news--2020-04-24--Imagination execs in u-turn after Chinese coup quit threat

Two top executives at Imagination Technologies who quit in protest at a putative Chinese coup have agreed to stay at the company following assurances about its future ownership .
Sky News has learnt that Steve Evans , chief product officer , and John Rayfield , chief technical officer , have rescinded their resignations in the last 48 hours .
Staff at the Hertfordshire-based chip developer , which counts Apple among its biggest customers , were informed of the pair 's decision by Ray Bingham , acting chief executive , on Thursday .
The development comes less than a fortnight after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves by China Reform Holdings , an investment vehicle with links to Beijing , to take control of Imagination 's board .
Mr Evans said in his resignation letter : `` China Reform have clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves , and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government . ''
China Reform 's plan had sparked fears within Imagination that the company would be redomiciled to China , prompting a backlash from MPs about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offshore .
The reaction from Westminster was particularly hostile because of calls from some Conservative MPs for a `` reset '' of the UK 's relationship with China in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic .
An Imagination spokesman said on Friday that the only top-level resignation from the company was now that of Ron Black , the chief executive , who left earlier this month .
The decision of the two executives to remain at Imagination will provide a significant boost to Mr Bingham , who is also a partner at Canyon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
China Reform is a big investor in the Canyon Bridge fund which owns the British chip developer .
Mr Bingham told the Financial Times this week that fears about the company moving to China were `` quite wild '' , although one person close to Imagination described his comment as `` preposterous '' .
One source said , however , that Mr Bingham was `` starting to win hearts and minds '' .
Sky News revealed this week that Imagination was preparing to appoint several independent board members as a safeguard against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Bingham met Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , and pledged to maintain the chip developer 's status as a UK-headquartered business .
Another of the company 's former bosses , Sir Hossein Yassaie , warned the government that China Reform was using `` COVID cover '' in a bit to seize control of Imagination .
When details emerged of China Reform 's plot to take control of Imagination , one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at `` the point of maximum distraction '' for ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News revealed earlier this month that the Trump administration had also begun investigating the situation .
The intervention by Washington 's Committee on Foreign Investment in the UK intervention has come two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017 .
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS 's intervention in the Lattice deal .
Imagination 's relationship with Apple , which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal , is expected to be a focal point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS , a graphics processing unit operating in the US .
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital , a California-based investor , which subsequently combined it with Wave , an artificial intelligence processing business .
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units ( GPUs ) are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11bn devices globally .
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings , which is owned by Japan 's SoftBank .
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into `` foreign asset-stripping of UK companies '' , which comes in the wake of the government 's decision to give Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network .
It was unclear on Friday whether developments in the last 48 hours would do anything to satisfy ministers ' and MPs ' desire for reassurance over @ @ @ @

Two top executives at Imagination Technologies who quit in protest at a putative Chinese coup have agreed to stay at the company following assurances about its future ownership.
Sky News has learnt that Steve Evans, chief product officer, and John Rayfield, chief technical officer, have rescinded their resignations in the last 48 hours.
Staff at the Hertfordshire-based chip developer, which counts Apple among its biggest customers, were informed of the pair's decision by Ray Bingham, acting chief executive, on Thursday.
The development comes less than a fortnight after Mr Evans and Mr Rayfield resigned after moves by China Reform Holdings, an investment vehicle with links to Beijing, to take control of Imagination's board.
Mr Evans said in his resignation letter: "China Reform have clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves, and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government."
China Reform's plan had sparked fears within Imagination that the company would be redomiciled to China, prompting a backlash from MPs about the possibility of British-owned technology being shifted offshore.
The reaction from Westminster was particularly hostile because of calls from some Conservative MPs for a "reset" of the UK's relationship with China in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Apple is one of Imagination Technology's most important customers
An Imagination spokesman said on Friday that the only top-level resignation from the company was now that of Ron Black, the chief executive, who left earlier this month.
The decision of the two executives to remain at Imagination will provide a significant boost to Mr Bingham, who is also a partner at Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, Imagination's owner.
Advertisement
China Reform is a big investor in the Canyon Bridge fund which owns the British chip developer.
Mr Bingham told the Financial Times this week that fears about the company moving to China were "quite wild", although one person close to Imagination described his comment as "preposterous".
One source said, however, that Mr Bingham was "starting to win hearts and minds".
Sky News revealed this week that Imagination was preparing to appoint several independent board members as a safeguard against any future hostile move.
Last Friday, Mr Bingham met Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, and pledged to maintain the chip developer's status as a UK-headquartered business.
Another of the company's former bosses, Sir Hossein Yassaie, warned the government that China Reform was using "COVID cover" in a bit to seize control of Imagination.
When details emerged of China Reform's plot to take control of Imagination, one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News revealed earlier this month that the Trump administration had also begun investigating the situation.
The intervention by Washington's Committee on Foreign Investment in the UK intervention has come two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017.
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS's intervention in the Lattice deal.
Imagination's relationship with Apple, which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal, is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS's enquiries.
The British company's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS, a graphics processing unit operating in the US.
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital, a California-based investor, which subsequently combined it with Wave, an artificial intelligence processing business.
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11bn devices globally.
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings, which is owned by Japan's SoftBank.
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into "foreign asset-stripping of UK companies", which comes in the wake of the government's decision to give Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
It was unclear on Friday whether developments in the last 48 hours would do anything to satisfy ministers' and MPs' desire for reassurance over Imagination's future.


news--2020-04-24--Peter Kay makes TV comeback with a Solero, sunglasses and a smile

Peter Kay has made his TV comeback from his back garden in Bolton , after two-years off our screens .
The 46-year-old star sent `` lots of love '' to fans , as he revealed a rebooted version of his charity hit ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo as part of the BBC 's Big Night In , raising money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
Wearing a Hawaiian shirt , sunglasses and sunhat , Kay ate a Solero throughout his appearance , in a nod to one of his past stand-up jokes mocking the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moan about the weather .
Sitting in front of a bright flower bed he started : `` Hello everybody .
I 'm just sitting outside enjoying the rather clement weather , which is very rare for Bolton .
`` Fifteen years ago , I did a sketch for Comic Relief called ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo .
I never imagined that it would go down so well and make everybody happy . ''
One of the country 's best-loved comedians , Kay was frequently on TV in the late 1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappeared from the stage and screen of late .
In 2017 he cancelled his first live tour in eight years because of `` unforeseen family circumstances '' .
The following year he made a rare public appearance at a charity Car Share screening in Blackpool .
Now , as the world battles coronavirus , Kay says he 's been inspired to make an appearance .
Kay goes on : `` I thought , what a perfect time to recreate [ the video ] again .
So , we 've asked a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
And listen , if you can help tonight there 's a number on the screen , and if you ca n't , do n't worry about it .
You 've got enough going on .
`` But take care and enjoy yourselves in ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo .
Lots of love to you all . ''
Kay ended with a broad smile as the recreated music video for Tony Christie 's Amarillo was revealed .
In 2005 , the song spent seven weeks at number one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
The iconic video features Kay march towards the camera on a treadmill joined by celebrities including Brian May , Ronnie Corbett and Michael Parkinson .
Mr Blobby , Geoffrey from Rainbow and Orville the Duck feature too .
This time , clips were interspersed with members of the public miming and dancing in support of the cause .
The charity show has raised over £27m for vulnerable people around the UK who have been affected by the pandemic , with the government matching all public donations .
Earlier in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for getting involved .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He wrote on his official Twitter page : `` I wanted to say a huge heartfelt thanks to everybody who 's took the time to film themselves marching to Amarillo .
`` We 've literally received thousands .
Lots of very emotional clips from nurses & care workers & key workers & shoe repairers .
Thank you all xxx '' Earlier this year , Kay announced he would be returning to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dance For Life charity discos in aid of Cancer Research UK .
Six arena dates planned for April and May in Manchester , Liverpool and London have now been postponed due to coronavirus .

Peter Kay has made his TV comeback from his back garden in Bolton, after two-years off our screens.
The 46-year-old star sent "lots of love" to fans, as he revealed a rebooted version of his charity hit (Is This The Way To) Amarillo as part of the BBC's Big Night In, raising money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses and sunhat, Kay ate a Solero throughout his appearance, in a nod to one of his past stand-up jokes mocking the British public for always finding a way to moan about the weather.
Sitting in front of a bright flower bed he started: "Hello everybody. I'm just sitting outside enjoying the rather clement weather, which is very rare for Bolton.
"Fifteen years ago, I did a sketch for Comic Relief called (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. I never imagined that it would go down so well and make everybody happy."
Image: Kay cancelled his first live tour in 8 years over 'unforeseen family circumstances'
One of the country's best-loved comedians, Kay was frequently on TV in the late 1990s and early 2000's, has largely disappeared from the stage and screen of late.
In 2017 he cancelled his first live tour in eight years because of "unforeseen family circumstances".
The following year he made a rare public appearance at a charity Car Share screening in Blackpool.
Now, as the world battles coronavirus, Kay says he's been inspired to make an appearance.
Advertisement
Image: Kay and Sian Gibson star in two-hander comedy Car Share
Kay goes on: "I thought, what a perfect time to recreate [the video] again. So, we've asked a lot of you to film yourselves and send it in. And listen, if you can help tonight there's a number on the screen, and if you can't, don't worry about it. You've got enough going on.
"But take care and enjoy yourselves in (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. Lots of love to you all."
Kay ended with a broad smile as the recreated music video for Tony Christie's Amarillo was revealed.
In 2005, the song spent seven weeks at number one, raising money for Comic Relief in the process.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The iconic video features Kay march towards the camera on a treadmill joined by celebrities including Brian May, Ronnie Corbett and Michael Parkinson.
Mr Blobby, Geoffrey from Rainbow and Orville the Duck feature too.
This time, clips were interspersed with members of the public miming and dancing in support of the cause.
The charity show has raised over £27m for vulnerable people around the UK who have been affected by the pandemic, with the government matching all public donations.
Earlier in the week Kay had thanked thousands of frontline workers for getting involved.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He wrote on his official Twitter page: "I wanted to say a huge heartfelt thanks to everybody who's took the time to film themselves marching to Amarillo.
"We've literally received thousands. Lots of very emotional clips from nurses & care workers & key workers & shoe repairers. Thank you all xxx"
Earlier this year, Kay announced he would be returning to the stage after announcing new dates for his Dance For Life charity discos in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Six arena dates planned for April and May in Manchester, Liverpool and London have now been postponed due to coronavirus.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: 2020 Tokyo Olympics in doubt as Canada pulls out

The 2020 Olympics could be postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic as Canada said it would not send a team to Tokyo this summer unless the Games were postponed for one year .
Canadian officials said they would pull out their athletes if the Games went ahead as scheduled on 24 July .
In a joint statement , the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said : `` While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement , nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - it is about public health .
With COVID-19 and the associated risks , it is not safe for our athletes , and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games . ''
Canada joins a number of countries - including Norway , Brazil and Slovenia - that have pressed the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) on a possible postponement .
But none had said they would not go if the 2020 Games start as planned .
On Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of postponing the Tokyo Games but said cancelling the event would not solve problems or help anybody .
`` The IOC will , in full coordination and partnership with the Tokyo 2020 organising committee , the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo metropolitan government , start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games , including the scenario of postponement , '' it said in a statement .
A final decision will be made over the next four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the IOC 's statement by telling his parliament that postponing the Olympics may become an option if holding the Games in its `` complete form '' became impossible .
The IOC 's announcement has been welcomed by sports governing bodies and institutions around the world but the time frame for any decisions is still likely to affect athletes ' training schedules .
Teams and individual competitors have been severely hampered by sporting shutdowns and social distancing measures and the situation could get worse .
Britain 's 200m world champion Dina Asher-Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this mean that athletes face up to another FOUR weeks of finding ways to fit in training - whilst potentially putting ourselves , coaches , support staff and loved ones at risk just to find out they were going to be postponed anyway !
! ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The British Olympic Association has urged the IOC to act quickly and decisively .
Chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said : `` We welcome the IOC executive board decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games .
`` However , we urge rapid decision-making for the sake of athletes who still face significant uncertainty . ''
Dame Katherine Grainger , chair of UK Sport , believes the IOC is correct to consider a delay .
`` Given the circumstances , today 's news that the IOC are looking at options to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was inevitable , and the correct decision for the safety of athletes , staff and fans , '' she said .
World Athletics said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport on an alternative date '' and the International Paralympic Committee said it would `` support the IOC every step of the way '' .
More than 13,000 people have died globally since the coronavirus outbreak began .
As of Sunday morning , Japan had 37 deaths and 1,055 coronavirus cases , excluding those from a cruise ship that was quarantined near Tokyo last month and returnees on chartered flights from China .

The 2020 Olympics could be postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic as Canada said it would not send a team to Tokyo this summer unless the Games were postponed for one year.
Canadian officials said they would pull out their athletes if the Games went ahead as scheduled on 24 July.
In a joint statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said: "While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community.
"This is not solely about athlete health - it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games."
Canada joins a number of countries - including Norway, Brazil and Slovenia - that have pressed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on a possible postponement.
But none had said they would not go if the 2020 Games start as planned.
Image: The Canadian team during the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
On Sunday, the IOC announced that it is considering the possibility of postponing the Tokyo Games but said cancelling the event would not solve problems or help anybody.
"The IOC will, in full coordination and partnership with the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, the Japanese authorities and the Tokyo metropolitan government, start detailed discussions to complete its assessment of the rapid development of the worldwide health situation and its impact on the Olympic Games, including the scenario of postponement," it said in a statement.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 An in-depth look at UK coronavirus deaths
A final decision will be made over the next four weeks.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded to the IOC's statement by telling his parliament that postponing the Olympics may become an option if holding the Games in its "complete form" became impossible.
Advertisement
The IOC's announcement has been welcomed by sports governing bodies and institutions around the world but the time frame for any decisions is still likely to affect athletes' training schedules.
Teams and individual competitors have been severely hampered by sporting shutdowns and social distancing measures and the situation could get worse.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Spain moves to prevent coronavirus disaster
Britain's 200m world champion Dina Asher-Smith tweeted: "So wait... does this mean that athletes face up to another FOUR weeks of finding ways to fit in training - whilst potentially putting ourselves, coaches, support staff and loved ones at risk just to find out they were going to be postponed anyway!!"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The British Olympic Association has urged the IOC to act quickly and decisively.
Chairman Sir Hugh Robertson said: "We welcome the IOC executive board decision to review the options in respect of a postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"However, we urge rapid decision-making for the sake of athletes who still face significant uncertainty."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Americans told to stay at home
Dame Katherine Grainger, chair of UK Sport, believes the IOC is correct to consider a delay.
"Given the circumstances, today's news that the IOC are looking at options to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was inevitable, and the correct decision for the safety of athletes, staff and fans," she said.
World Athletics said it would "work with the IOC and all sport on an alternative date" and the International Paralympic Committee said it would "support the IOC every step of the way".
More than 13,000 people have died globally since the coronavirus outbreak began.
As of Sunday morning, Japan had 37 deaths and 1,055 coronavirus cases, excluding those from a cruise ship that was quarantined near Tokyo last month and returnees on chartered flights from China.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Enforcing prime minister's lockdown will be far from easy

On the face of it , the prime minister 's stay at home order to the nation is a robust new approach , encompassing the most extraordinary restrictions .
But enforcing what effectively amounts to a nationwide self-isolation programme will be far from easy .
The government hopes the very declaration of an order to remain at home will in itself have a profound effect - and there is no doubt the vast majority of people will obey the new restrictions .
For those who do n't , it is likely to be down to the police to ensure compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with government to work out the way forward .
Martin Hewitt , the chair of the National Police Chiefs ' Council , said : `` These new measures are sensible , based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease .
`` The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe .
`` We are working with the government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules can be most effectively enforced . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
There are definite areas of uncertainty when it comes to determining who might be in breach of the new rules .
Large gatherings of people at public events , in the park , or on the beach , are easy enough to spot and would be relatively straight forward to ordering such groups disperse .
But far more difficult to establish is whether people are complying with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the house only very occasionally .
It 's difficult to see how officers could ever enforce that rule , or would even try .
And the initial approach from the UK 's biggest police force , the Met , is certainly adopting a softly , softly approach .
A Scotland Yard spokesman said : `` We fully anticipate the public and business in London will want to adhere to the new restrictions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We have good relationships with our communities and will maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new measures .
`` If we suspect anyone to be in breach of the restrictions we will speak to them , explain what the restrictions require them to do and ask them to comply in order to help prevent the spread of the virus and ultimately save lives . ''
The new measures will be enhanced if the current mitigation proposals do n't have the desired effect in trying to arrest the spread of COVID-19 .
There has been no mention yet of the growing concern around renewed crowding on parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for far fewer trains on the likes of the London Underground .
It 's likely that a system will soon be implemented restricting travel on public transport to those in essential jobs .
And overcrowding at the nation 's supermarkets remains a big concern .
The police understandably say they do not want to get involved in policing supermarket queues .
They 'll have more than enough to keep them occupied in the months ahead .

On the face of it, the prime minister's stay at home order to the nation is a robust new approach, encompassing the most extraordinary restrictions.
But enforcing what effectively amounts to a nationwide self-isolation programme will be far from easy.
The government hopes the very declaration of an order to remain at home will in itself have a profound effect - and there is no doubt the vast majority of people will obey the new restrictions.
For those who don't, it is likely to be down to the police to ensure compliance, but officers are still in discussions with government to work out the way forward.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 The prime minister announces new measures to restrict the movements of UK citizens
Martin Hewitt, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: "These new measures are sensible, based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease.
"The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.
"We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
There are definite areas of uncertainty when it comes to determining who might be in breach of the new rules.
Advertisement
Large gatherings of people at public events, in the park, or on the beach, are easy enough to spot and would be relatively straight forward to ordering such groups disperse.
But far more difficult to establish is whether people are complying with orders to remain at home, permitted to leave the house only very occasionally.
It's difficult to see how officers could ever enforce that rule, or would even try.
And the initial approach from the UK's biggest police force, the Met, is certainly adopting a softly, softly approach.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We fully anticipate the public and business in London will want to adhere to the new restrictions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"We have good relationships with our communities and will maintain our policing stance encouraging adherence to the new measures.
"If we suspect anyone to be in breach of the restrictions we will speak to them, explain what the restrictions require them to do and ask them to comply in order to help prevent the spread of the virus and ultimately save lives."
The new measures will be enhanced if the current mitigation proposals don't have the desired effect in trying to arrest the spread of COVID-19.
There has been no mention yet of the growing concern around renewed crowding on parts of the transport network, which has seen queues for far fewer trains on the likes of the London Underground.
It's likely that a system will soon be implemented restricting travel on public transport to those in essential jobs.
And overcrowding at the nation's supermarkets remains a big concern.
The police understandably say they do not want to get involved in policing supermarket queues. They'll have more than enough to keep them occupied in the months ahead.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to make statement to the country at 8.30pm

The prime minister has cancelled his daily coronavirus news conference and will instead make a `` statement to the country '' tonight at 8.30pm .
Boris Johnson has been chairing an emergency COBRA meeting over the pandemic this afternoon .
It comes after he warned the UK is heading towards a lockdown , after appeals to the public to stay indoors were largely ignored during a sunny Mother 's Day .
Mr Johnson said further measures would be considered in the next 24 hours to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if people fail to stay 2m ( 6.5ft ) apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial for health , physical and mental wellbeing '' , but warned people not to think that `` fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity '' .
Sky 's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said : `` This will be a television broadcast , we understand .
Clearly for the prime minister to move from his daily briefings and news conferences to a televised address to the nation suggests there is a big announcement on the way .
`` That big announcement is almost certainly to be those tougher measures that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'lockdown ' has been used by some - it was not used by the prime minister yesterday .
`` Some MPs have said they do n't like that phrase because it means different things in different places .
`` What it almost certainly means is tougher restrictions on movement , possibly curfews , travel bans and so on .
What it probably means is the UK will follow the sort of action that 's been taken in countries like France , Italy and Spain .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker '' During the Commons debate , MPs have pointed out that the number of deaths from the virus in the UK are now higher than they were in the countries like Spain and Italy when similar restrictions were introduced . ''
On Monday morning , Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I 'd much rather people follow the rules themselves , it would be much more straight forward @ @

The prime minister has cancelled his daily coronavirus news conference and will instead make a "statement to the country" tonight at 8.30pm.
Boris Johnson has been chairing an emergency COBRA meeting over the pandemic this afternoon.
It comes after he warned the UK is heading towards a lockdown, after appeals to the public to stay indoors were largely ignored during a sunny Mother's Day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
Mr Johnson said further measures would be considered in the next 24 hours to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if people fail to stay 2m (6.5ft) apart.
He admitted being outdoors was "crucial for health, physical and mental wellbeing", but warned people not to think that "fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity".
Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said: "This will be a television broadcast, we understand. Clearly for the prime minister to move from his daily briefings and news conferences to a televised address to the nation suggests there is a big announcement on the way.
"That big announcement is almost certainly to be those tougher measures that he was talking about yesterday. The phrase 'lockdown' has been used by some - it was not used by the prime minister yesterday.
"Some MPs have said they don't like that phrase because it means different things in different places.
"What it almost certainly means is tougher restrictions on movement, possibly curfews, travel bans and so on. What it probably means is the UK will follow the sort of action that's been taken in countries like France, Italy and Spain.
Advertisement
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"During the Commons debate, MPs have pointed out that the number of deaths from the virus in the UK are now higher than they were in the countries like Spain and Italy when similar restrictions were introduced."
On Monday morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I'd much rather people follow the rules themselves, it would be much more straight forward."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Chains vie to secure ‘essential retail’ status

Some of Britain 's biggest retailers are mounting frantic lobbying campaigns to keep their shops open as the prospect grows of a full nationwide lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Dixons Carphone , Halfords and The Original Factory Shop are among the chains vying to claim `` essential retailer '' status , even as the government prepares to introduce new restrictions on economic activity .
The efforts of some retailers to keep their stores open come as many , including the department store operator John Lewis and Primark , announce the temporary closure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tussle for privileged status comes ahead of this week 's rent quarter day - one of the biggest financial burdens facing retailers as they digest the impact of losing all of their physical store revenues overnight .
Many chains , including Sir Philip Green 's Arcadia Group and Kingfisher , are seeking to reduce their rent payments by restructuring agreements or simply refusing to pay .
Chains such as Dixons Carphone have been arguing in correspondence with the government that they provide essential infrastructure services and should be allowed to keep trading alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is about to permanently shut 531 standalone Carphone Warehouse shops , runs a virtual telecoms network and offers services including mobile phone and laptop repairs .
Insiders said that Dixons Carphone had told the government that its technology-focused services mean it should be allowed to remain open during a period of vastly increased home-working .
In a memo to employees on Monday morning , Alex Baldock , Dixons Carphone 's chief executive said the company wanted to keep its stores open for as long as it could operate them safely , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also referred to the company 's `` essential service '' provision , the person added .
Halfords , the car-parts and bicycles retailer , is also pitching to be included in any category of retailers allowed to continue operating their physical store networks .
`` Halfords is contracted to provide motoring services to key businesses and support healthcare professionals through the provision of motoring services , '' a spokesman said .
`` Our colleagues play a fundamental role in keeping both individuals in vital services , and the businesses supporting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , less obvious , retailers have also sought to argue their case .
The Original Factory Shop , which sells clothing and household goods , has written to Alok Sharma , the business secretary , to say that it provides `` an essential service , both in terms of competition and ease of access , for consumers in many towns where , in recent years , retail choice has been diminishing and where local economies have felt squeezed '' .
`` Around a third of our current sales are in the fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and household cleaning materials - which are essential to the continuance of normal , everyday , life , '' Emma Fox , TOFS ' chief executive , told Mr Sharma .
Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , said : `` Retailers completely understand the need for government to do whatever is in the public interest and that further restrictions may be required at short notice .
`` They will continue to support in every way possible but need clarity in advance over what shops and activities must close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs of their customers , their employees and their businesses . ''

Some of Britain's biggest retailers are mounting frantic lobbying campaigns to keep their shops open as the prospect grows of a full nationwide lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Dixons Carphone, Halfords and The Original Factory Shop are among the chains vying to claim "essential retailer" status, even as the government prepares to introduce new restrictions on economic activity.
The efforts of some retailers to keep their stores open come as many, including the department store operator John Lewis and Primark, announce the temporary closure of their outlets across the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 'We will use tougher measures if necessary'
The tussle for privileged status comes ahead of this week's rent quarter day - one of the biggest financial burdens facing retailers as they digest the impact of losing all of their physical store revenues overnight.
Many chains, including Sir Philip Green's Arcadia Group and Kingfisher, are seeking to reduce their rent payments by restructuring agreements or simply refusing to pay.
Chains such as Dixons Carphone have been arguing in correspondence with the government that they provide essential infrastructure services and should be allowed to keep trading alongside the major supermarkets.
The company, which is about to permanently shut 531 standalone Carphone Warehouse shops, runs a virtual telecoms network and offers services including mobile phone and laptop repairs.
Insiders said that Dixons Carphone had told the government that its technology-focused services mean it should be allowed to remain open during a period of vastly increased home-working.
Image: Halfords is among chains seeking essential status
In a memo to employees on Monday morning, Alex Baldock, Dixons Carphone's chief executive said the company wanted to keep its stores open for as long as it could operate them safely, according to a person close to the company.
Advertisement
He also referred to the company's "essential service" provision, the person added.
Halfords, the car-parts and bicycles retailer, is also pitching to be included in any category of retailers allowed to continue operating their physical store networks.
"Halfords is contracted to provide motoring services to key businesses and support healthcare professionals through the provision of motoring services," a spokesman said.
"Our colleagues play a fundamental role in keeping both individuals in vital services, and the businesses supporting them, moving."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 Analysis: The new measures for economic help
A number of other, less obvious, retailers have also sought to argue their case.
The Original Factory Shop, which sells clothing and household goods, has written to Alok Sharma, the business secretary, to say that it provides "an essential service, both in terms of competition and ease of access, for consumers in many towns where, in recent years, retail choice has been diminishing and where local economies have felt squeezed".
"Around a third of our current sales are in the fast moving consumer goods sector - including groceries and household cleaning materials - which are essential to the continuance of normal, everyday, life," Emma Fox, TOFS' chief executive, told Mr Sharma.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Retailers completely understand the need for government to do whatever is in the public interest and that further restrictions may be required at short notice.
"They will continue to support in every way possible but need clarity in advance over what shops and activities must close in order to best look after the needs of their customers, their employees and their businesses."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavius: How the public are thanking emergency workers during the pandemic

The emergency services in the UK are under unprecedented pressure to keep the country safe and moving amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Over the past few weeks , many people and organisations have been paying tribute to those working in the services , offering a free cup of coffee or giving staff unlimited use of a rail network , as a way of thanking them .
In Wales , transport officials announced that all NHS staff are able to travel on the country 's rail services for free as a thank you to the service for their hard work during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a BP petrol station allowed a fire engine from Leicester to drive away with a full tank of petrol for free .
Staff posed for a picture on Facebook , encouraging people to stand together during the coronavirus crisis .
Across the North East , a number of car parks owned by the Metro service have opened their gates for free exclusively for NHS staff so they can park without having to worry about fees , and in Essex and Hertfordshire , Trusty Buses is offering free travel on its network to NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Costa Coffee has pledged to give NHS staff free cans of coffee , while remaining open in hospitals .
Starbucks is also offering NHS staff and other emergency services free filter coffees .
Independent shops are also handing out free hot drinks in other parts of the country , in an effort to keep NHS staff fuelled .
Locally , Weston NHS trust in Somerset received hundreds of boxes of biscuits and chocolates to hand out to healthcare staff , after an event in a local college was cancelled .
Student Unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service workers , after universities began closing last week .
Nottingham Trent Students ' Union took boxes of food from its restaurants and coffee shops to the local hospital as well as nursing homes .
In Devon , a local Tesco waived the item limits that have been placed on products in supermarkets for doctors stocking up their fridge , as well as throwing in free tea and coffee for the cupboards .
A family in Coventry has donated food to the University Hospital in the city , including takeaway pizzas , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local charity .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the West Midlands , as an ambulance crew returned from a trip to Asda , they found Easter eggs on their windscreen from random members of the public .
Lottie , a nine-year-old , has offered her skills as a poet to pay tribute to NHS workers , by writing about her mother , who works for the service , in which she says : `` Thank you for helping the NHS @ @

The emergency services in the UK are under unprecedented pressure to keep the country safe and moving amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past few weeks, many people and organisations have been paying tribute to those working in the services, offering a free cup of coffee or giving staff unlimited use of a rail network, as a way of thanking them.
In Wales, transport officials announced that all NHS staff are able to travel on the country's rail services for free as a thank you to the service for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Rutland, a BP petrol station allowed a fire engine from Leicester to drive away with a full tank of petrol for free. Staff posed for a picture on Facebook, encouraging people to stand together during the coronavirus crisis.
Across the North East, a number of car parks owned by the Metro service have opened their gates for free exclusively for NHS staff so they can park without having to worry about fees, and in Essex and Hertfordshire, Trusty Buses is offering free travel on its network to NHS staff.
Despite closing all their stores, Costa Coffee has pledged to give NHS staff free cans of coffee, while remaining open in hospitals.
Starbucks is also offering NHS staff and other emergency services free filter coffees.
Independent shops are also handing out free hot drinks in other parts of the country, in an effort to keep NHS staff fuelled.
Image: Costa Coffee is giving out free coffee to NHS workers. Pic: Costa Coffee
Image: Starbucks is also offering free drinks to emergency staff. Pic: Starbucks
Locally, Weston NHS trust in Somerset received hundreds of boxes of biscuits and chocolates to hand out to healthcare staff, after an event in a local college was cancelled.
Advertisement
Student Unions have also given away food to emergency service workers, after universities began closing last week. Nottingham Trent Students' Union took boxes of food from its restaurants and coffee shops to the local hospital as well as nursing homes.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In Devon, a local Tesco waived the item limits that have been placed on products in supermarkets for doctors stocking up their fridge, as well as throwing in free tea and coffee for the cupboards.
A family in Coventry has donated food to the University Hospital in the city, including takeaway pizzas, which was distributed to staff inside by a local charity.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the West Midlands, as an ambulance crew returned from a trip to Asda, they found Easter eggs on their windscreen from random members of the public.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Lottie, a nine-year-old, has offered her skills as a poet to pay tribute to NHS workers, by writing about her mother, who works for the service, in which she says: "Thank you for helping the NHS".


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Endurance runner says COVID-19 made him feel like he was drowning

A long-distance runner has described how COVID-19 made him feel like he was drowning - and warned young people to take the disease seriously .
Daryl Doblados , 29 , ran the Cambridge half marathon just 10 days before he was diagnosed with the virus .
The father of two , who has no underlying health conditions , called 111 last Thursday as he struggled to breathe and was told to call an ambulance .
He said : `` It just feels like your lungs are filling up with smoke or liquid .
I struggled to breathe .
I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Doblados was discharged from hospital eight hours after his admission , with a consultant advising him to monitor his breathing and to call 111 again if it worsened .
He posted a video of himself on Facebook from his home in Littleport , Cambridgeshire , where he is self-isolating .
`` I 'm still struggling now on day four of recovery .
If I do n't concentrate on my breathing then it feels just like you 're drowning . ''
He said he made the video to warn young people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this virus is that it will get you .
`` For the young people out there , we need to make sure that we do this , do this right , we stay away from as many people as possible to stop the spread of infection . ''
His message was echoed by another coronavirus patient who has urged the Irish government to bring in more restrictions on public movement in a bid to stop the spread of the virus .
Micheal Prendergast , 28 , told Sky News he developed symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London last week .
Speaking from his bed in an isolation ward at Kerry General Hospital , he said : `` If you do n't get affected as bad as I have , I guarantee your parents , or your aunts and uncles or your grandparents are going to be .
This virus is a killer . ''
He added : `` It 's extremely disheartening to see that people are out and about .
I would call on the government to make a proactive step - instead of reactive - to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

A long-distance runner has described how COVID-19 made him feel like he was drowning - and warned young people to take the disease seriously.
Daryl Doblados, 29, ran the Cambridge half marathon just 10 days before he was diagnosed with the virus.
The father of two, who has no underlying health conditions, called 111 last Thursday as he struggled to breathe and was told to call an ambulance.
He said: "It just feels like your lungs are filling up with smoke or liquid. I struggled to breathe. I've never experienced anything like this before."
Mr Doblados was discharged from hospital eight hours after his admission, with a consultant advising him to monitor his breathing and to call 111 again if it worsened.
He posted a video of himself on Facebook from his home in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, where he is self-isolating.
"I'm still struggling now on day four of recovery. If I don't concentrate on my breathing then it feels just like you're drowning."
He said he made the video to warn young people to take coronavirus seriously.
"The nature of this virus is that it will get you.
Advertisement
"For the young people out there, we need to make sure that we do this, do this right, we stay away from as many people as possible to stop the spread of infection."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 COVID-19 survivor calls for lockdown
His message was echoed by another coronavirus patient who has urged the Irish government to bring in more restrictions on public movement in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
Micheal Prendergast, 28, told Sky News he developed symptoms shortly after flying home to Ireland from London last week.
Speaking from his bed in an isolation ward at Kerry General Hospital, he said: "If you don't get affected as bad as I have, I guarantee your parents, or your aunts and uncles or your grandparents are going to be. This virus is a killer."
He added: "It's extremely disheartening to see that people are out and about. I would call on the government to make a proactive step - instead of reactive - to have tighter controls on the public."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Thieves steal Essex school's food meant for key workers' children

A school in Essex has had food stolen from its kitchen - days before it was due to provide support for the children of key workers .
Gosfield School in Halstead says it suffered the `` extensive '' burglary over weekend , where thieves took four commercial-sized freezers of food and most of the dry and chilled produce in the kitchen .
Last week , the government announced schools would be closed indefinitely from Monday and only open for the children of people identified as `` key workers '' during the COVID-19 outbreak .
In a statement on Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this means that we are unable to feed the children of critical workers who are attending school today , and the staff who have kindly volunteered to come in and run the skeleton operation to make this work , and we wo n't be able to feed the children and staff for the foreseeable future .
`` Members of staff have been into Halstead to purchase food early this morning but with restrictions on what they are allowed to purchase this is not straightforward .
`` Therefore we would respectfully request that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school bring along a packed lunch , nut free snacks and a water bottle . ''
The school added that CCTV footage shows the theft took place late on Friday night or early on Saturday morning .
In light of the theft , people have offered the school some food to help them feed staff and children , and a local company has offered them a chest freezer for storage .
Essex Police said in a statement they had received a report about the burglary and appealed for information .
They said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any CCTV or dash cam footage , or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/44904/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 . ''

A school in Essex has had food stolen from its kitchen - days before it was due to provide support for the children of key workers.
Gosfield School in Halstead says it suffered the "extensive" burglary over weekend, where thieves took four commercial-sized freezers of food and most of the dry and chilled produce in the kitchen.
Last week, the government announced schools would be closed indefinitely from Monday and only open for the children of people identified as "key workers" during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: Chilled food has been taken from the fridge. Pic: Gosfield School
Image: The incident appeared to take place late on Friday night or early on Saturday morning. Pic: Gosfield School
In a statement on Facebook, the school said: "Of course this means that we are unable to feed the children of critical workers who are attending school today, and the staff who have kindly volunteered to come in and run the skeleton operation to make this work, and we won't be able to feed the children and staff for the foreseeable future.
"Members of staff have been into Halstead to purchase food early this morning but with restrictions on what they are allowed to purchase this is not straightforward.
"Therefore we would respectfully request that all children of key workers who are attending school bring along a packed lunch, nut free snacks and a water bottle."
The school added that CCTV footage shows the theft took place late on Friday night or early on Saturday morning.
In light of the theft, people have offered the school some food to help them feed staff and children, and a local company has offered them a chest freezer for storage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Emotional students say goodbye as school closes
Essex Police said in a statement they had received a report about the burglary and appealed for information.
Advertisement
They said: "If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/44904/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Trains still packed as commuters fail to observe social distancing

Trains were still packed on Monday morning as commuters failed to listen to the government 's coronavirus advice to keep two metres away from each other .
Pictures from several routes into London and the Tube showed carriages as full as usual , with little to no space in between commuters .
Train services across the UK have been reduced , as of Monday , after customer demand for rail travel fell by up to 69 % on some routes since Boris Johnson issued advice last week to stop all non-essential journeys to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ TFL Rail and London Trams services are also operating a reduced service from Monday .
The government said key services would still run to ensure people could get to work , travel to medical appointments and goods can be transported .
However , many of those commuting on Monday morning said the number of carriages had been reduced and timetables cut , resulting in overcrowding .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The 6.30am C2C service from Grays to Fenchurch Street on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left with no option but to squeeze up together .
Some travellers did report more empty trains than usual , with the South Western Railway service at Clapham Junction `` quiet like a Sunday '' , one traveller said .
The UK is facing the prospect of a total lockdown after people over the weekend failed to listen to advice to stay two metres apart , with thousands visiting British holiday hotspots including Snowdonia , Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands , as well as city parks .
As well as train timetables being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency measures to provide refunds to advance and season tickets holders .
The Department for Transport also announced it is suspending normal rail franchise agreements and will take over all the risks , as well as revenues , for operating trains for at least six months to help train companies cope with a significant drop in income .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Sunday afternoon , Boris Johnson said more extreme measures will be considered over the next day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not stay two metres apart .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast on Monday : `` We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I 'd much rather people follow the rules themselves , it would be much more straight forward . ''
`` If we need to go further in terms of people 's interactions then we will . ''
MPs are returning to the Commons after the weekend to debate the government 's Coronavirus Bill in all its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Lords and becomes law by the end of this week .
The bill , which runs to more than 320 pages , would allow police to have powers to detain suspected carriers for quarantine and screening , restrictions on travel , streamline NHS procedures and close ports and airports if there is a shortage of Border Force staff .

Trains were still packed on Monday morning as commuters failed to listen to the government's coronavirus advice to keep two metres away from each other.
Pictures from several routes into London and the Tube showed carriages as full as usual, with little to no space in between commuters.
Train services across the UK have been reduced, as of Monday, after customer demand for rail travel fell by up to 69% on some routes since Boris Johnson issued advice last week to stop all non-essential journeys to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Image: This C2C train was packed at Barking Station, with even more people coming on at Chafford Hundred in Essex. Pic: Daniel Grinczveig
Image: Commuters squeezed on to a Tube train in Bethnal Green, east London
London Underground, Overground, DLR, TFL Rail and London Trams services are also operating a reduced service from Monday.
The government said key services would still run to ensure people could get to work, travel to medical appointments and goods can be transported.
However, many of those commuting on Monday morning said the number of carriages had been reduced and timetables cut, resulting in overcrowding.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The 6.30am C2C service from Grays to Fenchurch Street on Monday was particularly full, with commuters left with no option but to squeeze up together.
Some travellers did report more empty trains than usual, with the South Western Railway service at Clapham Junction "quiet like a Sunday", one traveller said.
Advertisement
The UK is facing the prospect of a total lockdown after people over the weekend failed to listen to advice to stay two metres apart, with thousands visiting British holiday hotspots including Snowdonia, Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands, as well as city parks.
Image: All seats in this Victoria Line carriage were occupied
Image: This SWR train was quiet as the government reduced services
As well as train timetables being reduced, the government has brought in emergency measures to provide refunds to advance and season tickets holders.
The Department for Transport also announced it is suspending normal rail franchise agreements and will take over all the risks, as well as revenues, for operating trains for at least six months to help train companies cope with a significant drop in income.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Sunday afternoon, Boris Johnson said more extreme measures will be considered over the next day to prevent coronavirus spreading if people did not stay two metres apart.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Rural villages overrun by city dwellers
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast on Monday: "We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I'd much rather people follow the rules themselves, it would be much more straight forward."
"If we need to go further in terms of people's interactions then we will."
MPs are returning to the Commons after the weekend to debate the government's Coronavirus Bill in all its stages, before it goes to the House of Lords and becomes law by the end of this week.
Image: Anti-tourist signs have been cropping up in North Wales. Pic: Marcin Liberacki
The bill, which runs to more than 320 pages, would allow police to have powers to detain suspected carriers for quarantine and screening, restrictions on travel, streamline NHS procedures and close ports and airports if there is a shortage of Border Force staff.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Army to distribute masks and protective suits to frontline NHS staff

The Army will be brought in to help get deliveries of protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus pandemic .
Hospital trusts have been told they will be receiving deliveries of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) such as masks , safety glasses , gloves , aprons and protective suits `` around the clock '' during the COVID-19 outbreak .
The Army is being brought in to support the supply chain after NHS staff warned they do not have the correct equipment to protect themselves as they treat hundreds of patients with coronavirus .
Army trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who need it '' , health secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday .
Over the last few days , NHS England said `` millions more items '' of PPE have been delivered to hospitals , ambulance trusts and care homes , among others .
Mr Hancock told Sky News a PPE shipment was sent to every hospital over the weekend and he is making sure `` there is a constant flow '' but trusts need to let him know if there are gaps .
His announcement came as Boris Johnson considers sweeping new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals to the public to stay indoors are largely being ignored .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than 5,700 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the UK , with 281 deaths .
Almost 4,000 NHS workers signed a letter in the Sunday Times calling on the prime minister to `` protect the lives of the life-savers '' and resolve the `` unacceptable shortage of protective equipment '' .
They said many medics are `` putting their lives on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with COVID-19 without appropriate protection .
NHS England said the Army would `` play its part '' from this week , offering personnel to `` help to manage and offload supplies in busy NHS settings '' and distributing PPE supplies to the frontline .
The PPE supply chain has been under increased pressure due to the COVID-19 outbreak , but also due to a manufacturing slowdown , especially in China , the NHS said .
Emily Lawson , chief commercial officer for the NHS , said : `` We need massively increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frontline in this exceptional set of circumstances .
`` Working with our partners , we are now seeing much increased capacity , and a more responsive supply chain to help take us through the coronavirus outbreak .
We are extremely grateful for the Army 's support in doing so . ''
The health secretary added : `` In the face of this unprecedented global emergency , never has the need to bolster our workforce and arm them with the vital tools they need to save lives been more crucial .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline NHS and social care staff - who are working tirelessly to tackle this outbreak - feel supported .
`` We are working round the clock to make sure trucks are on the ground across the country delivering protective equipment to all who need it , so they are well-equipped to continue to fight the virus . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The Army will be brought in to help get deliveries of protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Hospital trusts have been told they will be receiving deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, safety glasses, gloves, aprons and protective suits "around the clock" during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Army is being brought in to support the supply chain after NHS staff warned they do not have the correct equipment to protect themselves as they treat hundreds of patients with coronavirus.
Army trucks will deliver the equipment to "all who need it", health secretary Matt Hancock said on Monday.
Over the last few days, NHS England said "millions more items" of PPE have been delivered to hospitals, ambulance trusts and care homes, among others.
Mr Hancock told Sky News a PPE shipment was sent to every hospital over the weekend and he is making sure "there is a constant flow" but trusts need to let him know if there are gaps.
His announcement came as Boris Johnson considers sweeping new laws to implement a nationwide lockdown after appeals to the public to stay indoors are largely being ignored.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 5,700 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the UK, with 281 deaths.
Advertisement
Almost 4,000 NHS workers signed a letter in the Sunday Times calling on the prime minister to "protect the lives of the life-savers" and resolve the "unacceptable shortage of protective equipment".
They said many medics are "putting their lives on the line every day" by treating patients with COVID-19 without appropriate protection.
NHS England said the Army would "play its part" from this week, offering personnel to "help to manage and offload supplies in busy NHS settings" and distributing PPE supplies to the frontline.
The PPE supply chain has been under increased pressure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but also due to a manufacturing slowdown, especially in China, the NHS said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Health Secretary stresses 2m rule
Emily Lawson, chief commercial officer for the NHS, said: "We need massively increased, urgent volume of these supplies to the frontline in this exceptional set of circumstances.
"Working with our partners, we are now seeing much increased capacity, and a more responsive supply chain to help take us through the coronavirus outbreak. We are extremely grateful for the Army's support in doing so."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 NHS staff beg public to stay at home
The health secretary added: "In the face of this unprecedented global emergency, never has the need to bolster our workforce and arm them with the vital tools they need to save lives been more crucial.
"We are taking urgent action to ensure dedicated frontline NHS and social care staff - who are working tirelessly to tackle this outbreak - feel supported.
"We are working round the clock to make sure trucks are on the ground across the country delivering protective equipment to all who need it, so they are well-equipped to continue to fight the virus."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: When are supermarkets open just for NHS staff and elderly customers?

Supermarkets have announced `` golden '' hours to help the elderly and NHS workers buy essential supplies and groceries during the coronavirus pandemic .
It comes amid mass panic buying which has left some stores stripped of goods as those most vulnerable , along with nurses and doctors , struggle to access `` hard to find '' items including pasta , milk , fresh fruit and vegetables at all times of the day .
Here 's what each of the supermarkets are doing : Tesco National Health Service staff , who show an NHS employee card , will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour ahead of normal opening times every Sunday .
Every Monday , Wednesday and Friday , in the hour between 9am and 10am , the elderly and most vulnerable will be given priority .
Sainsbury's NHS and social care workers have a dedicated shopping slot between 7.30am and 8am Monday to Saturday .
The elderly and vulnerable , groups that are at high risk of COVID-19 , will be given a preferential shopping hour every Monday , Wednesday and Friday between 8am and 9am .
Asda Priority access will be given to NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am .
However the supermarket said it has n't allocated a specific time for the elderly but will be assisting the most vulnerable get access to its online delivery service .
Morrisons NHS staff will be given early access between 7am and 8am , every day except on Sundays .
Similar to Asda , Morrisons said it did not have specific hours for the elderly and vulnerable .
M & S NHS staff will be given exclusive access to their stores for the first trading hour every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Thursday the first hour has been set aside for the elderly and vulnerable .
Waitrose The upmarket grocery chain said it has set aside the first hour of their store openings for the elderly , vulnerable and those who look after them .
Although it did not have any specific hours set aside for NHS workers , Waitrose said it was keeping a portion of fast-selling essentials items and groceries reserved for them .
Aldi The discount supermarket will open between 9.30am and 10am on Sundays ( 8.30am and 9am in Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS , police and fire service .
Aldi said eligible customers will be able to take priority at checkouts when they open at 10am .

Supermarkets have announced "golden" hours to help the elderly and NHS workers buy essential supplies and groceries during the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes amid mass panic buying which has left some stores stripped of goods as those most vulnerable, along with nurses and doctors, struggle to access "hard to find" items including pasta, milk, fresh fruit and vegetables at all times of the day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 Tearful nurse pleads for end to panic buying
Here's what each of the supermarkets are doing:
Tesco
National Health Service staff, who show an NHS employee card, will be allowed to fill up their trolleys for an hour ahead of normal opening times every Sunday.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, in the hour between 9am and 10am, the elderly and most vulnerable will be given priority.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 NHS boss: Panic buyers 'should be ashamed'
Sainsbury's
NHS and social care workers have a dedicated shopping slot between 7.30am and 8am Monday to Saturday.
The elderly and vulnerable, groups that are at high risk of COVID-19, will be given a preferential shopping hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8am and 9am.
Asda
Priority access will be given to NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.
However the supermarket said it hasn't allocated a specific time for the elderly but will be assisting the most vulnerable get access to its online delivery service.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Coronavirus: Shoppers queue around car park
Morrisons
NHS staff will be given early access between 7am and 8am, every day except on Sundays. Similar to Asda, Morrisons said it did not have specific hours for the elderly and vulnerable.
M&S
NHS staff will be given exclusive access to their stores for the first trading hour every Tuesday and Friday, while on Monday and Thursday the first hour has been set aside for the elderly and vulnerable.
Waitrose
The upmarket grocery chain said it has set aside the first hour of their store openings for the elderly, vulnerable and those who look after them.
Although it did not have any specific hours set aside for NHS workers, Waitrose said it was keeping a portion of fast-selling essentials items and groceries reserved for them.
Aldi
The discount supermarket will open between 9.30am and 10am on Sundays (8.30am and 9am in Scotland) solely for key workers in the NHS, police and fire service.
Aldi said eligible customers will be able to take priority at checkouts when they open at 10am.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Wuhan lockdown to be lifted - how did it get there?

As the UK continues to take drastic action to reduce the spread of coronavirus , China , the country where the disease originated , is slowly returning to normal .
Authorities in Hubei , the province where the COVID-19 outbreak started , announced they are lifting tight travel restrictions from Wednesday - providing people have a clean bill of health .
And in Wuhan , the provincial capital where the first coronavirus cases occurred , they are due to have their two-month lockdown lifted on 8 April .
Monday marked the first time in weeks people had been seen returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in their houses to try and curb the spread .
Photographs from Shanghai showed a couple posing for wedding photographs , while people in Beijing were seen enjoying walks in its many parks .
However , cities across China and nearby countries including Singapore and Taiwan , are now trying to prevent a second wave of cases as people travel back in .
Beijing , Shanghai , Hong Kong and other major cities have imposed mandatory 14 day quarantines for all returnees , while Beijing will also require everyone arriving from overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
So how did China get to this position ?
What is the number of cases and deaths currently in China ?
The number of reported cases in China has been decreasing since mid-February - and since 6 March , the number of newly infected is under 100 , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .
On 22 March , there were 92 new cases of COVID-19 , six deaths and 505 recoveries recorded in China .
Since the beginning of the outbreak , 81,553 people in China have caught the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,281 ) died after contracting the disease , while 90 % ( 73,277 ) have recovered in the country .
Italy has a total of 63,927 cases and nearly double the amount of reported deaths than China has reported , according to Johns Hopkins University .
While there are six people infected per 100,000 population in China , there are 98 per 100,000 in Italy .
The fatality rate in Italy is also higher than China 's .
While 4 % of people in China died , 9.5 % of those who contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounting to 6,077 .
Just under 11 % of those infected have recovered in Italy , which is 7,432 people .
This percentage is far from the Chinese figure of 90 % , but the outbreak in Italy started much later .
Italy passed 100 recorded cases on 23 February , just over three weeks from when the first case was reported on 31 January , while China reached this figure in mid-January .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the same devastating figures as Italians if people do not abide by the social distancing rules , which are now being enforced through a lockdown .
What is the timeline of events in China and when did it go into lockdown ?
On 31 December last year , the Chinese government announced the first cases of COVID-19 , a strand of coronavirus .
It was believed to have originated in a food market in Wuhan , located in the central Chinese province of Hubei .
At the time , there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by humans .
Health officials in China said they were monitoring it to prevent the outbreak from developing into something more severe .
Eleven days later , the virus became deadly after a 61-year-old man , who had abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease , died after contracting the disease .
By 20 January , it had spread to major places such as Bejing and Shenzhen .
On 23 January , Wuhan and other cities in Hubei were placed on lockdown .
How did they manage to tackle the disease ?
China has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
It was praised in a report by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) for tackling the virus head-on after initially being criticised for suppressing information and downplaying the risk of the disease .
Measures used to combat the virus included building extra healthcare facilities to treat ill patients , using technology to help investigators tackle how the virus was spreading , where it was spreading to and making sure the travel restrictions were obeyed , as well as the closure of public areas .
Other efforts - recognised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Dr Wannian Liang - included support from the community to those who were ill , extra hospital staff hired and supplies given , early clinical trials and reopening schools and offices again quickly to boost the economy .
Since then , it has cautiously been allowing different areas to return to normal once the number of cases slowly began subsiding .
Not entirely , but it is getting there .
Earlier this month , towns and cities surrounding Wuhan began gradually relaxing their rules around social isolation as the number of daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked the local authorities allowing residents in Wuhan to return to work , provided they did not have a temperature , had been given the all-clear and a certificate from their employer .
The two-month lockdown is being lifted in Hubei province at midnight on Tuesday , with people allowed to leave the province provided they can prove they have a clean bill of health .
Officials said the travel restrictions on Wuhan will be lifted on 8 April .

As the UK continues to take drastic action to reduce the spread of coronavirus, China, the country where the disease originated, is slowly returning to normal.
Authorities in Hubei, the province where the COVID-19 outbreak started, announced they are lifting tight travel restrictions from Wednesday - providing people have a clean bill of health.
And in Wuhan, the provincial capital where the first coronavirus cases occurred, they are due to have their two-month lockdown lifted on 8 April.
Monday marked the first time in weeks people had been seen returning to China's streets after being locked up in their houses to try and curb the spread.
Image: A couple have with their wedding photo shoot in Shanghai surrounded by people in face masks
Photographs from Shanghai showed a couple posing for wedding photographs, while people in Beijing were seen enjoying walks in its many parks.
However, cities across China and nearby countries including Singapore and Taiwan, are now trying to prevent a second wave of cases as people travel back in.
Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and other major cities have imposed mandatory 14 day quarantines for all returnees, while Beijing will also require everyone arriving from overseas to be tested ahead of that from Wednesday.
So how did China get to this position?
What is the number of cases and deaths currently in China?
Advertisement
The number of reported cases in China has been decreasing since mid-February - and since 6 March, the number of newly infected is under 100, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
On 22 March, there were 92 new cases of COVID-19, six deaths and 505 recoveries recorded in China.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, 81,553 people in China have caught the virus, 4% of them (3,281) died after contracting the disease, while 90% (73,277) have recovered in the country.
Italy has a total of 63,927 cases and nearly double the amount of reported deaths than China has reported, according to Johns Hopkins University.
While there are six people infected per 100,000 population in China, there are 98 per 100,000 in Italy.
The fatality rate in Italy is also higher than China's. While 4% of people in China died, 9.5% of those who contracted the virus have died in Italy, amounting to 6,077.
Just under 11% of those infected have recovered in Italy, which is 7,432 people. This percentage is far from the Chinese figure of 90%, but the outbreak in Italy started much later.
Italy passed 100 recorded cases on 23 February, just over three weeks from when the first case was reported on 31 January, while China reached this figure in mid-January.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The UK government has consistently warned the UK will face the same devastating figures as Italians if people do not abide by the social distancing rules, which are now being enforced through a lockdown.
What is the timeline of events in China and when did it go into lockdown?
On 31 December last year, the Chinese government announced the first cases of COVID-19, a strand of coronavirus.
It was believed to have originated in a food market in Wuhan, located in the central Chinese province of Hubei.
At the time, there was no evidence that the virus was readily spread by humans. Health officials in China said they were monitoring it to prevent the outbreak from developing into something more severe.
Image: Wuhan's two-month lockdown is due to be lifted on 8 April
Eleven days later, the virus became deadly after a 61-year-old man, who had abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease, died after contracting the disease.
By 20 January, it had spread to major places such as Bejing and Shenzhen. On 23 January, Wuhan and other cities in Hubei were placed on lockdown.
How did they manage to tackle the disease?
China has been very stringent in its battle against the virus. It was praised in a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for tackling the virus head-on after initially being criticised for suppressing information and downplaying the risk of the disease.
Measures used to combat the virus included building extra healthcare facilities to treat ill patients, using technology to help investigators tackle how the virus was spreading, where it was spreading to and making sure the travel restrictions were obeyed, as well as the closure of public areas.
Other efforts - recognised by the WHO report authors Dr Bruce Aylward and Dr Wannian Liang - included support from the community to those who were ill, extra hospital staff hired and supplies given, early clinical trials and reopening schools and offices again quickly to boost the economy.
Since then, it has cautiously been allowing different areas to return to normal once the number of cases slowly began subsiding.
Has China returned to normality?
Not entirely, but it is getting there.
Earlier this month, towns and cities surrounding Wuhan began gradually relaxing their rules around social isolation as the number of daily cases dropped and recoveries increased.
Sunday marked the local authorities allowing residents in Wuhan to return to work, provided they did not have a temperature, had been given the all-clear and a certificate from their employer.
The two-month lockdown is being lifted in Hubei province at midnight on Tuesday, with people allowed to leave the province provided they can prove they have a clean bill of health.
Officials said the travel restrictions on Wuhan will be lifted on 8 April.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Jury in PC Andrew Harper murder trial discharged over COVID-19 outbreak

The jury in the trial of three teenagers accused of the murder of PC Andrew Harper has been discharged after three jurors placed themselves in self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It comes as a decision has been to put on hold all jury trials in England and Wales to halt the spead of the coronavirus .
The 28-year-old Thames Valley officer died after he was dragged behind a car driven by suspected thieves while responding to an emergency call near Sulhamstead in West Berkshire last August .
Henry Long , 18 , and two 17-year-old boys , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were charged over his death , but their murder trial has now been adjourned after the jury of 12 men and women was depleted due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Justice Edis told the court on Monday that he had made the decision with a `` heavy heart '' after a third juror went into self-isolation over the weekend , following two others last week .
`` It is with great regret that I have decided to discharge the jury and to adjourn this trial , '' said the judge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heavy heart because I am acutely conscious of the need of those who loved Police Constable Harper , who would have been 29 yesterday , for this process to come to a conclusion . ''
A review hearing is set for 1 June for the judge to set a new trial date , with the defendants to remain in custody until then .
Long , of Mortimer , Reading , has admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike but denied murder .
The two other teenagers admitted conspiracy to steal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard last week that PC Harper 's legs became entangled in a tow rope as he tried to apprehend quad bike thieves .
He was probably knocked unconscious as he fell , then dragged for more than a mile along country lanes behind a Seat Toledo driven by Long , the court was told .
Colleagues desperately tried to save him but he suffered `` absolutely catastrophic , unsurvivable injuries '' and died at the scene .
Over the past two weeks , the jury viewed harrowing dash-cam footage and heard several eyewitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he first mistook PC Harper 's body for a bloodied deer being dragged behind a car .
The trial was among eight at the Old Bailey that continued last week despite the pandemic , while more than a dozen high-profile trials at the UK 's top criminal court had already been postponed .

The jury in the trial of three teenagers accused of the murder of PC Andrew Harper has been discharged after three jurors placed themselves in self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as a decision has been to put on hold all jury trials in England and Wales to halt the spead of the coronavirus.
The 28-year-old Thames Valley officer died after he was dragged behind a car driven by suspected thieves while responding to an emergency call near Sulhamstead in West Berkshire last August.
Henry Long, 18, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged over his death, but their murder trial has now been adjourned after the jury of 12 men and women was depleted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Justice Edis told the court on Monday that he had made the decision with a "heavy heart" after a third juror went into self-isolation over the weekend, following two others last week.
"It is with great regret that I have decided to discharge the jury and to adjourn this trial," said the judge.
"I have taken this decision with a heavy heart because I am acutely conscious of the need of those who loved Police Constable Harper, who would have been 29 yesterday, for this process to come to a conclusion."
Image: Hundreds of people, including police colleagues, attended PC Harper's funeral in Oxford last October
A review hearing is set for 1 June for the judge to set a new trial date, with the defendants to remain in custody until then.
Long, of Mortimer, Reading, has admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike but denied murder.
Advertisement
The two other teenagers admitted conspiracy to steal but denied murder and manslaughter.
Jurors heard last week that PC Harper's legs became entangled in a tow rope as he tried to apprehend quad bike thieves.
He was probably knocked unconscious as he fell, then dragged for more than a mile along country lanes behind a Seat Toledo driven by Long, the court was told.
Colleagues desperately tried to save him but he suffered "absolutely catastrophic, unsurvivable injuries" and died at the scene.
Over the past two weeks, the jury viewed harrowing dash-cam footage and heard several eyewitness accounts, with one witness describing how he first mistook PC Harper's body for a bloodied deer being dragged behind a car.
The trial was among eight at the Old Bailey that continued last week despite the pandemic, while more than a dozen high-profile trials at the UK's top criminal court had already been postponed.