news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: NHS England to cancel all non-urgent surgery to free up 30,000 beds

NHS England is to suspend all non-urgent surgery for three months from 15 April in a bid to free up staff and beds to deal with the coronavirus outbreak .
The health service announced plans to cancel all routine surgery and send as many patients as possible home , with the aim of freeing up a third of the 100,000 hospital beds in England .
Sir Simon Stevens , the head of NHS England , said the goal was to try to stop the healthcare system becoming overwhelmed during a potential surge of COVID-19 cases .
It is hoped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy people to the virus .
Sir Simon told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday : `` As part of our readiness for the likely influx of more coronavirus patients , we are going to be taking concerted action .
`` First of all we are suspending elective non-urgent surgery with an assumption that will be suspended everywhere from 15 April at the latest for at least three months , with a discretion for hospitals to take action earlier if they need it . ''
He said the NHS was working intensively with community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unblock '' some of the discharge processes and with community and independent hospitals to bring back capacity for coronavirus patients .
In a letter to senior managers and hospital trusts , Sir Simon and NHS chief operating officer Amanda Pritchard said the health service would `` come under intense pressure '' when the virus peaks .
But added that emergency admissions , cancer treatment and other urgent care would continue as normal .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hospitals were told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are medically fit to leave '' , with the letter adding : `` Community health providers must take immediate full responsibility for urgent discharge of all eligible patients identified by acute providers on a discharge list . ''
The letter also explained how the NHS was `` block-buying '' capacity in private hospitals , which is due to be completed within two weeks .
`` Their staff and facilities will then be flexibly available to you for urgent surgery , as well as for repurposing their beds , operating theatres and recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients , '' it said .
The document said data from the UK and around the world suggested a `` significant '' number of coronavirus patients who were hospitalised required respiratory support - `` particularly mechanical ventilation and to a lesser extent non-invasive ventilation '' .
It added : `` Work is well in hand nationally to secure a step change in oxygen supply and distribution to hospitals . ''
The letter said there was an adequate supply of protective equipment for staff centrally but that `` locally distribution issues are being reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be needed to support patients with respiratory problems and that refresher training for `` all clinical and patient-facing staff must therefore be provided within the next fortnight '' .
The NHS England plans come as a further 14 people died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in England , bringing the number in the UK to 71 .
Confirmed cases have reached 1,950 - up 407 in the past 24 hours and a rise of 26 % .

NHS England is to suspend all non-urgent surgery for three months from 15 April in a bid to free up staff and beds to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
The health service announced plans to cancel all routine surgery and send as many patients as possible home, with the aim of freeing up a third of the 100,000 hospital beds in England.
Sir Simon Stevens, the head of NHS England, said the goal was to try to stop the healthcare system becoming overwhelmed during a potential surge of COVID-19 cases.
It is hoped the plan will also limit the exposure of healthy people to the virus.
Sir Simon told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday: "As part of our readiness for the likely influx of more coronavirus patients, we are going to be taking concerted action.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 FCO advises against global travel for 30 days
"First of all we are suspending elective non-urgent surgery with an assumption that will be suspended everywhere from 15 April at the latest for at least three months, with a discretion for hospitals to take action earlier if they need it."
He said the NHS was working intensively with community health services and social care to "unblock" some of the discharge processes and with community and independent hospitals to bring back capacity for coronavirus patients.
In a letter to senior managers and hospital trusts, Sir Simon and NHS chief operating officer Amanda Pritchard said the health service would "come under intense pressure" when the virus peaks.
But added that emergency admissions, cancer treatment and other urgent care would continue as normal.
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Hospitals were told to "urgently discharge all hospital inpatients who are medically fit to leave", with the letter adding: "Community health providers must take immediate full responsibility for urgent discharge of all eligible patients identified by acute providers on a discharge list."
The letter also explained how the NHS was "block-buying" capacity in private hospitals, which is due to be completed within two weeks.
"Their staff and facilities will then be flexibly available to you for urgent surgery, as well as for repurposing their beds, operating theatres and recovery facilities to provide respiratory support for COVID-19 patients," it said.
The document said data from the UK and around the world suggested a "significant" number of coronavirus patients who were hospitalised required respiratory support - "particularly mechanical ventilation and to a lesser extent non-invasive ventilation".
It added: "Work is well in hand nationally to secure a step change in oxygen supply and distribution to hospitals."
Image: The NHS is 'block-buying' capacity in private hospitals
The letter said there was an adequate supply of protective equipment for staff centrally but that "locally distribution issues are being reported".
It also says more staff will be needed to support patients with respiratory problems and that refresher training for "all clinical and patient-facing staff must therefore be provided within the next fortnight".
The NHS England plans come as a further 14 people died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in England, bringing the number in the UK to 71.
Confirmed cases have reached 1,950 - up 407 in the past 24 hours and a rise of 26%.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: McDonald's reveals first UK restaurants set to reopen since lockdown

McDonald 's has announced which restaurants it plans to reopen next Wednesday for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown .
The 15 sites , which will all be for delivery only from 13 May , are largely based in and around London and the South East .
They include three in Luton , Bedfordshire , two in Chelmsford , Essex and two in Gillingham , Kent .
The fast food outlets will offer a limited menu and will open from 11am until 10pm .
Breakfast options will not be available for the time being to allow for smaller teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchens .
The restaurants set to reopen for delivery are : McDonald 's closed its doors on 22 March after the government outlined strict social distancing measures because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , the company 's chief executive for the UK and Ireland Paul Pomroy said `` controlled tests '' had been carried out to ensure the restaurants could open safely amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
He said perspex screens and floor markings had been introduced in specific areas of the restaurants , while protective equipment , including non-medical grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
Each employee will also be asked if they are fit to work and will have their temperatures taken before starting each shift .
Social distancing measures will also be employed on both McDonald 's staff and the company 's delivery partners , Mr Pomroy said .
Also , McDonald 's has said it is hoping to reduce the rent it pays to landlords as it slowly begins reopening its branches .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokesman told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite restaurants being closed , we have continued to pay rent in full and have been very clear that we will continue to meet our obligations to landlords across the McDonald 's estate . ''
He added : `` Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business , we have opened dialogue with some of our landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading . ''

McDonald's has announced which restaurants it plans to reopen next Wednesday for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.
The 15 sites, which will all be for delivery only from 13 May, are largely based in and around London and the South East.
They include three in Luton, Bedfordshire, two in Chelmsford, Essex and two in Gillingham, Kent.
The fast food outlets will offer a limited menu and will open from 11am until 10pm.
Image: McDonald's has been carrying out safety trials. Pictured is a branch in the Netherlands
Breakfast options will not be available for the time being to allow for smaller teams to follow social distancing guidelines in the kitchens.
The restaurants set to reopen for delivery are:
Chelmsford Riverside
Chelmsford Westway
Ipswich Cardinal Park
Boreham Interchange
Luton Leagrave
Chaul End Lane, Luton
Luton George Street
Watford Hertfordshire Arms
Beechings Way, Gillingham
Gillingham Bowaters
Sittingbourne Retail Park
Tooting
Dalston
Welling
Harrow
McDonald's closed its doors on 22 March after the government outlined strict social distancing measures because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the company's chief executive for the UK and Ireland Paul Pomroy said "controlled tests" had been carried out to ensure the restaurants could open safely amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
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He said perspex screens and floor markings had been introduced in specific areas of the restaurants, while protective equipment, including non-medical grade face masks, would be given to employees.
Each employee will also be asked if they are fit to work and will have their temperatures taken before starting each shift.
Social distancing measures will also be employed on both McDonald's staff and the company's delivery partners, Mr Pomroy said.
Also, McDonald's has said it is hoping to reduce the rent it pays to landlords as it slowly begins reopening its branches.
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A spokesman told Sky News in a statement: "Despite restaurants being closed, we have continued to pay rent in full and have been very clear that we will continue to meet our obligations to landlords across the McDonald's estate."
He added: "Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business, we have opened dialogue with some of our landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Ireland eases lockdown measures allowing over 70s to leave their home

Ireland is easing some of its lockdown restrictions which will allow people over 70 to leave their home for the first time in nearly six weeks .
The Irish government is lifting a second measure which means people are now allowed to exercise within a 5km ( 3.1 miles ) radius from their home rather than 2km ( 1.2 miles ) .
Ireland 's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlined lockdown measures on 28 March which confined people to their homes for all but essentials reasons .
The measures were designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the vulnerable were strongly advised to `` cocoon '' , meaning they should stay in their homes and have minimal contact with those they do n't live with .
They were advised not to leave their property for any reason and had to rely on relatives , friends or volunteers to bring them groceries .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Those told to cocoon can now only leave their home for brief exercise .
They will still be unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to adhere to social distancing guidance .
For many it will be the first time they have stepped out of their front gate in nearly six weeks .
Mr Varadkar has laid out a five-phase `` roadmap for reopening society and business '' , with the last phase to be implemented on 10 August .

Ireland is easing some of its lockdown restrictions which will allow people over 70 to leave their home for the first time in nearly six weeks.
The Irish government is lifting a second measure which means people are now allowed to exercise within a 5km (3.1 miles) radius from their home rather than 2km (1.2 miles).
Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlined lockdown measures on 28 March which confined people to their homes for all but essentials reasons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Varadkar's plan to ease Ireland lockdown
The measures were designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect people from the virus.
Those aged over 70 and the vulnerable were strongly advised to "cocoon", meaning they should stay in their homes and have minimal contact with those they don't live with.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Why is the death rate lower in Ireland?
They were advised not to leave their property for any reason and had to rely on relatives, friends or volunteers to bring them groceries.
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Those told to cocoon can now only leave their home for brief exercise.
They will still be unable to buy their own groceries as they have to adhere to social distancing guidance.
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For many it will be the first time they have stepped out of their front gate in nearly six weeks.
Mr Varadkar has laid out a five-phase "roadmap for reopening society and business", with the last phase to be implemented on 10 August.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: 'Vague' government advice criticised as employers told to prepare for end of lockdown

Employers have been told it is `` critical '' they provide safe workplaces once lockdown measures are eased amid claims government advice on the matter has been `` vague '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said talks are ongoing with firms and trade unions about what rules should be in place to ensure `` safe distancing '' .
But he avoided spelling out what extra sanctions businesses might face to ensure workers feel protected as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
Labour is calling for a `` national safety standard '' , with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning that the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bare minimum '' .
He called the consultation documents on protection measures circulated to businesses over the weekend `` pretty vague '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some companies have been putting pressure on the government to start lifting the lockdown in an effort to revive the economy .
A review of the strict social distancing measures will take place by Thursday , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to lay out `` phase two '' of his plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to give any early indication of what extra measures businesses might be told to follow , telling Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` There 's already rules in place that we 've brought in to deal with the crisis . ''
He also addressed fears about the privacy of an app residents on the Isle of Wight are being urged to download as part of a trial of the South Korea-style `` test , trace and trace '' programme that means someone is alerted if their phone registers they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected person .
`` The liberties as a nation we 're having to give up in order to tackle this virus are already enormous , '' Mr Hancock admitted .
Sir Keir said there should be `` consensus '' about how to lift the lockdown but called for the `` core principles '' of how the UK will operate in the next few months to be laid out .
`` People are very worried about going back to work - understandably , they want to know what they are going back to is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place , '' he told Sky News .
On Wednesday , Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Employers have been told it is "critical" they provide safe workplaces once lockdown measures are eased amid claims government advice on the matter has been "vague".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said talks are ongoing with firms and trade unions about what rules should be in place to ensure "safe distancing".
But he avoided spelling out what extra sanctions businesses might face to ensure workers feel protected as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Image: Some firms have been urging lockdown measures be eased. File pic
Labour is calling for a "national safety standard", with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning that the "enforcement machinery been stripped down to the bare minimum".
He called the consultation documents on protection measures circulated to businesses over the weekend "pretty vague".
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Some companies have been putting pressure on the government to start lifting the lockdown in an effort to revive the economy.
A review of the strict social distancing measures will take place by Thursday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to lay out "phase two" of his plan to tackling COVID-19 on Sunday.
Mr Hancock refused to give any early indication of what extra measures businesses might be told to follow, telling Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "There's already rules in place that we've brought in to deal with the crisis."
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He also addressed fears about the privacy of an app residents on the Isle of Wight are being urged to download as part of a trial of the South Korea-style "test, trace and trace" programme that means someone is alerted if their phone registers they have been in close proximity with an infected person.
"The liberties as a nation we're having to give up in order to tackle this virus are already enormous," Mr Hancock admitted.
Sir Keir said there should be "consensus" about how to lift the lockdown but called for the "core principles" of how the UK will operate in the next few months to be laid out.
"People are very worried about going back to work - understandably, they want to know what they are going back to is safe and that means there are rules in place," he told Sky News.
Image: Burley and Hancock
On Wednesday, Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Top government scientist Neil Ferguson resigns from SAGE after breaking lockdown rules

Professor Neil Ferguson has resigned from the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) after he broke coronavirus lockdown rules .
In a statement announcing his departure , the leading epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an `` error of judgement '' .
It followed claims in The Telegraph that he allowed a friend reported to be his lover , Antonia Staats , to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising .
As a prominent member of SAGE , his resignation represents a blow for the group and ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
`` I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action , '' he said .
`` I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in SAGE .
`` I acted in the belief that I was immune , having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms .
`` I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic .
`` The government guidance is unequivocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us . ''
Security minister James Brokenshire said the senior scientist `` made the right decision '' and the government will `` continue to be informed '' by SAGE .
He dismissed Prof Ferguson 's claim he thought he was immune , telling Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` It 's far too early to make those judgements . ''
The news comes a month after Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland 's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home .
While SAGE has around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most prominent after featuring in some of the government 's regular coronavirus briefings .
He first made headlines in mid-March when an Imperial College study , of which he was lead author , warned 250,000 people could die if the UK did not enforce social-distancing measures .
Less than a fortnight ago , Prof Ferguson said life `` can not go completely back to normal '' and that social distancing would need to remain until a vaccine was developed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , he warned that more than 100,000 people could die this year if the lockdown was lifted so only elderly and vulnerable people were shielded .
Prof Ferguson said he was `` very sceptical '' that a scenario where the younger population resumed a normal life would be a `` viable strategy '' .
On 18 March , he reported having the fever and cough symptoms of COVID-19 and that there was a small risk he had infected others .

Professor Neil Ferguson has resigned from the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) after he broke coronavirus lockdown rules.
In a statement announcing his departure, the leading epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an "error of judgement".
It followed claims in The Telegraph that he allowed a friend reported to be his lover, Antonia Staats, to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising.
Image: Professor Neil Ferguson, one of SAGE's most prominent members, pictured during a recent coronavirus briefing
As a prominent member of SAGE, his resignation represents a blow for the group and ministers he is helping guide policy around the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action," he said.
"I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in SAGE.
"I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.
"I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.
"The government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us."
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Security minister James Brokenshire said the senior scientist "made the right decision" and the government will "continue to be informed" by SAGE.
He dismissed Prof Ferguson's claim he thought he was immune, telling Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "It's far too early to make those judgements."
The news comes a month after Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home.
Image: Dr Catherine Calderwood quit last month after flouting lockdown rules
While SAGE has around 50 members, Prof Ferguson had become one of the most prominent after featuring in some of the government's regular coronavirus briefings.
He first made headlines in mid-March when an Imperial College study, of which he was lead author, warned 250,000 people could die if the UK did not enforce social-distancing measures.
Less than a fortnight ago, Prof Ferguson said life "cannot go completely back to normal" and that social distancing would need to remain until a vaccine was developed.
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Then, he warned that more than 100,000 people could die this year if the lockdown was lifted so only elderly and vulnerable people were shielded.
Prof Ferguson said he was "very sceptical" that a scenario where the younger population resumed a normal life would be a "viable strategy".
On 18 March, he reported having the fever and cough symptoms of COVID-19 and that there was a small risk he had infected others.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Hospital cuts COVID-19 death rates with 'black boxes' for sleep disorder

Medics fighting COVID-19 in a hospital in Cheshire seem to have cut mortality rates and improved the chances of a quick recovery from the virus by adapting breathing machines normally used for a sleeping disorder .
Doctors at Warrington Hospital have modified devices known as `` black boxes '' which usually treat sleep apnoea - a condition which means breathing stops and starts while sleeping .
The clinicians say by treating COVID-19 patients early with their `` black boxes '' , it has meant there has been less need for the more intrusive and invasive ventilators and they 've experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hospital 's consultants said they had started from `` ground zero '' in how to manage the pandemic in the area .
Dr Mark Forrest told Sky News : `` We watched very closely what was happening in other countries , in particular Italy , and learned from them . ''
He said their small team of seven consultants and their respiratory colleagues quickly realised the ventilators were not the `` magic bullet solution '' to COVID-19 .
The hospital normally has access to only 12 ITU ( intensive therapy unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional five from an older generation , plus recommissioned seven more from their critical care transport equipment , as well as utilising their anaesthetic machines .
Even with all these extra ventilating devices , with so many patients presenting with respiratory problems , they were still not going to be sufficient if the hospital had to depend on ventilators as the main form of treatment .
At the same time , they realised using ventilators - which require a breathing pipe to be inserted down the throat and the patient to be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery rate .
In some cases it was only 50-50 .
This realisation was in line with medics across the world who were also finding it was a long and difficult journey to bring COVID-19 patients back to recovery from ventilation - and a journey which often did n't result in survival .
The team made an early decision to try to avoid ventilation by switching to CPAP machines ( continuous positive airway pressure ) where the device pumps oxygen , under a constant pressure , into the lungs through a close-fitted face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuously open in those patients who are able to breathe on their own but it stops their lungs from collapsing .
But again , like many hospitals across the country and the world , the hospital only had a limited number in stock .
In Warrington 's case , they had six .
They 'd heard of reports that engineering teams from Mercedes Formula One and doctors at University College London Hospital were attempting to upgrade existing CPAP devices to meet the need for COVID-19 patients .
`` But this seemed months away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Dr Forrest .
A spokesman for UCL said around 10,000 machines have been manufactured and are already being distributed to NHS hospitals .
NHS healthcare professionals can request the devices for their hospitals at no cost .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A team in the hospital 's respiratory department led by Dr Mithun Murthy , alongside consultant Saagar J Patel , realised the simple black boxes they used in their sleeping disorder clinic were built on the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive CPAP machine .
Dr Murthy said he believed the adaption of the simple device had probably been responsible for changing the lives and the medical outcome for hundreds of COVID-19 patients who 'd passed through Warrington Hospital .
The boxes , which are considerably cheaper than the hospital versions , are simple enough for patients to use at home at night for typically a maximum of 12 hours .
But the medics in the hospital 's intensive care unit ( ICU ) found by putting patients on the black boxes as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they stabilised quickly , avoiding ventilation .
`` Often we were seeing positive reaction within 15 minutes , '' said Dr Forrest .
The respiratory team at the hospital , working in close collaboration with their ICU colleagues , modified the boxes by fitting them with superior masks and linking them up to oxygen .
They first tested it on fellow members of staff before trying it on patients .
`` We really believed it would work .
It was a case of having it confirmed , '' said Dr Murthy .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two in ICU who was attached to one of the black boxes .
The clinicians had set up a second black box close by for the ICU staff to use in tandem .
`` I feel so much better , '' she told us .
`` I started feeling better almost straight away .
I do n't want to be a statistic .
I want to go back home to my two children . ''
We saw a couple who 'd both contracted coronavirus reunited for the first time after recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital by ambulance on Saturday unable to breathe .
`` I really thought I would n't be going home , '' he told Sky News .
His wife 's eyes filled with tears at the memory .
`` I said goodbye to him and I was n't sure if I 'd ever see him again , '' she said .
Mr Thomson was fitted with the modified CPAP black box in ICU and five days later is now fit enough for the two of them to go home .
`` The staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I hope now the government sees the worth of the NHS and realise that if they had n't cut services so much , we would have been better prepared . ''

Medics fighting COVID-19 in a hospital in Cheshire seem to have cut mortality rates and improved the chances of a quick recovery from the virus by adapting breathing machines normally used for a sleeping disorder.
Doctors at Warrington Hospital have modified devices known as "black boxes" which usually treat sleep apnoea - a condition which means breathing stops and starts while sleeping.
The clinicians say by treating COVID-19 patients early with their "black boxes", it has meant there has been less need for the more intrusive and invasive ventilators and they've experienced a far quicker recovery rate.
Image: Dr Mark Forrest watched other countries such as Italy closely to see what they were doing
One of the hospital's consultants said they had started from "ground zero" in how to manage the pandemic in the area.
Dr Mark Forrest told Sky News: "We watched very closely what was happening in other countries, in particular Italy, and learned from them."
He said their small team of seven consultants and their respiratory colleagues quickly realised the ventilators were not the "magic bullet solution" to COVID-19.
The hospital normally has access to only 12 ITU (intensive therapy unit) ventilators.
But they re-serviced an additional five from an older generation, plus recommissioned seven more from their critical care transport equipment, as well as utilising their anaesthetic machines.
Even with all these extra ventilating devices, with so many patients presenting with respiratory problems, they were still not going to be sufficient if the hospital had to depend on ventilators as the main form of treatment.
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At the same time, they realised using ventilators - which require a breathing pipe to be inserted down the throat and the patient to be put under anaesthetic - had a relatively poor recovery rate. In some cases it was only 50-50.
This realisation was in line with medics across the world who were also finding it was a long and difficult journey to bring COVID-19 patients back to recovery from ventilation - and a journey which often didn't result in survival.
The team made an early decision to try to avoid ventilation by switching to CPAP machines (continuous positive airway pressure) where the device pumps oxygen, under a constant pressure, into the lungs through a close-fitted face mask.
Image: Natalie Crosby, a critical care nurse, pictured in full PPE
The device keeps the airways continuously open in those patients who are able to breathe on their own but it stops their lungs from collapsing.
But again, like many hospitals across the country and the world, the hospital only had a limited number in stock. In Warrington's case, they had six.
They'd heard of reports that engineering teams from Mercedes Formula One and doctors at University College London Hospital were attempting to upgrade existing CPAP devices to meet the need for COVID-19 patients.
"But this seemed months away and we needed the machines now," said Dr Forrest.
A spokesman for UCL said around 10,000 machines have been manufactured and are already being distributed to NHS hospitals.
NHS healthcare professionals can request the devices for their hospitals at no cost.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A team in the hospital's respiratory department led by Dr Mithun Murthy, alongside consultant Saagar J Patel, realised the simple black boxes they used in their sleeping disorder clinic were built on the same premise as the much more sophisticated and expensive CPAP machine.
Dr Murthy said he believed the adaption of the simple device had probably been responsible for changing the lives and the medical outcome for hundreds of COVID-19 patients who'd passed through Warrington Hospital.
The boxes, which are considerably cheaper than the hospital versions, are simple enough for patients to use at home at night for typically a maximum of 12 hours.
But the medics in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) found by putting patients on the black boxes as soon as they arrived in the department, they stabilised quickly, avoiding ventilation.
"Often we were seeing positive reaction within 15 minutes," said Dr Forrest.
The respiratory team at the hospital, working in close collaboration with their ICU colleagues, modified the boxes by fitting them with superior masks and linking them up to oxygen.
They first tested it on fellow members of staff before trying it on patients. "We really believed it would work. It was a case of having it confirmed," said Dr Murthy.
We spoke to Donna Wall, a mother of two in ICU who was attached to one of the black boxes. The clinicians had set up a second black box close by for the ICU staff to use in tandem.
"I feel so much better," she told us. "I started feeling better almost straight away. I don't want to be a statistic. I want to go back home to my two children."
We saw a couple who'd both contracted coronavirus reunited for the first time after recovery.
Harold and Christine Thomson were both taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday unable to breathe.
Mr Thomson, 64, was admitted straight to ICU.
"I really thought I wouldn't be going home," he told Sky News.
Image: Husband and wife Harold and Christine Thomson were both treated for COVID-19
His wife's eyes filled with tears at the memory. "I said goodbye to him and I wasn't sure if I'd ever see him again," she said.
Mr Thomson was fitted with the modified CPAP black box in ICU and five days later is now fit enough for the two of them to go home.
"The staff have been incredible," he said. "I hope now the government sees the worth of the NHS and realise that if they hadn't cut services so much, we would have been better prepared."


news--2020-03-17--Gloomy outlook for workers as unemployment increases

The number of unemployed people in the UK increased by 5,000 to 1.34 million in the three months to January compared to the same period last year .
It marks the first annual increase in unemployment since May to June 2012 .
The number of people in work also increased - by 183,000 to 32.99 million in the same quarter , according to the figures from the Office for National Statistics .
The rise was driven by record quarterly increases in full-time and female employment , while the rise in the unemployed number was largely due to 20,000 more men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ONS head of labour market statistics , said : `` Today 's figures show continuing record employment but also a slight rise in unemployment on the year - for the first time since early summer 2012 .
`` This is because we also see a record low rate for people neither working nor looking for work .
`` Meanwhile , vacancies have continued to rise after recent falls , with more now than at any time in the last six months . ''
The travel and hospitality sectors are set to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , with the disease having infected more than 1,500 people in the UK and resulting in social distancing advice from the government .
Last week the Bank of England tried to prevent a wave of corporate bankruptcies by cutting its key rate from 0.75 % to 0.25 % .
Soon afterwards , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a boost in public spending and is expected to announce more to help business weather the virus storm .
Meanwhile , the ONS data also shows wages , including bonuses , rose by an annual 3.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2.9 % in the three months to December .
Excluding bonuses , pay growth slowed to 3.1 % in the period to January from 3.2 % .

The number of unemployed people in the UK increased by 5,000 to 1.34 million in the three months to January compared to the same period last year.
It marks the first annual increase in unemployment since May to June 2012.
The number of people in work also increased - by 183,000 to 32.99 million in the same quarter, according to the figures from the Office for National Statistics.
The rise was driven by record quarterly increases in full-time and female employment, while the rise in the unemployed number was largely due to 20,000 more men being out of work.
David Freeman, ONS head of labour market statistics, said: "Today's figures show continuing record employment but also a slight rise in unemployment on the year - for the first time since early summer 2012.
"This is because we also see a record low rate for people neither working nor looking for work.
"Meanwhile, vacancies have continued to rise after recent falls, with more now than at any time in the last six months."
The travel and hospitality sectors are set to be among the worst hit by the coronavirus crisis, with the disease having infected more than 1,500 people in the UK and resulting in social distancing advice from the government.
Last week the Bank of England tried to prevent a wave of corporate bankruptcies by cutting its key rate from 0.75% to 0.25%.
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Soon afterwards, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a boost in public spending and is expected to announce more to help business weather the virus storm.
Meanwhile, the ONS data also shows wages, including bonuses, rose by an annual 3.1% in the three months to January from 2.9% in the three months to December.
Excluding bonuses, pay growth slowed to 3.1% in the period to January from 3.2%.


news--2020-03-17--Why Boris Johnson switched strategies on battling coronavirus

Boris Johnson announced new measures for people to avoid pubs and restaurants It took only four days to go from being asked to stay at home if you felt ill to a plea from the prime minister to put our lives on hold for weeks - perhaps months .
From next weekend the elderly , vulnerable , and pregnant women will be asked to retreat into their homes for 12 weeks .
There is already a huge step change in the government 's response , driven the by changing evidence and modelling around the spread and severity of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerate , '' is how one senior government figure privy to some of the planning decisions put it to me on Monday night .
`` We thought we could put these social distancing measures off for another week and push the social shielding [ the elderly and vulnerable being asking to stay at home for three months ] back a week after that , but we 've had to bring it forward . ''
This is a global pandemic that now requires a wartime effort from all of us , with the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , Spain , France as it begins to roll-out social lockdowns and home isolation .
More extreme measures - enforced curfews , school closures , travel bans - are all `` under review '' .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The step-change in the government 's pace can be explained via a paper released on Monday night by researchers at Imperial College London , whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government 's strategy on handling the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace and policy is designed to save more lives - perhaps a quarter of a million more lives - as the government shifts between the `` mitigation model '' - trying to slow the spread of the virus to the `` suppression model '' - trying to reverse the pandemic growth .
The researchers at Imperial conclude in their paper that trying to slow the spread of the virus rather than trying to suppress the disease will overwhelm the NHS , with demand for intensive care beds exceeded eight times over and 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion in the last few days as they look to the likely demand for intensive care beds based on the experience of Italy - a country three weeks ahead of us on the curve .
The latest evidence suggests that 30 % of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 will need critical care .
Previous estimates were too low .
So we move this week from trying to slow the spread of the disease to trying to stop - or suppress - the spread .
The researchers at Imperial have concluded this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current time '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
But they also acknowledge it comes at a huge cost : `` The social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound .
Many countries have adopted such measures already , but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [ such as the UK ] will need to do so imminently . ''
With a raft of changes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come .
Draconian measures will save lives - perhaps over 250,000 , according to Imperial 's estimates .
But it will also have a profound impact on our communities and our economy .
Saving lives and stopping the transmission of the disease could mean that we all have to put our lives on hold for a year or even longer while we wait for a vaccine .
So when the prime minister described what is upon us as the biggest challenge we 've faced as a nation since the Second World War , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade-offs are awful and the sacrifices required of all of us immense .

Sky News' Beth Rigby says the government realised it had to "accelerate" plans while more extreme measures are still under review.
It took only four days to go from being asked to stay at home if you felt ill to a plea from the prime minister to put our lives on hold for weeks - perhaps months.
From next weekend the elderly, vulnerable, and pregnant women will be asked to retreat into their homes for 12 weeks.
There is already a huge step change in the government's response, driven the by changing evidence and modelling around the spread and severity of the COVID-19 disease.
"We've had to accelerate," is how one senior government figure privy to some of the planning decisions put it to me on Monday night.
"We thought we could put these social distancing measures off for another week and push the social shielding [the elderly and vulnerable being asking to stay at home for three months] back a week after that, but we've had to bring it forward."
This is a global pandemic that now requires a wartime effort from all of us, with the UK now clearly on the same path as Italy, Spain, France as it begins to roll-out social lockdowns and home isolation.
More extreme measures - enforced curfews, school closures, travel bans - are all "under review".
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The step-change in the government's pace can be explained via a paper released on Monday night by researchers at Imperial College London, whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government's strategy on handling the virus.
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In a nutshell, the change in pace and policy is designed to save more lives - perhaps a quarter of a million more lives - as the government shifts between the "mitigation model" - trying to slow the spread of the virus to the "suppression model" - trying to reverse the pandemic growth.
Image: One estimate puts the number of deaths under the old model at 250,000
The researchers at Imperial conclude in their paper that trying to slow the spread of the virus rather than trying to suppress the disease will overwhelm the NHS, with demand for intensive care beds exceeded eight times over and 250,000 deaths.
They have arrived at this conclusion in the last few days as they look to the likely demand for intensive care beds based on the experience of Italy - a country three weeks ahead of us on the curve.
The latest evidence suggests that 30% of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 will need critical care. Previous estimates were too low.
So we move this week from trying to slow the spread of the disease to trying to stop - or suppress - the spread.
The researchers at Imperial have concluded this is the "only viable strategy at the current time".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
But they also acknowledge it comes at a huge cost: "The social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound. Many countries have adopted such measures already, but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [such as the UK] will need to do so imminently."
With a raft of changes this week, there are still more to come.
Image: The COVID-19 crisis shows no sign of finishing any time soon
Draconian measures will save lives - perhaps over 250,000, according to Imperial's estimates.
But it will also have a profound impact on our communities and our economy.
Saving lives and stopping the transmission of the disease could mean that we all have to put our lives on hold for a year or even longer while we wait for a vaccine.
So when the prime minister described what is upon us as the biggest challenge we've faced as a nation since the Second World War, he was not exaggerating.
All the trade-offs are awful and the sacrifices required of all of us immense.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: What is the government's new strategy of 'suppression'?

Monday 's announcement by the prime minister that the public should adopt measures to reduce person-to-person contact marks a significant shift in the government 's position .
It appears to be in response to modelling by the COVID-19 team at London 's Imperial College that indicates as many as 250,000 people could die if the strategy of mitigation is not replaced by one of suppression .
The new government advice appears to be somewhere between the two .
But what exactly do they mean ?
The aim of mitigation is not to stop the spread of the disease - there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become ill .
Measures include increasing hygiene awareness , some social distancing , home-working where possible , self-isolating if a person displays symptoms , and if a positive diagnosis is confirmed , targeted testing of contacts .
Mitigation is designed to slow the rate of infection throughout a population - to spread the number of cases over a longer period of time , rather than a sharp peak in infections , to better allow emergency services to cope with the most acute cases .
It is also designed to buy time to generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more effective treatments and in the longer term , vaccines .
The aim of suppression is , as far as is possible , to stop the epidemic in its tracks , at least in the short term .
It is tacit acceptance that the softer approach of mitigation is not working and more draconian measures are required .
It means severe restrictions on freedom of movement , the closing of social venues such as pubs , clubs and theatres , a far more rigorous testing regime , increasing self-isolation times , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce the conditions of suppression .
The downside is that the peak rate of infection will not be flattened , but just shifted to a later date .
The hope is that this would give emergency services the breathing space to prepare for a large-scale increase in severe cases once the conditions of suppression are eased .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Whether mitigation or suppression , the consequences can be severe .
In economic terms this can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse of major companies , the permanent closure of entertainment venues , and at a personal level , the loss of income and jobs , both in the short and long term .
The government has said it will introduce measures to help industry and individuals , but the level and extent required has yet to be calculated .
The current position of advising businesses to close rather than enforcing a shutdown could be viewed as letting insurance companies and the government off the financial hook .
In dealing with such a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major dilemma - balancing the rights of an individual against the greater good of the wider population .
Using the power of arrest , for example , to restrict people 's movements or enforce the separation of families is something no government elected by the popular vote is keen to be seen doing .
But it is a step that France and Italy , for example , have decided they are willing to risk .
The relatively successful ( so far ) , but extreme measures introduced in China to combat COVID-19 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authoritarian regime and a wide - though shrinking - acceptance that the greater good outweighs the rights of the individual .
The British government has undoubtedly moved its position towards suppression .
However , with the measures announced being advisory rather than compulsory and with schools and colleges still open , politicians are engaged in a juggling act between the science , the ethics and the economics of dealing with COVID-19 .

Monday's announcement by the prime minister that the public should adopt measures to reduce person-to-person contact marks a significant shift in the government's position.
It appears to be in response to modelling by the COVID-19 team at London's Imperial College that indicates as many as 250,000 people could die if the strategy of mitigation is not replaced by one of suppression.
The new government advice appears to be somewhere between the two. But what exactly do they mean?
Mitigation
The aim of mitigation is not to stop the spread of the disease - there is an acceptance that many people will become ill. Measures include increasing hygiene awareness, some social distancing, home-working where possible, self-isolating if a person displays symptoms, and if a positive diagnosis is confirmed, targeted testing of contacts.
Mitigation is designed to slow the rate of infection throughout a population - to spread the number of cases over a longer period of time, rather than a sharp peak in infections, to better allow emergency services to cope with the most acute cases. It is also designed to buy time to generate more resources, for the development of more effective treatments and in the longer term, vaccines.
Suppression
The aim of suppression is, as far as is possible, to stop the epidemic in its tracks, at least in the short term. It is tacit acceptance that the softer approach of mitigation is not working and more draconian measures are required. It means severe restrictions on freedom of movement, the closing of social venues such as pubs, clubs and theatres, a far more rigorous testing regime, increasing self-isolation times, and in extreme circumstances, using security services to enforce the conditions of suppression.
The downside is that the peak rate of infection will not be flattened, but just shifted to a later date. The hope is that this would give emergency services the breathing space to prepare for a large-scale increase in severe cases once the conditions of suppression are eased.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Economic impact
Whether mitigation or suppression, the consequences can be severe. In economic terms this can range from stock market volatility, the collapse of major companies, the permanent closure of entertainment venues, and at a personal level, the loss of income and jobs, both in the short and long term.
The government has said it will introduce measures to help industry and individuals, but the level and extent required has yet to be calculated. The current position of advising businesses to close rather than enforcing a shutdown could be viewed as letting insurance companies and the government off the financial hook.
Ethics
In dealing with such a unique crisis, democratic governments potentially face a major dilemma - balancing the rights of an individual against the greater good of the wider population. Using the power of arrest, for example, to restrict people's movements or enforce the separation of families is something no government elected by the popular vote is keen to be seen doing. But it is a step that France and Italy, for example, have decided they are willing to risk.
The relatively successful (so far), but extreme measures introduced in China to combat COVID-19 were possible because of an all-powerful, central, authoritarian regime and a wide - though shrinking - acceptance that the greater good outweighs the rights of the individual.
The British government has undoubtedly moved its position towards suppression. However, with the measures announced being advisory rather than compulsory and with schools and colleges still open, politicians are engaged in a juggling act between the science, the ethics and the economics of dealing with COVID-19.


news--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: PM's advice to avoid theatres is 'crippling blow' to creative industry

Boris Johnson 's message to stay away from theatres has been criticised as a `` crippling blow '' to the creative industry because the measures were advisory rather than an outright ban .
By not enforcing a shutdown , producers say they will not be able to claim insurance and shows will go bankrupt .
Theatres in the West End and around the UK are closing their doors as part of stringent new social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus , which also includes pubs , restaurants and clubs .
But Caroline Norbury , chief executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticised the prime minister 's remarks .
She said : `` As the social distancing measures announced are only advisory , rather than an outright ban , we are deeply concerned that creative organisations and cultural spaces will find they are unable to claim compensation for the huge losses they will experience as a result of COVID-19 .
`` Public safety remains the top priority for everyone in the creative sector .
`` However , these measures have the potential to devastate the UK 's theatres , museums , cinemas , venues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors and participation , as well as the huge array of creators and freelancers who work within these industries . ''
She added : `` For the sake of our £111.7bn creative industries , it is vital that government puts in place support to ensure that our world-leading creative sector is able to survive COVID-19 . ''
More than 15 million people visited London 's theatres last year and not since the plague in the 17th century have they been completely closed .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Monday night , the West End was virtually deserted .
Less than an hour before performances were due to start , doors were shut .
Staff - some wearing gloves - handed out notices and told audiences they would be closed for the foreseeable future .
There was shock and disbelief among many people that this was happening and it seemed to be a turning point that normal life was going to change .
After she was turned away , one woman said : `` I 'm shocked , unbelievable , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a bit annoying from a personal perspective because we 've been planning this for a very long time but I do totally understand . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
And there was criticism over the time taken to make the decision .
One theatregoer said : `` I think this decision should have been made maybe three or four days back - so everyone had a very clear understanding - but it 's like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' After the prime minister 's news conference , the Society of London Theatre ( SOLT ) - which represents hundreds of theatres in the capital including the National Theatre , London Palladium and London Coliseum - and UK Theatre issued a statement .
It said : `` Following official government advice which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings including theatres , we regret to announce that SOLT and UK Theatre member venues will be closed , to help slow the spread of coronavirus . ''
They added : `` Closing venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightly , and we know that this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry . ''
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted : `` We need unequivocal statement from chancellor today that people 's incomes will be protected businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus , and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis .
No small measures .
Get it right . ''
Sky News will broadcast a special programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm

Boris Johnson's message to stay away from theatres has been criticised as a "crippling blow" to the creative industry because the measures were advisory rather than an outright ban.
By not enforcing a shutdown, producers say they will not be able to claim insurance and shows will go bankrupt.
Theatres in the West End and around the UK are closing their doors as part of stringent new social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which also includes pubs, restaurants and clubs.
But Caroline Norbury, chief executive of the Creative Industries Federation and Creative England, criticised the prime minister's remarks.
Image: A notice outside London's Apollo Theatre tells patrons it has closed
She said: "As the social distancing measures announced are only advisory, rather than an outright ban, we are deeply concerned that creative organisations and cultural spaces will find they are unable to claim compensation for the huge losses they will experience as a result of COVID-19.
"Public safety remains the top priority for everyone in the creative sector.
"However, these measures have the potential to devastate the UK's theatres, museums, cinemas, venues and other cultural spaces reliant on audiences, visitors and participation, as well as the huge array of creators and freelancers who work within these industries."
She added: "For the sake of our £111.7bn creative industries, it is vital that government puts in place support to ensure that our world-leading creative sector is able to survive COVID-19."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why did the government change its stance?
More than 15 million people visited London's theatres last year and not since the plague in the 17th century have they been completely closed.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Monday night, the West End was virtually deserted.
Less than an hour before performances were due to start, doors were shut.
Staff - some wearing gloves - handed out notices and told audiences they would be closed for the foreseeable future.
There was shock and disbelief among many people that this was happening and it seemed to be a turning point that normal life was going to change.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Idris Elba tested positive for coronavirus
After she was turned away, one woman said: "I'm shocked, unbelievable, so scary."
Another said: "It's a bit annoying from a personal perspective because we've been planning this for a very long time but I do totally understand."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
And there was criticism over the time taken to make the decision.
One theatregoer said: "I think this decision should have been made maybe three or four days back - so everyone had a very clear understanding - but it's like everyone is in a limbo now."
After the prime minister's news conference, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) - which represents hundreds of theatres in the capital including the National Theatre, London Palladium and London Coliseum - and UK Theatre issued a statement.
It said: "Following official government advice which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings including theatres, we regret to announce that SOLT and UK Theatre member venues will be closed, to help slow the spread of coronavirus."
They added: "Closing venues is not a decision that is taken lightly, and we know that this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry."
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted: "We need unequivocal statement from chancellor today that people's incomes will be protected businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus, and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis. No small measures. Get it right."
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


news--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: PM shifts towards 'suppression' after new analysis of coronavirus death rate

The government ramped up measures against the coronavirus epidemic following new predictions that the UK could otherwise have seen 250,000 deaths .
A new document published by the COVID-19 team at London 's Imperial College - which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - warns the current public health threat is the `` most serious '' from a respiratory virus since the Spanish Flu in 1918 .
They advised the UK adopts a strategy of `` epidemic suppression '' - for a period of potentially 18 months or more - rather than `` mitigation '' .
Modelling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined had revealed that NHS capacities could be exceeded by at least eightfold - and about 250,000 people could die .
The Imperial team described the suppression of the coronavirus outbreak as `` the only viable strategy at the current time '' - even if the `` social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound '' .
They said : `` Many countries have adopted such measures already , but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [ such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so imminently . ''
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant escalation of UK measures in response to coronavirus , including advising everyone in the country to avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys .
What is the latest coronavirus advice ?
• If you live alone and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough , you should self-isolate for seven days • If you live in a household with others and have a high temperature or a new and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others in your household should stay isolated together for 14 days • Everyone , including if you are not displaying symptoms yourself and live in a household where no one is displaying symptoms , should stop all unnecessary contact with others and all unnecessary travel • You should work from home where possible and avoid venues such as pubs , clubs , theatres and restaurants • Pay particular attention to the advice if you are over 70 , pregnant , have underlying health problems or live in London • Do n't call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or moderate illness and instead seek advice online .
But do call if your illness becomes more severe .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Sky News understands the government shifted to tougher measures on Monday partly as a result of the document produced by the team at Imperial .
The Imperial team described `` mitigation '' as focusing on `` slowing but not necessarily stopping epidemic spread '' to reduce NHS demand at the peak of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' aims to `` reverse epidemic growth , reducing case numbers to low levels and maintaining that situation indefinitely '' .
Suppression measures would require social distancing by the `` entire population '' with `` home isolation of cases and household quarantine of their family members '' as well as possible school closures , according to the document .
Such measures will need to be maintained until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available - a period of potentially 18 months or more , the team said .
They added : `` For suppression , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be in place well before healthcare capacity is overwhelmed . ''
However , the team warned it is `` not at all certain that suppression will succeed long term '' as `` no public health intervention with such disruptive effects on society has been previously attempted for such a long duration of time '' .
The document added : `` How populations and societies will respond remains unclear . ''
Having based their findings on health service demand levels in China , Italy and the UK , the Imperial team only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days '' .
In their examination of the `` most effective mitigation strategy '' , they concluded : `` The surge limits for both general ward and ICU [ intensive care unit ] beds would be exceeded by at least eightfold under the more optimistic scenario for critical care requirements that we examined .
`` In addition , even if all patients were able to be treated , we predict there would still be in the order of 250,000 deaths in GB , and 1.1 to 1.2 million in the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a very fast-moving situation .
`` In order to give the most robust scientific advice SAGE [ the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ] draws upon and considers a range of evidence and views to reach its recommendations .
`` Part of this evidence includes the latest modelling data from a number of experts .
`` All SAGE recommendations are in line with the best current evidence .
We will be publishing further evidence shortly . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will be present at a news briefing on Tuesday , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very significant '' package of measures to help businesses deal with the coronanvirus crisis .
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted : `` We need unequivocal statement from chancellor today that people 's incomes will be protected businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus , and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis .
No small measures .
Get it right . ''
Meanwhile , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told the Commons that the government is advising against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of 30 days .
The number of UK coronavirus cases on Tuesday afternoon stood at 1,950 - up 407 from Monday , with 71 deaths - up 14 .
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm

The government ramped up measures against the coronavirus epidemic following new predictions that the UK could otherwise have seen 250,000 deaths.
A new document published by the COVID-19 team at London's Imperial College - which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - warns the current public health threat is the "most serious" from a respiratory virus since the Spanish Flu in 1918.
They advised the UK adopts a strategy of "epidemic suppression" - for a period of potentially 18 months or more - rather than "mitigation".
Modelling of the "most effective" mitigation strategy examined had revealed that NHS capacities could be exceeded by at least eightfold - and about 250,000 people could die.
The Imperial team described the suppression of the coronavirus outbreak as "the only viable strategy at the current time" - even if the "social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound".
They said: "Many countries have adopted such measures already, but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [such as the UK] will need to do so imminently."
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant escalation of UK measures in response to coronavirus, including advising everyone in the country to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys.
What is the latest coronavirus advice?
If you live alone and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, you should self-isolate for seven days
If you live in a household with others and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, both yourself and all others in your household should stay isolated together for 14 days
Everyone, including if you are not displaying symptoms yourself and live in a household where no one is displaying symptoms, should stop all unnecessary contact with others and all unnecessary travel
You should work from home where possible and avoid venues such as pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants
Pay particular attention to the advice if you are over 70, pregnant, have underlying health problems or live in London
Don't call the NHS 111 helpline if you have mild or moderate illness and instead seek advice online. But do call if your illness becomes more severe.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
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Sky News understands the government shifted to tougher measures on Monday partly as a result of the document produced by the team at Imperial.
The Imperial team described "mitigation" as focusing on "slowing but not necessarily stopping epidemic spread" to reduce NHS demand at the peak of an outbreak.
By contrast, "suppression" aims to "reverse epidemic growth, reducing case numbers to low levels and maintaining that situation indefinitely".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 PM gives fresh coronavirus advice
Suppression measures would require social distancing by the "entire population" with "home isolation of cases and household quarantine of their family members" as well as possible school closures, according to the document.
Such measures will need to be maintained until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available - a period of potentially 18 months or more, the team said.
They added: "For suppression, early action is important, and interventions need to be in place well before healthcare capacity is overwhelmed."
However, the team warned it is "not at all certain that suppression will succeed long term" as "no public health intervention with such disruptive effects on society has been previously attempted for such a long duration of time".
The document added: "How populations and societies will respond remains unclear."
Having based their findings on health service demand levels in China, Italy and the UK, the Imperial team only reached their conclusions "in the last few days".
In their examination of the "most effective mitigation strategy", they concluded: "The surge limits for both general ward and ICU [intensive care unit] beds would be exceeded by at least eightfold under the more optimistic scenario for critical care requirements that we examined.
"In addition, even if all patients were able to be treated, we predict there would still be in the order of 250,000 deaths in GB, and 1.1 to 1.2 million in the US."
A government spokesperson said: "This is a very fast-moving situation.
"In order to give the most robust scientific advice SAGE [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] draws upon and considers a range of evidence and views to reach its recommendations.
"Part of this evidence includes the latest modelling data from a number of experts.
"All SAGE recommendations are in line with the best current evidence. We will be publishing further evidence shortly."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will be present at a news briefing on Tuesday, with the Treasury expected to announce a "very significant" package of measures to help businesses deal with the coronanvirus crisis.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted: "We need unequivocal statement from chancellor today that people's incomes will be protected businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus, and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis. No small measures. Get it right."
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told the Commons that the government is advising against all non-essential foreign travel for an initial period of 30 days.
The number of UK coronavirus cases on Tuesday afternoon stood at 1,950 - up 407 from Monday, with 71 deaths - up 14.
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


news--2020-06-11--Coronavirus: Data on test and trace scheme raises worrying questions

At first glance , how you react to the headline figure from NHS Test and Trace 's first set of published figures might seem to depend on whether you 're a glass half full or half empty sort of person .
Or , to be more precise , a glass two-thirds full or one-third empty , because those are the ratios that come out of these statistics .
Is it an impressive achievement to have reached 67 % of people who tested positive and asked for details of recent contacts ?
Or is it a concerning failure to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is hard to give a definitive answer , because these statistics do not permit much interrogation .
Take the headline figure that 8,117 people who tested positive for coronavirus between 28 May and 3 June had their case transferred to the contact tracing system .
The government 's own figures would suggest that around 13,000 people tested positive that week .
So why is there a discrepancy ?
Asked about this , Baroness Dido Harding said there were `` some errors in the data '' and Professor John Newton said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double counting '' in the government figures .
Professor Newton added : `` We are confident we have included all the people who have been tested positive . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But while we should be able to trust what he says , we should also be able to verify it - and at the moment we ca n't .
Perhaps more worryingly , it is not clear that granular data is being provided to local public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be responsible for a large part of this effort .
Can a local director of public health find out quickly , in real time , how many cases have been identified and traced in a particular postcode ?
Can a GP ?
Right now , it seems they can not .
A sign of this disconnect can be seen in the data released today .
The figures for the time it takes to ask someone to isolate , one of the most crucial measures of success for contact tracing , suggest that 85 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 24 hours .
But this only applies to 5,278 of the 26,985 contacts reached and advised to self-isolate .
The other 21,707 people were , we are told , managed by `` local public health teams '' .
Why do n't we have statistics for how quickly they managed to do this ?
Given that local public health teams take on so-called `` complex cases '' , jargon for cases involving emergency service workers and anyone else who has been in contact with lots of people , it is crucial that both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system itself can see what is going on .
These early numbers suggest that complex cases may make up the bulk of the contact tracing activity .
That means that even if the national system is working perfectly , it wo n't mean much if the local outbreak response is n't just as good .
Local directors of public health tell me they are still working on their response plans for local outbreaks .
Have they been given enough resources to take on such a burden ?
Should we be easing lockdown before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local and national systems has been a constant feature for the national response during this crisis .
It is concerning that at this early stage that fault line is showing up in Test and Trace .

At first glance, how you react to the headline figure from NHS Test and Trace's first set of published figures might seem to depend on whether you're a glass half full or half empty sort of person.
Or, to be more precise, a glass two-thirds full or one-third empty, because those are the ratios that come out of these statistics.
Is it an impressive achievement to have reached 67% of people who tested positive and asked for details of recent contacts?
Image: A doctor in a protective suit taking a nasal swab
Or is it a concerning failure to have been unable to reach 33%?
Sadly, it is hard to give a definitive answer, because these statistics do not permit much interrogation.
Take the headline figure that 8,117 people who tested positive for coronavirus between 28 May and 3 June had their case transferred to the contact tracing system.
The government's own figures would suggest that around 13,000 people tested positive that week. So why is there a discrepancy?
Asked about this, Baroness Dido Harding said there were "some errors in the data" and Professor John Newton said that there was "quite a lot of double counting" in the government figures.
Professor Newton added: "We are confident we have included all the people who have been tested positive."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But while we should be able to trust what he says, we should also be able to verify it - and at the moment we can't.
Perhaps more worryingly, it is not clear that granular data is being provided to local public health teams, who are clearly going to be responsible for a large part of this effort.
Can a local director of public health find out quickly, in real time, how many cases have been identified and traced in a particular postcode? Can a GP?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:09 Coronavirus: No sign of a UK 'second wave'
Right now, it seems they cannot.
A sign of this disconnect can be seen in the data released today.
The figures for the time it takes to ask someone to isolate, one of the most crucial measures of success for contact tracing, suggest that 85% of contacts were asked to isolate within 24 hours.
But this only applies to 5,278 of the 26,985 contacts reached and advised to self-isolate.
The other 21,707 people were, we are told, managed by "local public health teams".
Why don't we have statistics for how quickly they managed to do this?
Given that local public health teams take on so-called "complex cases", jargon for cases involving emergency service workers and anyone else who has been in contact with lots of people, it is crucial that both the public and the Test and Trace system itself can see what is going on.
These early numbers suggest that complex cases may make up the bulk of the contact tracing activity.
That means that even if the national system is working perfectly, it won't mean much if the local outbreak response isn't just as good.
Local directors of public health tell me they are still working on their response plans for local outbreaks.
Have they been given enough resources to take on such a burden? Should we be easing lockdown before they're ready?
The disconnect between local and national systems has been a constant feature for the national response during this crisis.
It is concerning that at this early stage that fault line is showing up in Test and Trace.


news--2020-06-11--Coronavirus: Trump to hold campaign rally in midst of pandemic and it'll come with T&Cs

Donald Trump will host an election rally next Friday - and those attending will have to agree not to hold the president responsible if they contract COVID-19 .
The president 's campaign team confirmed he will host a `` Make America Great Again '' rally on 19 June at the BOK Center in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
On the ticket registration page of his website , a disclaimer says those who register `` are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present '' .
It adds : `` By attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J Trump for president , Inc ; BOK Center ; ASM Global ; or any of their affiliates , directors , officers , employees , agents , contractors , or volunteers liable for any illness or injury . ''
The United States has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world , with 113,652 as of Thursday and 2,016,630 confirmed cases , according to Johns Hopkins data .
Oklahoma is among four states Mr Trump has chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida and Texas .
All four states are seeing a rising number of coronavirus cases , according to analysis by the Associated Press .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Some black community leaders and politicians have reacted angrily , saying that plans for the Tulsa rally to be held on 19 June are a `` slap in the face '' .
The day marks the end of slavery in the US and , while Trump officials discussed the possible reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The date also marks the anniversary of an orchestrated white-on-black killing spree in 1921 in Tulsa .
Senator Kamala Harris , a contender to be Joe Biden 's running mate for the presidency later this year , said on Twitter : `` This is n't just a wink to white supremacists - he 's throwing them a welcome home party . ''
Sherry Gamble Smith , president of Tulsa 's Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce , added : `` To choose the date , to come to Tulsa , is totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to even happen . ''

Donald Trump will host an election rally next Friday - and those attending will have to agree not to hold the president responsible if they contract COVID-19.
The president's campaign team confirmed he will host a "Make America Great Again" rally on 19 June at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
On the ticket registration page of his website, a disclaimer says those who register "are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present".
It adds: "By attending the rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J Trump for president, Inc; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury."
The United States has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world, with 113,652 as of Thursday and 2,016,630 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins data.
Oklahoma is among four states Mr Trump has chosen to hold rallies, along with Arizona, Florida and Texas. All four states are seeing a rising number of coronavirus cases, according to analysis by the Associated Press.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Some black community leaders and politicians have reacted angrily, saying that plans for the Tulsa rally to be held on 19 June are a "slap in the face".
The day marks the end of slavery in the US and, while Trump officials discussed the possible reaction, there are no plans to re-schedule.
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The date also marks the anniversary of an orchestrated white-on-black killing spree in 1921 in Tulsa.
Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden's running mate for the presidency later this year, said on Twitter: "This isn't just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party."
Sherry Gamble Smith, president of Tulsa's Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, added: "To choose the date, to come to Tulsa, is totally disrespectful and a slap in the face to even happen."


news--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: Woman in Surrey jail petitions UN over 'horrific' lockdown treatment

A female prisoner is calling on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to step in over claims the UK government 's coronavirus measures are putting women behind bars at risk .
The inmate at HMP Downview in Surrey claims that being locked in a single cell for 23 hours a day is a breach of her human rights .
She suffers from asthma , high blood pressure and depression and says she is being denied the medication she needs .
The 58-year-old , who does not want to be named , was sentenced to 18 months for fraud on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her husband and two children since lockdown began .
Her husband has petitioned the Office for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to intervene over claims non-violent , vulnerable female prisoners are being put at risk by the government 's approach to COVID-19 - and that they are suffering `` horrific '' conditions .
The government 's coronavirus measures have been approved by medical experts at Public Health England and there have been no confirmed cases among prisoners at Downview , a government spokesman told Sky News .
But the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Langley , Hertfordshire , said : `` She phones me almost every day .
It 's incredibly distressing to hear what 's happening .
I feel absolutely helpless . ''
He says that under the UN 's International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , her right to life and right not to suffer torture , cruel , inhumane or degrading treatment have been violated .
The prisoner was convicted of fraud after stealing more than £500,000 from her boss to feed her gambling addiction .
Her husband argues she is non-violent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low risk '' , so she should be eligible for early release , along with 4,000 others who are pregnant or have less than two months left of their sentences .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He told Sky News : `` She is n't getting her blood pressure checked , which could be life-threatening - she could have a stroke .
`` They could n't give her Prozac for her depression , so they gave her something else which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wean herself off that .
`` Being locked up for that long with depression and little-to-no medical care is affecting her mental health .
It 's inhumane . ''
He said she also suffers from hot flushes as a result of the menopause , dental problems and constant headaches , which were being investigated before lockdown cancelled her scans .
Carl Buckley , the prison law barrister who drafted the petition , said : `` The government 's answer to the ongoing pandemic is to hold vast swathes of the prison population in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day .
`` This wholly inappropriate response fails to consider the physical and mental health concerns of all vulnerable inmates and amounts to discriminatory practices . ''
The petition is also being backed by The View , a social enterprise campaigning for better treatment of women in prison .
If the UN accepts it , after several prison reform groups tried and failed to get a judicial review , they will seek a response from the government .
A Prison Service spokesman told Sky News they were not aware of any legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they do not consider the woman medically vulnerable enough to be on their `` shielding '' list .
They added : `` The public would rightly expect prisoners at the beginning of their sentence , who are not assessed as medically vulnerable , to serve their time in custody .
`` The measures we introduced have helped save lives and protect the NHS and at HMP Downview , and across the country , health experts have praised the efforts of staff who have successfully limited the spread of the virus . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they can speak to their loved ones , they added .

A female prisoner is calling on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to step in over claims the UK government's coronavirus measures are putting women behind bars at risk.
The inmate at HMP Downview in Surrey claims that being locked in a single cell for 23 hours a day is a breach of her human rights.
She suffers from asthma, high blood pressure and depression and says she is being denied the medication she needs.
The 58-year-old, who does not want to be named, was sentenced to 18 months for fraud on 3 March and has been unable to see her husband and two children since lockdown began.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 Coronavirus piles pressure on prisons
Her husband has petitioned the Office for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to intervene over claims non-violent, vulnerable female prisoners are being put at risk by the government's approach to COVID-19 - and that they are suffering "horrific" conditions.
The government's coronavirus measures have been approved by medical experts at Public Health England and there have been no confirmed cases among prisoners at Downview, a government spokesman told Sky News.
But the woman's husband, 63, of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, said: "She phones me almost every day. It's incredibly distressing to hear what's happening. I feel absolutely helpless."
He says that under the UN's International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, her right to life and right not to suffer torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment have been violated.
The prisoner was convicted of fraud after stealing more than £500,000 from her boss to feed her gambling addiction.
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Her husband argues she is non-violent and her probation officer says she is "low risk", so she should be eligible for early release, along with 4,000 others who are pregnant or have less than two months left of their sentences.
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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He told Sky News: "She isn't getting her blood pressure checked, which could be life-threatening - she could have a stroke.
"They couldn't give her Prozac for her depression, so they gave her something else which hasn't worked. She's having to wean herself off that.
"Being locked up for that long with depression and little-to-no medical care is affecting her mental health. It's inhumane."
He said she also suffers from hot flushes as a result of the menopause, dental problems and constant headaches, which were being investigated before lockdown cancelled her scans.
Image: Some low-risk prisoners have been freed since lockdown began
Carl Buckley, the prison law barrister who drafted the petition, said: "The government's answer to the ongoing pandemic is to hold vast swathes of the prison population in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day.
"This wholly inappropriate response fails to consider the physical and mental health concerns of all vulnerable inmates and amounts to discriminatory practices."
The petition is also being backed by The View, a social enterprise campaigning for better treatment of women in prison.
If the UN accepts it, after several prison reform groups tried and failed to get a judicial review, they will seek a response from the government.
A Prison Service spokesman told Sky News they were not aware of any legal proceedings relating to HMP Downview inmates and that they do not consider the woman medically vulnerable enough to be on their "shielding" list.
They added: "The public would rightly expect prisoners at the beginning of their sentence, who are not assessed as medically vulnerable, to serve their time in custody.
"The measures we introduced have helped save lives and protect the NHS and at HMP Downview, and across the country, health experts have praised the efforts of staff who have successfully limited the spread of the virus."
Prisoners have also been given mobile phones so they can speak to their loved ones, they added.