news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus deaths in UK reach 30,615 after 539 more die

Another 539 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in the UK , bringing the total to 30,615 .
The figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community , as of 5pm on Wednesday .
The previous total number , released yesterday , showed the UK had passed 30,000 deaths after a rise of 649 - the first European country to do so .
Experts have urged caution over international comparisons as nations record COVID-19 deaths differently .
In England , there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total to 22,432 .
In Scotland , there have been 59 further fatalities , with the total now 1,762 .
In Wales , 18 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number to 1,062 .
And in Northern Ireland , a four further coronavirus deaths have been reported , bringing the total number of fatalities to 422 .
The number of daily COVID-19 tests being carried out in the UK has fallen below 100,000 for the fifth day in a row .
The latest figures show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours to 9am on Thursday , up from 69,463 the day before .
The last time the government passed 100,000 a day was on 2 May .
The target was set by Health Secretary Matt Hancock for the end of April and was reached but with some criticism .
The government claimed it met the target on 30 April but it included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned , including several which people were told to bin .
Dr Jenny Harries , the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Downing Street news briefing that there had been a `` technical hitch '' in a laboratory .
Boris Johnson is planning to ramp up testing to 200,000 tests a day by the end of May .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Department of Health 's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19 .
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May .
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland ( 2,795 deaths registered up to 3 May ) and Northern Ireland ( 393 deaths registered up to 29 April ) , it means a total of 32,898 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK .

Another 539 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in the UK, bringing the total to 30,615.
The figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community, as of 5pm on Wednesday.
The previous total number, released yesterday, showed the UK had passed 30,000 deaths after a rise of 649 - the first European country to do so.
Image: The UK has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe
Experts have urged caution over international comparisons as nations record COVID-19 deaths differently.
In England, there have been 383 new deaths in hospitals, taking the total to 22,432.
In Scotland, there have been 59 further fatalities, with the total now 1,762.
In Wales, 18 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number to 1,062.
And in Northern Ireland, a four further coronavirus deaths have been reported, bringing the total number of fatalities to 422.
The number of daily COVID-19 tests being carried out in the UK has fallen below 100,000 for the fifth day in a row.
Advertisement
Image: The number of daily COVID-19 tests has fallen below 100,000 for the fifth day in a row
The latest figures show there were 86,583 tests in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday, up from 69,463 the day before.
The last time the government passed 100,000 a day was on 2 May. The target was set by Health Secretary Matt Hancock for the end of April and was reached but with some criticism.
The government claimed it met the target on 30 April but it included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned, including several which people were told to bin.
Dr Jenny Harries, the government's deputy chief medical officer, told Thursday's Downing Street news briefing that there had been a "technical hitch" in a laboratory.
Boris Johnson is planning to ramp up testing to 200,000 tests a day by the end of May.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Department of Health's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate, including suspected COVID-19.
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May.
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland (2,795 deaths registered up to 3 May) and Northern Ireland (393 deaths registered up to 29 April), it means a total of 32,898 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: 'Very limited' lockdown changes in England next week, says Downing Street

Lockdown changes in England from next week will be `` very limited '' , Boris Johnson 's spokesman has confirmed .
The prime minister will use `` maximum caution '' when starting to ease some of the strict social distancing measures that have been in force for nearly seven weeks during the coronavirus crisis , his spokesman said .
He told reporters on Thursday : `` We are at a critical moment in the fight against the virus and we will not do anything that risks the progress the British public has made .
More than 30,000 people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest number of deaths in Europe .
Mr Johnson revealed at Prime Minister 's Questions this week that he wants to `` get going '' with tweaking some lockdown measures from Monday .
But Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the stay at home message will be extended for another three weeks .
She insisted she will not be pressured into changing anything too early that would be `` very , very risky '' .
Measures in Wales and Northern Ireland will be decided by the devolved governments in each nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video call on Thursday ahead of his planned TV address to the nation this Sunday on the next stage of the lockdown , now that the peak of deaths appears to have passed .
His spokesman said the PM told the cabinet : `` We are not going to do anything that could risk a second peak .
`` We will proceed with maximum caution , closely track impact of easing measures and will not hesitate to change track if required . ''
As part of the changes , Mr Johnson is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home '' slogan and relax the limit on going out to exercise once a day only .
With summer approaching , he may give the go-ahead to picnics , trips to the park and outings in the countryside , Sky 's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said .
But English primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May , secondary schools not before the end of June and it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again .
Mr Johnson is expected to field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday next week .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer 's spokesman said he and other opposition leaders held a `` constructive '' call with the prime minister but pressed for `` a national consensus on the next phase '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Plaid Cymru 's Westminster leader claimed briefings about the strategy had bred confusion and led people to think wrongly changes had come into effect before the Bank Holiday weekend .
`` If his commitment to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean anything , the Welsh , Scottish and Northern Irish governments must agree to any changes to the current approach , '' she said .

Lockdown changes in England from next week will be "very limited", Boris Johnson's spokesman has confirmed.
The prime minister will use "maximum caution" when starting to ease some of the strict social distancing measures that have been in force for nearly seven weeks during the coronavirus crisis, his spokesman said.
He told reporters on Thursday: "We are at a critical moment in the fight against the virus and we will not do anything that risks the progress the British public has made.
Image: Boris Johnson will give a TV address on Sunday on the next stage of the lockdown
More than 30,000 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK - the highest number of deaths in Europe.
Mr Johnson revealed at Prime Minister's Questions this week that he wants to "get going" with tweaking some lockdown measures from Monday.
But Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the stay at home message will be extended for another three weeks.
She insisted she will not be pressured into changing anything too early that would be "very, very risky".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Lockdown changes 'not yet discussed' with Scottish govt
Measures in Wales and Northern Ireland will be decided by the devolved governments in each nation.
Mr Johnson gathered senior ministers for a video call on Thursday ahead of his planned TV address to the nation this Sunday on the next stage of the lockdown, now that the peak of deaths appears to have passed.
Advertisement
His spokesman said the PM told the cabinet: "We are not going to do anything that could risk a second peak.
"We will proceed with maximum caution, closely track impact of easing measures and will not hesitate to change track if required."
As part of the changes, Mr Johnson is preparing to amend the "stay at home" slogan and relax the limit on going out to exercise once a day only.
With summer approaching, he may give the go-ahead to picnics, trips to the park and outings in the countryside, Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said.
But English primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May, secondary schools not before the end of June and it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again.
Mr Johnson is expected to field questions from MPs about his plan on Monday next week.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said he and other opposition leaders held a "constructive" call with the prime minister but pressed for "a national consensus on the next phase".
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
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader claimed briefings about the strategy had bred confusion and led people to think wrongly changes had come into effect before the Bank Holiday weekend.
"If his commitment to the four nations of the UK is to mean anything, the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish governments must agree to any changes to the current approach," she said.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Passengers asked to wear face coverings and gloves at UK airports

Passengers at three UK airports are now being asked to wear face coverings and gloves .
Those travelling through Manchester , London Stansted and East Midlands are being encouraged to bring their own face masks or face coverings and gloves due to the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the airports will provide them in the early stages of the trial .
The three airports , operated by Manchester Airports Group ( MAG ) , are the first in the UK to ask passengers to wear face coverings .
MAG said the move was designed to make the few people still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying .
It also believes it represents a first step in showing how air travel can be made safer if more passengers begin travelling again .
Staff serving passengers will also wear gloves and face masks from Thursday .
Temperature screening of some travellers will also be trialled , although the results will not be immediately told to passengers or used to decide if they can fly .
People might also be asked in future to make a health declaration in order to enter the group 's airports .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker MAG 's chief executive Charlie Cornish said : `` It 's clear that social distancing will not work on any form of public transport .
`` But we 're confident that when the time is right , people will be able to travel safely .
`` MAG has been working with the rest of the airport industry on a new safety framework for travel .
`` We now need to work urgently with government to agree how we operate in the future .
`` This has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be confident about flying , and to get tourism and travel going again .
`` At MAG we 've taken expert medical advice on how people can travel safely , and we 're pleased to be piloting these new measures at our airports for those passengers who do still need to travel .
`` We expect to be able to agree a new framework by the end of May that will support a restart of the industry as soon as possible . ''
The owner of British Airways has said it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of flights from July .
London 's Heathrow , the UK 's busiest airport , has already announced it will trial temperature screening to monitor people moving through the airport for signs of coronavirus .
The airport might also use UV sanitation to quickly cleanse trays at security .
Air travel is estimated to have fallen by up to 95 % since COVID-19 prompted lockdowns across the world .

Passengers at three UK airports are now being asked to wear face coverings and gloves.
Those travelling through Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands are being encouraged to bring their own face masks or face coverings and gloves due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the airports will provide them in the early stages of the trial.
Image: Manchester Airport is usually the UK's third busiest
The three airports, operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), are the first in the UK to ask passengers to wear face coverings.
MAG said the move was designed to make the few people still making essential journeys feel more confident about flying.
It also believes it represents a first step in showing how air travel can be made safer if more passengers begin travelling again.
MAG's airports had already adopted social distancing measures.
Staff serving passengers will also wear gloves and face masks from Thursday.
Temperature screening of some travellers will also be trialled, although the results will not be immediately told to passengers or used to decide if they can fly.
Advertisement
People might also be asked in future to make a health declaration in order to enter the group's airports.
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
MAG's chief executive Charlie Cornish said: "It's clear that social distancing will not work on any form of public transport.
"But we're confident that when the time is right, people will be able to travel safely.
"MAG has been working with the rest of the airport industry on a new safety framework for travel.
"We now need to work urgently with government to agree how we operate in the future.
"This has to be a top priority so that people can be confident about flying, and to get tourism and travel going again.
"At MAG we've taken expert medical advice on how people can travel safely, and we're pleased to be piloting these new measures at our airports for those passengers who do still need to travel.
"We expect to be able to agree a new framework by the end of May that will support a restart of the industry as soon as possible."
The owner of British Airways has said it is planning for a "meaningful return" of flights from July.
London's Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, has already announced it will trial temperature screening to monitor people moving through the airport for signs of coronavirus.
The airport might also use UV sanitation to quickly cleanse trays at security.
Air travel is estimated to have fallen by up to 95% since COVID-19 prompted lockdowns across the world.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Hairdressers warned not to flout restrictions ahead of lockdown easing

Hairdressers across the UK have been warned not to offer home visits .
Salons have been closed since the government shutdown on 23 March , but some mobile stylists are still advertising home visits online .
A number of customers say they have been offered appointments for next week in anticipation of Boris Johnson 's revision of Britain 's coronavirus restrictions on Sunday .
The National Hair and Beauty Federation ( NHBF ) has warned hairdressers and barbers that they should not be operating under any circumstances until the government gives them the green light .
In a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the NHBF said : `` This would be against the government 's strict social distancing instructions which say you must stay at home apart from essential travel .
`` We need to do all we can to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Also - please bear in mind that your insurance will probably not cover you if you normally work in a salon or barbershop . ''
It also advised against stylists delivering hair dye to customers ' homes , even if social distancing is maintained , because users could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
Chief executive Hilary Hall told Sky News : `` Following the announcement of government lockdown rules , a lot of our members were inundated with requests from clients to deliver at-home services , which we have strongly advised against .
`` We are working with the government to determine the best way that salons and barbershops can re-open safely .
`` Although we are hearing about discussions within government to start to ease lockdown measures , we are still urging our industry to stay safe and follow the rules . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile services on Gumtree , Facebook and Instagram .
One trainee hairdresser is offering free cuts on Gumtree in Chester-le-Street , County Durham .
The adverts reads : `` Mobile hairdresser in the north east .
Doing free lockdown cuts to help with the current situation also to help me gain my NVQ level 3 . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The NHBF said its members have been bombarded with requests for `` lockdown cuts '' from clients pleading with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Kew in west London wrote on Twitter : `` Really really promising news ; my hairdresser has given me an appointment for next Tuesday as lockdown might allow hairdressers to work .
So very excited !
! ''
One mobile hairdresser told Sky News she is booking customers in from 26 May in anticipation of the prime minister 's announcement this weekend .
The mother of one , who works from home in Buckinghamshire , says she has already had to book and cancel a wave of appointments twice after mixed messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am hoping to be back at work by 26 May , but when I can work again I am really changing from what I normally do . ''
In Ireland , hairdressers are being offered up to four times the usual price for a haircut , with treatments that usually cost between €40 and €50 seen for €200 ( £174 ) on the black market , reports RTE .
Salons in Ireland will not re-open until 20 July , according to the government 's roadmap for easing restrictions .

Hairdressers across the UK have been warned not to offer home visits.
Salons have been closed since the government shutdown on 23 March, but some mobile stylists are still advertising home visits online.
A number of customers say they have been offered appointments for next week in anticipation of Boris Johnson's revision of Britain's coronavirus restrictions on Sunday.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has warned hairdressers and barbers that they should not be operating under any circumstances until the government gives them the green light.
In a letter to members urging them not to flout restrictions, the NHBF said: "This would be against the government's strict social distancing instructions which say you must stay at home apart from essential travel.
"We need to do all we can to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Also - please bear in mind that your insurance will probably not cover you if you normally work in a salon or barbershop."
It also advised against stylists delivering hair dye to customers' homes, even if social distancing is maintained, because users could have an allergic reaction or complain of poor results.
Chief executive Hilary Hall told Sky News: "Following the announcement of government lockdown rules, a lot of our members were inundated with requests from clients to deliver at-home services, which we have strongly advised against.
"We are working with the government to determine the best way that salons and barbershops can re-open safely.
Advertisement
"Although we are hearing about discussions within government to start to ease lockdown measures, we are still urging our industry to stay safe and follow the rules."
But many freelance hairdressers are still advertising mobile services on Gumtree, Facebook and Instagram.
One trainee hairdresser is offering free cuts on Gumtree in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.
The adverts reads: "Mobile hairdresser in the north east. Doing free lockdown cuts to help with the current situation also to help me gain my NVQ level 3."
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
The NHBF said its members have been bombarded with requests for "lockdown cuts" from clients pleading with stylists to break restrictions.
A woman from Kew in west London wrote on Twitter: "Really really promising news; my hairdresser has given me an appointment for next Tuesday as lockdown might allow hairdressers to work. So very excited!!"
One mobile hairdresser told Sky News she is booking customers in from 26 May in anticipation of the prime minister's announcement this weekend.
The mother of one, who works from home in Buckinghamshire, says she has already had to book and cancel a wave of appointments twice after mixed messages from the government.
She said: "I am hoping to be back at work by 26 May, but when I can work again I am really changing from what I normally do."
In Ireland, hairdressers are being offered up to four times the usual price for a haircut, with treatments that usually cost between €40 and €50 seen for €200 (£174) on the black market, reports RTE.
Salons in Ireland will not re-open until 20 July, according to the government's roadmap for easing restrictions.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: New study reveals which lockdown measures could be safely lifted first

New research suggests that closing schools , banning mass gatherings and shutting some non-essential businesses are the most effective ways of stopping the spread of coronavirus .
Scientists at the University of East Anglia studied the success of different social distancing measures in 30 European countries and found these three had the biggest impact .
To do this they looked at the number of coronavirus cases and deaths using daily figures from the European Centre for Disease Control .
They then compared them with the dates different restrictions were adopted across Europe .
The study , which has not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , closing all non-essential businesses and requiring people to wear facemasks in public have little additional impact .
If correct this suggest these measures should be among the first to be relaxed as governments look for ways to safely end lockdown .
Boris Johnson is expected to announce changes to the current coronavirus restriction in a TV address on Sunday .
But his spokesperson said today thatchanges in England will initially be `` very limited '' .
When pupils can return to school is among the questions it is hoped the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision could prove particularly important as the UEA study found that school closures in Europe had the greatest association with a subsequent reduction in the spread of the virus .
However , the study 's lead researcher Professor Paul Hunter from UEA 's Norwich Medical School said the study did not answer the question as to whether children could pass the disease to adults .
`` And it does not identify which level of school closure has the most impact whether it is primary , junior , senior school or even higher education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's also important to remember that our results are based on total closure , so it is possible that partial school closures could have worthwhile impacts on the spread of infection . ''
The study found that banning public and private mass gatherings has the second biggest effect on the spread of the disease .
However , it did not reveal how big a gathering needed to be before it posed a risk and should be banned .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential shops could be allowed to open safely , as their closure had little effect on the spread of coronavirus .
But shutting businesses where people congregate such as pubs , leisure centres , restaurants and other entertainment venues did have a significant impact .
In contrast scientists say the stay-at-home orders , like the ones currently in place in the UK , did not appear to have had a significant effect .
The study also found that the impact of facemasks was unclear .
`` The use of face coverings initially seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Dr Julii Brainard , also from UEA 's medical school .
`` However , after day 15 of the face covering advisories or requirements , we saw that the number of cases started to rise - with a similar pattern for the number of deaths .
`` Face coverings may even be associated with increased risk , but the data quality for this is very uncertain .
`` The results on face coverings are too preliminary to reliably inform policy , but what results are available do not support their widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face covering as an intervention certainly merits close monitoring , '' she added .

New research suggests that closing schools, banning mass gatherings and shutting some non-essential businesses are the most effective ways of stopping the spread of coronavirus.
Scientists at the University of East Anglia studied the success of different social distancing measures in 30 European countries and found these three had the biggest impact.
To do this they looked at the number of coronavirus cases and deaths using daily figures from the European Centre for Disease Control.
They then compared them with the dates different restrictions were adopted across Europe.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Nicola Sturgeon says she has not had a discussion with Boris Johnson yet about what changes he might make
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, suggests that stay-at-home orders, closing all non-essential businesses and requiring people to wear facemasks in public have little additional impact.
If correct this suggest these measures should be among the first to be relaxed as governments look for ways to safely end lockdown.
Boris Johnson is expected to announce changes to the current coronavirus restriction in a TV address on Sunday.
But his spokesperson said today thatchanges in England will initially be "very limited".
When pupils can return to school is among the questions it is hoped the prime minister will answer in his address.
Advertisement
The decision could prove particularly important as the UEA study found that school closures in Europe had the greatest association with a subsequent reduction in the spread of the virus.
However, the study's lead researcher Professor Paul Hunter from UEA's Norwich Medical School said the study did not answer the question as to whether children could pass the disease to adults.
"And it does not identify which level of school closure has the most impact whether it is primary, junior, senior school or even higher education," he added.
"It's also important to remember that our results are based on total closure, so it is possible that partial school closures could have worthwhile impacts on the spread of infection."
The study found that banning public and private mass gatherings has the second biggest effect on the spread of the disease.
However, it did not reveal how big a gathering needed to be before it posed a risk and should be banned.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The research also suggested that non-essential shops could be allowed to open safely, as their closure had little effect on the spread of coronavirus.
But shutting businesses where people congregate such as pubs, leisure centres, restaurants and other entertainment venues did have a significant impact.
In contrast scientists say the stay-at-home orders, like the ones currently in place in the UK, did not appear to have had a significant effect.
The study also found that the impact of facemasks was unclear.
Image: Face masks are mandatory in some countries
"The use of face coverings initially seems to have had a protective effect," said Dr Julii Brainard, also from UEA's medical school.
"However, after day 15 of the face covering advisories or requirements, we saw that the number of cases started to rise - with a similar pattern for the number of deaths.
"Face coverings may even be associated with increased risk, but the data quality for this is very uncertain.
"The results on face coverings are too preliminary to reliably inform policy, but what results are available do not support their widespread use in the community.
"Wearing face covering as an intervention certainly merits close monitoring," she added.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Picnics, park trips and days out considered as Johnson mulls easing lockdown

Boris Johnson is preparing important changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules , including amending the `` stay at home '' slogan and relaxing the one-exercise-a day limit .
On the day the second three-week period of restrictions comes to an end , the prime minister is chairing a crucial meeting of his cabinet and talk to the leaders of opposition parties .
He announced to MPs in the Commons that he plans to outline changes to the lockdown rules in England in a TV address on Sunday , with the first of the new guidelines coming into force on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as relaxing the `` stay at home '' rule and allowing unlimited exercise , the PM may give the go-ahead to picnics , trips to the park and outings in the countryside .
And he gave a hint of his proposed change to the government 's coronavirus slogan from `` Stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' when he tweeted : `` We have come so far .
Let 's keep going . ''
But primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May , secondary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again .
The devolved governments in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of lockdown measures in those respective nations but the prime minister has said he wants the whole UK to move together as one .
Mr Johnson announced the initial lockdown measures in a sombre TV broadcast on 23 March , only a few days before he tested positive for COVID-19 and began self-isolating .
`` I must give the British people a very simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he declared .
`` If you do n't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing gatherings . ''
But he added : `` I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review .
We will look again in three weeks , and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to . ''
But three weeks later Mr Johnson was recovering at Chequers after spending a week in hospital , including three nights in intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his absence , his stand-in , Dominic Raab , announced that based on scientific advice the government had determined that the measures had to remain in place for at least another three weeks .
Now those three weeks are up , although there will still be no major changes , senior ministers have signalled that there will be adjustments to the rules on outdoor activities and moves to help people return to work .
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` There is strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much lower , so there may be workarounds that some businesses , for instance cafes , especially over the summer , may be able to put into place . ''
And the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced at the latest daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference that moves were underway to get the economy moving again .
Mr Jenrick said his department was drawing up plans on how workplaces could be adapted to make them safer and how parks , high streets , markets and transport could be managed with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everything we can do is done to help people get back to work safely and to reintroduce the things that make life worth living , in a safe way when it is safe to do so , '' he said .
But with the government struggling to meet its targets on coronavirus testing , minsters face a tough task persuading a sceptical and fearful British public that it is safe to return to work .
In Prime Minister 's Questions , Mr Johnson declared that his ambition was to reach 200,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month `` and then to go even higher '' .
But later , at the news conference , Mr Jenrick was forced to admit that the latest daily testing number was under 70,000 and Mr Hancock 's 100,000-a-day target by the end of April had been missed for the fourth day running .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth challenged the government : `` Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days in a row .
`` A test , trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus .
Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising . ''

Boris Johnson is preparing important changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules, including amending the "stay at home" slogan and relaxing the one-exercise-a day limit.
On the day the second three-week period of restrictions comes to an end, the prime minister is chairing a crucial meeting of his cabinet and talk to the leaders of opposition parties.
He announced to MPs in the Commons that he plans to outline changes to the lockdown rules in England in a TV address on Sunday, with the first of the new guidelines coming into force on Monday.
With summer approaching, as well as relaxing the "stay at home" rule and allowing unlimited exercise, the PM may give the go-ahead to picnics, trips to the park and outings in the countryside.
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
And he gave a hint of his proposed change to the government's coronavirus slogan from "Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" when he tweeted: "We have come so far. Let's keep going."
But primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May, secondary schools not before the end of June and it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again.
The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of lockdown measures in those respective nations but the prime minister has said he wants the whole UK to move together as one.
Mr Johnson announced the initial lockdown measures in a sombre TV broadcast on 23 March, only a few days before he tested positive for COVID-19 and began self-isolating.
"I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home," he declared. "If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."
Advertisement
But he added: "I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 29 March: PM's video message from his virus isolation
But three weeks later Mr Johnson was recovering at Chequers after spending a week in hospital, including three nights in intensive care, battling to overcome coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:13 12 April:'The NHS saved my life, no question'
In his absence, his stand-in, Dominic Raab, announced that based on scientific advice the government had determined that the measures had to remain in place for at least another three weeks.
Now those three weeks are up, although there will still be no major changes, senior ministers have signalled that there will be adjustments to the rules on outdoor activities and moves to help people return to work.
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "There is strong evidence that outdoors the spread is much, much lower, so there may be workarounds that some businesses, for instance cafes, especially over the summer, may be able to put into place."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Matt Hancock questioned on COVID- 19 response
And the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced at the latest daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference that moves were underway to get the economy moving again.
Mr Jenrick said his department was drawing up plans on how workplaces could be adapted to make them safer and how parks, high streets, markets and transport could be managed with social distancing.
"Our mission is to ensure that everything we can do is done to help people get back to work safely and to reintroduce the things that make life worth living, in a safe way when it is safe to do so," he said.
But with the government struggling to meet its targets on coronavirus testing, minsters face a tough task persuading a sceptical and fearful British public that it is safe to return to work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:46 UK COVID-19 deaths up 649 as testing falls
In Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson declared that his ambition was to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of this month "and then to go even higher".
But later, at the news conference, Mr Jenrick was forced to admit that the latest daily testing number was under 70,000 and Mr Hancock's 100,000-a-day target by the end of April had been missed for the fourth day running.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth challenged the government: "Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day, testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row.
"A test, trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus. Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising."


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Army basic training to restart next week as commanders launch Project Phoenix

The army will restart basic training next week as part of a plan to recover from the coronavirus crisis , though restrictions on activity look set to last at least until next year .
Commanders anticipate COVID-19 will impact life in the UK until a vaccine is found - something that is not expected until 2021 at the earliest , according to official documents seen by Sky News .
They have drawn up an initiative called Project Phoenix to ensure soldiers - identified as key workers under the government 's guidelines - are still able to defend Britain and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living with coronavirus .
One assumption is that there will be a `` consistent background infection rate , diminished by testing strategies '' .
As a result , Project Phoenix assumes around 10 % of troops will be unavailable for work because they are either infected , self-isolating or looking after family members .
An `` operation order '' explaining the project says of the pandemic : `` It is too early to judge the full direct and indirect effects on the world .
`` There will be no status quo ante ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that global pandemics tend to accelerate existing trends . ''
The British Army , Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have continued to work throughout the crisis to ensure their most vital missions - such as nuclear deterrence , the ability to respond to a terror attack and protecting UK airspace - are maintained .
They also put around 20,000 military personnel on standby to help the UK response to the virus .
The COVID Support Force played a key role in setting up temporary hospitals and has been instrumental in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business that is not deemed critical - including routine training and exercises - has been paused , with many troops working from home in line with lockdown guidelines .
It is a position commanders can retain for a period of time , but there is thought to be a need to restart certain activities or risk an erosion in the size , shape and capability of the force .
One priority is the induction and training of new recruits , considered critical in retaining army strength .
Sky News understands that some basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The flow of recruits through the 14-week course was stopped early on in the pandemic , though recruiting activities continued .
It is slowly being switched back on , starting with recruits at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and expanding to other basic training camps at Pirbright and Winchester , depending upon conditions .
Class sizes will be smaller and the number of recruits sharing a room reduced as part of measures to reduce the infection risk .
In addition , each intake will be kept together for two weeks to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker If the resumption is successful , other forms of training could also restart in the coming weeks , including initial trade training , when a new soldier goes into a particular part of the army , such as armour , infantry or artillery , to learn a certain skill .
Assessment centres - where anyone who wants to join up must attend a two-day course to see if they are suitable - are also earmarked to re-open .
Brigadier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assault Brigade , is in charge of soldiers on high alert to respond to any crisis around the world .
They are among the critical personnel who have been allowed to continue to train throughout the pandemic , though they have incorporated social distancing measures into outdoor activities and are doing a lot more classroom learning by Zoom and Skype .
Brigadier Clark told Sky News the army 's priority is to support the national effort in tackling coronavirus .
`` The army will only be doing training that is essential to maintaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our interests around the world .
When that essential training is conducted , we will be complying with Public Health England and government guidance , '' he said .
`` We will be making very deliberate and clear risk assessments on that activity and making sure that we are looking after the health of the recruits , the health of the army in order to do its output , and the health of the nation because we do n't want to be responsible for the spread of this disease . ''
The Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training are also going on , including sea training for HMS Queen Elizabeth - the Royal Navy 's aircraft carrier - basic and advanced training for RAF pilots , as well as army officer training at Sandhurst .
James Heappey from the Minister for the Armed Forces said it has `` been an enormous effort from people across the UK Armed Forces to reconfigure the training activity that simply can not be stopped without impacting our national security in the months ahead '' .
`` I am grateful to all of them for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to happen safely .
There is a great deal of Defence activity that will remain paused , which is entirely right , as we will always ensure the safety of our service personnel , their families and the communities that support them . ''
The operation order says the army has the freedom to operate , provided it can be justified against the government 's guidelines for social distancing .
But it acknowledges that restarting any activity `` is a subjective and sensitive equation '' .
Only areas deemed to be priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retain measures to protect troops from the virus will have an impact on the scale of any renewed effort .
`` Activity will be constrained in some way until ( at least ) 2021 , '' according to the order .
Project Phoenix is described as an exercise in `` prioritisation and coordination '' .
It lists three conditions-based phases for the army 's recovery - seeing the crisis as a moment to accelerate changes that were already taking place to try to modernise the force , with certain areas of activity set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project Phoenix , a Ministry of Defence spokesman said that the department did not comment on leaks .

The army will restart basic training next week as part of a plan to recover from the coronavirus crisis, though restrictions on activity look set to last at least until next year.
Commanders anticipate COVID-19 will impact life in the UK until a vaccine is found - something that is not expected until 2021 at the earliest, according to official documents seen by Sky News.
They have drawn up an initiative called Project Phoenix to ensure soldiers - identified as key workers under the government's guidelines - are still able to defend Britain and its interests overseas as the country adapts to living with coronavirus.
One assumption is that there will be a "consistent background infection rate, diminished by testing strategies".
As a result, Project Phoenix assumes around 10% of troops will be unavailable for work because they are either infected, self-isolating or looking after family members.
An "operation order" explaining the project says of the pandemic: "It is too early to judge the full direct and indirect effects on the world.
"There will be no status quo ante; and the only certain historical precedent is that global pandemics tend to accelerate existing trends."
The British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have continued to work throughout the crisis to ensure their most vital missions - such as nuclear deterrence, the ability to respond to a terror attack and protecting UK airspace - are maintained.
They also put around 20,000 military personnel on standby to help the UK response to the virus.
Advertisement
The COVID Support Force played a key role in setting up temporary hospitals and has been instrumental in the UK's testing programme.
Image: The army has also been instrumental in carrying out testing
However, army business that is not deemed critical - including routine training and exercises - has been paused, with many troops working from home in line with lockdown guidelines.
It is a position commanders can retain for a period of time, but there is thought to be a need to restart certain activities or risk an erosion in the size, shape and capability of the force.
One priority is the induction and training of new recruits, considered critical in retaining army strength.
Sky News understands that some basic training is set to resume on Monday.
The flow of recruits through the 14-week course was stopped early on in the pandemic, though recruiting activities continued.
It is slowly being switched back on, starting with recruits at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and expanding to other basic training camps at Pirbright and Winchester, depending upon conditions.
Class sizes will be smaller and the number of recruits sharing a room reduced as part of measures to reduce the infection risk.
In addition, each intake will be kept together for two weeks to ensure everyone is healthy.
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
If the resumption is successful, other forms of training could also restart in the coming weeks, including initial trade training, when a new soldier goes into a particular part of the army, such as armour, infantry or artillery, to learn a certain skill.
Assessment centres - where anyone who wants to join up must attend a two-day course to see if they are suitable - are also earmarked to re-open.
Brigadier John Clark, commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, is in charge of soldiers on high alert to respond to any crisis around the world.
They are among the critical personnel who have been allowed to continue to train throughout the pandemic, though they have incorporated social distancing measures into outdoor activities and are doing a lot more classroom learning by Zoom and Skype.
Brigadier Clark told Sky News the army's priority is to support the national effort in tackling coronavirus.
"The army will only be doing training that is essential to maintaining our outputs to defend the people and our interests around the world. When that essential training is conducted, we will be complying with Public Health England and government guidance," he said.
"We will be making very deliberate and clear risk assessments on that activity and making sure that we are looking after the health of the recruits, the health of the army in order to do its output, and the health of the nation because we don't want to be responsible for the spread of this disease."
The Ministry of Defence said other types of key training are also going on, including sea training for HMS Queen Elizabeth - the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier - basic and advanced training for RAF pilots, as well as army officer training at Sandhurst.
James Heappey from the Minister for the Armed Forces said it has "been an enormous effort from people across the UK Armed Forces to reconfigure the training activity that simply cannot be stopped without impacting our national security in the months ahead".
"I am grateful to all of them for their hard work and ensuring essential training continues to happen safely. There is a great deal of Defence activity that will remain paused, which is entirely right, as we will always ensure the safety of our service personnel, their families and the communities that support them."
The operation order says the army has the freedom to operate, provided it can be justified against the government's guidelines for social distancing.
But it acknowledges that restarting any activity "is a subjective and sensitive equation".
Only areas deemed to be priorities will recommence, while the need to retain measures to protect troops from the virus will have an impact on the scale of any renewed effort.
"Activity will be constrained in some way until (at least) 2021," according to the order.
Project Phoenix is described as an exercise in "prioritisation and coordination".
It lists three conditions-based phases for the army's recovery - seeing the crisis as a moment to accelerate changes that were already taking place to try to modernise the force, with certain areas of activity set to be scrapped permanently.
Asked about Project Phoenix, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said that the department did not comment on leaks.


news--2020-01-26--Coronavirus is getting stronger and infections could rise, China warns

China has warned the ability of the deadly coronavirus to spread is getting stronger as the number infected globally rose to more than 2,000 .
The authorities said little is known about the new virus , and they are unclear on the risks posed by it mutating .
National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the coronavirus can range from one to 14 days , and it is infectious during this time .
This was not the case with the previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) outbreak , which also originated in China and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2002 and 2003 .
`` According to recent clinical information , the virus ' ability to spread seems to be getting somewhat stronger , '' Mr Ma told reporters .
In response to the mounting crisis , containment efforts - which to date have included travel restrictions and the cancellation of major events - are to be ramped up in China .
The US is also to evacuate its diplomatic staff from the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei , the epicentre of the outbreak , and has offered a limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its citizens at greater risk of coronavirus .
The UK Foreign Office has advised against `` all travel to Wuhan '' and said people should leave if they are able to do so .
The government is `` looking at all options '' to help stranded Britons , Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News .
More than 50 people have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK , but there are still no confirmed cases , according to the Department of Health ( DoH ) .
France is also looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , the government has said .
So far 56 people in China have died in the latest outbreak , which has spread to other parts of the country including Beijing and Shanghai , and the number of confirmed cases has reached 1,975 .
A small number of cases have also been confirmed in Thailand , Japan , South Korea , the US , Vietnam , Singapore , Malaysia , Nepal , France , Australia and Canada .
The UK Foreign Office has advised against `` all travel to Wuhan '' and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
The government is `` looking at all options '' to help stranded Britons , Home Secretary Priti Patel has told Sky News .
The number of people tested for coronavirus in Britain has passed 30 - although there are still no confirmed cases .
In Wuhan , where 11 million residents are already on lockdown , most vehicle use has been banned and 6,000 taxis have been earmarked to help transport people if needed .
The Chinese military has sent 450 medical staff , some with experience in past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help treat patients , while supplies , including 14,000 protective suits , are being rushed to the city .
Two new dedicated hospitals are also being built in the city to cope with rising numbers of cases .
Medical workers have been among those infected - and according to Wuhan media reports , a 62-year-old doctor has died from the virus .
Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the situation as `` grave '' .
The outbreak has overshadowed the start of the Lunar New Year , when hundreds of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be with families , with public events cancelled and many tourist sites shut , including Beijing 's Forbidden City and part of the Great Wall .
Cruise operators have also cancelled some sailings due to embark from Chinese ports .
Hong Kong , which has six confirmed cases , has declared a virus emergency , scrapped celebrations and halted direct transport links with Wuhan .
In Beijing , people have been urged not to shake hands but instead salute using a traditional cupped-hand gesture .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Canada has a `` presumptive '' confirmed case of the virus in a resident who had returned from Wuhan , while the US has registered three cases .
Australia , Japan and Malaysia have each declared four cases .
No deaths have been reported outside China .
Airports around the world have stepped up screening of passengers from China , although some health officials and experts have questioned the effectiveness of such screenings .
Doctors at a Paris hospital said two of the three Chinese nationals in France who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country without showing any symptoms .
A report by infectious disease specialists at Imperial College London on Saturday said the epidemic `` represents a clear and ongoing global health threat '' .
It added : `` It is uncertain at the current time whether it is possible to contain the continuing epidemic within China . ''

China has warned the ability of the deadly coronavirus to spread is getting stronger as the number infected globally rose to more than 2,000.
The authorities said little is known about the new virus, and they are unclear on the risks posed by it mutating.
National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the coronavirus can range from one to 14 days, and it is infectious during this time.
Image: The incubation period can range from one to 14 days, and is infectious during this time
Image: The outbreak has so far killed 56 people in China
This was not the case with the previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which also originated in China and killed nearly 800 people around the world in 2002 and 2003.
"According to recent clinical information, the virus' ability to spread seems to be getting somewhat stronger," Mr Ma told reporters.
In response to the mounting crisis, containment efforts - which to date have included travel restrictions and the cancellation of major events - are to be ramped up in China.
The US is also to evacuate its diplomatic staff from the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak, and has offered a limited number of seats on the flight to its citizens at greater risk of coronavirus.
The UK Foreign Office has advised against "all travel to Wuhan" and said people should leave if they are able to do so.
The government is "looking at all options" to help stranded Britons, Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News.
Advertisement
More than 50 people have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK, but there are still no confirmed cases, according to the Department of Health (DoH).
France is also looking at repatriating around 800 of its nationals from Wuhan, the government has said.
Image: Travel restrictions have been imposed as part of efforts to contain the infection
Image: Virus-hit Wuhan, home to 11 million people, has banned all non-essential vehicle use
So far 56 people in China have died in the latest outbreak, which has spread to other parts of the country including Beijing and Shanghai, and the number of confirmed cases has reached 1,975.
A small number of cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the US, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, France, Australia and Canada.
The UK Foreign Office has advised against "all travel to Wuhan" and said people should leave if they are able to do so.
The government is "looking at all options" to help stranded Britons, Home Secretary Priti Patel has told Sky News.
The number of people tested for coronavirus in Britain has passed 30 - although there are still no confirmed cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Drone captures coronavirus hospital construction
In Wuhan, where 11 million residents are already on lockdown, most vehicle use has been banned and 6,000 taxis have been earmarked to help transport people if needed.
The Chinese military has sent 450 medical staff, some with experience in past outbreaks including SARS and Ebola, to to help treat patients, while supplies, including 14,000 protective suits, are being rushed to the city.
Two new dedicated hospitals are also being built in the city to cope with rising numbers of cases.
Medical workers have been among those infected - and according to Wuhan media reports, a 62-year-old doctor has died from the virus.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the situation as "grave" .
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The outbreak has overshadowed the start of the Lunar New Year, when hundreds of millions of Chinese travel at home and abroad to be with families, with public events cancelled and many tourist sites shut, including Beijing's Forbidden City and part of the Great Wall.
Cruise operators have also cancelled some sailings due to embark from Chinese ports.
Image: Hong Kong has declared a virus emergency and scrapped Lunar New Year celebrations
Hong Kong, which has six confirmed cases, has declared a virus emergency, scrapped celebrations and halted direct transport links with Wuhan.
In Beijing, people have been urged not to shake hands but instead salute using a traditional cupped-hand gesture.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Canada has a "presumptive" confirmed case of the virus in a resident who had returned from Wuhan, while the US has registered three cases.
Australia, Japan and Malaysia have each declared four cases.
France reported Europe's first cases on Friday.
No deaths have been reported outside China.
Airports around the world have stepped up screening of passengers from China, although some health officials and experts have questioned the effectiveness of such screenings.
Doctors at a Paris hospital said two of the three Chinese nationals in France who have been diagnosed with the virus had arrived in the country without showing any symptoms.
A report by infectious disease specialists at Imperial College London on Saturday said the epidemic "represents a clear and ongoing global health threat".
It added: "It is uncertain at the current time whether it is possible to contain the continuing epidemic within China."


news--2020-01-26--Coronavirus: UK 'looking at all options' to help Britons stuck in China

The government is `` looking at all options '' to help Britons stranded in the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak , the home secretary has said .
According to reports , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has ordered officials to examine the logistics of an airlift from Wuhan , in the country 's Hubei province .
Asked if this was something the government was looking at , Priti Patel told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme : `` We 're looking at all options .
I 'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at all options and that 's exactly what the government is doing right now . ''
The Foreign Office has updated its guidance to `` advise against all travel to Hubei province '' , which has been in lockdown for several days .
Britons who are in the area have been urged to leave the area if they can .
But one British man , who travelled to Wuhan to visit his girlfriend and is stuck in the city after his return flight was cancelled , has described trying to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who did not wish to be named , told the Press Association : `` There have been sporadic warnings from local government in Chinese to tell us that there will be road closures .
`` There is no news on when the airport will reopen , therefore the airline ( China Southern ) have just cancelled the flight .
`` I 've also had no help from the UK Embassy in Beijing who are conveniently closed for the weekend . ''
The number of people infected globally by the coronavirus stands at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been no cases in the UK so far , or among British citizens abroad , with the risk to the public still classed as low .
England 's chief medical officer , Chris Witty , has said there is a `` fair chance '' there will be cases in Britain .
A total of 56 people have died in China from the virus .
Ms Patel said the government was `` taking all the precautions '' and working `` to ensure we do our utmost to keep the British public safe '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hub at Heathrow airport to prevent the spread of the virus , she told Sky News .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health officials are working to track down around 2,000 people who have recently travelled from Wuhan to the UK .
The Department of Health has said it is trying to find `` as many passengers as we can '' to check on their wellbeing .
Border Force officers have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers @ @ @ @ @

The government is "looking at all options" to help Britons stranded in the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, the home secretary has said.
According to reports, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has ordered officials to examine the logistics of an airlift from Wuhan, in the country's Hubei province.
Asked if this was something the government was looking at, Priti Patel told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "We're looking at all options. I'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 UK remains on alert for coronavirus
"But it's right that we look at all options and that's exactly what the government is doing right now."
The Foreign Office has updated its guidance to "advise against all travel to Hubei province", which has been in lockdown for several days.
Britons who are in the area have been urged to leave the area if they can.
But one British man, who travelled to Wuhan to visit his girlfriend and is stuck in the city after his return flight was cancelled, has described trying to get out as "impossible".
The 29-year-old, who did not wish to be named, told the Press Association: "There have been sporadic warnings from local government in Chinese to tell us that there will be road closures.
"There is no news on when the airport will reopen, therefore the airline (China Southern) have just cancelled the flight.
Advertisement
"I've also had no help from the UK Embassy in Beijing who are conveniently closed for the weekend."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 President Xi warns of 'grave situation' as coronavirus infection spreads
The number of people infected globally by the coronavirus stands at more than 2,000.
However, there have been no cases in the UK so far, or among British citizens abroad, with the risk to the public still classed as low.
England's chief medical officer, Chris Witty, has said there is a "fair chance" there will be cases in Britain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
A total of 56 people have died in China from the virus.
Ms Patel said the government was "taking all the precautions" and working "to ensure we do our utmost to keep the British public safe".
This includes a Public Health England hub at Heathrow airport to prevent the spread of the virus, she told Sky News.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health officials are working to track down around 2,000 people who have recently travelled from Wuhan to the UK.
The Department of Health has said it is trying to find "as many passengers as we can" to check on their wellbeing.
Border Force officers have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers, it is understood.


news--2020-01-26--Coronavirus: Victims could pose minor risk after death, NHS staff warned

NHS staff have been warned that victims of the coronavirus could continue to pose a minor risk even after death .
Doctors and nurses have been given detailed advice on how to handle suspected cases by Public Health England .
• New coronavirus patients should be left in closed rooms and not examined • Bodies should not be placed on beds because such movement could expel infected air from the lungs • Body bags and full personal protective equipment should be used by NHS staff • Controlling the disease `` relies on the prompt identification , appropriate risk assessment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 2,700 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed globally - the vast majority of them in China .
The number of people tested in Britain has passed 50 , although there are still no confirmed cases .
Health officials are also continuing to track down approximately 2,000 people who have recently flown into the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak .
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday morning , Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK is `` looking at all options '' to help Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is subject to travel restrictions .
Amid reports that the government is examining the logistics of an airlift from the city , Ms Patel told Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` We 're looking at all options .
I 'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories .
`` But it 's right that we look at all options and that 's exactly what the government is doing right now . ''
Although the risk to the public from the coronavirus is still classed as low , England 's chief medical officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fair chance '' there will be cases in Britain .
Public Health England has opened a screening hub at Heathrow , where there are several direct flights a week to Wuhan , to try and prevent the virus spreading .
On Sunday , Chinese officials warned the coronavirus is getting stronger - adding that little is known about the virus and health experts are unclear on the risks posed by it mutating .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker National Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period for the coronavirus can range from one to 14 days , and it is infectious during this time .
This was not the case with the previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) outbreak , which also originated in China and killed nearly 800 people around the world in 2002 and 2003 .

NHS staff have been warned that victims of the coronavirus could continue to pose a minor risk even after death.
Doctors and nurses have been given detailed advice on how to handle suspected cases by Public Health England.
The document warns:
New coronavirus patients should be left in closed rooms and not examined
Staff who meet suspected victims should wear full-face visors
Bodies should not be placed on beds because such movement could expel infected air from the lungs
Body bags and full personal protective equipment should be used by NHS staff
Controlling the disease "relies on the prompt identification, appropriate risk assessment, management and isolation of possible cases"
More than 2,700 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed globally - the vast majority of them in China.
Image: Medical staff wear protective clothing with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital
The number of people tested in Britain has passed 50, although there are still no confirmed cases.
Health officials are also continuing to track down approximately 2,000 people who have recently flown into the UK from the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday morning, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK is "looking at all options" to help Britons who are stranded in Wuhan, which is subject to travel restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 UK 'looking at all options' to stop virus
Amid reports that the government is examining the logistics of an airlift from the city, Ms Patel told Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We're looking at all options. I'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories.
"But it's right that we look at all options and that's exactly what the government is doing right now."
Advertisement
Although the risk to the public from the coronavirus is still classed as low, England's chief medical officer Chris Witty has said there is a "fair chance" there will be cases in Britain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Drone captures coronavirus hospital construction
Public Health England has opened a screening hub at Heathrow, where there are several direct flights a week to Wuhan, to try and prevent the virus spreading.
On Sunday, Chinese officials warned the coronavirus is getting stronger - adding that little is known about the virus and health experts are unclear on the risks posed by it mutating.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the coronavirus can range from one to 14 days, and it is infectious during this time.
This was not the case with the previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which also originated in China and killed nearly 800 people around the world in 2002 and 2003.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Britons told not to move house in another blow to UK property market

Britons are being told not to move house during the coronavirus outbreak to avoid breaking the rules on social distancing , in another huge blow to the UK property market .
With some banks already withdrawing mortgages from sale , the government 's order that all house moves be put on hold will effectively freeze the housing market .
In new government advice , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick 's department declared : `` Homebuyers and renters should , where possible , delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , with house-builders all seeing sharp falls in their values on Friday .
In an attempt to breathe some life into the market , mortgage lenders have agreed to extend all house purchase loan offers by three months to give borrowers more time to complete transactions .
But some lenders , such as Virgin Money and Skipton Building Society , have suspended all new mortgage applications for house purchases until the crisis has passed .
And the government has revealed that the banking trade body UK Finance has been in talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales as normal life is suspended to fight the pandemic .
The government 's new advice on house moves states : `` Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , we urge parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes .
`` There is no need to pull out of transactions , but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times , including the specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , self-isolating or shielding .
Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority .
`` Where the property being moved into is vacant , then you can continue with this transaction although you should follow the guidance in this document on home removals .
`` Where the property is currently occupied , we encourage all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move , for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) will no longer be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concession , the advice goes on : `` In the new emergency enforcement powers that the police have been given to respond to coronavirus , there is an exemption for critical home moves , in the event that a new date is unable to be agreed . ''
The advice continues : `` Our advice is that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter .
`` If moving is unavoidable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach an agreement to delay , people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus .
`` In line with government 's advice , anyone with symptoms , self-isolating or shielding from the virus , should follow medical advice which will mean not moving house for the time being , if at all possible .
All parties should prioritise agreeing amicable arrangements to change move dates for individuals in this group , or where someone in a chain is in this group . ''
Would-be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home onto the market may be more challenging than usual in this period .
There should be no visitors to your home .
`` You can speak to estate agents over the phone and they will be able to give you general advice about the local property market and handle certain matters remotely but they will not be able to start actively marketing your home in the usual manner .
`` If your property is already on the market , you can continue to advertise it as being for sale but you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' There should not be any visitors into your home , and you should therefore not let people visit your property for viewings .
Your agent may be able to conduct virtual viewings and you could speak to them about this possibility .
`` The buying and selling process can continue during this period but you should be aware that the process is likely to take longer than normal .
`` You are free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property , however the selling process may take longer .
`` Advice for people to stay at home and away from others means you should not invite visitors into your home , including prospective buyers or advisers . ''
The advice concludes : `` Once you have exchanged contracts , you have entered into a legal agreement to purchase that home .
`` If the property you are purchasing is unoccupied you can continue with the transaction .
`` If the property you are purchasing is currently occupied , we recommend that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contracts until after the period where stay-at-home measures to fight coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) are in place , or include explicit contractual provisions to take account of the risks presented by the virus . ''

Britons are being told not to move house during the coronavirus outbreak to avoid breaking the rules on social distancing, in another huge blow to the UK property market.
With some banks already withdrawing mortgages from sale, the government's order that all house moves be put on hold will effectively freeze the housing market.
In new government advice, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick's department declared: "Homebuyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus (COVID-19)."
The announcement was reflected on the stock market, with house-builders all seeing sharp falls in their values on Friday.
In an attempt to breathe some life into the market, mortgage lenders have agreed to extend all house purchase loan offers by three months to give borrowers more time to complete transactions.
But some lenders, such as Virgin Money and Skipton Building Society, have suspended all new mortgage applications for house purchases until the crisis has passed.
And the government has revealed that the banking trade body UK Finance has been in talks with ministers about a wider freeze on property sales as normal life is suspended to fight the pandemic.
The government's new advice on house moves states: "Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), we urge parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes.
"There is no need to pull out of transactions, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding. Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 What is social distancing?
"Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction although you should follow the guidance in this document on home removals.
"Where the property is currently occupied, we encourage all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place."
But in a minor concession, the advice goes on: "In the new emergency enforcement powers that the police have been given to respond to coronavirus, there is an exemption for critical home moves, in the event that a new date is unable to be agreed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 UK lockdown '10 days too late'
The advice continues: "Our advice is that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.
"If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.
"In line with government's advice, anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus, should follow medical advice which will mean not moving house for the time being, if at all possible. All parties should prioritise agreeing amicable arrangements to change move dates for individuals in this group, or where someone in a chain is in this group."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Royal children salute NHS carers
Would-be sellers are told: "Getting your home onto the market may be more challenging than usual in this period. There should be no visitors to your home.
"You can speak to estate agents over the phone and they will be able to give you general advice about the local property market and handle certain matters remotely but they will not be able to start actively marketing your home in the usual manner.
"If your property is already on the market, you can continue to advertise it as being for sale but you should not allow people in to view your property.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"There should not be any visitors into your home, and you should therefore not let people visit your property for viewings. Your agent may be able to conduct virtual viewings and you could speak to them about this possibility.
"The buying and selling process can continue during this period but you should be aware that the process is likely to take longer than normal.
"You are free to continue to accept offers on your property, however the selling process may take longer.
"Advice for people to stay at home and away from others means you should not invite visitors into your home, including prospective buyers or advisers."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Distressed mum-to-be issues virus warning
The advice concludes: "Once you have exchanged contracts, you have entered into a legal agreement to purchase that home.
"If the property you are purchasing is unoccupied you can continue with the transaction.
"If the property you are purchasing is currently occupied, we recommend that all parties should work either delay the exchange of contracts until after the period where stay-at-home measures to fight coronavirus (COVID-19) are in place, or include explicit contractual provisions to take account of the risks presented by the virus."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Chief medical officer Chris Whitty self-isolates with symptoms

Professor Whitty said that he would be staying at home for the next seven days in a statement on Twitter , posted just hours after the prime minister confirmed that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 disease .
`` After experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 last night , in line with the guidance , I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days , '' said the professor .
`` I will be continuing to advise the government on the medical response to coronavirus , supported by my deputies . ''
Professor Whitty has been a fixture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the UK response to the disease , alongside the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
He is the third major figure leading the country 's battle against coronavirus to have gone into self-isolation on Friday , following the prime minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
Mr Hancock revealed shortly after Mr Johnson that he had tested positive after experiencing `` mild symptoms '' .
Sir Patrick has confirmed that he has not been experiencing any symptoms and so has not been tested .
He tweeted : `` I have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested .
I will continue following guidelines including social distancing and hand washing . ''
Sky News understands that Friday 's coronavirus news briefing at 5pm will feature cabinet minister Michael Gove alongside NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and Professor Whitty 's deputy Jenny Harries .
The briefing comes after regional health bodies across the UK provided their latest figures on the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus .
The total death count in the UK now stands at 769 after another 185 fatalities were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police have begun building a temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport .
Sky News understands that Birmingham 's NEC and Manchester 's GMEX exhibition centres are also set to be converted into temporary hospitals by mid-April if required .
Work is already almost complete on transforming London 's enormous ExCel Centre into the NHS Nightingale hospital , which will house thousands of beds for coronavirus patients .

Boris Johnson's chief medical officer Chris Whitty is self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Professor Whitty said that he would be staying at home for the next seven days in a statement on Twitter, posted just hours after the prime minister confirmed that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 disease.
"After experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 last night, in line with the guidance, I will be self-isolating at home for the next seven days," said the professor.
"I will be continuing to advise the government on the medical response to coronavirus, supported by my deputies."
Image: Professor Whitty has appeared with the PM and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance at news briefings
Professor Whitty has been a fixture of the government's daily news briefings on the UK response to the disease, alongside the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
He is the third major figure leading the country's battle against coronavirus to have gone into self-isolation on Friday, following the prime minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
Mr Hancock revealed shortly after Mr Johnson that he had tested positive after experiencing "mild symptoms".
Sir Patrick has confirmed that he has not been experiencing any symptoms and so has not been tested.
He tweeted: "I have no #COVID19 symptoms so I have not been tested. I will continue following guidelines including social distancing and hand washing."
Advertisement
Sky News understands that Friday's coronavirus news briefing at 5pm will feature cabinet minister Michael Gove alongside NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and Professor Whitty's deputy Jenny Harries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
The briefing comes after regional health bodies across the UK provided their latest figures on the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
The total death count in the UK now stands at 769 after another 185 fatalities were confirmed.
The regional totals stand at:
England - 689 deaths
Wales - 34 deaths
Scotland - 33 deaths
Northern Ireland - 13 deaths
As the numbers continue to increase, police have begun building a temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport.
Sky News understands that Birmingham's NEC and Manchester's GMEX exhibition centres are also set to be converted into temporary hospitals by mid-April if required.
Work is already almost complete on transforming London's enormous ExCel Centre into the NHS Nightingale hospital, which will house thousands of beds for coronavirus patients.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Next says lockdown sales plunge 'faster and steeper' than expected

Next has said the impact of the lockdown on its sales has been `` faster and steeper '' than expected .
The fashion retailer reported a 41 % plunge in full-price sales for its first quarter to 25 April , and warned they will remain under pressure for the remainder of the year .
Next said it has plans in place to reopen stores when the coronavirus lockdown is lifted but said it will `` take some time for customers to return to their normal shopping habits '' and that trading would remain `` very subdued '' even then .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sales to date has been faster and steeper than anticipated in our March stress test and we are now modelling lower sales for both the first and second half of the year .
`` We believe that the effects of the coronavirus will be felt for longer than we first anticipated .
`` The economic consequences and continued social distancing will mean that both retail sales and online sales will be disrupted even after full lockdown measures have been lifted . ''
The update comes a day after rival Marks & Spencer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail sector 's recovery after lockdown measures are lifted .
Next , like other high street retailers , has closed all its stores during the lockdown and for a while shut its website too , before resuming online sales earlier this month .
Over the first quarter it saw sales in its brick-and-mortar stores plunge by 52 % , while there was a 32 % decline online .
In an updated worst-case scenario , it said it now believes full-year sales could fall by as much as 40 % .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next disclosed that it has agreed with banks to ease borrowing terms while also securing the promise of further lending under a Bank of England corporate financing scheme .
It also outlined savings of more than £900m on stock purchases and property costs .
Dividends and share buybacks have been suspended , and the retailer is planning to recycle unsold spring/summerwear worth £330m 2021 .
Next chief executive Lord Simon Wolfson told the PA news agency the group is working on plans to reopen up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown is lifted , but would be prioritising out-of-town outlets , where it is easier to operate in a `` socially distanced world '' .
But he warned that the group is not expecting a sudden rush of shoppers to hit stores or that trading will return to normal in the autumn and winter .
He said the sales hit had been `` pretty brutal '' so far , falling sharply even before the lockdown .

Next has said the impact of the lockdown on its sales has been "faster and steeper" than expected.
The fashion retailer reported a 41% plunge in full-price sales for its first quarter to 25 April, and warned they will remain under pressure for the remainder of the year.
Next said it has plans in place to reopen stores when the coronavirus lockdown is lifted but said it will "take some time for customers to return to their normal shopping habits" and that trading would remain "very subdued" even then.
The group said: "The fall-off in sales to date has been faster and steeper than anticipated in our March stress test and we are now modelling lower sales for both the first and second half of the year.
"We believe that the effects of the coronavirus will be felt for longer than we first anticipated.
"The economic consequences and continued social distancing will mean that both retail sales and online sales will be disrupted even after full lockdown measures have been lifted."
Shares ended the day 4% lower.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 How can the economy get back to work?
The update comes a day after rival Marks & Spencer also issued a downbeat assessment of the retail sector's recovery after lockdown measures are lifted.
Next, like other high street retailers, has closed all its stores during the lockdown and for a while shut its website too, before resuming online sales earlier this month.
Advertisement
Over the first quarter it saw sales in its brick-and-mortar stores plunge by 52%, while there was a 32% decline online.
In an updated worst-case scenario, it said it now believes full-year sales could fall by as much as 40%.
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
Next disclosed that it has agreed with banks to ease borrowing terms while also securing the promise of further lending under a Bank of England corporate financing scheme.
It also outlined savings of more than £900m on stock purchases and property costs. Dividends and share buybacks have been suspended, and the retailer is planning to recycle unsold spring/summerwear worth £330m 2021.
Next chief executive Lord Simon Wolfson told the PA news agency the group is working on plans to reopen up to 200 of its 500 stores initially when lockdown is lifted, but would be prioritising out-of-town outlets, where it is easier to operate in a "socially distanced world".
But he warned that the group is not expecting a sudden rush of shoppers to hit stores or that trading will return to normal in the autumn and winter.
He said the sales hit had been "pretty brutal" so far, falling sharply even before the lockdown.