news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Starmer will address 'serious mistakes' in government's handling of COVID-19

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to work with the government to fight the coronavirus pandemic but has also said `` serious mistakes '' have been made in handling the crisis .
The newly-elected Labour Party leader said he would work `` constructively '' with the Conservatives , but added that ministers had been too slow to explain why the UK is `` so far behind '' on testing .
He also called for `` blockages in the system '' which are delaying the delivery of protective equipment - known as PPE - to frontline workers to be `` addressed quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote to opposition party leaders , telling them `` we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency '' .
Writing in the Sunday Times , Sir Keir said : `` There will be many times when , and there are many issues upon which , I will fundamentally disagree with the prime minister .
`` However , there will also be times when Labour can - and must - engage constructively with the government .
`` Now is such a time .
Coronavirus is a national emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone is anxious about what the next few months will bring , but we know we must be resolute in our determination to see this virus defeated , as it will be .
`` I want to see the government succeed in this : to save lives and protect livelihoods .
This is a national effort and all of us should be asking what more we can do . ''
Sir Keir said Labour would `` do our bit to offer solutions '' but would also `` speak for those who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` And let 's be honest , serious mistakes have been made .
`` The public is placing an enormous trust in the government at the moment : it is vital that that trust is met with openness and transparency about those mistakes and the decisions that have been made . ''
Sir Keir also said the UK should build vaccination centres in towns and cities so `` the minute a vaccine becomes available , we can begin to protect the entire population '' .
`` We should know what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be lifted and what the plan is for economic recovery to protect those who have been hardest hit , '' he added .
`` There will be many more difficult days ahead .
Great sacrifices must be made because of a crisis that was unimaginable only a few months ago .
But Britain is a great country and we will get through this . ''
The UK has been in lockdown for almost two weeks , after the government announced measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 .
A leading scientist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures could be relaxed within weeks if there are signs the epidemic is slowing .
Imperial College London Professor Neil Ferguson said the UK 's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days , but said people 's behaviour was critical in determining what happens next .
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Saturday that 708 more people had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,313 .

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to work with the government to fight the coronavirus pandemic but has also said "serious mistakes" have been made in handling the crisis.
The newly-elected Labour Party leader said he would work "constructively" with the Conservatives, but added that ministers had been too slow to explain why the UK is "so far behind" on testing.
He also called for "blockages in the system" which are delaying the delivery of protective equipment - known as PPE - to frontline workers to be "addressed quickly".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:59 New Labour leader: The challenges ahead
It came after the PM wrote to opposition party leaders, telling them "we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency".
Writing in the Sunday Times, Sir Keir said: "There will be many times when, and there are many issues upon which, I will fundamentally disagree with the prime minister.
"However, there will also be times when Labour can - and must - engage constructively with the government.
"Now is such a time. Coronavirus is a national emergency. It is also a global emergency. Everyone is anxious about what the next few months will bring, but we know we must be resolute in our determination to see this virus defeated, as it will be.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:31 Starmer: 'We've got a mountain to climb'
"I want to see the government succeed in this: to save lives and protect livelihoods. This is a national effort and all of us should be asking what more we can do."
Sir Keir said Labour would "do our bit to offer solutions" but would also "speak for those who have been ignored", and expose mistakes, adding: "And let's be honest, serious mistakes have been made.
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"The public is placing an enormous trust in the government at the moment: it is vital that that trust is met with openness and transparency about those mistakes and the decisions that have been made."
Sir Keir also said the UK should build vaccination centres in towns and cities so "the minute a vaccine becomes available, we can begin to protect the entire population".
"We should know what that exit strategy is, when the restrictions might be lifted and what the plan is for economic recovery to protect those who have been hardest hit," he added.
"There will be many more difficult days ahead. Great sacrifices must be made because of a crisis that was unimaginable only a few months ago. But Britain is a great country and we will get through this."
Sir Keir was elected Jeremy Corbyn's successor on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 'We cannot afford to relax'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Hancock: 'Stay in this weekend'
The UK has been in lockdown for almost two weeks, after the government announced measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.
A leading scientist and government adviser has said social distancing measures could be relaxed within weeks if there are signs the epidemic is slowing.
Imperial College London Professor Neil Ferguson said the UK's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days, but said people's behaviour was critical in determining what happens next.
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Saturday that 708 more people had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,313.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Follow lockdown rules or we will ban outdoor exercise, health secretary warns

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has criticised sunbathers for breaking lockdown rules and warned the government will ban outdoor exercise if people continue to ignore the advice to stay home .
Following the emergence of photographs and footage of people enjoying the sunshine during the warmest weekend of the last six months , Mr Hancock insisted sunbathing is not allowed .
His message to the British public on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme was clear : If you want the coronavirus lockdown to end , follow the rules .
He said : `` The vast majority of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is absolutely critical , and staying at home .
`` But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it 's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice . ''
Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law , he said : `` Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons . ''
He warned those who are flouting the guidance : `` You are putting others ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself in harm 's way . ''
The minister later said he did n't want to further restrict people 's freedom , but would take action if the rules continued to be flouted .
He told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show : `` We 've said it 's OK to go for exercise because both the physical and mental health benefits of getting some exercise are really important .
`` I do n't want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home ... if too many people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` If you do n't want us to take the next step and ban exercise ... then the message is very clear ... you have to follow the rules . ''
Asked whether she agreed with Mr Hancock , Labour 's newly-elected deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky 's Sophy Ridge : `` It 's alright for people who have got big houses and huge back gardens to say that .
`` But actually if you 're stuck in inadequate accommodation , you 've got no back garden , you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all on top of each other , quite literally , then I think people should do social distancing and should keep their distance but also be reasonable and proportionate about that . ''
She also criticised Mr Hancock for going out to work a week after contracting COVID-19 .
Ms Rayner , who herself has been self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms , said she was in bed for six days and her symptoms were `` very debilitating '' .
She said : `` I 'm disappointed that Matt Hancock , after seven days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organisation has said you should self-isolate for 14 days .
`` I think it 's right that we do that because I can not stress enough the severity of the symptoms that I have suffered , as you can tell from how breathless I am still now , and I 'm day nine , day 10 .
`` I think the government really need to give that clarity and continue to support people doing the right thing . ''
Mr Hancock admitted there is a `` debate '' in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the lockdown measures .
But he denied reports of a personal row with Chancellor Rishi Sunak on the issue , telling Sophy Ridge `` we 're working very closely together '' and everyone wants to `` get out of this as fast as possible '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Yesterday , Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London , which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - said the UK 's epidemic was expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , but people 's behaviour was critical to determining what happens next .
Today , he said there were `` some signs '' the lockdown is helping to slow the spread of the virus , but could not predict when the restrictions would be lifted .
`` There is no point , having gone through this effort , in releasing a lockdown at a point where case numbers are still high and will resurge even faster than we have seen before , '' he told Marr .
`` We want case numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can start substituting other measures for the most intrusive and economically costly aspects of the current lockdown .
Almost certainly those additional measures will involve massively ramped-up testing , going back to trying to identify contacts of cases and stopping chains of transmission .
`` That can only feasibly be done when we have many few cases per day than we have at the moment . ''
Asked about the potential final death toll , Prof Ferguson said : `` It is very difficult to make predictions at the moment ... we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so up to a little over 20,000 . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Sunday another 621 people have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,934 .
Clear skies and temperatures of upwards of 18C ( 64.4F ) were forecast for today , amid pleas from ministers , NHS chiefs and academics for people to resist the temptation to head out to enjoy the sunshine .
Chief nursing officer for NHS England , Ruth May , begged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to remember the front line NHS workers who have lost their lives to the virus while battling to save others from the disease .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has criticised sunbathers for breaking lockdown rules and warned the government will ban outdoor exercise if people continue to ignore the advice to stay home.
Following the emergence of photographs and footage of people enjoying the sunshine during the warmest weekend of the last six months, Mr Hancock insisted sunbathing is not allowed.
His message to the British public on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme was clear: If you want the coronavirus lockdown to end, follow the rules.
Image: A police officer speaks to a woman sitting on Brighton beach yesterday
He said: "The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.
"But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice."
Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: "Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons."
He warned those who are flouting the guidance: "You are putting others' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm's way."
The minister later said he didn't want to further restrict people's freedom, but would take action if the rules continued to be flouted.
He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "We've said it's OK to go for exercise because both the physical and mental health benefits of getting some exercise are really important.
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"I don't want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home... if too many people are not following the rules."
He added: "If you don't want us to take the next step and ban exercise... then the message is very clear... you have to follow the rules."
Asked whether she agreed with Mr Hancock, Labour's newly-elected deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky's Sophy Ridge: "It's alright for people who have got big houses and huge back gardens to say that.
"But actually if you're stuck in inadequate accommodation, you've got no back garden, you've got nowhere to go and you're all on top of each other, quite literally, then I think people should do social distancing and should keep their distance but also be reasonable and proportionate about that."
She also criticised Mr Hancock for going out to work a week after contracting COVID-19.
Ms Rayner, who herself has been self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms, said she was in bed for six days and her symptoms were "very debilitating".
She said: "I'm disappointed that Matt Hancock, after seven days of having the virus, went out when the World Health Organisation has said you should self-isolate for 14 days.
"I think it's right that we do that because I cannot stress enough the severity of the symptoms that I have suffered, as you can tell from how breathless I am still now, and I'm day nine, day 10.
"I think the government really need to give that clarity and continue to support people doing the right thing."
Mr Hancock admitted there is a "debate" in the government about how and when to wind down the lockdown measures.
But he denied reports of a personal row with Chancellor Rishi Sunak on the issue, telling Sophy Ridge "we're working very closely together" and everyone wants to "get out of this as fast as possible".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Yesterday, Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London, which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - said the UK's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days, but people's behaviour was critical to determining what happens next.
Today, he said there were "some signs" the lockdown is helping to slow the spread of the virus, but could not predict when the restrictions would be lifted.
"There is no point, having gone through this effort, in releasing a lockdown at a point where case numbers are still high and will resurge even faster than we have seen before," he told Marr.
"We want case numbers to get to a low point where we can start substituting other measures for the most intrusive and economically costly aspects of the current lockdown. Almost certainly those additional measures will involve massively ramped-up testing, going back to trying to identify contacts of cases and stopping chains of transmission.
"That can only feasibly be done when we have many few cases per day than we have at the moment."
Asked about the potential final death toll, Prof Ferguson said: "It is very difficult to make predictions at the moment... we think it could be anywhere between 7,000 or so up to a little over 20,000."
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Sunday another 621 people have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,934.
Clear skies and temperatures of upwards of 18C (64.4F) were forecast for today, amid pleas from ministers, NHS chiefs and academics for people to resist the temptation to head out to enjoy the sunshine.
Chief nursing officer for NHS England, Ruth May, begged people to stay at home, asking them to remember the front line NHS workers who have lost their lives to the virus while battling to save others from the disease.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Nurses holding their breath during high-risk COVID-19 procedures, doctor claims

Nurses are being forced to hold their breath when carrying out high-risk COVID-19 procedures because they are unsure whether their masks will protect them , a top UK medic has claimed .
Dr Rinesh Parmar , chairman of the Doctors ' Association UK , said it had been two weeks since Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged to ensure front line NHS workers had the right protection during the coronavirus outbreak , but warned `` sadly that is still not happening '' .
He told the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme : `` We still have issues with personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... so doctors have been left with no choice but to take matters into their own hands .
`` Doctors have said that they are having to reuse masks that should be single-use only ... and nurses are having to do some high-risk procedures trying to hold their breath , because they are unsure and unaware whether the mask they have been provided is going to offer them adequate protection .
`` So this is really harrowing to hear some of these stories across the NHS .
`` We have seen doctors resorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , of science goggles that children would normally be using in their labs .
`` We have seen tremendous amounts of effort from local communities to try and get personal protective equipment to doctors in the absence of things coming from the Department of Health . ''
He said the issues had been brought to light through a new app - NHSPPE.com - which allows both hospital doctors and GPs to anonymously share their local PPE status in real time .
Dr Parmar said DAUK had joined forces with Messly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` hundreds '' of medics at more than 150 hospitals since Thursday had revealed 43 % of doctors have no eye protection .
He also called for more to be done on COVID-19 testing , saying doctors were going to centres to be checked , only to be turned away because their names were not on the list .
Dr Parmar said that alongside the safety of patients , the safety of the NHS workforce `` is our paramount concern '' .
`` Given the severe lack of PPE that is getting through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially losing more colleagues , '' he said .
`` It 's sad to hear that we 've already lost doctors and nurses in the line of duty , doing their very , very best for patients , and none of us wants to hear further stories of front line staff losing their lives . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On testing , Dr Parmar said it would be `` welcome news '' to see in practice that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've heard from doctors who have been sent to a testing centre only to be turned away and told that their name does n't appear on a list .
`` These are individuals who are isolating , they may not currently have symptoms but they may have family members , for example , in the household who may have symptoms .
`` So hearing that almost 15 % of doctors - three times the number that the health secretary quotes , are currently off work , is a significant amount of the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going forward . ''
He added : `` We have gone into this pandemic in a position of relative weakness .
However , every single member of the NHS is on hand to give 110 % , to do everything they can to make sure we pull through this . ''
A spokesperson for the NHS said : `` It is vital that NHS staff get the protective equipment they need to stay safe and the most recent data shows that almost 27 million pieces of protective kit the government have procured for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in just one day and 51 million in the 48 hours before .
`` Where there are any issues with supply , staff can raise them through a dedicated hotline , which is open 24/7 . ''

Nurses are being forced to hold their breath when carrying out high-risk COVID-19 procedures because they are unsure whether their masks will protect them, a top UK medic has claimed.
Dr Rinesh Parmar, chairman of the Doctors' Association UK, said it had been two weeks since Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged to ensure front line NHS workers had the right protection during the coronavirus outbreak, but warned "sadly that is still not happening".
He told the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "We still have issues with personal protective equipment, with testing of front line staff... so doctors have been left with no choice but to take matters into their own hands.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:10 Hospitals setting up 'mini NHS Nightingales'
"Doctors have said that they are having to reuse masks that should be single-use only... and nurses are having to do some high-risk procedures trying to hold their breath, because they are unsure and unaware whether the mask they have been provided is going to offer them adequate protection.
"So this is really harrowing to hear some of these stories across the NHS.
"We have seen doctors resorting to accepting donations from local schools, for example, of science goggles that children would normally be using in their labs.
"We have seen tremendous amounts of effort from local communities to try and get personal protective equipment to doctors in the absence of things coming from the Department of Health."
He said the issues had been brought to light through a new app - NHSPPE.com - which allows both hospital doctors and GPs to anonymously share their local PPE status in real time.
Dr Parmar said DAUK had joined forces with Messly to create the app and a survey of "hundreds" of medics at more than 150 hospitals since Thursday had revealed 43% of doctors have no eye protection.
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He also called for more to be done on COVID-19 testing, saying doctors were going to centres to be checked, only to be turned away because their names were not on the list.
Dr Parmar said that alongside the safety of patients, the safety of the NHS workforce "is our paramount concern".
"Given the severe lack of PPE that is getting through, we're all very concerned about potentially losing more colleagues," he said.
"It's sad to hear that we've already lost doctors and nurses in the line of duty, doing their very, very best for patients, and none of us wants to hear further stories of front line staff losing their lives."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On testing, Dr Parmar said it would be "welcome news" to see in practice that it is being increased, adding: "We've heard from doctors who have been sent to a testing centre only to be turned away and told that their name doesn't appear on a list.
"These are individuals who are isolating, they may not currently have symptoms but they may have family members, for example, in the household who may have symptoms.
"So hearing that almost 15% of doctors - three times the number that the health secretary quotes, are currently off work, is a significant amount of the NHS workforce, and that is a worry going forward."
He added: "We have gone into this pandemic in a position of relative weakness. However, every single member of the NHS is on hand to give 110%, to do everything they can to make sure we pull through this."
A spokesperson for the NHS said: "It is vital that NHS staff get the protective equipment they need to stay safe and the most recent data shows that almost 27 million pieces of protective kit the government have procured for us were delivered to the front line in just one day and 51 million in the 48 hours before.
"Where there are any issues with supply, staff can raise them through a dedicated hotline, which is open 24/7."


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Hong Kong has highest daily increase as thousands fly in to avoid self-isolation

Hong Kong has experienced its highest daily number of coronavirus cases as thousands of people flew in to avoid self-isolation just as it was starting to return to relative normality .
Despite sharing a border with southern China the small , but populous , semi-autonomous Chinese region has managed to keep the number of cases and deaths low , with 132 coronavirus cases confirmed before Sunday last week and four deaths .
However , after the Hong Kong government announced on Sunday it would be imposing a mandatory two weeks of self-isolation for anybody from overseas entering the city from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Friday afternoon there were a total of 256 COVID-19 cases , an increase of 124 in six days , with 48 confirmed on Friday - the highest daily number since the city 's first case on 22 January .
Hong Kong 's Centre for Health Protection said 36 of Friday 's cases - aged between four and 69 - had flown in over the past week , while a man who had not travelled is a taxi driver who regularly picks up passengers from the airport .
The centre 's head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said all but one of the new cases - an Australian in transit - was a Hong Kong resident .
Most of them had come from the UK , Canada and the US , while others had visited other European cities and some Asian countries .
Thousands of students , expats and locals living and working abroad have scrambled back to the trasient city to avoid the new self-isolation rule .
Many had escaped Hong Kong when the virus hit in January , but as other parts of the world are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning , especially from Europe , where Italy overtook China on Thursday in terms of deaths .
On hearing of the new self-isolation rules , Hong Kong 's national airline , Cathay Pacific , added extra flights from London on 17-19 March as `` many Hong Kong students and citizens are eager to come home as soon as possible '' , the airline said .
After two long months of isolating , working from home and businesses folding Hong Kong residents were just getting back to normal last week , with only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
Leading microbiologist Ho Pak-leung , from Hong Kong University , said the city could have up to 200 cases of COVID-19 over the next two to three weeks from those who have arrived recently - as he likened it to a war .
Pete Ross , an artist from Hong Kong , told Sky News : `` In the last four days Hong Kong has become quite tense again - self-isolating and events being cancelled .
`` I run the Hong Kong Arts Collective , bringing local artists together , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday but we cancelled the public opening .
`` Instead we will show it online and arrange private tours .
`` Public confidence was definitely up last week I would say , but it 's now deteriorated . ''
Another Hong Konger said people had started venturing out last week and they had stopped wearing masks , but then `` people started coming back from Australia , Europe and the US '' .
The government is desperately trying to prevent an increase in cases and has introduced tracking wristbands for all those coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the airport .
Travellers arriving at the airport also have to download an app on their phones which pairs with the bracelet so the department of health can identify those who are not keeping to the self-isolation mandate .

Hong Kong has experienced its highest daily number of coronavirus cases as thousands of people flew in to avoid self-isolation just as it was starting to return to relative normality.
Despite sharing a border with southern China the small, but populous, semi-autonomous Chinese region has managed to keep the number of cases and deaths low, with 132 coronavirus cases confirmed before Sunday last week and four deaths.
However, after the Hong Kong government announced on Sunday it would be imposing a mandatory two weeks of self-isolation for anybody from overseas entering the city from Thursday, the cases have soared.
Image: Hong Kongers had started to venture out after two months of isolation
As of Friday afternoon there were a total of 256 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 124 in six days, with 48 confirmed on Friday - the highest daily number since the city's first case on 22 January.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection said 36 of Friday's cases - aged between four and 69 - had flown in over the past week, while a man who had not travelled is a taxi driver who regularly picks up passengers from the airport.
The centre's head of communicable disease, Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, said all but one of the new cases - an Australian in transit - was a Hong Kong resident.
Most of them had come from the UK, Canada and the US, while others had visited other European cities and some Asian countries.
Thousands of students, expats and locals living and working abroad have scrambled back to the trasient city to avoid the new self-isolation rule.
Many had escaped Hong Kong when the virus hit in January, but as other parts of the world are now dealing with the pandemic, they are returning, especially from Europe, where Italy overtook China on Thursday in terms of deaths.
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Image: Many of the new cases on Friday had flown in from the UK
On hearing of the new self-isolation rules, Hong Kong's national airline, Cathay Pacific, added extra flights from London on 17-19 March as "many Hong Kong students and citizens are eager to come home as soon as possible", the airline said.
After two long months of isolating, working from home and businesses folding Hong Kong residents were just getting back to normal last week, with only one case a day on 12 and 13 March.
Leading microbiologist Ho Pak-leung, from Hong Kong University, said the city could have up to 200 cases of COVID-19 over the next two to three weeks from those who have arrived recently - as he likened it to a war.
Image: Horse racing in Hong Kong has been held behind closed doors since coronavirus hit
Image: Horse racing is one of Hong Kong's biggest sports and has continued but with restrictions
Pete Ross, an artist from Hong Kong, told Sky News: "In the last four days Hong Kong has become quite tense again - self-isolating and events being cancelled.
"I run the Hong Kong Arts Collective, bringing local artists together, and we were due to open an exhibition yesterday but we cancelled the public opening.
"Instead we will show it online and arrange private tours.
"Public confidence was definitely up last week I would say, but it's now deteriorated."
Another Hong Konger said people had started venturing out last week and they had stopped wearing masks, but then "people started coming back from Australia, Europe and the US".
Image: Everyone arriving in Hong Kong from 19 March has to have a tracker bracelet applied at the airport
The government is desperately trying to prevent an increase in cases and has introduced tracking wristbands for all those coming into Hong Kong which are put on at the airport.
Travellers arriving at the airport also have to download an app on their phones which pairs with the bracelet so the department of health can identify those who are not keeping to the self-isolation mandate.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Italy's doctors and nurses are in trauma over deaths of more than 100 colleagues

At the time of writing this , 80 doctors and 21 nurses have lost their lives to COVID-19 since February .
In that time , two more nurses have taken their own lives .
As medics grieve for the colleagues they have lost , they are working to compensate for so many others that have been infected and are in quarantine .
More than 12,000 healthcare workers have tested positive for the coronavirus so far in Italy .
In one hospital alone in Brescia , Lombardy , more than 300 staff have been infected .
The town 's mayor called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spedali Civili 's intensive care unit had to lie empty due to a lack of healthy staff .
Professor Francesco Castelli , director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the hospital described the psychological impact on staff to Sky News .
`` We were asking each other who will be the next and that of course is psychologically demanding because apart from colleagues , we are friends , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so scared of passing the virus onto their families that they are self-isolating at home .
`` All of us we have some kind of concern about bringing the contagion back to our homes , '' said the professor .
`` We live for one month isolated at home because we also fear to transfer the contagion to our beloved ones .
`` If you put all that together ... the workload , the fatigue , the tiredness ... that is fairly psychologically demanding . ''
As doctors and nurses fight to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their own exposure to the virus .
We were invited to see one of six new dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in Rome .
It 's not yet at capacity but the staff at the COVID 3 Hospital are overworked already .
Health director Antonino Marchese shows us up to the intensive care unit and says the situation is `` pesante '' .
Literally translated , it means `` heavy '' - but as he describes endless days of 14-hour shifts and a fear of contagion , it 's clear it 's a modest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a job we do very willingly , we try to give our best , certainly with great caution and trying not to contaminate ourselves .
Despite all of the precautions , at the beginning not all of us felt we had to behave in a strict manner , practically military-like . ''
It 's clear here staff are now taking no risks .
Everyone wears protective clothing .
The fear of contagion is palpable .
The shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) in the early stages of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection of staff .
The pandemic is often described by doctors as hitting `` like a tsunami '' .
And at the point of outbreak , it 's too late to prepare .
As experts continue to work to understand COVID-19 , evidence is emerging to suggest that front line healthcare workers are more in danger .
But for Italy , they learned this too late .
`` The situation was discovered when it was already a large issue , '' says researcher Flavia Riccardo , from the Italian Institute of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this family of viruses is that they do tend to transmit very well in a healthcare setting ... a disease that is normally transmitted through large droplets ... it becomes transmitted through the air .
`` So it spreads much wider .
And of course the people who are more exposed to that are the people who are at closer contact with patients and are involved in those medical procedures . ''
While PPE for hospital staff is now a top priority , there 's still a shortage of face masks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nurses are now working and trying to survive in circumstances they may never have imagined .
Circumstances that have left Italy in a state of trauma and now stretch globally .

Italy's medical community feels a sense of trauma.
At the time of writing this, 80 doctors and 21 nurses have lost their lives to COVID-19 since February.
In that time, two more nurses have taken their own lives.
Image: Doctors and nurses across Italy are working overtime to try to save lives
As medics grieve for the colleagues they have lost, they are working to compensate for so many others that have been infected and are in quarantine.
More than 12,000 healthcare workers have tested positive for the coronavirus so far in Italy.
In one hospital alone in Brescia, Lombardy, more than 300 staff have been infected.
The town's mayor called for more support after precious beds in Spedali Civili's intensive care unit had to lie empty due to a lack of healthy staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:40 Inside Italy's model hospital in Naples
Professor Francesco Castelli, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the hospital described the psychological impact on staff to Sky News.
"We were asking each other who will be the next and that of course is psychologically demanding because apart from colleagues, we are friends," he said.
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On top of the unprecedented pressure at work, staff are so scared of passing the virus onto their families that they are self-isolating at home.
"All of us we have some kind of concern about bringing the contagion back to our homes," said the professor.
"We live for one month isolated at home because we also fear to transfer the contagion to our beloved ones.
"If you put all that together... the workload, the fatigue, the tiredness... that is fairly psychologically demanding."
Image: Coffins lined up in the church in Serina, near Bergamo
As doctors and nurses fight to keep patients alive, they carry a fear of their own exposure to the virus.
We were invited to see one of six new dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in Rome.
It's not yet at capacity but the staff at the COVID 3 Hospital are overworked already.
Health director Antonino Marchese shows us up to the intensive care unit and says the situation is "pesante".
Literally translated, it means "heavy" - but as he describes endless days of 14-hour shifts and a fear of contagion, it's clear it's a modest description.
Mr Marchese says: "It is a job we do very willingly, we try to give our best, certainly with great caution and trying not to contaminate ourselves. Despite all of the precautions, at the beginning not all of us felt we had to behave in a strict manner, practically military-like."
Image: Drive-through swabbing tests at the Santa Maria della Pieta hospital in Rome
It's clear here staff are now taking no risks. Everyone wears protective clothing. The fear of contagion is palpable.
The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the early stages of the outbreak is in large part to blame for the infection of staff.
The pandemic is often described by doctors as hitting "like a tsunami".
And at the point of outbreak, it's too late to prepare.
As experts continue to work to understand COVID-19, evidence is emerging to suggest that front line healthcare workers are more in danger.
But for Italy, they learned this too late.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Sky News given exclusive access to Italy's virus crisis wards
"The situation was discovered when it was already a large issue," says researcher Flavia Riccardo, from the Italian Institute of Public Health.
"One thing we know about this family of viruses is that they do tend to transmit very well in a healthcare setting... a disease that is normally transmitted through large droplets... it becomes transmitted through the air.
"So it spreads much wider. And of course the people who are more exposed to that are the people who are at closer contact with patients and are involved in those medical procedures."
While PPE for hospital staff is now a top priority, there's still a shortage of face masks for GPs in Italy.
Generations of doctors and nurses are now working and trying to survive in circumstances they may never have imagined. Circumstances that have left Italy in a state of trauma and now stretch globally.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Chief medic who broke lockdown will no longer front Scotland's COVID-19 briefings

Scotland 's chief medical officer will no longer attend press briefings after twice visiting her second home while advising the public to stay indoors .
Dr Catherine Calderwood was photographed by The Scottish Sun visiting her holiday home on the east coast of the country over the weekend - and she has admitted it was the second time she had done so during the lockdown .
`` As well as this weekend , it 's important to be clear , that I also was there last weekend with my husband , '' she told the Scottish government 's daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not follow the advice I am giving to others .
I 'm truly sorry for that . ''
Dr Calderwood said there were `` reasons '' for her to have left her house in Edinburgh to go to her other home in Fife , but that they were `` not legitimate reasons '' .
Last month , the Scottish government issued a warning , criticising the `` irresponsible behaviour '' of those with second homes and campervans who travelled to the Highlands in an attempt to self-isolate .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but has since confirmed the chief medic will not attend future press conferences .
Earlier , she said her advice had been `` invaluable '' during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` All of us , including me , will make mistakes in these unprecedented times we 're living in , '' said Ms Sturgeon .
`` When we do , we must be candid about it and learn from .
That is what I know the chief medical officer is doing , in making abundantly clear that she was wrong . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Asked by Sky News ' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn if she was aware about the weekend trips , Ms Sturgeon admitted she was not .
`` I did n't know about this until I was alerted to the story from The Scottish Sun last night , '' she said .
`` I 'm 100 % focused on the job I 've got to do and there is no dubiety about that whatsoever . ''
Just a few days ago , Dr Calderwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clapping at their Edinburgh residence in celebration of NHS staff working to stop the spread of the virus .
But on Sunday she was given a warning by Police Scotland about her conduct after her visits .
In a statement issued on Twitter , the force said that Dr Catherine Calderwood accepted that she had gone against her own advice to the Scottish people .
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said : `` Local officers visited Dr Catherine Calderwood and spoke to her about her actions , reiterated crucial advice and issued a warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she accepted .
`` Individuals must not make personal exemptions bespoke to their own circumstances . ''
Questions are being asked by those in opposition at Holyrood about whether Dr Calderwood 's position is tenable .
In her statement on social media , Dr Calderwood said that she had spoken to Ms Sturgeon - the SNP leader - on Sunday morning and said that she will `` continue to focus entirely '' on her role .
But the Scottish Conservatives , Scottish Labour and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have all called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's position is very difficult , untenable even , given the damage this has caused public trust , '' Scottish Conservatives leader Jackson Carlaw said .
`` The vast majority of Scots are complying with official advice to stay home and protect our NHS .
`` There can not be one rule for the bosses and another one for everyone else . ''
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats , Willie Rennie MSP , and Lib Dem MP Wendy Chamberlain both represent the constituencies of Dr Calderwood 's second home .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her to go , saying : `` There is no doubt she has worked incredibly hard and led the country well through the early stages of this crisis .
`` If we are going to get through this pandemic , we need medical leaders who everyone can follow .
`` It is with great regret that we say that the chief medical officer will need to go . ''

Scotland's chief medical officer will no longer attend press briefings after twice visiting her second home while advising the public to stay indoors.
Dr Catherine Calderwood was photographed by The Scottish Sun visiting her holiday home on the east coast of the country over the weekend - and she has admitted it was the second time she had done so during the lockdown.
"As well as this weekend, it's important to be clear, that I also was there last weekend with my husband," she told the Scottish government's daily coronavirus briefing on Sunday.
"I did not follow the advice I am giving to others. I'm truly sorry for that."
Image: Dr Calderwood said she had no good reason to visit her holiday home. Pic: The Scottish Sun / News Licensing
Dr Calderwood said there were "reasons" for her to have left her house in Edinburgh to go to her other home in Fife, but that they were "not legitimate reasons".
Last month, the Scottish government issued a warning, criticising the "irresponsible behaviour" of those with second homes and campervans who travelled to the Highlands in an attempt to self-isolate.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon defended Dr Calderwood during the press briefing, but has since confirmed the chief medic will not attend future press conferences.
Earlier, she said her advice had been "invaluable" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"All of us, including me, will make mistakes in these unprecedented times we're living in," said Ms Sturgeon.
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"When we do, we must be candid about it and learn from. That is what I know the chief medical officer is doing, in making abundantly clear that she was wrong."
Image: Dr Calderwood said she had no good reason to visit her holiday home. Pic: The Scottish Sun / News Licensing
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Asked by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn if she was aware about the weekend trips, Ms Sturgeon admitted she was not.
"I didn't know about this until I was alerted to the story from The Scottish Sun last night," she said.
"I'm 100% focused on the job I've got to do and there is no dubiety about that whatsoever."
Just a few days ago, Dr Calderwood tweeted out a photo of her family clapping at their Edinburgh residence in celebration of NHS staff working to stop the spread of the virus.
But on Sunday she was given a warning by Police Scotland about her conduct after her visits.
In a statement issued on Twitter, the force said that Dr Catherine Calderwood accepted that she had gone against her own advice to the Scottish people.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: "Local officers visited Dr Catherine Calderwood and spoke to her about her actions, reiterated crucial advice and issued a warning about her future conduct, all of which she accepted.
"Individuals must not make personal exemptions bespoke to their own circumstances."
Image: Scotland's Chief Medical Officer has appeared at the country's coronavirus briefings
Questions are being asked by those in opposition at Holyrood about whether Dr Calderwood's position is tenable.
In her statement on social media, Dr Calderwood said that she had spoken to Ms Sturgeon - the SNP leader - on Sunday morning and said that she will "continue to focus entirely" on her role.
But the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have all called for her to go.
"Dr Calderwood's position is very difficult, untenable even, given the damage this has caused public trust," Scottish Conservatives leader Jackson Carlaw said.
"The vast majority of Scots are complying with official advice to stay home and protect our NHS.
"There cannot be one rule for the bosses and another one for everyone else."
Image: Nicola Sturgeon is facing calls to sack the chief medical officer
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Willie Rennie MSP, and Lib Dem MP Wendy Chamberlain both represent the constituencies of Dr Calderwood's second home.
In a joint statement, the two called for her to go, saying: "There is no doubt she has worked incredibly hard and led the country well through the early stages of this crisis.
"If we are going to get through this pandemic, we need medical leaders who everyone can follow.
"It is with great regret that we say that the chief medical officer will need to go."


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Some Britons defy lockdown again - and one police officer had clearly had enough

The vast majority of Britons were left scratching their heads after pictures once again emerged of some people ignoring the lockdown as temperatures soared .
Sunbathers and picnickers were out across the country despite the risk of catching COVID-19 or spreading it .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock were among those urging the public to stay inside despite the warm weather , reaching 21C ( 69.8F ) on Sunday .
Police patrols did their best to disperse crowds which began to gather in contravention of social distancing instructions , but the numbers of people who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were significant .
One officer in Hove had clearly had enough - and decided to disrupt a couple of people having a barbecue on a pebble beach by filling his helmet with water and using it to extinguish the flames .
Angry users on social media have called for the government to take action .
Kim P wrote on Twitter : `` I can see full lockdown coming because of these idiots !
!
That 'll certainly have them moaning and no doubt they 'll be blaming others !
! ''
Lauren Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get put on another 6 weeks of lockdown because of idiots who are n't taking this seriously I 'm not going to be happy !
! ''
`` I 've already been inside for 3 weeks longer than everyone else and it 's starting to do my head in !
!
I miss my family . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock has warned Britons that outdoor exercise may be banned if people continue to flout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` imminent '' changes to the nationwide lockdown are currently in the offing .
The government instructions state that people should only be leaving their house during the lockdown for food , health reasons , outdoor exercise or to go to work if they can not do their job from home .
Another 621 coronavirus victims across England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland were confirmed by the Department of Health and Social care earlier on Sunday , taking the UK total to 4,934 .
With the temperature set to dip again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and rain , perhaps people will be less emboldened to venture outside .

The vast majority of Britons were left scratching their heads after pictures once again emerged of some people ignoring the lockdown as temperatures soared.
Sunbathers and picnickers were out across the country despite the risk of catching COVID-19 or spreading it.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock were among those urging the public to stay inside despite the warm weather, reaching 21C (69.8F) on Sunday.
Image: Police were forced to patrol parks for people breaking social distancing guidelines
Police patrols did their best to disperse crowds which began to gather in contravention of social distancing instructions, but the numbers of people who had decided not to comply with those instructions were significant.
One officer in Hove had clearly had enough - and decided to disrupt a couple of people having a barbecue on a pebble beach by filling his helmet with water and using it to extinguish the flames.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Police pour cold water on BBQ
Image: People are still allowed to exercise but shouldn't gather with those outside their households
Angry users on social media have called for the government to take action.
Kim P wrote on Twitter: "I can see full lockdown coming because of these idiots!! That'll certainly have them moaning and no doubt they'll be blaming others!!"
Lauren Green complained: "I swear if we get put on another 6 weeks of lockdown because of idiots who aren't taking this seriously I'm not going to be happy!!"
"I've already been inside for 3 weeks longer than everyone else and it's starting to do my head in!! I miss my family."
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Mr Hancock has warned Britons that outdoor exercise may be banned if people continue to flout social distancing rules - but added no "imminent" changes to the nationwide lockdown are currently in the offing.
The government instructions state that people should only be leaving their house during the lockdown for food, health reasons, outdoor exercise or to go to work if they cannot do their job from home.
Image: Beaches and parks were particularly popular spots
Image: Many people flouted social distancing in Sunday's heat and sunshine
Another 621 coronavirus victims across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were confirmed by the Department of Health and Social care earlier on Sunday, taking the UK total to 4,934.
With the temperature set to dip again from Monday and the skies to cloud over and rain, perhaps people will be less emboldened to venture outside.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: No masks, buses 'not cleaned' and colleagues dying – bus drivers explain they're 'all s

Coronavirus: No masks, buses 'not cleaned' and colleagues dying – bus drivers explain they're 'all scared'

Bus drivers in London have told Sky News they do not believe they have the proper protective equipment to do their job safely .
Transport for London ( TfL ) staff members , who wanted to remain anonymous , said they `` are all scared '' due to a lack of protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak .
It is claimed that some buses are not being cleaned properly and drivers have not been given face masks or gloves .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said `` lives really do depend '' on people following government rules to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five bus workers who tested positive for COVID-19 .
James , a south London bus driver for 11 years , has told Sky News he was a friend of one of the drivers who died .
The 56-year-old man was taken to hospital on 18 March and died a week later after contracting coronavirus .
`` I used to work with him at a garage in southeast London .
He was a great guy , always a joker , loved his wife and daughter very much , '' said James .
The driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' James said .
He claims to know of another bus driver who is in a critical condition in hospital after contracting COVID-19 .
The driver said he is concerned about a lack of care for staff on the frontline after he has had to stop work to self-isolate with coronavirus symptoms .
`` Buses not being deep cleaned , we can see they are n't even being touched .
`` Drivers are not being given masks or even gloves now because we are being told to wash our hands multiple times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but since all the shops are shut a massive majority of us do n't even have toilets or sinks to wash our hands , '' said James .
He added : `` We are working longer hours doing Saturday duties to cover the drivers who are off .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We have next to no toilet facilities or places to get drinks and food .
We are all scared we are going to give our loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm trying my best not to even see him just in case . ''
Mo , an east London bus driver , has urged people to take coronavirus seriously and to stay home .
He said : `` Bus workers do n't feel they are protected enough .
Passengers are using buses when they are not supposed to , you get young people , children , people going on picnics - when it should only be essential travel .
`` The uncertainty has been increased with the news of the bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan said : `` I 'm absolutely devastated to hear that five London bus workers have tragically lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus .
`` My thoughts are with their friends and families at this awful time .
I have been clear that our incredible public transport staff - on the buses , tubes , trams and trains - are critical workers , making a heroic effort to allow our NHS staff to save more lives . ''
He added : `` All drivers on London buses are shielded by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been taken to keep staff as safe as possible - with enhanced cleaning , stopping passengers from riding near drivers and boosting social distancing at stations and stops .
`` But we all need to play our part too and that means fewer Londoners using the public transport network .
Please follow the rules . ''
Gareth Powell , TfL 's managing director for surface transport , said : `` We have been extremely saddened to hear of the recent passing of our colleagues in the bus industry .
Our thoughts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been offering the bus companies for whom they worked every support possible .
`` The safety of our staff and customers is our absolute priority and we have been working closely with the bus companies , the mayor and Unite to implement a range of changes and improvements to keep the bus network and garages safe for those operating and using it , in accordance with Public Health England advice .
`` Our clear message to Londoners is simple - the transport network is only for critical workers who need to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else , stay at home , do n't travel and save lives . ''

Bus drivers in London have told Sky News they do not believe they have the proper protective equipment to do their job safely.
Transport for London (TfL) staff members, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they "are all scared" due to a lack of protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It is claimed that some buses are not being cleaned properly and drivers have not been given face masks or gloves.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said "lives really do depend" on people following government rules to stay at home, following the deaths of five bus workers who tested positive for COVID-19.
James, a south London bus driver for 11 years, has told Sky News he was a friend of one of the drivers who died.
The 56-year-old man was taken to hospital on 18 March and died a week later after contracting coronavirus.
"I used to work with him at a garage in southeast London. He was a great guy, always a joker, loved his wife and daughter very much," said James.
The driver deaths have "hit close to home," James said. He claims to know of another bus driver who is in a critical condition in hospital after contracting COVID-19.
The driver said he is concerned about a lack of care for staff on the frontline after he has had to stop work to self-isolate with coronavirus symptoms.
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"Buses not being deep cleaned, we can see they aren't even being touched.
"Drivers are not being given masks or even gloves now because we are being told to wash our hands multiple times throughout the day which would be great but since all the shops are shut a massive majority of us don't even have toilets or sinks to wash our hands," said James.
He added: "We are working longer hours doing Saturday duties to cover the drivers who are off.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We have next to no toilet facilities or places to get drinks and food. We are all scared we are going to give our loved ones coronavirus as I have a small son. I'm trying my best not to even see him just in case."
Mo, an east London bus driver, has urged people to take coronavirus seriously and to stay home.
Image: Bus driver Mo has been talking about concerns over protection
He said: "Bus workers don't feel they are protected enough. Passengers are using buses when they are not supposed to, you get young people, children, people going on picnics - when it should only be essential travel.
"The uncertainty has been increased with the news of the bus workers who have died."
Mr Khan said: "I'm absolutely devastated to hear that five London bus workers have tragically lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus.
"My thoughts are with their friends and families at this awful time. I have been clear that our incredible public transport staff - on the buses, tubes, trams and trains - are critical workers, making a heroic effort to allow our NHS staff to save more lives."
He added: "All drivers on London buses are shielded by a Perspex screen and TfL have ensured measures have been taken to keep staff as safe as possible - with enhanced cleaning, stopping passengers from riding near drivers and boosting social distancing at stations and stops.
"But we all need to play our part too and that means fewer Londoners using the public transport network. Please follow the rules."
Gareth Powell, TfL's managing director for surface transport, said: "We have been extremely saddened to hear of the recent passing of our colleagues in the bus industry. Our thoughts are with their families and friends and we have been offering the bus companies for whom they worked every support possible.
"The safety of our staff and customers is our absolute priority and we have been working closely with the bus companies, the mayor and Unite to implement a range of changes and improvements to keep the bus network and garages safe for those operating and using it, in accordance with Public Health England advice.
"Our clear message to Londoners is simple - the transport network is only for critical workers who need to make absolutely essential journeys. Please, everyone else, stay at home, don't travel and save lives."


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: 'Living hell' - Britons describe life on cruise ship that no one would let dock after r

Coronavirus: 'Living hell' - Britons describe life on cruise ship that no one would let dock after returning home

It was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure cruising around the coast of South America .
Instead , it became a living hell .
Nearly two weeks later than planned , a plane of British holidaymakers in masks and plastic gloves finally landed at Heathrow on Saturday afternoon , at last allowed to leave their virus-stricken ship .
Among them , my mother , aunt and uncle , and their two friends .
Back in her garden in Suffolk , my mum , Wendy Birchley , spoke of her relief .
`` It 's great to be home and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm tired and jet-lagged… a bit numb .
It 's been a rollercoaster of emotions . ''
For my aunt , Cheryl Deeks , listening to the birds from her own bed was a joy .
`` At 5.30 this morning I heard the first blackbird .
It was absolutely wonderful just to be home , '' she said .
`` Even when we were on the coach near the runway before leaving , we did n't want to count our chickens .
You are at someone else 's mercy . ''
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned away their ship , the Zaandam , even before the first crew members and passengers had fallen ill with COVID-19 .
`` The ironic thing at that time was that we thought we were a healthy ship .
It was disconcerting , '' said my mother .
`` You are in the middle of the sea and no one would let us in .
None of them . ''
But when news emerged on 20 March that four people had died on board , their story began to make global headlines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardened .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker My mother said : `` We were shocked when we found out a lot of crew were ill initially - about 40 crew and 19 passengers and then it grew and grew and grew .
We were worried , of course . ''
For 12 days and nights , they were cabin-bound , allowed out only once for 30 minutes on deck and also to transfer with other healthy passengers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rotterdam , near the Panama Canal .
My mother was in a room with two friends , while my aunt and uncle were in another .
For two weeks they did n't see each other at all .
`` We were stuck in this room with air conditioning .
It was not pleasant , '' she said .
`` We would have breakfast when it came , sometimes at 6.50am , which would make it such a long day . ''
At 10am each day , they 'd do half an hour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amanda , beamed into their cramped cabins on the television .
`` When I got off the plane and there was that cold air , it was just heaven .
You just so miss the fresh air , '' said my mother .
The cruise began in Buenos Aires in Argentina on 7 March but one week in , ports began to refuse entry .
And when it became clear they would be unable to fly out of San Antonio in Chile as planned , the target was Florida .
But it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ships were finally allowed to dock in Port Everglades on Thursday .
Cheryl said : `` I never thought I 'd hear myself say I was grateful for President Trump for getting involved . ''
Fourteen people from the Zaandam were taken for treatment in hospital and others are still on board while they recover .
`` You do worry about them , '' Cheryl said .
`` We were a tight knit group and we were all looking forward to going home , but some will have to stay another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil at the start of March to sight-see before the cruise , the first isolated cases of COVID-19 were only just emerging on the continent and back home people were still going to the races and football matches .
Now , after weeks of worrying and waiting for news , my family is back and so far still healthy .
But with self-isolation firmly in force , the hugs will have to wait .

It was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure cruising around the coast of South America.
Instead, it became a living hell.
Nearly two weeks later than planned, a plane of British holidaymakers in masks and plastic gloves finally landed at Heathrow on Saturday afternoon, at last allowed to leave their virus-stricken ship.
Image: Cheryl and David Deeks, Emma's aunt and uncle, were stuck on board the ship with their sister Wendy Birchley
Among them, my mother, aunt and uncle, and their two friends.
Back in her garden in Suffolk, my mum, Wendy Birchley, spoke of her relief.
"It's great to be home and it's come to an end. I'm tired and jet-lagged… a bit numb. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions."
For my aunt, Cheryl Deeks, listening to the birds from her own bed was a joy.
"At 5.30 this morning I heard the first blackbird. It was absolutely wonderful just to be home," she said.
"Even when we were on the coach near the runway before leaving, we didn't want to count our chickens. You are at someone else's mercy."
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For nearly three weeks, country after country turned away their ship, the Zaandam, even before the first crew members and passengers had fallen ill with COVID-19.
"The ironic thing at that time was that we thought we were a healthy ship. It was disconcerting," said my mother.
"You are in the middle of the sea and no one would let us in. None of them."
But when news emerged on 20 March that four people had died on board, their story began to make global headlines and the determination not to let them in hardened.
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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My mother said: "We were shocked when we found out a lot of crew were ill initially - about 40 crew and 19 passengers and then it grew and grew and grew. We were worried, of course."
For 12 days and nights, they were cabin-bound, allowed out only once for 30 minutes on deck and also to transfer with other healthy passengers to the vessel's sister ship, the Rotterdam, near the Panama Canal.
My mother was in a room with two friends, while my aunt and uncle were in another. For two weeks they didn't see each other at all.
"We were stuck in this room with air conditioning. It was not pleasant," she said.
"We would have breakfast when it came, sometimes at 6.50am, which would make it such a long day."
Image: Cheryl and David Deeks had to stay on board the ship for two weeks without seeing their sister
At 10am each day, they'd do half an hour of keep fit, led by crew member Amanda, beamed into their cramped cabins on the television.
"When I got off the plane and there was that cold air, it was just heaven. You just so miss the fresh air," said my mother.
The cruise began in Buenos Aires in Argentina on 7 March but one week in, ports began to refuse entry.
And when it became clear they would be unable to fly out of San Antonio in Chile as planned, the target was Florida.
But it was only with the US president's intervention that the ships were finally allowed to dock in Port Everglades on Thursday.
Cheryl said: "I never thought I'd hear myself say I was grateful for President Trump for getting involved."
Image: Cheryl and David Deeks, Emma's aunt and uncle, were stuck on board the ship with their sister Wendy Birchley
Fourteen people from the Zaandam were taken for treatment in hospital and others are still on board while they recover.
"You do worry about them," Cheryl said.
"We were a tight knit group and we were all looking forward to going home, but some will have to stay another week."
When they flew to Brazil at the start of March to sight-see before the cruise, the first isolated cases of COVID-19 were only just emerging on the continent and back home people were still going to the races and football matches.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Now, after weeks of worrying and waiting for news, my family is back and so far still healthy.
But with self-isolation firmly in force, the hugs will have to wait.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Public warned of outdoor exercise ban but no 'imminent' lockdown change

The health secretary has warned Britons that outdoor exercise may be banned if people continue to flout social distancing rules - though he said no `` imminent '' changes to the nationwide lockdown are currently in the offing .
Matt Hancock used Sunday 's daily government briefing on coronavirus to again urge people not to flout restrictions designed to keep people at home .
He said he `` understands how difficult '' the COVID-19 pandemic is for the country after two people he was `` fond of '' passed away from the disease , but insisted the lockdown must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the health secretary 's message to the public on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday was clear : if you want the lockdown to end , follow the rules .
`` The vast majority of people are following the public health advice , which is absolutely critical , and staying at home , '' he said .
`` But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it 's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law , he said : `` Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons . ''
He warned those who are flouting the guidance : `` You are putting others ' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm 's way . ''
And he told Andrew Marr on the BBC : `` I do n't want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home ... if too many people are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible changes to the lockdown rules at the daily briefing , the health secretary said nothing was `` imminent '' .
His remarks came on a weekend when crowds defied pleas from Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to give into the temptation of the sunshine , and instead flouted government rules on when people can leave their homes .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The instructions state that people should only be leaving their house during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise or to go to work if they can not do their job from home .
The prime minister and other senior cabinet figures had urged the public not to flout those social distancing measures ahead of the weekend , warning that it would put more lives at risk .
Another 621 coronavirus victims across England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland were confirmed by the Department of Health and Social care earlier on Sunday , taking the UK total to 4,934 .
Mr Hancock told the briefing it was `` mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current instructions to save more lives .
`` The more people follow the rules , the faster we will all be through it , '' he said .
He added : `` We are not yet confident enough to be able to change the rules .
`` Whether they have had the coronavirus or not , the rules are the same for everyone . ''
His call was echoed at the news briefing by England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries .
She said people who go out must only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household and not be tempted to organise meetings with other family and friends who live elsewhere .
`` We have set those rules , we are enforcing against those rules and we will reiterate those rules , '' she added .
`` Because that is the best way to be able to bend the curve down and stop the spread of the virus . ''
Mr Hancock also used Sunday 's news conference to provide updates on how the NHS is coping with the crisis .
He moved to reassure the nation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oxygen that 's needed in hospitals '' after people were turned away from one A & E department due to an issue on Saturday .
Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident after it discovered a problem with its oxygen equipment , which would have potentially affected COVID-19 patients .
`` We have had an equipment failure and we therefore had to divert some ambulances , but this is the normal operation of the NHS when there are things like equipment failures , '' the health secretary said .
`` The quantity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something that we have been working very hard on and we have a very high degree of confidence in the supply of oxygen . ''

The health secretary has warned Britons that outdoor exercise may be banned if people continue to flout social distancing rules - though he said no "imminent" changes to the nationwide lockdown are currently in the offing.
Matt Hancock used Sunday's daily government briefing on coronavirus to again urge people not to flout restrictions designed to keep people at home.
He said he "understands how difficult" the COVID-19 pandemic is for the country after two people he was "fond of" passed away from the disease, but insisted the lockdown must be adhered to despite the warm weather.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Police pour water on barbecue amid lockdown
Earlier, the health secretary's message to the public on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday was clear: if you want the lockdown to end, follow the rules.
"The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home," he said.
"But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice."
Asked by Sophy Ridge whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: "Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons."
He warned those who are flouting the guidance: "You are putting others' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm's way."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'Sunbathing is against the rules'
And he told Andrew Marr on the BBC: "I don't want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home... if too many people are not following the rules."
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Asked about possible changes to the lockdown rules at the daily briefing, the health secretary said nothing was "imminent".
His remarks came on a weekend when crowds defied pleas from Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to give into the temptation of the sunshine, and instead flouted government rules on when people can leave their homes.
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:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The instructions state that people should only be leaving their house during the lockdown for food, health reasons, outdoor exercise or to go to work if they cannot do their job from home.
The prime minister and other senior cabinet figures had urged the public not to flout those social distancing measures ahead of the weekend, warning that it would put more lives at risk.
Another 621 coronavirus victims across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were confirmed by the Department of Health and Social care earlier on Sunday, taking the UK total to 4,934.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 People out. During lockdown. Again
Image: People take their exercise in Greenwich Park in south London
Mr Hancock told the briefing it was "mission critical" for people to follow the current instructions to save more lives.
"The more people follow the rules, the faster we will all be through it," he said.
He added: "We are not yet confident enough to be able to change the rules.
"Whether they have had the coronavirus or not, the rules are the same for everyone."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 PM urges people to stay home this weekend
Image: People on the beach yesterday in Brighton this weekend
Image: Members of the public walk past the Upside Down House next to Brighton beach
His call was echoed at the news briefing by England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries.
She said people who go out must only be interacting with members of their own household and not be tempted to organise meetings with other family and friends who live elsewhere.
"We have set those rules, we are enforcing against those rules and we will reiterate those rules," she added.
"Because that is the best way to be able to bend the curve down and stop the spread of the virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Are people ignoring social distancing advice?
Mr Hancock also used Sunday's news conference to provide updates on how the NHS is coping with the crisis.
He moved to reassure the nation that the UK has "adequate supplies of the oxygen that's needed in hospitals" after people were turned away from one A&E department due to an issue on Saturday.
Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident after it discovered a problem with its oxygen equipment, which would have potentially affected COVID-19 patients.
"We have had an equipment failure and we therefore had to divert some ambulances, but this is the normal operation of the NHS when there are things like equipment failures," the health secretary said.
"The quantity of oxygen and the supply of oxygen is something that we have been working very hard on and we have a very high degree of confidence in the supply of oxygen."


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Why Germany has such a low COVID-19 death rate

When comparing how countries around the world are coping with COVID-19 , one country immediately stands out .
In Germany , just 0.6 % of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure amongst any of the most affected countries .
The next best case fatality rate is 1.4 % , which can be found in the United States , Switzerland , Portugal and South Korea , while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher .
In Italy , 10.1 % of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much better partly lies in the way the case fatality rate is calculated .
The figure is produced by dividing the number of deaths by the total number of confirmed cases .
This means if a country only tests seriously ill patients they will have a higher case fatality rate , as a higher proportion of these patients will die .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Whereas , if a country carries out more tests , and also identifies people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their figure will be much lower .
In the early stages of the disease Germany carried out thousands of tests and implemented rigorous contact tracing .
This allowed it to identify substantially more cases of the disease than other countries - as the more tests you do , the more cases you identify , as the chart below shows .
Germany 's low case fatality rate is therefore partly caused by the fact it has tested more people and , as a result , has identified more mild instances of the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only people who need medical assistance are being tested and as a result the UK 's case fatality rate is much higher , at 4.8 % .
However , carrying out more tests will not just have made Germany 's case fatality rate look low compared to other places , it will also have helped reduce it even further .
By testing people who might have been exposed to the disease , Germany has been able to identify cases of coronavirus quicker and isolate people who have been infected .
This has helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable groups - as the charts below illustrate .
The charts show how long it took after cases were first reported in Italy , the UK and Germany before somebody died of the disease .
In Italy , deaths were reported as soon as the case numbers began to increase , while in Germany hundreds of cases were confirmed before the first death was recorded .
Another key reason for Germany 's low death rate is that fewer older people were initially infected with the disease .
In Germany , just 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are aged over 60 - compared to around 50 % in Spain .
This difference is important as older people are one of the groups most at risk from the disease ( as the chart below shows ) .
The fewer old people infected , therefore , the lower the case fatality rate will be .
The initial concentration of the disease among younger people in Germany appears to have been because many of those infected were people returning from skiing holidays in Italy .
They therefore tended to be relatively young and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people of a similar age .
Subsequently , more of this group were able to recover from the disease than if the virus had been spread evenly across all ages .
One final factor that may have helped keep the case fatality rate low in Germany is the number of acute care hospital beds available .
Germany has 621 acute care hospital beds available per 100,000 people , the second highest number in the whole of Europe ( and beaten only by Lithuania , which has a small total population ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more able to cope with an influx of additional patients compared to other countries and will have been able to provide better medical support to those who need it .
So will Germany maintain their low death rate ?
Health experts in Germany say their social distancing measures have been effective and they hope the increase in number of cases will begin to slow next week .
However , that does not mean the death rate will stay the same .
`` The death rate in Germany is likely to increase as more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keith Neal , emeritus professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham .
`` The true death rate is probably going to be in the order of 1 % .
`` On the Diamond Princess , passengers were regularly tested so cases would have been unlikely to be missed , and there eight out of 712 people died .
`` We will have a much better idea of the true figure when antibody testing is rolled out across the population . ''

When comparing how countries around the world are coping with COVID-19, one country immediately stands out.
In Germany, just 0.6% of their confirmed coronavirus cases have so far ended up being fatal - the lowest figure amongst any of the most affected countries.
The next best case fatality rate is 1.4%, which can be found in the United States, Switzerland, Portugal and South Korea, while in some countries the death rate is substantially higher.
In Italy, 10.1% of confirmed cases have ended up proving fatal.
The answer to why Germany's figure is so much better partly lies in the way the case fatality rate is calculated.
The figure is produced by dividing the number of deaths by the total number of confirmed cases.
This means if a country only tests seriously ill patients they will have a higher case fatality rate, as a higher proportion of these patients will die.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Whereas, if a country carries out more tests, and also identifies people with mild forms of the disease, their figure will be much lower.
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In the early stages of the disease Germany carried out thousands of tests and implemented rigorous contact tracing.
This allowed it to identify substantially more cases of the disease than other countries - as the more tests you do, the more cases you identify, as the chart below shows.
Germany's low case fatality rate is therefore partly caused by the fact it has tested more people and, as a result, has identified more mild instances of the disease.
In comparison, in the UK, only people who need medical assistance are being tested and as a result the UK's case fatality rate is much higher, at 4.8%.
However, carrying out more tests will not just have made Germany's case fatality rate look low compared to other places, it will also have helped reduce it even further.
By testing people who might have been exposed to the disease, Germany has been able to identify cases of coronavirus quicker and isolate people who have been infected.
This has helped prevent the disease from being spread to vulnerable groups - as the charts below illustrate.
The charts show how long it took after cases were first reported in Italy, the UK and Germany before somebody died of the disease.
In Italy, deaths were reported as soon as the case numbers began to increase, while in Germany hundreds of cases were confirmed before the first death was recorded.
Another key reason for Germany's low death rate is that fewer older people were initially infected with the disease.
In Germany, just 20% of patients confirmed to have the disease are aged over 60 - compared to around 50% in Spain.
This difference is important as older people are one of the groups most at risk from the disease (as the chart below shows).
The fewer old people infected, therefore, the lower the case fatality rate will be.
The initial concentration of the disease among younger people in Germany appears to have been because many of those infected were people returning from skiing holidays in Italy.
They therefore tended to be relatively young and fit and passed the disease on to other people of a similar age.
Subsequently, more of this group were able to recover from the disease than if the virus had been spread evenly across all ages.
One final factor that may have helped keep the case fatality rate low in Germany is the number of acute care hospital beds available.
Germany has 621 acute care hospital beds available per 100,000 people, the second highest number in the whole of Europe (and beaten only by Lithuania, which has a small total population).
This means that they will have been more able to cope with an influx of additional patients compared to other countries and will have been able to provide better medical support to those who need it.
So will Germany maintain their low death rate?
Health experts in Germany say their social distancing measures have been effective and they hope the increase in number of cases will begin to slow next week.
Image: Parents are warned not to use a playground in Berlin because of COVID-19
However, that does not mean the death rate will stay the same.
"The death rate in Germany is likely to increase as more older people become infected", says Keith Neal, emeritus professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham.
"The true death rate is probably going to be in the order of 1%.
"On the Diamond Princess, passengers were regularly tested so cases would have been unlikely to be missed, and there eight out of 712 people died.
"We will have a much better idea of the true figure when antibody testing is rolled out across the population."


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Half a million COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide

Half a million people worldwide have now been infected by the coronavirus .
The figure was reached as the US passed Italy and China to record the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at more than 82,000 .
Italy has reported 80,589 confirmed cases , according to Johns Hopkins University , while China has recorded more than 81,000 .
Italy is now fewer than 1,200 cases behind China - where COVID-19 first emerged in December .
China has seen a huge slowdown in new cases as the disease widens its spread across Europe and the US .
There are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Germany , part of the top five countries globally .
The Italian Civil Protection Agency announced the country 's latest infection numbers on Thursday - the biggest daily increase in the number of cases since 21 March .
Of those originally infected nationwide , 10,361 are now said to have fully recovered - up from 9,362. : : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There are 3,612 people in intensive care , up from a previous 3,489 , and the hardest-hit northern region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities compared with Wednesday and remains in a critical situation .
Lombardy has now reported 4,861 deaths and 34,889 cases , up from 4,474 and 32,346 on Wednesday .
Italy remains the country with the highest number of total deaths with COVID-19 .
Johns Hopkins University reported 8,215 deaths in the country as of 11pm on Thursday .
Italy 's Civil Protection Agency said earlier on Thursday there had been 8,165 deaths .
There have now been 4,154 fatalities in Spain .
That puts it above the 3,169 deaths in China 's Hubei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Iran has reported 2,234 deaths and France has confirmed 1,696 .
No other countries have a death count in four figures , with the UK next along with 578 .

Half a million people worldwide have now been infected by the coronavirus.
The figure was reached as the US passed Italy and China to record the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at more than 82,000.
Italy has reported 80,589 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University, while China has recorded more than 81,000.
Italy is now fewer than 1,200 cases behind China - where COVID-19 first emerged in December.
China has seen a huge slowdown in new cases as the disease widens its spread across Europe and the US.
There are now 56,347 confirmed cases in Spain and 43,646 in Germany, part of the top five countries globally.
The Italian Civil Protection Agency announced the country's latest infection numbers on Thursday - the biggest daily increase in the number of cases since 21 March.
Of those originally infected nationwide, 10,361 are now said to have fully recovered - up from 9,362.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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There are 3,612 people in intensive care, up from a previous 3,489, and the hardest-hit northern region of Lombardy reported a steep rise in fatalities compared with Wednesday and remains in a critical situation.
Lombardy has now reported 4,861 deaths and 34,889 cases, up from 4,474 and 32,346 on Wednesday.
Italy remains the country with the highest number of total deaths with COVID-19.
Johns Hopkins University reported 8,215 deaths in the country as of 11pm on Thursday.
Italy's Civil Protection Agency said earlier on Thursday there had been 8,165 deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's virus crisis wards
There have now been 4,154 fatalities in Spain.
That puts it above the 3,169 deaths in China's Hubei province - the original epicentre of the outbreak.
Iran has reported 2,234 deaths and France has confirmed 1,696.
No other countries have a death count in four figures, with the UK next along with 578.