news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Can I walk the dog? Am I still able to fill up with fuel? UK lockdown questions answere

Coronavirus: Can I walk the dog? Am I still able to fill up with fuel? UK lockdown questions answered

Boris Johnson has announced a nationwide lockdown to tackle the UK 's coronavirus outbreak .
In an address to the nation on Monday night , the prime minister said Britons must stay at home for at least three weeks and only leave for four `` very limited purposes '' to slow the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
However , the decree has thrown up many questions for people in lots of different situations .
Sky News answers some of your questions about the lockdown .
What are the four reasons Mr Johnson said I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine - but you should do this `` as infrequently as possible '' and use food delivery services `` where you can '' • One form of exercise a day , such as a run , walk or cycle .
This can be done alone , with members of your household , or indeed with your dog • Any medical need , to give care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only if this is `` absolutely necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home But , what if ... ?
I defy the rules and do not stay at home ( apart from the exceptions ) ?
Health secretary Matt Hancock said fines will start at £30 and could be unlimited .
I need to go to the dentist - can I attend a clinic ?
NHS primary care premises are exempt from closure requirements and will still be operating .
However , the British Dental Association ( BDA ) is urging dentists to only treat emergency cases .
Guidance from the Welsh and Scottish governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Northern Ireland has called for a halt to aerosol generating procedures , such as root canal treatments .
NHS England is still updating its guidance .
A number of clinics in England have already taken the decision themselves to close to all but emergency cases .
The British Orthodontic Society also says no orthodontic patient should attend any clinic at this time .
In an extreme emergency , they should call the practice and discuss ways of resolving their problem at home .
I 've got a hospital appointment - can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your appointment as usual , unless you have coronavirus symptoms , are advised against visiting a hospital by your clinician , or are contacted to cancel your appointment .
Although hospital appointments have not been entirely suspended , many facilities are replacing face-to-face appointments with telephone or video consultations .
You may be contacted and asked to change the appointment to a telephone or video call , or you may have your visit rescheduled or postponed .
I am separated from my child 's parent - can the child ( under 18 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News children should not be moving between households , but the government recognises `` this may be necessary '' for separated parents so `` is permissible '' .
Mr Gove later apologised for not being `` clear enough '' .
I work in the construction industry , can I keep working ?
Mr Gove said construction on open air sites can continue but workers should follow `` social distancing advice '' .
However , many builders have pointed out this is almost impossible on construction sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News from a public health point of view , builders and any tradesmen should not be working because that means they are not staying at home .
The Cabinet Office said the government is providing support for workers so they do not have to work .
The government is set to announce further support for self-employed workers soon .
How about if I 'm a plumber ?
Mr Gove said plumbers can attend emergency call-outs `` to ensure people can stay safe '' but if it is not essential , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work that has already started on my house - can it continue ?
Mr Gove said work can continue on open air sites but if builders can not be two metres apart while working on your house they should stay at home .
I do n't live near my parents , who are self-isolating as they are over 70 or have other health conditions , can I drive to them to deliver a food shop ?
It is `` unlikely '' police will be pulling cars over just for driving , Mr Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the shopping outside their door it should be fine .
I volunteer to help the elderly/vulnerable , can I still do that ?
Yes .
Under the new lockdown rules , helping a vulnerable person counts as part of a medical reason to leave the house .
Several have decided to close or have moved to food delivery service or online orders only .
The best thing to do is to check their social media pages or websites to see if they are still open and running .
I need to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bus , train or Tube ?
People should avoid using public transport , but if they have to and they are a key worker they can .
Social distancing rules still apply but as services have been reduced this is difficult .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for all non-essential use of public transport in the capital to stop and said more services can not be run because staff are sick or self-isolating .
I work in a textile factory where we work in close quarters , should I be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock said if you are not an essential worker you should stay at home , adding that corporate companies will be fined for making workers go in .
Any essential workers should stay two metres apart at work where possible .
Can I go for a drive to blow the cobwebs away ?
`` It is unlikely anybody will be pulled over by the police just for driving , '' Mr Gove said .
If I see a group of people hanging out in the park what should I do ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they do not then you can call the police , Mr Gove said .
Will the lockdown be extended ?
Mr Gove said the lockdown could continue after the three weeks is over if there is an `` intensification '' in coronavirus cases .
Funerals are allowed under the lockdown - with only immediate families allowed to attend - but what does that mean ?
Co-op Funeralcare director David Collingwood said families still need to adhere to social distancing requirements during a funeral .
He said churches and crematoriums that have filming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families so the funeral can be streamed for those who can not be there .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker I need to get some fuel or my car needs repairing , will garages be open ?
Garages should remain open so people can get fuel and repairs , Mr Gove said - but car showrooms should be closed .
I need to rent a car to get around so I do n't have to take public transport - can I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can stay open so people are able to get around if they absolutely need to , `` but social distancing needs to be kept to '' .
My neighbour is too scared to leave the house , can I take their dog for a walk ?
As people are only allowed to exercise once a day dogs should be taken for walks then , but Mr Gove said you ideally should not take somebody else 's dog out to ensure social distancing is adhered to .

Boris Johnson has announced a nationwide lockdown to tackle the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
In an address to the nation on Monday night, the prime minister said Britons must stay at home for at least three weeks and only leave for four "very limited purposes" to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
However, the decree has thrown up many questions for people in lots of different situations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 PM's full statement to the country
Sky News answers some of your questions about the lockdown.
What are the four reasons Mr Johnson said I could leave the house for?
Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine - but you should do this "as infrequently as possible" and use food delivery services "where you can"
One form of exercise a day, such as a run, walk or cycle. This can be done alone, with members of your household, or indeed with your dog
Any medical need, to give care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only if this is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home
Image: Britons may get out of the house to exercise once a day, but must maintain social distancing
But, what if...?
I defy the rules and do not stay at home (apart from the exceptions)?
Health secretary Matt Hancock said fines will start at £30 and could be unlimited.
I need to go to the dentist - can I attend a clinic?
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NHS primary care premises are exempt from closure requirements and will still be operating.
However, the British Dental Association (BDA) is urging dentists to only treat emergency cases.
Guidance from the Welsh and Scottish governments recommends that routine dental appointments are suspended, while Northern Ireland has called for a halt to aerosol generating procedures, such as root canal treatments.
NHS England is still updating its guidance.
A number of clinics in England have already taken the decision themselves to close to all but emergency cases.
The British Orthodontic Society also says no orthodontic patient should attend any clinic at this time.
In an extreme emergency, they should call the practice and discuss ways of resolving their problem at home.
I've got a hospital appointment - can I still go?
You should attend your appointment as usual, unless you have coronavirus symptoms, are advised against visiting a hospital by your clinician, or are contacted to cancel your appointment.
Although hospital appointments have not been entirely suspended, many facilities are replacing face-to-face appointments with telephone or video consultations.
You may be contacted and asked to change the appointment to a telephone or video call, or you may have your visit rescheduled or postponed.
I am separated from my child's parent - can the child (under 18) still visit us both?
Yes. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News children should not be moving between households, but the government recognises "this may be necessary" for separated parents so "is permissible".
Mr Gove later apologised for not being "clear enough".
I work in the construction industry, can I keep working?
Mr Gove said construction on open air sites can continue but workers should follow "social distancing advice". However, many builders have pointed out this is almost impossible on construction sites.
Global health physician Dr Peter Drobac told Sky News from a public health point of view, builders and any tradesmen should not be working because that means they are not staying at home.
The Cabinet Office said the government is providing support for workers so they do not have to work.
The government is set to announce further support for self-employed workers soon.
Image: People queue at a Sainsbury's supermarket near Leeds on day one of the lockdown
How about if I'm a plumber?
Mr Gove said plumbers can attend emergency call-outs "to ensure people can stay safe" but if it is not essential, then do not.
I have planned building work that has already started on my house - can it continue?
Mr Gove said work can continue on open air sites but if builders cannot be two metres apart while working on your house they should stay at home.
I don't live near my parents, who are self-isolating as they are over 70 or have other health conditions, can I drive to them to deliver a food shop?
It is "unlikely" police will be pulling cars over just for driving, Mr Gove said. So as long as you leave the shopping outside their door it should be fine.
I volunteer to help the elderly/vulnerable, can I still do that?
Yes. Under the new lockdown rules, helping a vulnerable person counts as part of a medical reason to leave the house.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'Stay at home or your loved ones may die'
Are independent food shops still open?
Several have decided to close or have moved to food delivery service or online orders only. The best thing to do is to check their social media pages or websites to see if they are still open and running.
Image: Tube trains should be avoided if possible, although there was no sign of that on Tuesday morning
Image: Trafalgar Square in central London is normally teeming with tourists but was empty as the lockdown kicked in
I need to get to work - can I still use the bus, train or Tube?
People should avoid using public transport, but if they have to and they are a key worker they can. Social distancing rules still apply but as services have been reduced this is difficult.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for all non-essential use of public transport in the capital to stop and said more services cannot be run because staff are sick or self-isolating.
I work in a textile factory where we work in close quarters, should I be made to go to work?
No. Mr Hancock said if you are not an essential worker you should stay at home, adding that corporate companies will be fined for making workers go in. Any essential workers should stay two metres apart at work where possible.
Image: Non-essential travel should be halted
Can I go for a drive to blow the cobwebs away?
"It is unlikely anybody will be pulled over by the police just for driving," Mr Gove said.
If I see a group of people hanging out in the park what should I do?
You should encourage people to disperse and if they do not then you can call the police, Mr Gove said.
Will the lockdown be extended?
Mr Gove said the lockdown could continue after the three weeks is over if there is an "intensification" in coronavirus cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Aerials show lack of social distancing in London
Funerals are allowed under the lockdown - with only immediate families allowed to attend - but what does that mean?
Co-op Funeralcare director David Collingwood said families still need to adhere to social distancing requirements during a funeral.
He said churches and crematoriums that have filming facilities should make them available to all families so the funeral can be streamed for those who cannot be there.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
I need to get some fuel or my car needs repairing, will garages be open?
Garages should remain open so people can get fuel and repairs, Mr Gove said - but car showrooms should be closed.
I need to rent a car to get around so I don't have to take public transport - can I?
Mr Gove said car hire companies can stay open so people are able to get around if they absolutely need to, "but social distancing needs to be kept to".
Image: The army has been drafted in to deliver protective equipment for the NHS
My neighbour is too scared to leave the house, can I take their dog for a walk?
As people are only allowed to exercise once a day dogs should be taken for walks then, but Mr Gove said you ideally should not take somebody else's dog out to ensure social distancing is adhered to.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Heathrow threat over 'voluntary' pay cuts

Employees at Britain ’ s busiest airport have been warned that they face the sack if they refuse to accept voluntary pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Heathrow 's human resources chief told thousands of staff this week that `` dismissal and reinstatement might be the final step '' for anyone not choosing to take a 15 % pay reduction .
In an extraordinarily-worded memo , Paula Stannett , the airport 's chief people officer , said : `` We are looking for everyone to play their part and are not expecting anyone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are leaving us very shortly through redundancy .
`` There will be consequences if colleagues do not accept the revised terms as it will mean that we have to make further job cuts .
`` It will also have consequences for those colleagues who do not wish to participate . ''
Heathrow has already imposed a 10 % pay cut on unionised staff , and is planning to make roughly a quarter of its senior managers redundant .
Ms Stannett 's latest memo goes further , however , saying that `` my proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by voluntary severance for colleagues who do not want to take a pay reduction '' .
`` In the unlikely case that colleagues continue to refuse to take part , dismissal and reinstatement might be the final step .
`` Obviously that is something I am keen to avoid , although I can confirm that is an option that is legally available to the company to take . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker One source said that any reinstatement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms .
The ultimatum to Heathrow 's workforce underlines the pressure on the UK 's largest airport as air traffic grinds almost to a halt .
Heathrow is owned by a consortium of wealthy sovereign , infrastructure and pension funds , including the Spanish group Ferrovial and the Universities Superannuation Scheme .
Last month , the airport 's chief executive , John Holland-Kaye , said he would give up his salary for three months as it tries to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic .
Heathrow reported a near-5 % fall in passenger traffic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March to be disclosed shortly .
Regional airports are facing financial ruin as a result of the coronavirus outbreak , while a number of airlines are in talks about a bailout by the Treasury .

Employees at Britain’s busiest airport have been warned that they face the sack if they refuse to accept voluntary pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Heathrow's human resources chief told thousands of staff this week that "dismissal and reinstatement might be the final step" for anyone not choosing to take a 15% pay reduction.
In an extraordinarily-worded memo, Paula Stannett, the airport's chief people officer, said: "We are looking for everyone to play their part and are not expecting anyone to opt out, other than those who are leaving us very shortly through redundancy.
"There will be consequences if colleagues do not accept the revised terms as it will mean that we have to make further job cuts.
"It will also have consequences for those colleagues who do not wish to participate."
Heathrow has already imposed a 10% pay cut on unionised staff, and is planning to make roughly a quarter of its senior managers redundant.
Ms Stannett's latest memo goes further, however, saying that "my proposal is that we should offer furlough followed by voluntary severance for colleagues who do not want to take a pay reduction".
"In the unlikely case that colleagues continue to refuse to take part, dismissal and reinstatement might be the final step.
"Obviously that is something I am keen to avoid, although I can confirm that is an option that is legally available to the company to take."
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One source said that any reinstatement of sacked staff would be on inferior employment terms.
The ultimatum to Heathrow's workforce underlines the pressure on the UK's largest airport as air traffic grinds almost to a halt.
Heathrow is owned by a consortium of wealthy sovereign, infrastructure and pension funds, including the Spanish group Ferrovial and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
Image: John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport
Last month, the airport's chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said he would give up his salary for three months as it tries to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heathrow reported a near-5% fall in passenger traffic in February, with a much steeper decline in March to be disclosed shortly.
Regional airports are facing financial ruin as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, while a number of airlines are in talks about a bailout by the Treasury.
A Heathrow spokeswoman declined to comment.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Invesco chiefs warn UK plc over cash calls

One of Britain 's leading stock market investors has told companies that they must make a compelling case for raising `` precious and expensive '' equity during the coronavirus pandemic as bankers prepare to unveil a deluge of cash calls .
Sky News has obtained a letter sent by the co-heads of UK equities at Invesco , the Henley-on-Thames-based institution , which sets out their expectations for corporate fundraisings during the crisis .
In it , Mark Barnett and Martin Walker fired a warning shot across the bows of corporate Britain , saying they would not support companies without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for new funds .
They urged companies to make use of government financing schemes such as the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility as an alternative .
Funds managed by Mr Barnett and Mr Walker own stakes in most of the UK 's biggest companies , including BP , British American Tobacco , BT Group , easyJet and Tesco .
Their letter , which was sent to around 200 listed companies on Wednesday , has been triggered by a growing number of equity placings in recent days .
Asos , the online fashion retailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel retailer are among those to have announced fundraisings as they seek to fortify their balance sheets .
In total , Invesco managed roughly £70bn of savers ' money in Britain as of the end of February - although that figure will now be substantially lower as a result of the subsequent stock market slide .
Mr Barnett and Mr Walker said they had `` worked closely over the past month with the companies in which we are invested '' .
`` In these times of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , liquidity and debt maturities in order to take a view on whether the company will be required to raise capital to strengthen its balance sheet and ensure its future viability . ''
The two co-heads of UK equities at Invesco added that they were committed to `` supporting the UK economy through the provision of long-term capital and essential market liquidity '' .
`` However , current market valuations mean that equity is both precious and expensive and should the company be required to raise short term capital we would strongly advise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities that may be available , for example , the COVID corporate financing facility ( CCFF ) or similar facilities , '' they told company bosses .
Mr Barnett told Sky News that he was keen that companies did not pursue `` opportunistic '' fundraisings , and said it was essential that asset managers such as Invesco were able to protect the economic interests of their clients .
The growing number of equity-raises comes even as scores of public companies announce that they are cancelling or deferring previously announce dividend payments , depriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income .
Mr Barnett said the debate about dividend payments had become `` politicised '' , which he declared was `` misguided '' given their importance to income funds and to the wider economy .
The COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted changes to the historically sacrosanct principle of pre-emption rights in the London capital markets , which mean that existing investors are guaranteed to be allowed to take part in corporate equity-raisings .
Regulators have moved to relax some of the rules surrounding information disclosures , while doubling the pre-emption threshold to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital .
Mr Barnett and Mr Walker told companies : `` Where it is deemed necessary to raise capital through structures that may circumvent pre-emption , such as cash box placings , we would expect our shareholding to be protected .
`` In the current economic climate , we are supportive of companies consolidating or strengthening market positions and would support strategic equity raises to facilitate this .
`` However , this does not include capital-raising where the use of proceeds is not clearly identified . ''
As a protege of Neil Woodford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his eponymous fund management business implode last year , Mr Barnett has endured a tough period , with the performance of the funds he manages under enormous pressure .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Monday , Perpetual Income and Growth Investment Trust confirmed a Sky News report that it was removing Mr Barnett as its manager after 21 years .
Although he has endured a difficult period , Mr Barnett remains a widely respected figure in the UK asset management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about £6bn .
A number of other fund managers , including Legal & General and Schroders , have written to listed companies in the last fortnight .
On Wednesday , the Investment Association , which represents the asset management industry , wrote to the chairs of FTSE-350 companies to address issues including dividends and executive pay .
It said that companies that were cancelling dividend payments or making changes to their workforce pay , would need to demonstrate responsibility by reflecting such actions in their approach to executive pay .

One of Britain's leading stock market investors has told companies that they must make a compelling case for raising "precious and expensive" equity during the coronavirus pandemic as bankers prepare to unveil a deluge of cash calls.
Sky News has obtained a letter sent by the co-heads of UK equities at Invesco, the Henley-on-Thames-based institution, which sets out their expectations for corporate fundraisings during the crisis.
In it, Mark Barnett and Martin Walker fired a warning shot across the bows of corporate Britain, saying they would not support companies without a "strong rationale" for tapping shareholders for new funds.
They urged companies to make use of government financing schemes such as the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility as an alternative.
Funds managed by Mr Barnett and Mr Walker own stakes in most of the UK's biggest companies, including BP, British American Tobacco, BT Group, easyJet and Tesco.
Their letter, which was sent to around 200 listed companies on Wednesday, has been triggered by a growing number of equity placings in recent days.
Asos, the online fashion retailer, recruiter Hays and SSP, the travel retailer are among those to have announced fundraisings as they seek to fortify their balance sheets.
In total, Invesco managed roughly £70bn of savers' money in Britain as of the end of February - although that figure will now be substantially lower as a result of the subsequent stock market slide.
Mr Barnett and Mr Walker said they had "worked closely over the past month with the companies in which we are invested".
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"In these times of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility, we have analysed financial statements focusing on cash flow, liquidity and debt maturities in order to take a view on whether the company will be required to raise capital to strengthen its balance sheet and ensure its future viability."
The two co-heads of UK equities at Invesco added that they were committed to "supporting the UK economy through the provision of long-term capital and essential market liquidity".
"However, current market valuations mean that equity is both precious and expensive and should the company be required to raise short term capital we would strongly advise you to examine any alternatives structures or facilities that may be available, for example, the COVID corporate financing facility (CCFF) or similar facilities," they told company bosses.
Mr Barnett told Sky News that he was keen that companies did not pursue "opportunistic" fundraisings, and said it was essential that asset managers such as Invesco were able to protect the economic interests of their clients.
The growing number of equity-raises comes even as scores of public companies announce that they are cancelling or deferring previously announce dividend payments, depriving pension funds and ordinary investors of relied-upon income.
Mr Barnett said the debate about dividend payments had become "politicised", which he declared was "misguided" given their importance to income funds and to the wider economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted changes to the historically sacrosanct principle of pre-emption rights in the London capital markets, which mean that existing investors are guaranteed to be allowed to take part in corporate equity-raisings.
Regulators have moved to relax some of the rules surrounding information disclosures, while doubling the pre-emption threshold to 20% of a listed company's share capital.
Mr Barnett and Mr Walker told companies: "Where it is deemed necessary to raise capital through structures that may circumvent pre-emption, such as cash box placings, we would expect our shareholding to be protected.
"In the current economic climate, we are supportive of companies consolidating or strengthening market positions and would support strategic equity raises to facilitate this.
"However, this does not include capital-raising where the use of proceeds is not clearly identified."
As a protege of Neil Woodford, the former Invesco executive who saw his eponymous fund management business implode last year, Mr Barnett has endured a tough period, with the performance of the funds he manages under enormous pressure.
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On Monday, Perpetual Income and Growth Investment Trust confirmed a Sky News report that it was removing Mr Barnett as its manager after 21 years.
Although he has endured a difficult period, Mr Barnett remains a widely respected figure in the UK asset management industry.
He currently manages funds worth about £6bn.
A number of other fund managers, including Legal & General and Schroders, have written to listed companies in the last fortnight.
On Wednesday, the Investment Association, which represents the asset management industry, wrote to the chairs of FTSE-350 companies to address issues including dividends and executive pay.
It said that companies that were cancelling dividend payments or making changes to their workforce pay, would need to demonstrate responsibility by reflecting such actions in their approach to executive pay.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: America set to enter a defining week in its history

The coming week could be defining for America .
Slow to enter the crisis , it is now recording figures that dwarf any other nation .
The latest death toll stands at over 9,000 - more than mainland China - and the number of confirmed cases is in excess of 311,000 , almost a quarter of the global total .
Any graph you study plots a steep line still climbing - not only is it too soon to see the effects of social distancing in the hardest hit cities , like New York , some states have n't even bothered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a grave mistake .
Even Donald Trump , who throughout this crisis has so often batted away the worst-case scenarios , seems to grasp what 's coming : `` There will be a lot of death unfortunately , '' he said solemnly over the weekend .
It 's not just him - his team is now preparing the country for the worst .
On a Sunday political show the US Surgeon General predicted the coming week would be `` our Pearl Harbor moment , our 9/11 moment , '' and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to `` just buckle down '' because the coming weeks would be `` shocking '' .
Less than a fortnight ago , the President had confidently boasted that he would reopen the US economy by Easter .
Instead this holiday weekend could turn out to be the apex of this very crisis , certainly for New York .
Trump is growing impatient and no wonder .
The unemployment figures last week were mind-blowing : 6.6 million new claimants , taking the total over 10 million .
Five years of record employment wiped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the economy will `` sky-rocket '' once this is all over , but few economists agree with him .
Rather , this is going to get dramatically worse before it gets better , and in every sense .
The White House , often the purveyor of questionable optimism throughout this crisis , concedes it will do well to keep the number of deaths below 100,000 .
Even if it succeeds that will nonetheless be a truly devastating loss of life for this country , on a scale far greater than even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlast the virus itself .
Modelling carried out by The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis puts eventual job losses at 47 million , 32.1 % of the labour market .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker If you think those figures are dramatic and fanciful , just consider that no economist foresaw last week 's unemployment figures being as high as they were - the reality was worse than even the worst-case prediction .
America is sailing in uncharted waters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second term rely on a strong economy .
One glimmer of hope is that the downturn , albeit sharp , could also be quite short .
Growth could return by the fourth quarter of this year , just at the moment Trump is hoping for re-election , but by then the societal damage and political consequences of coronavirus could be incalculable .
It is too soon to start searching for the light at the end of that tunnel because the next fortnight could be very dark indeed .

The coming week could be defining for America. Slow to enter the crisis, it is now recording figures that dwarf any other nation.
The latest death toll stands at over 9,000 - more than mainland China - and the number of confirmed cases is in excess of 311,000, almost a quarter of the global total.
Any graph you study plots a steep line still climbing - not only is it too soon to see the effects of social distancing in the hardest hit cities, like New York, some states haven't even bothered imposing such restrictions. It could prove to be a grave mistake.
Even Donald Trump, who throughout this crisis has so often batted away the worst-case scenarios, seems to grasp what's coming: "There will be a lot of death unfortunately," he said solemnly over the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Trump: There will be lots of death
It's not just him - his team is now preparing the country for the worst.
On a Sunday political show the US Surgeon General predicted the coming week would be "our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment," and the ever-calm and impressive Dr Tony Fauci told Americans to "just buckle down" because the coming weeks would be "shocking".
Less than a fortnight ago, the President had confidently boasted that he would reopen the US economy by Easter. Instead this holiday weekend could turn out to be the apex of this very crisis, certainly for New York.
Image: Dr Anthony Fauci has warned about high death numbers
Trump is growing impatient and no wonder.
The unemployment figures last week were mind-blowing: 6.6 million new claimants, taking the total over 10 million. Five years of record employment wiped out in one short fortnight.
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Trump says the economy will "sky-rocket" once this is all over, but few economists agree with him. Rather, this is going to get dramatically worse before it gets better, and in every sense.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 New York morgue workers are 'exhausted'
The White House, often the purveyor of questionable optimism throughout this crisis, concedes it will do well to keep the number of deaths below 100,000. Even if it succeeds that will nonetheless be a truly devastating loss of life for this country, on a scale far greater than even the Vietnam War.
The economic effects will outlast the virus itself. Modelling carried out by The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis puts eventual job losses at 47 million, 32.1% of the labour market.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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If you think those figures are dramatic and fanciful, just consider that no economist foresaw last week's unemployment figures being as high as they were - the reality was worse than even the worst-case prediction.
America is sailing in uncharted waters, skippered by a man whose hopes for a second term rely on a strong economy.
One glimmer of hope is that the downturn, albeit sharp, could also be quite short. Growth could return by the fourth quarter of this year, just at the moment Trump is hoping for re-election, but by then the societal damage and political consequences of coronavirus could be incalculable.
It is too soon to start searching for the light at the end of that tunnel because the next fortnight could be very dark indeed.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Jewish communities asked to stay apart for Passover

The Jewish community are being urged to stay apart and stay at home as they prepare for Passover .
This evening marks the start of one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar , marking the exodus of Jews from Egypt over 3,000 years ago .
But synagogues are currently closed like all other places of worship during the coronavirus lockdown - and at a time when many families would be coming together for the traditional festivities , as Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has called on everyone to stick to the guidelines on social distancing .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is a message echoed by rabbis across the country who say it is already a difficult time for many families .
Rabbi Joseph Dweck , head of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews Congregation , said it is especially hard for those who have lost loved ones .
He said : `` Part of Jewish tradition we spend seven days after someone passes away visiting , consoling , which we call the shivah ( Hebrew for seven ) .
`` Unfortunately , people mourning at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do use online platforms , to speak with them and be present with them in the way that we can during this time ... but it is quite difficult and very different . ''
Edwin Shuker and his family have been making the usual preparations but on a smaller scale .
Tonight they would usually have 30 for the traditional Seder dinner , but coronavirus means that is just not possible .
Mr Shuker , who is vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews , told Sky News that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where families get together around a table and tell a story '' which is centred on their children .
He said the board 's work has not stopped , `` but it has changed '' as they work remotely , adding it is preparing for the challenges of the Passover and the `` hardship that will hit individuals , organisations and charities '' .
Like so many places , community groups in north London are adjusting to new demands on their services .
Volunteer paramedics with the group Hatzalah are providing emotional as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joel Greenfield , one of the volunteers , said : `` We are an ambulance service so the majority of calls are people really sick , need hospital .
`` Those are the majority but yes we get calls for advice , people panicking , do n't know what to do , loved ones unwell , temperature , do they need hospital or stay at home , we always follow government guidelines and tell them to call 111 .
`` We do also offer some support just to explain how coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need something where to get it , so we do offer more practical advice but do n't offer medical advice over the phone . ''
Technology will be helping many families to connect this year , as they plan to use platforms like Zoom or Skype , even though Jewish tradition normally forbids the use of electronic devices on holy days .
Many will still be celebrating together in spirit , even if they are physically apart .
Sandy Rashty has told Sky News that she was born into a traditional Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year will be `` very different '' .
Here is her story .
I have been raised to celebrate the key festivals that mark our community 's history , maybe not to the religious letter , but certainly in spirit .
Tonight , we were due to celebrate Passover as a family - a festival that marks the Jewish people 's exodus from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago .
Ordinarily , around 20 of us would have gathered around my grandma 's dinner table - wearing our best clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could find and admiring the spread that would have been planned and prepared for weeks .
Adults on one end of the table and cousins on the other , we would have argued over the order of the prayers , dutifully said blessings over symbolic foods and laughed until the early hours .
We would have spent the next week observing the rites of the Jewish holiday .
We would have stocked our cupboard full of 'kosher for Passover ' items - 'unleavened ' food that is not given time to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not have time to bake bread as they fled slavery .
There would be multiple boxes of matzah ( unleavened flatbread ) , substitute desserts and my mum would have pre-prepared meals for us all .
But we are not living in ordinary times .
We are living in the midst of a pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 .
For the first-time , my grandmother , in her 90s , will not be around her family .
For the first time , there will be no synagogue services .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushed to the shops to bulk-buy food for the festival .
We have made small sacrifices - sacrifices that pale in comparison to those made by NHS staff and essential workers across our nation .
Yes we are Jewish and it is our traditions that help us identify as a community - but we are also British .
We have a duty to respect our nation , keep our neighbours safe and as a result - adapt our rituals to do so .
So how have we adapted ?
I have some kosher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my cupboard , bought this week from the local Sainsbury 's .
Like so many families , we 've all downloaded technology that will let us speak or shout over one another during our virtual Seder .
My grandmother 's carer is still working out how to download the technology and hopefully we 'll get there in time - otherwise , we will speak on the phone .
If anything , it 's made us more determined to celebrate our heritage , while respecting the rules imposed by our government .
And all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Shabbat meal will be one we never again take for granted .

The Jewish community are being urged to stay apart and stay at home as they prepare for Passover.
This evening marks the start of one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar, marking the exodus of Jews from Egypt over 3,000 years ago.
But synagogues are currently closed like all other places of worship during the coronavirus lockdown - and at a time when many families would be coming together for the traditional festivities, as Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has called on everyone to stick to the guidelines on social distancing.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It is a message echoed by rabbis across the country who say it is already a difficult time for many families.
Rabbi Joseph Dweck, head of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews Congregation, said it is especially hard for those who have lost loved ones.
He said: "Part of Jewish tradition we spend seven days after someone passes away visiting, consoling, which we call the shivah (Hebrew for seven).
"Unfortunately, people mourning at this time have to sit isolated so we do use online platforms, to speak with them and be present with them in the way that we can during this time... but it is quite difficult and very different."
Edwin Shuker and his family have been making the usual preparations but on a smaller scale. Tonight they would usually have 30 for the traditional Seder dinner, but coronavirus means that is just not possible.
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Mr Shuker, who is vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told Sky News that a Passover is "a quintessential festival where families get together around a table and tell a story" which is centred on their children.
He said the board's work has not stopped, "but it has changed" as they work remotely, adding it is preparing for the challenges of the Passover and the "hardship that will hit individuals, organisations and charities".
Like so many places, community groups in north London are adjusting to new demands on their services. Volunteer paramedics with the group Hatzalah are providing emotional as well as physical support for the vulnerable.
Joel Greenfield, one of the volunteers, said: "We are an ambulance service so the majority of calls are people really sick, need hospital.
Image: Edwin Shuker says the Board of Deputies of British Jews is continuing to work remotely
"Those are the majority but yes we get calls for advice, people panicking, don't know what to do, loved ones unwell, temperature, do they need hospital or stay at home, we always follow government guidelines and tell them to call 111.
"We do also offer some support just to explain how coronavirus is affecting and how to self-isolate, if they need something where to get it, so we do offer more practical advice but don't offer medical advice over the phone."
Image: Families will be forced to celebrate Passover while respecting social distancing guidelines
Technology will be helping many families to connect this year, as they plan to use platforms like Zoom or Skype, even though Jewish tradition normally forbids the use of electronic devices on holy days.
Many will still be celebrating together in spirit, even if they are physically apart.
Sandy Rashty has told Sky News that she was born into a traditional Jewish family in London, and says Passover this year will be "very different".
Here is her story.
I have been raised to celebrate the key festivals that mark our community's history, maybe not to the religious letter, but certainly in spirit.
Tonight, we were due to celebrate Passover as a family - a festival that marks the Jewish people's exodus from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.
Ordinarily, around 20 of us would have gathered around my grandma's dinner table - wearing our best clothes, grabbing as many fold-up chairs as we could find and admiring the spread that would have been planned and prepared for weeks.
Image: Sandy Rashty says for her family, Passover will be very different this year
Adults on one end of the table and cousins on the other, we would have argued over the order of the prayers, dutifully said blessings over symbolic foods and laughed until the early hours.
We would have spent the next week observing the rites of the Jewish holiday.
We would have stocked our cupboard full of 'kosher for Passover' items - 'unleavened' food that is not given time to rise as a tribute to our ancestors who did not have time to bake bread as they fled slavery.
There would be multiple boxes of matzah (unleavened flatbread), substitute desserts and my mum would have pre-prepared meals for us all.
But we are not living in ordinary times. We are living in the midst of a pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
For the first-time, my grandmother, in her 90s, will not be around her family.
For the first time, there will be no synagogue services.
For the first time, we have not rushed to the shops to bulk-buy food for the festival.
We have made small sacrifices - sacrifices that pale in comparison to those made by NHS staff and essential workers across our nation.
Image: Matzah (unleavened flatbread) forms an integral part of Passover tradition. File pic
Yes we are Jewish and it is our traditions that help us identify as a community - but we are also British.
We have a duty to respect our nation, keep our neighbours safe and as a result - adapt our rituals to do so.
So how have we adapted? I have some kosher wine and two boxes of matzah in my cupboard, bought this week from the local Sainsbury's.
Like so many families, we've all downloaded technology that will let us speak or shout over one another during our virtual Seder.
My grandmother's carer is still working out how to download the technology and hopefully we'll get there in time - otherwise, we will speak on the phone.
If anything, it's made us more determined to celebrate our heritage, while respecting the rules imposed by our government.
And all being well, our next Seder night or Shabbat meal will be one we never again take for granted.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: KPMG partners face 25% pay cut as bonuses get slashed

Hundreds of partners at KPMG , the big four accountancy firm , are facing pay cuts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds as it seeks to conserve cash because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Sky News has learnt that KPMG 's 620 UK partners were notified earlier this week that they could see their 2020 pay packages reduced by around 25 % as a result of the pandemic .
Last year , the elite group received average remuneration of £629,000 .
According to a memo sent on Monday , bosses at KPMG have decided that `` partners will and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they also warned that the wider workforce should expect to receive `` significantly reduced…or no bonuses this year and it would be wise for people to plan for that eventuality '' .
People close to the firm said that the UK leadership team had chosen to pursue the pay cuts in order to save around £75m this year .
Such a move would mitigate the need for job cuts across KPMG 's 18,000-strong workforce , they said .
The firm , which has had a challenging couple of years , told partners this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis in a position of strength , buoyed by the recent sale of its pensions advisory business .
KPMG , which declined to comment , added in its memo to partners that it did not intend to implement other measures such as part-time working and shorter working weeks .
The COVID-19 crisis has created a major headache for the big four firms - also made up of Deloitte , EY and PricewaterhouseCoopers - because the consequent slowdown in business activity has come at the same time as they are braced for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , PwC said it would delay partner promotions and bonuses , while the 'challenger ' firm Grant Thornton asked staff to volunteer for drastic pay cuts .
PwC is expected to cut partners ' pay by 20 % .

Hundreds of partners at KPMG, the big four accountancy firm, are facing pay cuts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds as it seeks to conserve cash because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Sky News has learnt that KPMG's 620 UK partners were notified earlier this week that they could see their 2020 pay packages reduced by around 25% as a result of the pandemic.
Last year, the elite group received average remuneration of £629,000.
According to a memo sent on Monday, bosses at KPMG have decided that "partners will and should feel a greater impact" - although they also warned that the wider workforce should expect to receive "significantly reduced…or no bonuses this year and it would be wise for people to plan for that eventuality".
People close to the firm said that the UK leadership team had chosen to pursue the pay cuts in order to save around £75m this year.
Such a move would mitigate the need for job cuts across KPMG's 18,000-strong workforce, they said.
The firm, which has had a challenging couple of years, told partners this week that it had nevertheless entered the coronavirus crisis in a position of strength, buoyed by the recent sale of its pensions advisory business.
KPMG, which declined to comment, added in its memo to partners that it did not intend to implement other measures such as part-time working and shorter working weeks.
The COVID-19 crisis has created a major headache for the big four firms - also made up of Deloitte, EY and PricewaterhouseCoopers - because the consequent slowdown in business activity has come at the same time as they are braced for a structural overhaul of their operations.
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Earlier this week, PwC said it would delay partner promotions and bonuses, while the 'challenger' firm Grant Thornton asked staff to volunteer for drastic pay cuts.
PwC is expected to cut partners' pay by 20%.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Military draws up list of 17 temporary hospital sites

The military has a list of 17 locations for temporary coronavirus hospitals if required , from Glasgow and Sunderland to Plymouth and Exeter , Sky News understands .
Nine of the venues have been authorised and are in the process of coming online , according to a military source .
Coronavirus patients are already being treated at the converted ExCel exhibition centre in London , where the NHS Nightingale has been set up .
Some or all of the other eight sites could follow if needed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 emerged from a briefing that was given on Wednesday by the Ministry of Defence to a number of defence insiders .
It is an expansion from around 10 possible locations that were being considered just two weeks ago - an indication of the planning that is going on to prepare for a further spike in demand for hospital beds nationwide as the pandemic spreads .
Dubbed Project Nightingale , the armed forces have been involved in the planning and design of the nine approved locations in support of the Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
They are helping to build five of the venues and will likely be deployed to assist with the construction of the others .
The first five include the vast ExCel Centre in east London , which opened last week as the flagship NHS Nightingale hospital .
The military 's role in that effort has been well publicised .
However , little has been said in public about the part that military planners , designers , engineers , logisticians and others are playing in helping the government to create thousands more bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the military is thought to have also helped with the building work are the NEC in Birmingham , the Manchester Central Convention Complex , the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Harrogate Convention Centre in Yorkshire .
In addition , four sites where new hospital facilities or annexes to existing structures have been approved are at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow , Belfast City Hospital , Bristol University of West England and a rugby stadium in Llanelli , south-west Wales .
The size of each location will vary , with not all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the ExCel .
Ministers said that facility would have a capacity of 4,000 beds when it is fully operational .
The anticipated number of beds at Harrogate is around 500 , while at Birmingham NEC it could house some 2,500 , according to the military source .
That source said one of the other eight areas where possible temporary hospitals might be constructed is at Farnborough Conference Centre in Hampshire .
Well secured and based next to an airport , it would make an ideal location .
The Farnborough Air Show had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue in July but that has been cancelled because of the pandemic .
Four other possible hospital locations are thought to be Westpoint Exeter , Kent County Showground , a centre in Sunderland and a sports facility at Nottingham University .
The final three locations are earmarked for Plymouth , Cambridge and Cumbria .

The military has a list of 17 locations for temporary coronavirus hospitals if required, from Glasgow and Sunderland to Plymouth and Exeter, Sky News understands.
Nine of the venues have been authorised and are in the process of coming online, according to a military source.
Coronavirus patients are already being treated at the converted ExCel exhibition centre in London, where the NHS Nightingale has been set up. Some or all of the other eight sites could follow if needed.
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The figure of 17 emerged from a briefing that was given on Wednesday by the Ministry of Defence to a number of defence insiders.
It is an expansion from around 10 possible locations that were being considered just two weeks ago - an indication of the planning that is going on to prepare for a further spike in demand for hospital beds nationwide as the pandemic spreads.
Dubbed Project Nightingale, the armed forces have been involved in the planning and design of the nine approved locations in support of the Department of Health and Social Care, a second source said.
They are helping to build five of the venues and will likely be deployed to assist with the construction of the others.
The first five include the vast ExCel Centre in east London, which opened last week as the flagship NHS Nightingale hospital.
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The military's role in that effort has been well publicised.
However, little has been said in public about the part that military planners, designers, engineers, logisticians and others are playing in helping the government to create thousands more bed spaces across the country.
Other venues where the military is thought to have also helped with the building work are the NEC in Birmingham, the Manchester Central Convention Complex, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Harrogate Convention Centre in Yorkshire.
In addition, four sites where new hospital facilities or annexes to existing structures have been approved are at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow, Belfast City Hospital, Bristol University of West England and a rugby stadium in Llanelli, south-west Wales.
The size of each location will vary, with not all set to be a mega hospital complex like the ExCel.
Ministers said that facility would have a capacity of 4,000 beds when it is fully operational.
The anticipated number of beds at Harrogate is around 500, while at Birmingham NEC it could house some 2,500, according to the military source.
That source said one of the other eight areas where possible temporary hospitals might be constructed is at Farnborough Conference Centre in Hampshire.
Well secured and based next to an airport, it would make an ideal location.
The Farnborough Air Show had been due to take place at the venue in July but that has been cancelled because of the pandemic.
Four other possible hospital locations are thought to be Westpoint Exeter, Kent County Showground, a centre in Sunderland and a sports facility at Nottingham University.
The final three locations are earmarked for Plymouth, Cambridge and Cumbria.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Nurse who died after 44-year service 'loved her job and NHS'

An NHS nurse who died after contracting coronavirus `` loved '' the health service and her job as it was `` her life '' , according to her daughter .
Alice Kit Tak Ong , 70 , had worked for the health service for 44 years after coming to the UK from Hong Kong .
She passed away at the Royal Free Hospital in London on Tuesday after it was thought she contracted COVID-19 while working in a doctor 's surgery without the correct protective equipment .
She had initially self-isolated but had to be taken to the hospital when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived in the UK in the 1970s and began working for the NHS as soon as she was able to , and was still working full-time until her death .
Her daughter , Melissa Ong , described her mother as a `` wonderful woman '' who was `` generous to everyone else before herself '' .
`` She loved her job ... that was her life ... she loved the NHS , '' the 36-year-old said .
`` My mother came here from Hong Kong to work for the NHS because she believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We should value healthcare workers in good times and bad times . ''
As she caught the virus early in the lockdown process , Melissa says she does not `` blame anyone '' for a lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) at her mother 's work .
`` It would have been nice ... because of learning what has happened in Wuhan and other places across the world , '' she said .
`` But I 'm not blaming anyone , what 's happened has happened - her workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff at the Royal Free Hospital where she was in intensive care were faultless and fantastic . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Because she was 70 , we said mum are you sure you should be working ... She said 'yeah it 's fine , I 'll be fine , I know my limits ' and then obviously this has happened ... but who was to know . ''
Along with her other work , Alice was also an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Hertfordshire in her 60s to hone her knowledge of diabetic care .
She also urged the public needs to take the virus seriously and abide by lockdown rules , warning `` it can affect anyone '' regardless of their perceived strength .
She said : `` People just need to realise how dangerous this thing is .
She was strong ... she did n't really have any underlying health conditions . ''
A statement from North Central London clinical commissioning group said it expressed `` sincere condolences '' to Alice 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is with great sadness that we heard today of the tragic death of Kit Ong , a valued primary care nurse .
Kit worked in the NHS for over 40 years and in Barnet practices for 20 plus years .
She had a passion for nursing and this came across in her interactions with patients , as well as her colleagues .
She made a difference to many peoples ' lives through her care .
`` She was much loved by her team and leaves an important legacy , having inspired many junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast knowledge , experience and passion for nursing.
`` A care worker from Bury has also died , and is suspected to have contracted COVID-19 .
Mother-of-two Carol Jamabo , 56 , had worked for the NHS and the prison service , and moved to the UK from Nigeria in the 1990s and had been working most recently at a care home in Manchester .
Her nephew Dakuro Fiberesima told Sky News : `` My aunty was so loving , so bubbly and so full of life .
Everyone who knew her knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Fibersima has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help pay for her funeral costs .

An NHS nurse who died after contracting coronavirus "loved" the health service and her job as it was "her life", according to her daughter.
Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70, had worked for the health service for 44 years after coming to the UK from Hong Kong.
She passed away at the Royal Free Hospital in London on Tuesday after it was thought she contracted COVID-19 while working in a doctor's surgery without the correct protective equipment.
She had initially self-isolated but had to be taken to the hospital when her coronavirus symptoms worsened.
Image: Ms Ong died at the Royal Free Hospital in London
The nurse arrived in the UK in the 1970s and began working for the NHS as soon as she was able to, and was still working full-time until her death.
Her daughter, Melissa Ong, described her mother as a "wonderful woman" who was "generous to everyone else before herself".
"She loved her job... that was her life... she loved the NHS," the 36-year-old said.
"My mother came here from Hong Kong to work for the NHS because she believed it was the best in the world.
"We should value healthcare workers in good times and bad times."
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As she caught the virus early in the lockdown process, Melissa says she does not "blame anyone" for a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) at her mother's work.
"It would have been nice... because of learning what has happened in Wuhan and other places across the world," she said.
"But I'm not blaming anyone, what's happened has happened - her workplaces have been absolutely fantastic... and the staff at the Royal Free Hospital where she was in intensive care were faultless and fantastic."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"Because she was 70, we said mum are you sure you should be working... She said 'yeah it's fine, I'll be fine, I know my limits' and then obviously this has happened... but who was to know."
Along with her other work, Alice was also an expert on diabetes and studied at the University of Hertfordshire in her 60s to hone her knowledge of diabetic care.
She also urged the public needs to take the virus seriously and abide by lockdown rules, warning "it can affect anyone" regardless of their perceived strength.
Image: The nurse was described as "strong" by her daughter Melissa
She said: "People just need to realise how dangerous this thing is. She was strong... she didn't really have any underlying health conditions."
A statement from North Central London clinical commissioning group said it expressed "sincere condolences" to Alice's family.
Image: Ms Ong was also an expert on diabetes after studying it at university
It added: "It is with great sadness that we heard today of the tragic death of Kit Ong, a valued primary care nurse. Kit worked in the NHS for over 40 years and in Barnet practices for 20 plus years. She had a passion for nursing and this came across in her interactions with patients, as well as her colleagues. She made a difference to many peoples' lives through her care.
"She was much loved by her team and leaves an important legacy, having inspired many junior nursing colleagues who have benefitted from her vast knowledge, experience and passion for nursing. "
A care worker from Bury has also died, and is suspected to have contracted COVID-19.
Image: Carol Jamabo (C) passed away after she was thought to have contracted COVID-19. Pic: GoFundMe
Mother-of-two Carol Jamabo, 56, had worked for the NHS and the prison service, and moved to the UK from Nigeria in the 1990s and had been working most recently at a care home in Manchester.
Her nephew Dakuro Fiberesima told Sky News: "My aunty was so loving, so bubbly and so full of life. Everyone who knew her knows she's such a great aunty.
Mr Fibersima has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help pay for her funeral costs.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus doesn't discriminate between people - but the lockdown does

The simple directive to `` stay at home '' has thrust a crowbar into the existing social and economic cracks of the UK .
Of course , the impact of this instruction , amid the coronavirus pandemic , depends on what your home is like , how many people are rammed into it , and the age and health of those people .
Is the new social divide a split therefore between the park sunbathers and the people who have gardens ?
In a tower called Whitstable House in West London , dozens of lives are suspended in 20 floors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door this morning was 47-year-old Michael King , pushed out in wheelchair by his sister Clara .
He has an advanced brain tumour and needs daily chemo and radiotherapy .
Because of the lockdown he ca n't get the home care he needs , so Clara has given up her job as an NHS nurse to look after him .
She is one of 950,000 people who applied Universal Credit in the first fortnight of lockdown , when normally the department for work and pensions would expect 100,000 in that period .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a let-down in the lockdown , '' she said .
`` Because of the lack of services , we find that we are having to do most of the care for Michael .
District Nurses ca n't come around .
My brother wanted to see a priest , who ca n't come around .
I 've had to give up working as a nurse , and it 's very difficult to get any kind of income , so it 's all very isolating and difficult . ''
`` I feel bad for my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know , and I wish I could be with them , but it 's a risk you know because he 's immunosuppressed . ''
COVID-19 does n't discriminate between people , but the lockdown does .
Susan Jones lives with her husband and three children , two of whom are autistic , in a one-bedroom flat with no outdoor space .
For her , the lockdown is a huge ordeal .
She says : `` It 's been tough because we 've all gotten sick in quite a short period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too well at the moment , I 've got a few symptoms .
The kids are locked indoors , I just feel it 's not okay because staying in such a cramped space and it 's obviously only getting worse , a lot more tantrums than usual .
They cope much better when they have outdoor space . ''
`` It 's quite emotional , and psychologically it 's draining and it 's disrupted the whole routine , and that 's another thing that 's difficult with autism - the children like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have one . ''
The impact of isolation is also difficult for those like Janet Taylor , 77 .
She lives alone on the 15th floor of Whitstable House , after her husband died last year .
Janet has been getting her shopping and her dog walked by Joe Walsh , who lives below her .
But for the first time in two weeks , Janet decided , just once , she was going to the supermarket .
Standing outside the block she said : `` I do n't like being shut-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to .
I do what I 've got to do ; washing and ironing , and all that kind of stuff , but there 's not much else you can do . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I suppose you 've got to do it , otherwise you end up in hospital and could be dead at the end of it , especially at my age .
You know , I do n't fancy that , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have heard of Whitstable House , the block where Janet , Michael and Joe live , but everyone knows the block next door .
Covered in white tarpaulin with a green heart at its top , is what remains of Grenfell Tower .
The tragic fire , which caused 72 deaths , created a strong community spirit in this high-rise enclave , in the way the virus has now done nationwide .
It also sparked questions over social division , and the virus is beginning to do the same .
It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown is also economic .
People with the kind of jobs that allow them to work from home are not doing their conference calls from blocks like Whitstable House .
The Resolution Foundation believes about half of Britain 's highest-paid employees can be flexible about workplace location , but only 10 % of the lower-paid workers can work from home .
So it 's much harder for them to protect their incomes and they have less to fall back on in terms of savings .
Many of the residents of Whitstable House have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are retailers or waiters , and though the government has offered furlough payments of 80 % salaries , there is huge uncertainty about whether their jobs will still exist after the lockdown .
The pleas to stay in-doors are important but it is worth remembering the sacrifices and challenges behind each of those doors - and the fallout of the rising government debt and the economic damage could well fall hardest on those who are already struggling the most .

The simple directive to "stay at home" has thrust a crowbar into the existing social and economic cracks of the UK.
Of course, the impact of this instruction, amid the coronavirus pandemic, depends on what your home is like, how many people are rammed into it, and the age and health of those people.
Is the new social divide a split therefore between the park sunbathers and the people who have gardens?
In a tower called Whitstable House in West London, dozens of lives are suspended in 20 floors of concrete.
Image: Clara had to leave her job to help her brother Michael
Coming out the block door this morning was 47-year-old Michael King, pushed out in wheelchair by his sister Clara.
He has an advanced brain tumour and needs daily chemo and radiotherapy. Because of the lockdown he can't get the home care he needs, so Clara has given up her job as an NHS nurse to look after him.
She is one of 950,000 people who applied Universal Credit in the first fortnight of lockdown, when normally the department for work and pensions would expect 100,000 in that period.
"What we have found is it's a let-down in the lockdown," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:05 Tower block residents struggle with lockdown
"Because of the lack of services, we find that we are having to do most of the care for Michael. District Nurses can't come around. My brother wanted to see a priest, who can't come around. I've had to give up working as a nurse, and it's very difficult to get any kind of income, so it's all very isolating and difficult."
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"I feel bad for my colleagues because they're fighting really hard, you know, and I wish I could be with them, but it's a risk you know because he's immunosuppressed."
COVID-19 doesn't discriminate between people, but the lockdown does.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Susan Jones lives with her husband and three children, two of whom are autistic, in a one-bedroom flat with no outdoor space. For her, the lockdown is a huge ordeal.
She says: "It's been tough because we've all gotten sick in quite a short period of time.
"I myself am not too well at the moment, I've got a few symptoms. The kids are locked indoors, I just feel it's not okay because staying in such a cramped space and it's obviously only getting worse, a lot more tantrums than usual. They cope much better when they have outdoor space."
"It's quite emotional, and psychologically it's draining and it's disrupted the whole routine, and that's another thing that's difficult with autism - the children like a set routine and right now we don't have one."
The impact of isolation is also difficult for those like Janet Taylor, 77. She lives alone on the 15th floor of Whitstable House, after her husband died last year. Janet has been getting her shopping and her dog walked by Joe Walsh, who lives below her.
But for the first time in two weeks, Janet decided, just once, she was going to the supermarket.
Standing outside the block she said: "I don't like being shut-in, but it's a case of having to. I do what I've got to do; washing and ironing, and all that kind of stuff, but there's not much else you can do."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I suppose you've got to do it, otherwise you end up in hospital and could be dead at the end of it, especially at my age. You know, I don't fancy that, but there you are."
You won't have heard of Whitstable House, the block where Janet, Michael and Joe live, but everyone knows the block next door. Covered in white tarpaulin with a green heart at its top, is what remains of Grenfell Tower.
The tragic fire, which caused 72 deaths, created a strong community spirit in this high-rise enclave, in the way the virus has now done nationwide.
It also sparked questions over social division, and the virus is beginning to do the same. It's not just about space, the disparity of lockdown is also economic.
Image: Grenfell Tower is nextdoor to Whitstable House
People with the kind of jobs that allow them to work from home are not doing their conference calls from blocks like Whitstable House.
The Resolution Foundation believes about half of Britain's highest-paid employees can be flexible about workplace location, but only 10% of the lower-paid workers can work from home.
So it's much harder for them to protect their incomes and they have less to fall back on in terms of savings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:16 Special Report: Life in Lockdown
Many of the residents of Whitstable House have jobs in the service sector. They are retailers or waiters, and though the government has offered furlough payments of 80% salaries, there is huge uncertainty about whether their jobs will still exist after the lockdown.
The pleas to stay in-doors are important but it is worth remembering the sacrifices and challenges behind each of those doors - and the fallout of the rising government debt and the economic damage could well fall hardest on those who are already struggling the most.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Investors lose out on £1.3bn as insurers cancel dividends

When , on Tuesday last week , Britain 's banks announced they would not be paying their final dividends in respect of 2019 , there was a lot of focus on how the Prudential Regulation Authority - the arm of the Bank of England responsible for ensuring financial stability - had leaned on them to do so What was much less commented on at the time was that the PRA also made clear that it expected insurers to manage their financial resources `` prudently '' during the current coronavirus crisis .
The upshot of that advice was felt on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aviva , Direct Line , RSA and Hiscox - announced they would not be paying a final dividend for 2019 .
The decision will cost their investors nearly £1.3bn .
A fifth insurer , Saga , had already cancelled its dividend .
The decision likely to attract the most comment will be that of Aviva .
That is not only because the sum it was due to pay out , £839m , was so large by comparison with the others - Direct Line 's pay-out would have been £193m , RSA 's would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been £74m - but also because Aviva still has around half a million retail shareholders .
This dates back to the fact that more than three million former members of Norwich Union , one of the legacy companies that make up Aviva , received shares in the insurer when it demutualised and floated on the stock market in 1997 .
This decision will hurt all of those savers directly in the pocket : the typical retail investor , holding an average 430 Aviva shares , would have been in line for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In truth , Aviva and the others had little choice , for several reasons .
Firstly , think back to the letter sent by Sam Woods , the PRA 's chief executive , to insurers last week : `` Through their provision of both general and life insurance products , insurers provide an essential safety net for individuals and businesses .
`` They also have an important role as long-term investors in the UK economy .
`` In the current situation of high uncertainty , it is therefore critical that insurers manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that they are able to meet the commitments they have made to policyholders in a way that is consistent with the expectations of the Financial Conduct Authority , and to enable them to continue to invest in the economy . ''
That will have been particularly true for those insurers with a general insurance arm , in other words , providing `` non-life '' cover in areas such as household or motor insurance .
They have very little visibility on claims right now and , while it is possible that motor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observe the lockdown and stay off the roads , other claims may rise due to the coronavirus , for example , from small businesses that had taken out insurance against business interruption .
Travel insurance claims are likely to go up , following a wave of cancelled flights and holidays , while the cancellation of sporting events and music festivals will also lead to claims .
The insurers will , accordingly , have been mindful about the need to conserve capital to meet claims .
And , at the same time , insurers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investments that they hold in order to pay claims .
These investments are largely held in bonds , rather than in equities , so are unlikely to have been too badly scarred by recent stock market falls .
But a large portion of portfolios will have been comprised of corporate bonds which , in some cases , have sold off as concerns over the financial health of individual issuers have emerged .
Secondly , adding to pressure from the PRA was a statement on Friday last week from the European Insurance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU agency that supervises the insurance industry , in which it urged insurers and reinsurers to suspend all dividend payments and share buy-backs .
That will have concentrated minds in particular at Aviva , which has significant operations in major European markets such as France , Italy and Poland , and RSA , which is a major player in the Swedish market .
A third factor will have been memories of how the banks were demonised following the financial crisis .
The UK insurance sector emerged from the financial crisis with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as the United States , no British insurer required rescuing by taxpayers .
Insurers also cleverly positioned themselves as distinct from the banks , post-crisis , in how they were making long-term investments in the UK economy in the way lenders were not .
The insurers will not have wanted to risk public opprobrium of the kind received by the banks after the financial crisis .
There have already been stories of insurers refusing to pay out on some coronavirus-related claims - casting a cloud over the industry 's reputation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , put it : `` No company exists in a vacuum and , at this time , we judge it to be in the best long term interests of RSA to show forbearance on dividends and maximise our capability to support customers under the terms of their respective policies and play our part in industry initiatives to support relief efforts . ''
Wednesday 's move by the four also puts the spotlight on the rest of the sector .
The position of Prudential , the UK stock market 's biggest insurer by stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has just completed the demerger of its asset management business and its UK insurance business into a separate company , M & G , and its main regulator is now in Hong Kong .
It may feel less inclined to tug its forelock to the PRA .
Phoenix , which specialises in buying life insurers that have closed their doors to new customers , may also judge that it need not cancel its dividend .
Admiral , which specialises in motor insurance , may feel it has no choice following Direct Line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on Legal & General which , after the stock market closed last Friday night , confirmed it would be pressing ahead with its regular dividend payment - worth some £753m .
It would be wise not to bet too heavily on a u-turn , however .
L & G has a history of pushing back against regulators : in 2005 , its former chief executive , David Prosser , put his job on the line when he successfully challenged a fine from the old Financial Services Authority for the mis-selling of endowment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died last month , was applauded by many in the City for doing so .
Nigel Wilson , the current L & G chief executive , is similarly disinclined to take lightly any treatment from regulators that he regards at heavy-handed .
Moreover , his chairman , Sir John Kingman , is a former second permanent secretary to the Treasury who knows his way around the corridors of power and who will have a good grasp on what the company could and could not get away with .
There will be other implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that investors seeking income may be less keen to hold shares of insurers - until now a popular holding among such investors - in future .
It is a fair bet Aviva will have fewer `` mom and pop '' investors on its shareholder register this time next year .

Companies such as Aviva have bowed to pressure from the Bank of England - but will others such as Legal & General follow suit?
When, on Tuesday last week, Britain's banks announced they would not be paying their final dividends in respect of 2019, there was a lot of focus on how the Prudential Regulation Authority - the arm of the Bank of England responsible for ensuring financial stability - had leaned on them to do so
What was much less commented on at the time was that the PRA also made clear that it expected insurers to manage their financial resources "prudently" during the current coronavirus crisis.
The upshot of that advice was felt on Wednesday when a quartet of leading insurers - Aviva, Direct Line, RSA and Hiscox - announced they would not be paying a final dividend for 2019.
The decision will cost their investors nearly £1.3bn.
A fifth insurer, Saga, had already cancelled its dividend.
The decision likely to attract the most comment will be that of Aviva.
That is not only because the sum it was due to pay out, £839m, was so large by comparison with the others - Direct Line's pay-out would have been £193m, RSA's would have been £161m and that of Hiscox would have been £74m - but also because Aviva still has around half a million retail shareholders.
This dates back to the fact that more than three million former members of Norwich Union, one of the legacy companies that make up Aviva, received shares in the insurer when it demutualised and floated on the stock market in 1997.
This decision will hurt all of those savers directly in the pocket: the typical retail investor, holding an average 430 Aviva shares, would have been in line for a pre-tax payment of just over £92.
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Image: Direct Line is among those cancelling pay-outs
In truth, Aviva and the others had little choice, for several reasons.
Firstly, think back to the letter sent by Sam Woods, the PRA's chief executive, to insurers last week: "Through their provision of both general and life insurance products, insurers provide an essential safety net for individuals and businesses.
"They also have an important role as long-term investors in the UK economy.
"In the current situation of high uncertainty, it is therefore critical that insurers manage their financial resources prudently in order both to ensure that they are able to meet the commitments they have made to policyholders in a way that is consistent with the expectations of the Financial Conduct Authority, and to enable them to continue to invest in the economy."
That will have been particularly true for those insurers with a general insurance arm, in other words, providing "non-life" cover in areas such as household or motor insurance.
They have very little visibility on claims right now and, while it is possible that motor claims may fall this year as households observe the lockdown and stay off the roads, other claims may rise due to the coronavirus, for example, from small businesses that had taken out insurance against business interruption.
Travel insurance claims are likely to go up, following a wave of cancelled flights and holidays, while the cancellation of sporting events and music festivals will also lead to claims.
The insurers will, accordingly, have been mindful about the need to conserve capital to meet claims.
And, at the same time, insurers will also have had an eye on the investments that they hold in order to pay claims.
These investments are largely held in bonds, rather than in equities, so are unlikely to have been too badly scarred by recent stock market falls.
But a large portion of portfolios will have been comprised of corporate bonds which, in some cases, have sold off as concerns over the financial health of individual issuers have emerged.
Secondly, adding to pressure from the PRA was a statement on Friday last week from the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the EU agency that supervises the insurance industry, in which it urged insurers and reinsurers to suspend all dividend payments and share buy-backs.
That will have concentrated minds in particular at Aviva, which has significant operations in major European markets such as France, Italy and Poland, and RSA, which is a major player in the Swedish market.
A third factor will have been memories of how the banks were demonised following the financial crisis.
Image: Legal & General has said it will be pressing ahead with dividend payments
The UK insurance sector emerged from the financial crisis with its reputation enhanced.
Unlike in other countries, such as the United States, no British insurer required rescuing by taxpayers.
Insurers also cleverly positioned themselves as distinct from the banks, post-crisis, in how they were making long-term investments in the UK economy in the way lenders were not.
The insurers will not have wanted to risk public opprobrium of the kind received by the banks after the financial crisis.
There have already been stories of insurers refusing to pay out on some coronavirus-related claims - casting a cloud over the industry's reputation.
As Martin Scicluna, chairman of RSA, put it: "No company exists in a vacuum and, at this time, we judge it to be in the best long term interests of RSA to show forbearance on dividends and maximise our capability to support customers under the terms of their respective policies and play our part in industry initiatives to support relief efforts."
Wednesday's move by the four also puts the spotlight on the rest of the sector.
The position of Prudential, the UK stock market's biggest insurer by stock market value, will be interesting.
It has just completed the demerger of its asset management business and its UK insurance business into a separate company, M&G, and its main regulator is now in Hong Kong.
It may feel less inclined to tug its forelock to the PRA.
Phoenix, which specialises in buying life insurers that have closed their doors to new customers, may also judge that it need not cancel its dividend.
Admiral, which specialises in motor insurance, may feel it has no choice following Direct Line's move.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
But most eyes will be on Legal & General which, after the stock market closed last Friday night, confirmed it would be pressing ahead with its regular dividend payment - worth some £753m.
It would be wise not to bet too heavily on a u-turn, however.
L&G has a history of pushing back against regulators: in 2005, its former chief executive, David Prosser, put his job on the line when he successfully challenged a fine from the old Financial Services Authority for the mis-selling of endowment policies.
Mr Prosser, who sadly died last month, was applauded by many in the City for doing so.
Nigel Wilson, the current L&G chief executive, is similarly disinclined to take lightly any treatment from regulators that he regards at heavy-handed.
Moreover, his chairman, Sir John Kingman, is a former second permanent secretary to the Treasury who knows his way around the corridors of power and who will have a good grasp on what the company could and could not get away with.
There will be other implications from Wednesday's announcement.
One is that investors seeking income may be less keen to hold shares of insurers - until now a popular holding among such investors - in future.
It is a fair bet Aviva will have fewer "mom and pop" investors on its shareholder register this time next year.


news--2020-04-08--EasyJet row worsens as founder threatens to sue airline's executives

The founder of easyJet has warned he will sue executives at the airline if they spend a `` penny '' on a £4.5bn order for new planes .
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said going ahead with the Airbus deal could result in easyJet failing to repay £600m in government loans on time - and described the purchase as `` a misuse of taxpayers ' money '' .
He has previously warned that the company will run out of money by `` around August '' if the order is not cancelled .
On Wednesday , he renewed his demands for the airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` stop him from signing any more billion-pound cheques to Airbus every year '' .
Sir Stelios - who holds the biggest stake in the airline - wants a meeting of easyJet shareholders so they can vote on removing Mr Findlay and Andreas Bierwirth , another director .
In a statement , he said : `` Unless this vote of all shareholders is called without any further delay , I will request that more directors be removed . ''
EasyJet rejected his request for a shareholder meeting on Friday .
The budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planes as demand for flights collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Sir Stelios has stressed he will not invest any more cash into the airline while the contract with the plane manufacturer is in place .
His statement continued : `` We must stop this river of money from the Bank of England via Luton airport to Toulouse where Airbus is based .
`` This is a misuse of UK taxpayers ' money .
`` If the French government wants to spare Airbus from the cost of aircraft order cancellations , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then they must give such support as French state aid and not expect a British airline to foot the bill . ''
He warned he would `` personally sue '' executives for a `` breach of their fiduciary duties '' if the firm spends `` a penny '' on the Airbus order while defaulting on other financial obligations .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker EasyJet said in a statement its board `` fully supports '' Mr Findlay .
The £600m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid Corporate Financing Facility ( CCFF ) to help firms during the pandemic , which is due to be repaid in March 2021 .
EasyJet is understood to consider the government loan as the right course of action and is in talks with suppliers and partners to reduce costs .
The airline also announced it will borrow a further $ 500m ( £406m ) from commercial creditors as part of its `` focus on maximising liquidity '' .
An easyJet spokesman said : `` We remain absolutely focused on removing expenditure from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business partners and suppliers including Airbus , and on safeguarding jobs and short-term liquidity .
`` The board fully supports Andrew Findlay , easyJet 's CFO , and stands by its collective decision to access the CCFF which was made in the best interests of the company . ''
The spokesman added that holding a general meeting `` would be an unhelpful distraction '' from tackling the many immediate issues the firm is facing .

The founder of easyJet has warned he will sue executives at the airline if they spend a "penny" on a £4.5bn order for new planes.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said going ahead with the Airbus deal could result in easyJet failing to repay £600m in government loans on time - and described the purchase as "a misuse of taxpayers' money".
He has previously warned that the company will run out of money by "around August" if the order is not cancelled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EasyJet grounds all flights
On Wednesday, he renewed his demands for the airline to remove chief finance officer Andrew Findlay to "stop him from signing any more billion-pound cheques to Airbus every year".
Sir Stelios - who holds the biggest stake in the airline - wants a meeting of easyJet shareholders so they can vote on removing Mr Findlay and Andreas Bierwirth, another director.
In a statement, he said: "Unless this vote of all shareholders is called without any further delay, I will request that more directors be removed."
EasyJet rejected his request for a shareholder meeting on Friday.
The budget airline has grounded all of its 330 planes as demand for flights collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sir Stelios has stressed he will not invest any more cash into the airline while the contract with the plane manufacturer is in place.
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His statement continued: "We must stop this river of money from the Bank of England via Luton airport to Toulouse where Airbus is based.
"This is a misuse of UK taxpayers' money.
"If the French government wants to spare Airbus from the cost of aircraft order cancellations, so they can keep French people in jobs, then they must give such support as French state aid and not expect a British airline to foot the bill."
He warned he would "personally sue" executives for a "breach of their fiduciary duties" if the firm spends "a penny" on the Airbus order while defaulting on other financial obligations.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
EasyJet said in a statement its board "fully supports" Mr Findlay.
The £600m government fund is from the UK's Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) to help firms during the pandemic, which is due to be repaid in March 2021.
EasyJet is understood to consider the government loan as the right course of action and is in talks with suppliers and partners to reduce costs.
The airline also announced it will borrow a further $500m (£406m) from commercial creditors as part of its "focus on maximising liquidity".
An easyJet spokesman said: "We remain absolutely focused on removing expenditure from the business, engaging with all of our business partners and suppliers including Airbus, and on safeguarding jobs and short-term liquidity.
"The board fully supports Andrew Findlay, easyJet's CFO, and stands by its collective decision to access the CCFF which was made in the best interests of the company."
The spokesman added that holding a general meeting "would be an unhelpful distraction" from tackling the many immediate issues the firm is facing.