition of a COVID-19 patient in intensive care, doctors must also work to prevent a "domino effect" of other organs being compromised.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:40 Inside Naples' model hospital
What treatments do patients receive besides being put on oxygen?
Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from the University of Reading, told Sky News that hospital patients would normally also be supported with fluids and drugs such as paracetamol to help tackle symptoms.
Treatments are designed to try to help prevent what is known as a cytokine storm - a severe auto-immune reaction.
Urgent care doctor Kishan Rees told Sky News the cytokine storm happens when "the body's natural defences are overwhelmed and the body shuts down with multi-organ failure".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:10 'We're really climbing towards that peak'
How long can someone be in intensive care?
Patients given CPAP can see a turnaround in their condition in two to three days, according to Professor Singer.
But those patients who need to be placed on a ventilator tend to be in intensive care for 10 to 14 days, and some receiving treatment for coronavirus can be ventilated for up to three weeks.
Other illnesses have seen people ventilated for months, Professor Singer added - but that has not been the case anywhere in the world with COVID-19.
"Clearly if you can avert the need for ventilation, from my experience it's better for the patient," he said.
Image: NHS Nightingale Hospital at the ExCel centre in London will treat intensive care patients
What happens after treatment?
The ICNARC (Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre) has recorded outcomes for 690 COVID-19 patients - of whom 346 patients have died and 344 were discharged (1,559 are still in care as of 3 April).
Those who are critically ill and are discharged can take several weeks or even months to fully recover.
Post-intensive care syndrome are problems that persist after treatment and can include physical, cognitive and psychological issues that can take a long time to clear up.
Dr Carl Waldmann, an intensive care consultant from Royal Berkshire Hospital, told Sky News: "All patients that have been in intensive care do require longer than usual to be allowed to go back to work.
"It is recognised that you need a gradual return - we do need to assess them and make sure they are fit and well mentally and physically before we say they can go back to work."
*Data covers the first reported 2249 intensive care patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the UK.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: What do the figures tell us about Boris Johnson's chances of a full recovery?

What do the figures tell us about Boris Johnson 's chances of a full recovery after he was placed in intensive care ?
Well , news that the prime minister has n't been put on a ventilator could be a crucial sign , according to the latest figures from an intensive care research centre .
Numbers wo n't tell the full story , as every case depends on a multitude of extremely personal factors - but , like those now-famous charts showing the curve of cases and deaths - they can help us get a sense of the bigger picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is 55 , the vast majority of patients in an intensive care unit ( ICU ) - almost three-quarters , or 73 % - are men , mostly in older middle age .
The average age of admission to critical care is 60 .
There are more men in critical care in their 50s than in their 70s .
That 's not to say that the disease is more fatal for people in this age range , as , sadly , many older sufferers may not even make it to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial public health message to this group .
They may think they are self-isolating to protect older friends and relatives .
In fact , it is very important they act to protect themselves - not least because ( the data tells us ) they occupy critical care beds for a significant period of time .
These figures come from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre ( ICNARC ) which releases reports on patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs .
The latest was published on Saturday and examines the experience of 2,249 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we must be careful about drawing conclusions , but there are currently outcomes for 690 patients , around half of whom have died .
This bare fact shows just how serious admission to critical care is for most patients .
But anyone wondering specifically about Mr Johnson can find hope in another statistic .
According to his official spokesperson , the prime minister has not been placed on a mechanical ventilator , instead receiving `` standard oxygen treatment '' , most likely using a device which blows air into the lungs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilator in the first 24 hours in an ICU survive 83 % of the time .
Those who are put on a ventilator in that period have a much lower survival rate - just 32 % .
This is correlation , not causation , so we do n't know why that is , but while it 's worth stressing again the limited nature of the data , on an individual level , this is good news .
Of course , even if one person does recover , that does n't mean a visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One sign of that : the proportion of patients receiving support for organs other than the lungs .
Of the 690 patients whose outcome in an ICU is known , almost all received support for their heart , and 143 received what ICNARC calls `` advanced cardiovascular support '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' You 're protecting the organs trying to maintain good kidney function , good heart function and so you 're giving fluids , nutrition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , pressure sores , '' says Mervyn Singer , professor of intensive care medicine at University College London .
`` There 's a whole package of care that needs to be delivered to try and obviously help the patient get over their primary condition .
So in this case , lung failure , respiratory failure , but also to try and prevent this domino effect of other organs being compromised . ''
Without this dreaded domino effect , how long do patients stay in the ICU ?
The data suggests that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average - although the range is from two to eight .
What about full recovery ?
There 's no data on that .
`` Unfortunately , that 's a bit of an unknown quantity , '' said Professor Singer said .
`` There 's something called post-intensive care syndrome , which is very , very well recognised .
So patients who are critically ill have had the stuffing knocked out of them and it can take actually weeks or sometimes even months to fully recover . ''

What do the figures tell us about Boris Johnson's chances of a full recovery after he was placed in intensive care?
Well, news that the prime minister hasn't been put on a ventilator could be a crucial sign, according to the latest figures from an intensive care research centre.
Numbers won't tell the full story, as every case depends on a multitude of extremely personal factors - but, like those now-famous charts showing the curve of cases and deaths - they can help us get a sense of the bigger picture.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 'PM is a fighter - I'm confident he'll pull through'
For instance: like Boris Johnson, who is 55, the vast majority of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) - almost three-quarters, or 73% - are men, mostly in older middle age.
The average age of admission to critical care is 60.
There are more men in critical care in their 50s than in their 70s.
That's not to say that the disease is more fatal for people in this age range, as, sadly, many older sufferers may not even make it to the ICU - but it does send a crucial public health message to this group.
They may think they are self-isolating to protect older friends and relatives.
In fact, it is very important they act to protect themselves - not least because (the data tells us) they occupy critical care beds for a significant period of time.
Advertisement
These figures come from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC) which releases reports on patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs.
The latest was published on Saturday and examines the experience of 2,249 patients.
Most are still receiving treatment so we must be careful about drawing conclusions, but there are currently outcomes for 690 patients, around half of whom have died.
This bare fact shows just how serious admission to critical care is for most patients.
But anyone wondering specifically about Mr Johnson can find hope in another statistic.
According to his official spokesperson, the prime minister has not been placed on a mechanical ventilator, instead receiving "standard oxygen treatment", most likely using a device which blows air into the lungs.
Patients who don't go on a ventilator in the first 24 hours in an ICU survive 83% of the time.
Those who are put on a ventilator in that period have a much lower survival rate - just 32%.
This is correlation, not causation, so we don't know why that is, but while it's worth stressing again the limited nature of the data, on an individual level, this is good news.
Of course, even if one person does recover, that doesn't mean a visit to the ICU isn't extremely serious.
One sign of that: the proportion of patients receiving support for organs other than the lungs.
Of the 690 patients whose outcome in an ICU is known, almost all received support for their heart, and 143 received what ICNARC calls "advanced cardiovascular support".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"You're protecting the organs trying to maintain good kidney function, good heart function and so you're giving fluids, nutrition, trying to prevent secondary complications like new infections, pressure sores," says Mervyn Singer, professor of intensive care medicine at University College London.
"There's a whole package of care that needs to be delivered to try and obviously help the patient get over their primary condition. So in this case, lung failure, respiratory failure, but also to try and prevent this domino effect of other organs being compromised."
Without this dreaded domino effect, how long do patients stay in the ICU? The data suggests that, among survivors, five days is the average - although the range is from two to eight. What about full recovery?
There's no data on that. "Unfortunately, that's a bit of an unknown quantity," said Professor Singer said.
"There's something called post-intensive care syndrome, which is very, very well recognised. So patients who are critically ill have had the stuffing knocked out of them and it can take actually weeks or sometimes even months to fully recover."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is 'not on a ventilator' after spending night in intensive care

The prime minister is `` receiving the best care '' after spending the night in ICU , Michael Gove has told Sky News .
The Cabinet Office minister said Boris Johnson `` has not been on a ventilator '' but has received `` oxygen support '' - in a separate interview earlier with LBC .
Mr Johnson spent the night in intensive care after his symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties .
The PM was initially admitted to St Thomas ' Hospital in London on Sunday evening , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
The decision to move him to intensive care was taken on the advice of his medical team at around 7pm , with Downing Street revealing the news in a statement an hour later .
It is understood he remained conscious at the time of the announcement and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery .
Mr Gove said Mr Johnson was being kept `` under close supervision '' and added : `` By being in intensive care if there is further support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But the prime minister has not been on a ventilator . ''
He told Sky News that Mr Johnson has given his ministers `` clear instructions about what he wants us to do '' in his absence .
Downing Street will be issuing updates `` throughout the day '' , Mr Gove added .
And he said the fact that the PM is in intensive care `` emphasises the importance '' of Britons following the rules of the coronavirus lockdown .
Mr Gove said that while `` nobody likes the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others are in a serious condition as a result of this disease emphasises the importance of making sure we all do everything we can '' .
Since Sky News spoke to Mr Gove , it was revealed he himself is now self-isolating as a member of his family has displayed symptoms of coronavirus .
He is not currently displaying any symptoms .
Mr Gove told Sky News that the government will review the lockdown - and whether to relax or rescind its restrictions - at a cabinet meeting next week .
Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to deputise for Mr Johnson where necessary , will chair that meeting , Mr Gove added .
`` We 'll review the evidence that 's in front of us and take an appropriate decision . ''
Mr Raab chaired the government 's coronavirus `` war cabinet '' that meets daily at 9.15am .
This week 's regular Tuesday meeting of the full cabinet has been cancelled .
New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Mr Raab and offered to work `` constructively '' with the government amid the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know the business of government will continue , '' he said .
`` I was in touch with the foreign secretary last night , and I want to say that the Labour Party will act in the national interest .
`` That 's why I have offered to act constructively with the government and support them where that 's the right thing to do , and push them further where we need to do it . ''
Politicians from all sides have sent Mr Johnson get-well messages , while leaders from around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
US President Donald Trump said : `` Americans are all praying for his recovery .
`` He 's been a really good friend and something very special : strong , resolute , does n't quit , does n't give up . ''

The prime minister is "receiving the best care" after spending the night in ICU, Michael Gove has told Sky News.
The Cabinet Office minister said Boris Johnson "has not been on a ventilator" but has received "oxygen support" - in a separate interview earlier with LBC.
Mr Johnson spent the night in intensive care after his symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 PM in intensive care after symptoms worsen
The PM was initially admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday evening, but his health deteriorated during the course of Monday.
The decision to move him to intensive care was taken on the advice of his medical team at around 7pm, with Downing Street revealing the news in a statement an hour later.
It is understood he remained conscious at the time of the announcement and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.
Mr Gove said Mr Johnson was being kept "under close supervision" and added: "By being in intensive care if there is further support he needs it is there at hand.
"But the prime minister has not been on a ventilator."
He told Sky News that Mr Johnson has given his ministers "clear instructions about what he wants us to do" in his absence.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:00 Gove: PM 'receiving the best possible care'
Downing Street will be issuing updates "throughout the day", Mr Gove added.
And he said the fact that the PM is in intensive care "emphasises the importance" of Britons following the rules of the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Gove said that while "nobody likes the lockdown", "the fact the PM and others are in a serious condition as a result of this disease emphasises the importance of making sure we all do everything we can".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Raab says virus response remains on course
Since Sky News spoke to Mr Gove, it was revealed he himself is now self-isolating as a member of his family has displayed symptoms of coronavirus.
He is not currently displaying any symptoms.
Mr Gove told Sky News that the government will review the lockdown - and whether to relax or rescind its restrictions - at a cabinet meeting next week.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been asked to deputise for Mr Johnson where necessary, will chair that meeting, Mr Gove added.
"We'll review the evidence that's in front of us and take an appropriate decision."
Mr Raab chaired the government's coronavirus "war cabinet" that meets daily at 9.15am. This week's regular Tuesday meeting of the full cabinet has been cancelled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Starmer: Labour will 'act constructively with the government'
New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Mr Raab and offered to work "constructively" with the government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People are clearly anxious. I know the business of government will continue," he said.
"I was in touch with the foreign secretary last night, and I want to say that the Labour Party will act in the national interest.
"That's why I have offered to act constructively with the government and support them where that's the right thing to do, and push them further where we need to do it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'America is praying for Boris Johnson'
Politicians from all sides have sent Mr Johnson get-well messages, while leaders from around the world have also wished the PM well.
US President Donald Trump said: "Americans are all praying for his recovery.
"He's been a really good friend and something very special: strong, resolute, doesn't quit, doesn't give up."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: PM spends the night in intensive care after struggling to breathe

Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties .
The prime minister was initially admitted to St Thomas ' Hospital on Sunday evening , but his health deteriorated yesterday .
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said : `` He had to be given oxygen - he was struggling to breathe .
The decision was taken at 7pm to move the prime minister to that intensive care unit . ''
Downing Street said he was suffering from `` persistent '' symptoms of COVID-19 , including a cough and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus 11 days ago , and his worsening condition is a severe blow to the government .
Even if he makes a speedy recovery , he is likely to be unable to resume work for some time .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Mr Johnson has received `` oxygen support '' but has not been on a ventilator .
`` He is not on a ventilator .
The prime minister has received some oxygen support , '' he told LBC .
`` He is kept , of course , under close supervision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is further support he needs it is there at hand .
But the Prime Minister has not been on a ventilator . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In his absence , Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab is chairing the coronavirus `` war cabinet '' that meets daily at 9.15am .
This week 's regular Tuesday meeting of the full cabinet has been cancelled .
There will be fears among Tory MPs that - without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together - the fight against the virus could lead to interdepartmental rivalries in Whitehall and bickering between cabinet ministers involved in tackling the crisis .
In a dramatic announcement just after 8pm last night , a Number 10 spokesman said : `` Over the course of this afternoon , the condition of the prime minister has worsened and , on the advice of his medical team , he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital .
`` The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him where necessary .
The PM is receiving excellent care , and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication . ''
Sky News understands that the decision to move the PM into intensive care was made by his medical team after his condition worsened over the course of Monday afternoon .
It is understood he remained conscious at the time of the announcement and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery .
Besides concerns in government about Mr Johnson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to intensive care will be enormously distressing for his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds .
She has also been self-isolating , but has said she is now on the mend .
Since being diagnosed with coronavirus symptoms on 26 March , the prime minister has attempted to play down the seriousness of his illness - posting videos even though he has looked unwell .
Before moving into intensive care , he posted an optimistic message on Twitter , writing on Monday : `` Last night , on the advice of my doctor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests as I 'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
`` I 'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team , as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe . ''
Later , the shock news of his move into intensive care was greeted by messages of support from all over the world , and from political allies and opponents in the UK .

Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
The prime minister was initially admitted to St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday evening, but his health deteriorated yesterday.
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said: "He had to be given oxygen - he was struggling to breathe. The decision was taken at 7pm to move the prime minister to that intensive care unit."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'The PM's condition worsened' - Raab
Downing Street said he was suffering from "persistent" symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough and a high temperature.
The 55-year-old tested positive for coronavirus 11 days ago, and his worsening condition is a severe blow to the government.
Even if he makes a speedy recovery, he is likely to be unable to resume work for some time.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Mr Johnson has received "oxygen support" but has not been on a ventilator.
"He is not on a ventilator. The prime minister has received some oxygen support," he told LBC.
"He is kept, of course, under close supervision. By being in intensive care if there is further support he needs it is there at hand. But the Prime Minister has not been on a ventilator."
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In his absence, Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab is chairing the coronavirus "war cabinet" that meets daily at 9.15am. This week's regular Tuesday meeting of the full cabinet has been cancelled.
There will be fears among Tory MPs that - without the prime minister on hand to bang heads together - the fight against the virus could lead to interdepartmental rivalries in Whitehall and bickering between cabinet ministers involved in tackling the crisis.
In a dramatic announcement just after 8pm last night, a Number 10 spokesman said: "Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
"The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary. The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication."
Image: A police officer stands guard outside St Thomas' Hospital
Sky News understands that the decision to move the PM into intensive care was made by his medical team after his condition worsened over the course of Monday afternoon.
It is understood he remained conscious at the time of the announcement and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.
Besides concerns in government about Mr Johnson's absence during the coronavirus crisis, his move to intensive care will be enormously distressing for his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Friday: 'I must continue my self-isolation'
She has also been self-isolating, but has said she is now on the mend.
Since being diagnosed with coronavirus symptoms on 26 March, the prime minister has attempted to play down the seriousness of his illness - posting videos even though he has looked unwell.
Before moving into intensive care, he posted an optimistic message on Twitter, writing on Monday: "Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
"I'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 'America is praying for Boris Johnson'
Later, the shock news of his move into intensive care was greeted by messages of support from all over the world, and from political allies and opponents in the UK.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: PM is 'extremely sick' and may need a ventilator, medical expert says

The prime minister is `` extremely sick '' and it is very likely he will need a ventilator , according to a medical expert .
Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his health deteriorated - 11 days after he initially tested positive for COVID-19 .
Downing Street says Mr Johnson has been suffering from `` persistent '' coronavirus symptoms - and Sky 's Beth Rigby reports he had been struggling to breathe and needed oxygen on Monday .
Derek Hill , professor of medical imaging at University College London , said Mr Johnson could be given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airway pressure .
This bridges the gap between an oxygen mask and full ventilation , sending a blend of air and oxygen into the mouth at a steady rate .
However , Prof Hill warned many COVID-19 patients eventually `` progress to invasive ventilation '' , which is for people whose illness is so severe that they are struggling or unable to breathe for themselves .
A mechanical ventilator either does all the breathing for the patient or assists the patient 's own breathing , and they are normally placed under heavy sedation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the features of COVID-19 in all countries seems to be that many more men become seriously ill than women - especially in the over 40 age group .
`` Also , we know that people under about 60 seem to have a higher chance of making a recovery from critical illness with COVID-19 than older people .
`` But there is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick . ''
Prof Hill added the prime minister 's situation highlights three key issues in the response to COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help breathing , and there is a shortage of the mechanical ventilators that can do this - and in particular a shortage of the high-quality intensive care ventilators most suitable for COVID-19 patients who might need help breathing for more than a week , '' he said .
`` Secondly , COVID-19 patients need a huge amount of oxygen to help them breathe , which is potentially going to be in short supply .
`` Thirdly , looking after people in intensive care requires skilled staff , and the experience of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been the greatest challenge . ''
It is understood that Mr Johnson remained conscious when he was moved to intensive care , and that it was done as a precaution should be require ventilation .
The prime minister is likely to have undergone several tests - and it is possible that he will have blood and samples from his throat collected .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to the World Health Organisation , about 14 % of COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen , and 5 % will need intensive care treatment .
The latest figures show that the death rate of those admitted to intensive care in the UK now exceeds 50 % .
Dr Simon Clarke , a microbiologist , told Sky News : `` I 'll say this to you , the NHS , particularly at this moment , does n't give up intensive care beds just for people to be looked over - it does n't work like that , even for prime ministers .
`` He would not be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in intensive care , especially not at this time , and I think it 's probably about time that the press people in Number 10 started levelling with us about what his condition really is . ''

The prime minister is "extremely sick" and it is very likely he will need a ventilator, according to a medical expert.
Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his health deteriorated - 11 days after he initially tested positive for COVID-19.
Downing Street says Mr Johnson has been suffering from "persistent" coronavirus symptoms - and Sky's Beth Rigby reports he had been struggling to breathe and needed oxygen on Monday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'The PM's condition worsened' - Raab
Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London, said Mr Johnson could be given a breathing aid known as continuous positive airway pressure.
This bridges the gap between an oxygen mask and full ventilation, sending a blend of air and oxygen into the mouth at a steady rate.
However, Prof Hill warned many COVID-19 patients eventually "progress to invasive ventilation", which is for people whose illness is so severe that they are struggling or unable to breathe for themselves.
A mechanical ventilator either does all the breathing for the patient or assists the patient's own breathing, and they are normally placed under heavy sedation.
Prof Hill explained: "One of the features of COVID-19 in all countries seems to be that many more men become seriously ill than women - especially in the over 40 age group.
"Also, we know that people under about 60 seem to have a higher chance of making a recovery from critical illness with COVID-19 than older people.
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"But there is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick."
Image: Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care
Mr Johnson celebrated his 55th birthday last June.
Prof Hill added the prime minister's situation highlights three key issues in the response to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 'America is praying for Boris Johnson'
"Firstly, many patients need help breathing, and there is a shortage of the mechanical ventilators that can do this - and in particular a shortage of the high-quality intensive care ventilators most suitable for COVID-19 patients who might need help breathing for more than a week," he said.
"Secondly, COVID-19 patients need a huge amount of oxygen to help them breathe, which is potentially going to be in short supply.
"Thirdly, looking after people in intensive care requires skilled staff, and the experience of New York has been that finding enough skilled staff has been the greatest challenge."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Friday: 'I must continue my self-isolation'
It is understood that Mr Johnson remained conscious when he was moved to intensive care, and that it was done as a precaution should be require ventilation.
The prime minister is likely to have undergone several tests - and it is possible that he will have blood and samples from his throat collected.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
According to the World Health Organisation, about 14% of COVID-19 patients will develop symptoms severe enough to need oxygen, and 5% will need intensive care treatment.
The latest figures show that the death rate of those admitted to intensive care in the UK now exceeds 50%.
Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist, told Sky News: "I'll say this to you, the NHS, particularly at this moment, doesn't give up intensive care beds just for people to be looked over - it doesn't work like that, even for prime ministers.
"He would not be in intensive care unless he needed to be in intensive care, especially not at this time, and I think it's probably about time that the press people in Number 10 started levelling with us about what his condition really is."