news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Two charged with terror offences over threats to spread COVID-19

Two people in the US have been charged with terrorism offences after claiming they were intentionally trying to spread COVID-19 .
Coronavirus is now considered a `` biological agent '' in the US - so those who threaten to spread it can be charged with terrorism .
James Jamal Curry , 31 , coughed on an officer 's arm while he was being arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida on 27 March .
According to court documents , he told the officer : `` Well I got the corona . ''
He posted a bond and was released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers were called to his home again for allegedly violating a court order to stay away from the victim .
Officers placed him under arrest a second time and there was a struggle as he resisted .
He banged his head repeatedly against a patrol car 's windows before spitting in a female sergeant 's mouth twice , court documents said .
The sergeant wiped his saliva from her face , which had blood in it , as Curry allegedly threatened to kill her .
As officers put a hood over his head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , Curry shouted : `` I have corona [ expletive ] , and I 'm spreading it around , '' according to court papers .
Curry later tested negative for COVID-19 after police obtained a warrant to test him .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He was charged with perpetrating a biological weapons hoax and faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted .
Meanwhile , a second case in Texas involved a 39-year-old who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Perez posted on Facebook that he had paid someone to spread the coronavirus at supermarkets in San Antonio in a bid to stop people visiting them .
The threat was found to be false after an FBI investigation , and no one had tried to spread coronavirus at the stores .
The charges in Texas and Florida come two weeks after federal prosecutors across the US were instructed to charge people who threaten to spread COVID-19 under terrorism laws .
The Justice Department 's classification of COVID-19 means officials believe it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bioterrorism or biological warfare .
`` Threats or attempt to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated , '' deputy attorney general Jeffrey Rosen wrote in the memo to US lawyers and the heads of all Justice Department agencies , including the FBI .
Both Perez and Curry remained in federal custody on Wednesday .
More than 400,000 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the US - the most cases worldwide - and nearly 15,000 have died .
The outbreak has prompted stay at home orders from government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that , while he knows workers are `` going stir crazy '' at home , he can not predict when the threat from the virus will wane .
He added : `` The numbers are changing and they 're changing rapidly and soon we 'll be over that curve .
We 'll be over the top and we 'll be headed in the right direction .
I feel strongly about that . ''

Two people in the US have been charged with terrorism offences after claiming they were intentionally trying to spread COVID-19.
Coronavirus is now considered a "biological agent" in the US - so those who threaten to spread it can be charged with terrorism.
James Jamal Curry, 31, coughed on an officer's arm while he was being arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida on 27 March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Trump threatens 'hold' on WHO funding
According to court documents, he told the officer: "Well I got the corona."
He posted a bond and was released from prison the next day, but officers were called to his home again for allegedly violating a court order to stay away from the victim.
Officers placed him under arrest a second time and there was a struggle as he resisted.
He banged his head repeatedly against a patrol car's windows before spitting in a female sergeant's mouth twice, court documents said.
The sergeant wiped his saliva from her face, which had blood in it, as Curry allegedly threatened to kill her.
As officers put a hood over his head to prevent him from spitting at them again, Curry shouted: "I have corona [expletive], and I'm spreading it around," according to court papers.
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Curry later tested negative for COVID-19 after police obtained a warrant to test him.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He was charged with perpetrating a biological weapons hoax and faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted.
Meanwhile, a second case in Texas involved a 39-year-old who was charged with a similar offence.
Christopher Charles Perez posted on Facebook that he had paid someone to spread the coronavirus at supermarkets in San Antonio in a bid to stop people visiting them.
The threat was found to be false after an FBI investigation, and no one had tried to spread coronavirus at the stores.
The charges in Texas and Florida come two weeks after federal prosecutors across the US were instructed to charge people who threaten to spread COVID-19 under terrorism laws.
The Justice Department's classification of COVID-19 means officials believe it can be used purposefully as a weapon in bioterrorism or biological warfare.
"Threats or attempt to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated," deputy attorney general Jeffrey Rosen wrote in the memo to US lawyers and the heads of all Justice Department agencies, including the FBI.
Both Perez and Curry remained in federal custody on Wednesday.
More than 400,000 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the US - the most cases worldwide - and nearly 15,000 have died.
The outbreak has prompted stay at home orders from government officials.
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that, while he knows workers are "going stir crazy" at home, he cannot predict when the threat from the virus will wane.
He added: "The numbers are changing and they're changing rapidly and soon we'll be over that curve. We'll be over the top and we'll be headed in the right direction. I feel strongly about that."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Soldiers to test key workers for COVID-19 as bookings max out for third day

Nearly 100 mobile coronavirus testing units manned by 1,000 soldiers will hit the road this week as the government battles to meet its 100,000 tests a day target .
The aim is for each unit to carry out up to 300 tests a day at frontline sites such as residential care homes , police stations and prisons , benefits centres and fire stations .
For a third day in a row coronavirus home testing kits for key workers were booked up within hours of the government website reopening on Sunday .
Announcing the military deployment , Defence Secretary Ben Wallace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help deliver testing to where it 's most needed , using a network of up to 96 mobile units that will be rolled out in the coming weeks .
`` They will make sure our care sector get the testing required to remain in the frontline of the fight against this pandemic . ''
The aim is to give essential workers and the most vulnerable people increased access to coronavirus tests .
The mobile testing will travel to wherever there is significant demand , according to the government .
The move is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Health Secretary Matt Hancock set the ambitious target of 100,000 tests a day - which many cabinet colleagues doubt can be met - by this Thursday 30 April .
`` I 'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month , '' Mr Hancock announced at a Downing Street news conference on 2 April .
`` That is the goal and I 'm determined we 'll get there . ''
Outlining the army testing , Tory peer Lord Bethell , a junior health minister who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing programme , said : `` Everyone who needs a coronavirus test should be able to have access to one .
`` New mobile testing units will travel the country to provide vital frontline workers with tests so those testing negative are able to safely return to work .
`` We have built up capacity in the system with new testing facilities backed by Britain 's world-class scientists and industry partners .
This means more workers can know if they have coronavirus if they have been demonstrating symptoms .
`` Testing is key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have the ability to provide more people with the certainty they need to get back to the frontline when it is safe to do so . ''
The government 's national testing coordinator , John Newton , added : `` Across the country we are creating new infrastructure to rapidly increase our capacity to test for coronavirus .
`` New mobile testing units will help us achieve our goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day , providing tests to vital frontline workers wherever they need them .
`` In a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading scientists , academics and industry partners to build scores of new testing facilities and Britain 's largest network of diagnostic labs in history .
`` Each day we are delivering more coronavirus tests , and allowing more frontline staff testing negative for the virus to safely return to work . ''
Last week , the government announced other frontline workers would join the priority list for coronavirus testing , alongside the existing commitment to make sure patients and NHS staff are tested for the virus .
The government 's objective is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month of May - 92 will be staffed by the armed forces and a further four , located in Northern Ireland , will be operated by civilian contractors .
In a pilot scheme last week , Department of Health vehicles were refitted to become fully functioning testing sites , following a design developed by the Royal Engineers of the British Army .
As a result , the Department of Health says there are already eight mobile units carrying out tests across the country , including in Salisbury , Southport and Teesside .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government says its mobile facilities can be set up in under 20 minutes , allowing the testing of hundreds of people each day and are now travelling to those most in need and hard to reach .
Specially trained armed forces personnel will collect swabs at the mobile sites , before they are sent to mega-labs for processing .
Those tested will receive their results within 48 hours .
In Ireland , testing for COVID-19 will be scaled up to 100,000 per week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's health chief said .
Officials are considering the best route for swabs to take to laboratories , use of the ambulance service , and automation of the process when positive results come back and notifications go out for contact tracing .
A shared `` road map '' on the way forward has been agreed between the health service and government and is due to be signed off by ministers at a cabinet meeting next week .

Nearly 100 mobile coronavirus testing units manned by 1,000 soldiers will hit the road this week as the government battles to meet its 100,000 tests a day target.
The aim is for each unit to carry out up to 300 tests a day at frontline sites such as residential care homes, police stations and prisons, benefits centres and fire stations.
For a third day in a row coronavirus home testing kits for key workers were booked up within hours of the government website reopening on Sunday.
Announcing the military deployment, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Our armed forces will help deliver testing to where it's most needed, using a network of up to 96 mobile units that will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
"They will make sure our care sector get the testing required to remain in the frontline of the fight against this pandemic."
The aim is to give essential workers and the most vulnerable people increased access to coronavirus tests.
Image: Soldiers will man nearly 100 mobile units around the country
The mobile testing will travel to wherever there is significant demand, according to the government.
The move is the government's latest attempt to boost testing after Health Secretary Matt Hancock set the ambitious target of 100,000 tests a day - which many cabinet colleagues doubt can be met - by this Thursday 30 April.
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"I'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month," Mr Hancock announced at a Downing Street news conference on 2 April.
"That is the goal and I'm determined we'll get there."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'A tragic and terrible milestone'
Outlining the army testing, Tory peer Lord Bethell, a junior health minister who is in charge of the government's testing programme, said: "Everyone who needs a coronavirus test should be able to have access to one.
"New mobile testing units will travel the country to provide vital frontline workers with tests so those testing negative are able to safely return to work.
"We have built up capacity in the system with new testing facilities backed by Britain's world-class scientists and industry partners. This means more workers can know if they have coronavirus if they have been demonstrating symptoms.
"Testing is key in our battle against coronavirus. We now have the ability to provide more people with the certainty they need to get back to the frontline when it is safe to do so."
The government's national testing coordinator, John Newton, added: "Across the country we are creating new infrastructure to rapidly increase our capacity to test for coronavirus.
"New mobile testing units will help us achieve our goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, providing tests to vital frontline workers wherever they need them.
"In a matter of weeks we have worked with Britain's leading scientists, academics and industry partners to build scores of new testing facilities and Britain's largest network of diagnostic labs in history.
"Each day we are delivering more coronavirus tests, and allowing more frontline staff testing negative for the virus to safely return to work."
Image: The aim is for the units to carry out up to 300 tests a day
Last week, the government announced other frontline workers would join the priority list for coronavirus testing, alongside the existing commitment to make sure patients and NHS staff are tested for the virus.
The government's objective is to deploy 96 mobile testing units during the month of May - 92 will be staffed by the armed forces and a further four, located in Northern Ireland, will be operated by civilian contractors.
In a pilot scheme last week, Department of Health vehicles were refitted to become fully functioning testing sites, following a design developed by the Royal Engineers of the British Army.
As a result, the Department of Health says there are already eight mobile units carrying out tests across the country, including in Salisbury, Southport and Teesside.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government says its mobile facilities can be set up in under 20 minutes, allowing the testing of hundreds of people each day and are now travelling to those most in need and hard to reach.
Specially trained armed forces personnel will collect swabs at the mobile sites, before they are sent to mega-labs for processing.
Those tested will receive their results within 48 hours.
In Ireland, testing for COVID-19 will be scaled up to 100,000 per week by the middle of next month, the country's health chief said.
Officials are considering the best route for swabs to take to laboratories, use of the ambulance service, and automation of the process when positive results come back and notifications go out for contact tracing.
A shared "road map" on the way forward has been agreed between the health service and government and is due to be signed off by ministers at a cabinet meeting next week.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: 'Definite trend' for falling hospital numbers as deaths hit April low

There is a `` very definite trend '' downwards in the number of people in hospital with coronavirus , the director of NHS England has said .
It comes as daily hospital death figures from COVID-19 hit a low not seen since 31 March .
NHS boss Stephen Powis told reporters at the Downing Street briefing : `` We now have a very definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals .
`` That is most marked in London but I think you can also see that in the Midlands and the beginnings in other areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our compliance with social distancing is proving to be beneficial .
It is reducing the transmission and spread of the virus . ''
The proportion of critical care beds in UK taken by COVID-19 patients is also declining , said Mr Powis .
He added : `` The core message is really to continue to comply ... By getting the infection rate down , will get us in the best position for track and trace . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital deaths reported by the Department for Health on Sunday .
It is the smallest numerical increase since 31 March ( when it was 381 ) and the smallest percentage increase ( 2 % ) to date .
The time it takes deaths to double has extended once more to 19 days .
• England reported 336 deaths on Sunday , compared with 711 on Saturday .
The overall figure is now 18,420 .
• Scotland reported 18 more , taking its total to 1,249 .
It reported 47 on Saturday .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its total to 788 .
It reported 23 on Saturday .
• Northern Ireland reported 5 more deaths , taking its total to 299 .
It reported 16 on Saturday .
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the government 's overall daily total .
The Department of Health said total coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals across the UK is now 20,732 .
Some 15,953 people are in hospital having tested positive for COVID-19 .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , experts have cautioned against reading too much into the daily figure and advise people to look more at the weekly trend in the direction of numbers .
Also , there can sometimes be fewer reported during the weekend as some of the people who collate the numbers may not be working .
Sunday 's Downing Street briefing - led by Environment Secretary George Eustice - also revealed a new high in daily testing .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday , 29,058 were carried out - that is still only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , the number of UK fatalities passed 20,000 in a bleak milestone described as `` tragic and terrible '' by Home Secretary Priti Patel , who said the whole country was grieving .
Health officials had previously hoped that in the best case scenario in the COVID-19 pandemic they could limit this figure to 20,000 or below .
The latest fatality figures do not cover coronavirus-related deaths in the wider community , including in care homes , which means the true number will be higher by several thousand at least .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital and nearly lost his life to the disease , is expected to return to work tomorrow .
He is under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors to lift coronavirus lockdown measures .
The prime minister , who was treated in intensive care , will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an `` exit strategy '' for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been deputising for the PM , has told Sky News that it would not be responsible to give details of any exit strategy .

There is a "very definite trend" downwards in the number of people in hospital with coronavirus, the director of NHS England has said.
It comes as daily hospital death figures from COVID-19 hit a low not seen since 31 March.
NHS boss Stephen Powis told reporters at the Downing Street briefing: "We now have a very definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals.
"That is most marked in London but I think you can also see that in the Midlands and the beginnings in other areas of the UK.
"That is definitely showing that our compliance with social distancing is proving to be beneficial. It is reducing the transmission and spread of the virus."
The proportion of critical care beds in UK taken by COVID-19 patients is also declining, said Mr Powis.
He added: "The core message is really to continue to comply... By getting the infection rate down, will get us in the best position for track and trace."
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There were 413 coronavirus-linked hospital deaths reported by the Department for Health on Sunday.
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It is the smallest numerical increase since 31 March (when it was 381) and the smallest percentage increase (2%) to date.
The time it takes deaths to double has extended once more to 19 days.
England reported 336 deaths on Sunday, compared with 711 on Saturday. The overall figure is now 18,420.
on Saturday. The overall figure is now 18,420. Scotland reported 18 more, taking its total to 1,249. It reported 47 on Saturday.
Wales reported 14 more deaths, taking its total to 788. It reported 23 on Saturday.
Northern Ireland reported 5 more deaths, taking its total to 299. It reported 16 on Saturday.
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the government's overall daily total.
The Department of Health said total coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals across the UK is now 20,732.
Some 15,953 people are in hospital having tested positive for COVID-19. This is down from 16,411 since yesterday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:09 Environment secretary - UK coronavirus hospital deaths rise by 413
However, experts have cautioned against reading too much into the daily figure and advise people to look more at the weekly trend in the direction of numbers.
Also, there can sometimes be fewer reported during the weekend as some of the people who collate the numbers may not be working.
Sunday's Downing Street briefing - led by Environment Secretary George Eustice - also revealed a new high in daily testing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:07 Sophy Ridge On Sunday highlights
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, 29,058 were carried out - that is still only just over half the current capacity.
On Saturday, the number of UK fatalities passed 20,000 in a bleak milestone described as "tragic and terrible" by Home Secretary Priti Patel, who said the whole country was grieving.
Health officials had previously hoped that in the best case scenario in the COVID-19 pandemic they could limit this figure to 20,000 or below.
The latest fatality figures do not cover coronavirus-related deaths in the wider community, including in care homes, which means the true number will be higher by several thousand at least.
Boris Johnson, who spent a week in hospital and nearly lost his life to the disease, is expected to return to work tomorrow. He is under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors to lift coronavirus lockdown measures.
The prime minister, who was treated in intensive care, will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an "exit strategy" for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising for the PM, has told Sky News that it would not be responsible to give details of any exit strategy.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Sweden determined it has smarter strategy for dealing with COVID-19

Stockholm is a world away from the lockdowns affecting the rest of Europe .
The streets are quieter than normal , but there are still plenty of people about .
In the King 's Gardens they stroll in the spring sunshine , breaking the conventions on social distancing as they huddle together for a selfie beneath the cherry blossom .
By the Royal Palace , a line of children on a school trip pause , admire and walk on .
And yet the hospitals are rapidly filling with victims of the coronavirus and every day the authorities announce another grim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which stood at 358 on Friday afternoon from a little over 6,000 cases .
Sweden is an outlier , determined that it has a smarter strategy for dealing with the virus .
The elderly and vulnerable have been told to protect themselves by staying at home and there 's a ban on crowds of more than 50 .
But otherwise , people are encouraged to use common sense and work from home if they want to .
Until two weeks ago it was a strategy that was mirrored in the UK .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , allowing the population to build up immunity while flattening the epidemic curve so critical care units were n't overwhelmed .
Then came the report from scientists at Imperial College London that suggested the need for life-saving care had been underestimated and that 250,000 people would die .
But while Britain went into lockdown , Sweden stood firm .
State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell , the doctor in charge of the strategy , told me a computer simulation is only as good as the data put in and the assumptions made , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their numbers wrong .
He said : `` Compared to us it is hugely pessimistic .
I do n't think any curve in any country has gone as bad as Imperial said it would .
`` I just do n't think there is a real connection between lockdowns , closing borders , closing schools and being safer . ''
The strategy has huge support from the public .
People here trust experts .
`` They 're the ones with the qualifications ; they know what they 're doing , '' one passer-by told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants that may just survive without a lockdown .
The economy might revive more quickly once the virus has moved on , he said .
But the strategy is more controversial among scientists .
Some support the government , believing that it 's better to bring in tighter controls only when they 're needed .
Others fear the country is blindly heading for a cliff edge .
Professor Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler , speaking in her laboratory in the Karolinska Institute , fears many will die as a result of what she sees as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she claims the dissenting view is being ignored .
`` I am a scientist .
I do n't trust authorities , I trust data , '' she said .
`` I do n't see transparency of data that makes me calm and believe the right strategy has been chosen .
`` They might be right .
I will open champagne then .
This is not about me and who is right or wrong .
We should have an open discussion about the scientific data . ''
A few miles south of Stockholm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside civilian contractors to build a field hospital just in case .
Sixty makeshift wards are being erected in a vast exhibition centre .
In all , 1,200 patients could be cared for .
Dozens of beds are lined up ready to be moved into place once the partitions are in place and the ventilators installed .
Dr Henrik Jornball , a senior intensive care consultant , has worked for the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres ( Doctors Without Borders ) in desperate situations around the world .
Now he 's practising crisis medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would have to do .
`` No one anticipated what we are seeing in all levels of society , '' he sighed .
The truth is nobody knows which strategy - Sweden 's or the UK 's - is best for dealing with COVID-19 .
Allowing the virus to spread might give it too much of a head start , so it outpaces the health authorities .
Lockdowns might save lives in the short-term , but risk a second wave of deaths , and years of ill-health from unemployment and deprivation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusions will have to wait until we are the other side of the pandemic .

Stockholm is a world away from the lockdowns affecting the rest of Europe.
The streets are quieter than normal, but there are still plenty of people about.
In the King's Gardens they stroll in the spring sunshine, breaking the conventions on social distancing as they huddle together for a selfie beneath the cherry blossom.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
By the Royal Palace, a line of children on a school trip pause, admire and walk on.
And yet the hospitals are rapidly filling with victims of the coronavirus and every day the authorities announce another grim rise in the number of deaths, which stood at 358 on Friday afternoon from a little over 6,000 cases.
Sweden is an outlier, determined that it has a smarter strategy for dealing with the virus.
The elderly and vulnerable have been told to protect themselves by staying at home and there's a ban on crowds of more than 50.
But otherwise, people are encouraged to use common sense and work from home if they want to.
Until two weeks ago it was a strategy that was mirrored in the UK.
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Image: Unlike in other countries, people are still visiting beauty spots in Sweden
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:50 How is India coping with its lockdown?
Both countries talked about slowing the spread of the virus, allowing the population to build up immunity while flattening the epidemic curve so critical care units weren't overwhelmed.
Then came the report from scientists at Imperial College London that suggested the need for life-saving care had been underestimated and that 250,000 people would die.
But while Britain went into lockdown, Sweden stood firm.
State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, the doctor in charge of the strategy, told me a computer simulation is only as good as the data put in and the assumptions made, and the Imperial College scientists had got their numbers wrong.
He said: "Compared to us it is hugely pessimistic. I don't think any curve in any country has gone as bad as Imperial said it would.
"I just don't think there is a real connection between lockdowns, closing borders, closing schools and being safer."
The strategy has huge support from the public. People here trust experts.
"They're the ones with the qualifications; they know what they're doing," one passer-by told me.
Image: A man cleans and disinfects a taxi in Stockholm
Another pointed to the shops and restaurants that may just survive without a lockdown. The economy might revive more quickly once the virus has moved on, he said.
But the strategy is more controversial among scientists.
Some support the government, believing that it's better to bring in tighter controls only when they're needed.
Others fear the country is blindly heading for a cliff edge.
Professor Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler, speaking in her laboratory in the Karolinska Institute, fears many will die as a result of what she sees as risks being taken by the establishment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 How best to work from home
But she claims the dissenting view is being ignored.
"I am a scientist. I don't trust authorities, I trust data," she said.
"I don't see transparency of data that makes me calm and believe the right strategy has been chosen.
"They might be right. I will open champagne then. This is not about me and who is right or wrong. We should have an open discussion about the scientific data."
A few miles south of Stockholm's centre, the military is working alongside civilian contractors to build a field hospital just in case.
Sixty makeshift wards are being erected in a vast exhibition centre. In all, 1,200 patients could be cared for.
Dozens of beds are lined up ready to be moved into place once the partitions are in place and the ventilators installed.
Dr Henrik Jornball, a senior intensive care consultant, has worked for the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) in desperate situations around the world.
Now he's practising crisis medicine at home, something he never expected he would have to do.
"No one anticipated what we are seeing in all levels of society," he sighed.
The truth is nobody knows which strategy - Sweden's or the UK's - is best for dealing with COVID-19.
Allowing the virus to spread might give it too much of a head start, so it outpaces the health authorities.
Lockdowns might save lives in the short-term, but risk a second wave of deaths, and years of ill-health from unemployment and deprivation.
It's a live experiment and the conclusions will have to wait until we are the other side of the pandemic.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Thousands flock to beaches in California despite stay-at-home orders

Many people have flocked to beaches in California during a summer-like heatwave despite authorities urging them to avoid trips there and continue practising social distancing measures .
Thousands packed Newport Beach and Huntington Beach on Friday and Saturday , defying stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged many Californians would be tempted to gather outside as the state experienced hot weather .
But he tweeted : `` CA can only keep flattening the curve if we stay home and practise physical distancing .
You have the power to literally save lives . ''
Police in Pacific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach because it became too crowded and people were not observing the restrictions .
And officers in San Diego said three people were arrested in Encinitas for violating health orders after they protested against beach closures .
Los Angeles city and county beaches , trails and playgrounds were closed , and officers on horseback patrolled those areas to enforce distancing rules .
In Florida 's Volusia County , home to the well-known Daytona Beach , beaches have been opened for those wanting to walk , surf , bike or swim .
County manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in groups .
He said : `` At this point in time , we 're still under the governor 's essential exercise order , so if you 're on the beach , you should be physically active .
No sitting , sunbathing or hanging out with a cooler . ''
But one resident said many beachgoers were not heeding the advice .
John Overchuck , 45 , who lives on New Smyrna Beach , south of Daytona Beach , said : `` I know they have rules and restrictions , but people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beach 10 minutes ago and it 's packed .
That was n't supposed to happen . ''
California was one of the first states to bring in lockdown measures .
It has had more than 1,600 coronavirus-related deaths and over 42,000 confirmed cases .
Elsewhere in the US , Georgia and Oklahoma have allowed salons , spas and barbershops to reopen .
And Alaska has cleared the way for restaurants to resume eat-in services , and for retail shops and other businesses to open their doors , all with limitations .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stricter rules .
In Colorado , salons , barbershops and tattoo parlours can open next Friday , with retail stores , restaurants and cinemas to follow .
However , some people are resisting the move .
Mary Ramirez will not be reopening her hair salon then as she believes there is not enough safety guidance and planning .
`` I feel like we are like test dummies that they 're learning off of , '' she said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not open up unless there is widespread testing and contact-tracing infrastructure in place to prevent a resurgence of the virus .
While some US states have eased COVID-19 restrictions , Hawaii has extended its stay-at-home order until the end of May .
And Andrew Cuomo , the governor of New York - the worst-hit state - has repeated his warning that reopening businesses too soon was risky .
The US has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world .
More than 53,000 people have died in the country , representing over @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Many people have flocked to beaches in California during a summer-like heatwave despite authorities urging them to avoid trips there and continue practising social distancing measures.
Thousands packed Newport Beach and Huntington Beach on Friday and Saturday, defying stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged many Californians would be tempted to gather outside as the state experienced hot weather.
But he tweeted: "CA can only keep flattening the curve if we stay home and practise physical distancing. You have the power to literally save lives."
Image: Many Americans flocked to Newport Beach in California
Police in Pacific Grove closed the Lovers Point Park and Beach because it became too crowded and people were not observing the restrictions.
And officers in San Diego said three people were arrested in Encinitas for violating health orders after they protested against beach closures.
Los Angeles city and county beaches, trails and playgrounds were closed, and officers on horseback patrolled those areas to enforce distancing rules.
In Florida's Volusia County, home to the well-known Daytona Beach, beaches have been opened for those wanting to walk, surf, bike or swim.
County manager George Recktenwald has warned people against gathering in groups.
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Image: Huntington Beach was also busy
He said: "At this point in time, we're still under the governor's essential exercise order, so if you're on the beach, you should be physically active. No sitting, sunbathing or hanging out with a cooler."
But one resident said many beachgoers were not heeding the advice.
John Overchuck, 45, who lives on New Smyrna Beach, south of Daytona Beach, said: "I know they have rules and restrictions, but people aren't listening.
"I walked on the beach 10 minutes ago and it's packed. That wasn't supposed to happen."
California was one of the first states to bring in lockdown measures. It has had more than 1,600 coronavirus-related deaths and over 42,000 confirmed cases.
Image: Some wore masks on Huntington Beach
Image: While others did not
Elsewhere in the US, Georgia and Oklahoma have allowed salons, spas and barbershops to reopen.
And Alaska has cleared the way for restaurants to resume eat-in services, and for retail shops and other businesses to open their doors, all with limitations. But some municipalities there have chosen to keep stricter rules.
In Colorado, salons, barbershops and tattoo parlours can open next Friday, with retail stores, restaurants and cinemas to follow.
Image: People in Florida have been told to only use beaches for exercise
However, some people are resisting the move.
Mary Ramirez will not be reopening her hair salon then as she believes there is not enough safety guidance and planning.
"I feel like we are like test dummies that they're learning off of," she said.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Health experts say economies should not open up unless there is widespread testing and contact-tracing infrastructure in place to prevent a resurgence of the virus.
While some US states have eased COVID-19 restrictions, Hawaii has extended its stay-at-home order until the end of May.
And Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York - the worst-hit state - has repeated his warning that reopening businesses too soon was risky.
The US has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world.
More than 53,000 people have died in the country, representing over a quarter of all fatalities globally.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Woman 'gang raped' in India while quarantined in school during lockdown

A woman in India has allegedly been gang raped while quarantined in a school during the country 's coronavirus lockdown , police have said .
The woman , aged in her early 40s , had sought shelter at a police station after walking alone for miles and losing the way to her village in the desert state of Rajasthan .
In the absence of a quarantine centre , local police housed her for the night in a school building , where she was allegedly raped by three men .
Three men have been arrested and a junior police official has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Detective Superintendent Parth Sharma said the woman had now been sent to a local quarantine facility to be tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
`` We do n't know how long she was on her own for , and who she came into contact with , and her test results are not yet known , '' he said .
A person is raped in India every 20 minutes , according to recent crime data .
India 's lockdown , imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of workers who have lost their jobs in cities to walk for days , desperately trying to get home to villages in rural India .
Many of them are now in overcrowded quarantine centres and authorities are struggling to cope .
With India 's population of 1.3 billion people , experts fear that the world 's biggest lockdown has not been able to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , and country has begun to see a surge in cases with testing being ramped up .
Millions of people who have not worked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily wage earners and contract labourers .

A woman in India has allegedly been gang raped while quarantined in a school during the country's coronavirus lockdown, police have said.
The woman, aged in her early 40s, had sought shelter at a police station after walking alone for miles and losing the way to her village in the desert state of Rajasthan.
In the absence of a quarantine centre, local police housed her for the night in a school building, where she was allegedly
raped by three men.
Three men have been arrested and a junior police official has been suspended for negligence in connection with the case.
Detective Superintendent Parth Sharma said the woman had now been sent to a local quarantine facility to be tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
"We don't know how long she was on her own for, and who she came into contact with, and her test results are not yet known," he said.
A person is raped in India every 20 minutes, according to recent crime data.
India's lockdown, imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has led to tens of thousands of workers who have lost their jobs in cities to walk for days, desperately trying to get home to villages in rural India.
Many of them are now in overcrowded quarantine centres and authorities are struggling to cope.
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With India's population of 1.3 billion people, experts fear that the world's biggest lockdown has not been able to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and country has begun to see a surge in cases with testing being ramped up.
Millions of people who have not worked for weeks are now facing hunger, particularly daily wage earners and contract labourers.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones returns as Nessa to issue COVID-19 warning

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones has returned as her character Nessa Jenkins for an `` important public message '' about coronavirus .
Jones , who starred in and co-wrote the hit comedy with James Corden , appears in a video warning people to `` stay out my way '' as she undertakes her daily `` half marathon '' around Barry in Wales .
The actress used her character 's classic Welsh phrase as she urged people to abide by social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Oh .
What 's occurrin ' ? ''
she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global pandemic - but the question was rhetorical .
`` Now listen , I 'm not here to give you advice , there 's plenty of others who will do that for you .
It 's your life , and I 'm not about to tell you how to live it .
`` I would n't do that to no one , I would n't even tell myself how to live my life .
`` But I will say this , if you see me in the morning doing my daily run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't even think about breaking that two metre rule .
''Because if you does , I will not hesitate to tell you quite clearly , to back off . ''
She added : `` At the end of the day when all is said and done , no word of a lie , if truth be told , just because you do n't feel ill does n't mean you 're not infectious .
`` You could be riddled .
Stay safe , stay out of my way .
Oh and protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The video was published online by her husband , executive producer David Peet .
Corden , who is currently hosting the Late , Late Show from his Los Angeles home during the pandemic , retweeted the video , writing in the caption : `` An important public message . ''
The pair recently reunited the Gavin and Stacey cast for a one-off Christmas special , which aired last year .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The episode documented the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the series originally wrapped in 2010 .
The BBC revealed earlier this year that the Christmas special was the most watched scripted programme of the decade after it was viewed by 17.1 million people .

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones has returned as her character Nessa Jenkins for an "important public message" about coronavirus.
Jones, who starred in and co-wrote the hit comedy with James Corden, appears in a video warning people to "stay out my way" as she undertakes her daily "half marathon" around Barry in Wales.
The actress used her character's classic Welsh phrase as she urged people to abide by social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Jones' character Nessa warned people could be 'riddled' with coronavirus despite not showing symptoms
"Oh. What's occurrin'?" she says. "Not a lot, other than a global pandemic - but the question was rhetorical.
"Now listen, I'm not here to give you advice, there's plenty of others who will do that for you. It's your life, and I'm not about to tell you how to live it.
"I wouldn't do that to no one, I wouldn't even tell myself how to live my life.
"But I will say this, if you see me in the morning doing my daily run, my half marathon around Barry, don't even think about breaking that two metre rule.
Image: The Gavin and Stacey cast recently reunited for a one-off Christmas special
''Because if you does, I will not hesitate to tell you quite clearly, to back off."
She added: "At the end of the day when all is said and done, no word of a lie, if truth be told, just because you don't feel ill doesn't mean you're not infectious.
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"You could be riddled. Stay safe, stay out of my way. Oh and protect the NHS obviously, it goes without saying."
The video was published online by her husband, executive producer David Peet.
Corden, who is currently hosting the Late, Late Show from his Los Angeles home during the pandemic, retweeted the video, writing in the caption: "An important public message."
The pair recently reunited the Gavin and Stacey cast for a one-off Christmas special, which aired last year.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The episode documented the lives of the characters nearly 10 years after the series originally wrapped in 2010.
The BBC revealed earlier this year that the Christmas special was the most watched scripted programme of the decade after it was viewed by 17.1 million people.
Peet's production company, Tidy Productions, worked on the comeback episode.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Plans for two-week quarantine for anyone entering UK considered by government

Anyone entering the UK could be forced to go into quarantine for two weeks under plans being discussed in government .
Dominic Raab , who has been standing in as prime minister for nearly three weeks while Boris Johnson recovers from coronavirus , confirmed the proposals are under consideration .
Appearing on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Mr Raab was quizzed on reports that all travellers arriving in the country will need to fill out a landing card with details about their health , as well as the address where they will self-isolate .
A communications campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world to warn passengers of what to expect when they arrive in the UK and to dissuade them from coming in the first place , the newspaper added .
Asked whether the government is going to start limiting flights coming into the UK or quarantining people once they arrive , Mr Raab said `` any new measures that are necessary '' will be taken as ministers consider the `` second phase '' of the outbreak .
He added : `` That 's something that we will be looking at and it could include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could include social distancing measures and we 'll make sure ... that we are absolutely on top of the scientific evidence and are taking all the measures that are necessary to protect people 's health , to protect their lives but also to preserve our way of life as we go forward , economically and socially . ''
Two weeks is the maximum amount of time it takes before someone infected with coronavirus can start to show symptoms .
Mr Raab denied that the current lack of temperature checks , or telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was problematic because the virus is already spreading so much across the country .
He said : `` The advice so far is that it would make almost no impact on the spread of the virus because of the decrease in the number of people travelling and the fact that the transmission rate within the UK is high .
`` But we have continually throughout tested this with the scientists and the chief medical officer , to make sure that as the evidence changes or if we move to a second phase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures that are necessary . ''
Environment Secretary George Eustice added later at the daily Downing Street briefing : `` We 've made a conscious decision as a country not to close our borders because we need to keep trade flowing .
`` Should there be medical advice in the future , as we move to new stages , that this is an area that should be looked at and considered , that is the time to do that . ''
It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed five charter flights from Bangladesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK - leaving from Dhaka for London between 29 April and 7 May .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hong Kong introduced a two week quarantine for all citizens arriving in the country , after fears a second peak of COVID-19 cases was being “ imported ” into the country by travellers .
Usually people entering the country can isolate at their residential address but some have been placed into a government-run quarantine centre .

Anyone entering the UK could be forced to go into quarantine for two weeks under plans being discussed in government.
Dominic Raab, who has been standing in as prime minister for nearly three weeks while Boris Johnson recovers from coronavirus, confirmed the proposals are under consideration.
Appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr Raab was quizzed on reports that all travellers arriving in the country will need to fill out a landing card with details about their health, as well as the address where they will self-isolate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Raab foresees 'new normal' after lockdown
A communications campaign would also be rolled out across the world to warn passengers of what to expect when they arrive in the UK and to dissuade them from coming in the first place, the newspaper added.
Asked whether the government is going to start limiting flights coming into the UK or quarantining people once they arrive, Mr Raab said "any new measures that are necessary" will be taken as ministers consider the "second phase" of the outbreak.
He added: "That's something that we will be looking at and it could include the testing for people coming in, it could include social distancing measures and we'll make sure... that we are absolutely on top of the scientific evidence and are taking all the measures that are necessary to protect people's health, to protect their lives but also to preserve our way of life as we go forward, economically and socially."
Two weeks is the maximum amount of time it takes before someone infected with coronavirus can start to show symptoms.
Mr Raab denied that the current lack of temperature checks, or telling people to quarantine when they arrive, was problematic because the virus is already spreading so much across the country.
He said: "The advice so far is that it would make almost no impact on the spread of the virus because of the decrease in the number of people travelling and the fact that the transmission rate within the UK is high.
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"But we have continually throughout tested this with the scientists and the chief medical officer, to make sure that as the evidence changes or if we move to a second phase, we are able to take any new measures that are necessary."
Environment Secretary George Eustice added later at the daily Downing Street briefing: "We've made a conscious decision as a country not to close our borders because we need to keep trade flowing.
"Should there be medical advice in the future, as we move to new stages, that this is an area that should be looked at and considered, that is the time to do that."
It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed five charter flights from Bangladesh will bring British travellers back to the UK - leaving from Dhaka for London between 29 April and 7 May.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hong Kong introduced a two week quarantine for all citizens arriving in the country, after fears a second peak of COVID-19 cases was being “imported” into the country by travellers.
Usually people entering the country can isolate at their residential address but some have been placed into a government-run quarantine centre.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson returning to work to face pressure over lifting lockdown measures

Boris Johnson will return to work on Monday under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors over lifting coronavirus lockdown measures .
The prime minister , who was treated in intensive care after contracting COVID-19 , will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an `` exit strategy '' for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March to slow the spread of coronavirus .
His intervention comes as a series of Conservative backers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party , have urged the government to begin loosening the restrictions to allow the economy to start up again .
The British retail industry 's lobby group and its main trade union has issued new guidance to retailers in preparation for an anticipated easing of measures and the reopening of more stores .
In his call for an exit strategy , Sir Keir said in a letter to Mr Johnson that it was essential ministers learned lessons from mistakes that have been made in dealing with the crisis so far .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of falling behind other countries , as well devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales , which were already engaged in `` adult '' conversations with their citizens as to how the restrictions could be eased .
Ministers have so far resisted calls for an exit strategy , arguing it risks undermining their central message that people need to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
However , Sir Keir 's letter echoes concerns expressed by some senior Conservatives alarmed at the mounting damage to the economy being caused by the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy would only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning , investment and infrastructure in place early .
He wrote : `` Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible , especially when other governments and our own devolved administrations have been able to communicate so much more .
`` The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work .
They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next .
If we want to take people with us and secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response .
The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the government .
We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation .
That can not happen again . ''
Sir Keir said that while Labour fully supported the lockdown , the government had been too slow to put it in place .
He also said the government had been too slow to increase testing and too slow to get personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` If we are to learn from these mistakes , the government can not fall short in its preparation for what happens when the time is right for lockdown measures to be gradually lifted .
`` The UK government is behind the curve on this .
I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world .
That is why we need to see a significant step-change in the government 's response to this pandemic .
`` Decisions need to be taken quicker and communication with the public needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Conservative backers Michael Spencer and Peter Hargreaves , the banker Sir Henry Angest , Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some reopening of the economy .
Steve Morgan , the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow , told the paper : `` We 're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country back to work .
This is not about profit ; this is about saving the country from going bankrupt , from mass unemployment , from businesses going bust , people losing their livelihoods and homes . ''
Professor John Edmunds , a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) which is advising the government on its response to the outbreak , has warned any relaxation risked an upsurge of new cases .
He told the Observer : `` The strategy behind plans to lift the lockdown is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could then control the epidemic by testing people for infections before tracing their contacts .
`` However , if we lifted the lockdown now , the testing and tracing system would be overwhelmed .
We will have to get case numbers down a lot lower than they are now before we can think of lifting current regulations . ''
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) lobby group and the Usdaw retail union have offered social distancing guidance for non-food retail stores ahead of an expected easing of lockdown measures .
The guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the `` essential '' retailers that have been allowed to stay open during the lockdown , such as supermarkets and pharmacies .
It includes providing hand sanitiser for customers , encouraging shoppers to visit stores alone , limiting numbers in shops at any one time , keeping customers two metres apart , installing protective screens at tills , as well as stepping-up cleaning and encouraging cashless payments .
The government said on Friday it was too early to lift the lockdown , though economic data indicates Britain 's economy is crumbling under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the most on record in March as a surge in food buying for the lockdown was dwarfed by a plunge in sales of clothing and most other goods .
The slump is likely to be even worse in April .

Boris Johnson will return to work on Monday under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors over lifting coronavirus lockdown measures.
The prime minister, who was treated in intensive care after contracting COVID-19, will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an "exit strategy" for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 PM 'has been meeting officials all week'
His intervention comes as a series of Conservative backers, who have donated millions of pounds to the party, have urged the government to begin loosening the restrictions to allow the economy to start up again.
The British retail industry's lobby group and its main trade union has issued new guidance to retailers in preparation for an anticipated easing of measures and the reopening of more stores.
In his call for an exit strategy, Sir Keir said in a letter to Mr Johnson that it was essential ministers learned lessons from mistakes that have been made in dealing with the crisis so far.
He added that the UK is in danger of falling behind other countries, as well devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, which were already engaged in "adult" conversations with their citizens as to how the restrictions could be eased.
Ministers have so far resisted calls for an exit strategy, arguing it risks undermining their central message that people need to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, Sir Keir's letter echoes concerns expressed by some senior Conservatives alarmed at the mounting damage to the economy being caused by the lockdown.
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The Labour leader said any exit strategy would only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning, investment and infrastructure in place early.
He wrote: "Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible, especially when other governments and our own devolved administrations have been able to communicate so much more.
"The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work. They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next. If we want to take people with us and secure their consent, this is necessary now.
"This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response. The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the government. We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation. That cannot happen again."
Sir Keir said that while Labour fully supported the lockdown, the government had been too slow to put it in place.
He also said the government had been too slow to increase testing and too slow to get personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline NHS and care staff.
He continued: "If we are to learn from these mistakes, the government cannot fall short in its preparation for what happens when the time is right for lockdown measures to be gradually lifted.
"The UK government is behind the curve on this. I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world. That is why we need to see a significant step-change in the government's response to this pandemic.
"Decisions need to be taken quicker and communication with the public needs to be clearer."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Conservative backers Michael Spencer and Peter Hargreaves, the banker Sir Henry Angest, Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some reopening of the economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 20,000 UK hospital deaths 'a tragic and terrible milestone'
Steve Morgan, the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow, told the paper: "We're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure.
"I'm strongly in favour of getting the country back to work. This is not about profit; this is about saving the country from going bankrupt, from mass unemployment, from businesses going bust, people losing their livelihoods and homes."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM 'in good shape', says Hancock
Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) which is advising the government on its response to the outbreak, has warned any relaxation risked an upsurge of new cases.
He told the Observer: "The strategy behind plans to lift the lockdown is based on the idea (that) you could then control the epidemic by testing people for infections before tracing their contacts.
"However, if we lifted the lockdown now, the testing and tracing system would be overwhelmed. We will have to get case numbers down a lot lower than they are now before we can think of lifting current regulations."
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) lobby group and the Usdaw retail union have offered social distancing guidance for non-food retail stores ahead of an expected easing of lockdown measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:54 Special Report: Life in Lockdown
The guidance draws on government advice and lessons learned by the "essential" retailers that have been allowed to stay open during the lockdown, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
It includes providing hand sanitiser for customers, encouraging shoppers to visit stores alone, limiting numbers in shops at any one time, keeping customers two metres apart, installing protective screens at tills, as well as stepping-up cleaning and encouraging cashless payments.
The government said on Friday it was too early to lift the lockdown, though economic data indicates Britain's economy is crumbling under the strain.
British retail sales fell by the most on record in March as a surge in food buying for the lockdown was dwarfed by a plunge in sales of clothing and most other goods.
The slump is likely to be even worse in April.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: 'Test, trace, isolate' - Iceland PM says strict strategy has controlled outbreak

Iceland has coronavirus under control thanks to a strict policy of test , trace and isolate , the country 's prime minister has told Sky News .
There are only a handful of cases emerging each day on the sparsely populated island nation , and on one day this week no new cases were reported .
`` Our main guiding line has been to follow the instruction of the World Health Organisation , '' said prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir .
`` That means testing a lot of people , tracing , putting the people into quarantine and having people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructions are what we have been doing . ''
At a clinic in the capital Reykjavik we saw person after person turning up for appointments to be screened .
But not one of them feels sick .
Not one has a cough or a temperature .
Not one of them has shown any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 .
This facility is actually testing the seemingly healthy to get a better sense of the true spread of the virus amongst the population .
As he registers at the clinic , we talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has turned up for his appointment .
`` I feel it 's my social responsibility to come , '' he tells us .
`` To make sure that I and the people I live with are not infected '' .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker On some days recently the clinic , run by a private company , has carried out up to a thousand tests a day .
Many people with no symptoms at all get positive results and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they not been tested , they could have unwittingly passed the virus onto others .
But the clinic is doing more than testing .
It is taking blood samples from people to check for antibodies against COVID-19 .
It 's part of Iceland 's long term strategy to deal with the virus .
Brynja Dagbjartsdottir speaks to us as her blood is taken .
She tells us she has come because she wants to be part of the fight against the virus .
`` I want to help , '' she says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If they find I have COVID-19 then I need to stay away from people . ''
Iceland now believes it has tested a higher percentage of the population than any other nation .
From a population of 360,000 , samples have been taken from 45,000 people , thanks to a collaboration between the public and private sector .
Those with symptoms are tested by the health service .
Those without can get tested at the clinic we visited .
Prime Minister Jakobsdottir says there are benefits to being a small nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is easier to get information to everybody , '' she says .
`` We have also shown a lot of solidarity .
And that is very Icelandic .
Maybe because we are a small nation and island .
`` We tend to argue about everything .
But when we are hit with something big we tend to show strong solidarity . ''
But testing is only part of Iceland 's approach .
Huge time and effort has gone into chasing down people who 've come into contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital has been taken over by Iceland 's contact tracing team .
At one point in recent weeks the unit was 160 strong .
Detective Chief Inspector Gestur Palmason is at his desk trying to locate people who 've been close to someone confirmed to have COVID-19 .
A veteran of counter-terrorism and organised crime he 's using well-honed investigative skills to locate people .
A COVID-19 phone app has also been developed which can trace people 's movements .
He tells us the hospital or clinic pass on the names and details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asked to provide information '' We contact them directly via phone call .
We ask them about where they 've been , who they 've met and the rule of thumb is if you 've been within two metres for more than 15 minutes of an individual , you are believed to be a 'contact ' , '' he says .
`` So once we 've gathered all your contacts , we call and tell them that they need to go into quarantine for two weeks . ''
The team also tracks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day on the island , we got a call as we were working .
A police officer wanting to know where we were , where we would be going .
Our flight details , names , and numbers had been passed onto the team .
The day after we got here , Iceland brought in new measures .
Anyone arriving in the country , including Icelanders returning home , has to quarantine for two weeks .
Believing they 've gotten on top of the virus , they do n't want to risk @ @ @ @ @

Iceland has coronavirus under control thanks to a strict policy of test, trace and isolate, the country's prime minister has told Sky News.
There are only a handful of cases emerging each day on the sparsely populated island nation, and on one day this week no new cases were reported.
"Our main guiding line has been to follow the instruction of the World Health Organisation," said prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.
"That means testing a lot of people, tracing, putting the people into quarantine and having people in isolation where they are sick. These instructions are what we have been doing."
Image: Katrin Jakobsdottir said living in a small country makes it easier to get information from people
At a clinic in the capital Reykjavik we saw person after person turning up for appointments to be screened.
But not one of them feels sick. Not one has a cough or a temperature. Not one of them has shown any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
This facility is actually testing the seemingly healthy to get a better sense of the true spread of the virus amongst the population.
Image: A large number of the population have been tested
As he registers at the clinic, we talk to Aladin Jadallah, a young man who has turned up for his appointment.
"I feel it's my social responsibility to come," he tells us. "To make sure that I and the people I live with are not infected".
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
On some days recently the clinic, run by a private company, has carried out up to a thousand tests a day.
Many people with no symptoms at all get positive results and they are quickly put into isolation.
Had they not been tested, they could have unwittingly passed the virus onto others.
But the clinic is doing more than testing. It is taking blood samples from people to check for antibodies against COVID-19. It's part of Iceland's long term strategy to deal with the virus.
Brynja Dagbjartsdottir speaks to us as her blood is taken. She tells us she has come because she wants to be part of the fight against the virus.
Image: The PM told Sky News the main principle was following advice of the World Health Organisation
"I want to help," she says, "and I want to be safe. If they find I have COVID-19 then I need to stay away from people."
Iceland now believes it has tested a higher percentage of the population than any other nation.
From a population of 360,000, samples have been taken from 45,000 people, thanks to a collaboration between the public and private sector.
Those with symptoms are tested by the health service. Those without can get tested at the clinic we visited.
Image: Anyone arriving in the country - including Icelanders returning home - must quarantine for two weeks
Prime Minister Jakobsdottir says there are benefits to being a small nation.
"In a small country, it is easier to get information to everybody," she says.
"We have also shown a lot of solidarity. And that is very Icelandic. Maybe because we are a small nation and island.
"We tend to argue about everything. But when we are hit with something big we tend to show strong solidarity."
But testing is only part of Iceland's approach.
Image: Part of a hotel has been taken over by Iceland's contact tracing team
Huge time and effort has gone into chasing down people who've come into contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
Part of a hotel in the capital has been taken over by Iceland's contact tracing team. At one point in recent weeks the unit was 160 strong.
Detective Chief Inspector Gestur Palmason is at his desk trying to locate people who've been close to someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
A veteran of counter-terrorism and organised crime he's using well-honed investigative skills to locate people.
A COVID-19 phone app has also been developed which can trace people's movements.
Image: A COVID-19 phone app can trace people's movements
He tells us the hospital or clinic pass on the names and details of anyone who tests positive and they are asked to provide information
"We contact them directly via phone call. We ask them about where they've been, who they've met and the rule of thumb is if you've been within two metres for more than 15 minutes of an individual, you are believed to be a 'contact'," he says.
"So once we've gathered all your contacts, we call and tell them that they need to go into quarantine for two weeks."
The team also tracks people arriving in Iceland.
On our first day on the island, we got a call as we were working.
A police officer wanting to know where we were, where we would be going. Our flight details, names, and numbers had been passed onto the team.
The day after we got here, Iceland brought in new measures. Anyone arriving in the country, including Icelanders returning home, has to quarantine for two weeks.
Believing they've gotten on top of the virus, they don't want to risk travellers spreading it again.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Furloughed workers to be encouraged to take fruit picking jobs to help UK harvest

Some of the millions of British workers furloughed during the coronavirus lockdown will be encouraged to take a second job picking fruit and vegetables , the government has said .
Giving the daily COVID-19 briefing , Environment Secretary George Eustice said only a third of the migrant workers who normally picked fruit and vegetables were currently in the country .
Although the international food chain was continuing to `` work well '' , Mr Eustice said he expected there would be a need to recruit staff in the UK to harvest crops in the coming weeks .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start the British season in fresh produce , in soft fruits and salads .
`` We estimate that probably only about a third of the migrant labour that would normally come to the UK is here , and was probably here before lockdown .
`` We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job , helping get the harvest in June . ''
He added : `` It 's not an issue at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we do anticipate that there will be a need to recruit staff for those sectors in the month of June . ''
Earlier this month , farmers defended the transportation of 150 workers from Romania to the UK amid the unemployment crisis caused by COVID-19 .
Farmers voiced fears that without the workforce , crops may be left in the ground to rot and be wasted as the nation moves to feed itself during the coronavirus pandemic .
They also argue that harvesting crops is skilled work and many Eastern European workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Up to 80,000 workers help farmers harvest their crops across the UK , the vast majority from Eastern Europe .
Only 10-15 % of those workers are based in the UK and the rest fly in for the season .
Many farmers have tried hard over the years to recruit British workers but following a period of high employment have found it difficult .
The Feed the Nation campaign has said it is working to find farming jobs for people from mid to late May onwards .
Following the coronavirus crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and millions more have been temporarily suspended from work on reduced pay .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the same Downing Street news conference , Mr Eustice also said there were isolated cases of trade being disrupted by the pandemic , including goods coming from India .
He said supermarket chains had boosted the number of delivery slots from 2.1 million at the start of the outbreak to 2.6 million , with the number set to increase to 2.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 430,000 businesses have applied for the government 's scheme to pay the wages of 3.2 million furloughed workers .
Firms impacted by COVID-19 are able to claim for government cash to pay 80 % of each employee 's wages , up to £2,500 per month .

Some of the millions of British workers furloughed during the coronavirus lockdown will be encouraged to take a second job picking fruit and vegetables, the government has said.
Giving the daily COVID-19 briefing, Environment Secretary George Eustice said only a third of the migrant workers who normally picked fruit and vegetables were currently in the country.
Although the international food chain was continuing to "work well", Mr Eustice said he expected there would be a need to recruit staff in the UK to harvest crops in the coming weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Only a third of migrant labour needed for harvest is currently in UK
"We're also acutely aware that we're about to start the British season in fresh produce, in soft fruits and salads.
"We estimate that probably only about a third of the migrant labour that would normally come to the UK is here, and was probably here before lockdown.
"We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job, helping get the harvest in June."
He added: "It's not an issue at the moment since the harvest has barely begun, but we do anticipate that there will be a need to recruit staff for those sectors in the month of June."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 16 April: Romanian fruit pickers flown to UK
Earlier this month, farmers defended the transportation of 150 workers from Romania to the UK amid the unemployment crisis caused by COVID-19.
Farmers voiced fears that without the workforce, crops may be left in the ground to rot and be wasted as the nation moves to feed itself during the coronavirus pandemic.
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They also argue that harvesting crops is skilled work and many Eastern European workers return to the same farms each year.
Up to 80,000 workers help farmers harvest their crops across the UK, the vast majority from Eastern Europe. Only 10-15% of those workers are based in the UK and the rest fly in for the season.
Image: Many farms rely on seasonal workers
Many farmers have tried hard over the years to recruit British workers but following a period of high employment have found it difficult.
The Feed the Nation campaign has said it is working to find farming jobs for people from mid to late May onwards.
Following the coronavirus crisis, 1.4 million people have claimed Universal Credit and millions more have been temporarily suspended from work on reduced pay.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the same Downing Street news conference, Mr Eustice also said there were isolated cases of trade being disrupted by the pandemic, including goods coming from India.
He said supermarket chains had boosted the number of delivery slots from 2.1 million at the start of the outbreak to 2.6 million, with the number set to increase to 2.9 million in the next fortnight.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Supermarkets 'cannot meet all delivery demands'
More than 430,000 businesses have applied for the government's scheme to pay the wages of 3.2 million furloughed workers.
Firms impacted by COVID-19 are able to claim for government cash to pay 80% of each employee's wages, up to £2,500 per month.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Spanish children enjoy fresh air for first time in six weeks as lockdown is eased

Children in Spain have enjoyed their first taste of freedom in six weeks after being allowed to leave their homes with the easing of one of Europe 's strictest coronavirus lockdowns .
The relaxation came as the country , which was among the worst hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic , reported its lowest daily rise in coronavirus deaths in more than a month .
Youthful cries of joy and the rattle of bikes and scooters on pavements heralded the ending of the 44-day confinement of under-14s , which started when the government declared a state of emergency on 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be allowed one hour of supervised outdoor activity each day between 9 am and 9pm , within 1km of their home , and social distancing must be observed .
It has also been announced that Spaniards will be allowed to leave their homes for short walks and exercise starting on 2 May , having previously only been permitted to go out for essential shopping or to go to work that can not be done from home .
Spain 's Health Ministry said on Sunday that 288 more people had died after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily rise in fatalities in the past month .
It brought the country 's total number of deaths to 23,190 , while the overall number of cases rose to 207,634 .
Spain has registered the third highest number of COVID-19 deaths , after the US and Italy .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said : `` Maximum caution will be our guideline for the rollback .
`` We must be very prudent because there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In France , Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said he will unveil the `` national de-confinement strategy '' on Tuesday .
It follows weeks of work by experts on how to strike a balance between restarting the economy and preventing a second wave of infections that could overwhelm intensive care units .
Italy 's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , whose country was the first in Europe to see a large-scale outbreak , is also expected to announce more details about easing the lockdown in the coming days .
Meanwhile , two mink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off after two of the animals tested positive for COVID-19 .
In the US , thousands flocked to the beach in California defying stay-at-home orders .
President Donald Trump also said his press briefings are `` not worth the time and effort '' , after he faced criticism and ridicule for suggesting disinfectant could be injected into COVID-19 patients to kill the disease .
It is a very different story in India , where millions who have been without work for weeks are facing hunger as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , contract workers and migrant labourers who have been without work and earnings since the country was shut down on 25 March .
China has reported only a handful of new cases and no new deaths for the eleventh day in a row .
It brings the country 's official count to 82,827 infected people .
China also said it has 1,000 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus but do not have any symptoms .
They are under medical observation but not included in the confirmed case count .

Children in Spain have enjoyed their first taste of freedom in six weeks after being allowed to leave their homes with the easing of one of Europe's strictest coronavirus lockdowns.
The relaxation came as the country, which was among the worst hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic, reported its lowest daily rise in coronavirus deaths in more than a month.
Image: Children are allowed one hour of supervised outdoor activity each day
Image: Spain's prime minister said 'maximum caution' would guide the rollback
Youthful cries of joy and the rattle of bikes and scooters on pavements heralded the ending of the 44-day confinement of under-14s, which started when the government declared a state of emergency on 14 March.
Under the rules, children will be allowed one hour of supervised outdoor activity each day between 9 am and 9pm, within 1km of their home, and social distancing must be observed.
It has also been announced that Spaniards will be allowed to leave their homes for short walks and exercise starting on 2 May, having previously only been permitted to go out for essential shopping or to go to work that cannot be done from home.
Spain's Health Ministry said on Sunday that 288 more people had died after being diagnosed with the coronavirus, the lowest daily rise in fatalities in the past month.
It brought the country's total number of deaths to 23,190, while the overall number of cases rose to 207,634.
Spain has registered the third highest number of COVID-19 deaths, after the US and Italy.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Maximum caution will be our guideline for the rollback.
"We must be very prudent because there is no manual, no road map to follow."
In France, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said he will unveil the "national de-confinement strategy" on Tuesday.
It follows weeks of work by experts on how to strike a balance between restarting the economy and preventing a second wave of infections that could overwhelm intensive care units.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Police tackle anti-lockdown protesters in Germany
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose country was the first in Europe to see a large-scale outbreak, is also expected to announce more details about easing the lockdown in the coming days.
Meanwhile, two mink farms in the Netherlands have been cordoned off after two of the animals tested positive for COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Arrests as California beachgoers defy lockdown
In the US, thousands flocked to the beach in California defying stay-at-home orders.
President Donald Trump also said his press briefings are "not worth the time and effort", after he faced criticism and ridicule for suggesting disinfectant could be injected into COVID-19 patients to kill the disease.
It is a very different story in India, where millions who have been without work for weeks are facing hunger as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Millions of Indians face hunger
The most vulnerable are daily wage earners, contract workers and migrant labourers who have been without work and earnings since the country was shut down on 25 March.
China has reported only a handful of new cases and no new deaths for the eleventh day in a row.
It brings the country's official count to 82,827 infected people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Sydney's beaches... open or closed?
China also said it has 1,000 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus but do not have any symptoms.
They are under medical observation but not included in the confirmed case count.