news--2020-05-21--Harry Potter: First edition book found in skip sells at auction for £33,000

A first edition Harry Potter book has sold for £33,000 at auction - after being found in a skip .
The rare hardback copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone was salvaged from the skip at a Buckinghamshire school , and was sold with four other novels from the series that were also discovered dumped .
Two Philosopher 's Stone paperback first editions went for £3,400 and £3,000 respectively .
And first edition copies of the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban made £360 .
Due to coronavirus restrictions , bidders took part in the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philosopher 's Stone hardback was bought by a private UK buyer .
The copy was one of only 500 first edition hardbacks printed of the 1997 book , and had an estimated price of between £8,000 and £12,000 .
The anonymous seller , a 65-year-old teacher , said : `` To say I 'm pleased is an understatement .
Due to its condition , we thought £20,000 would be a good result .
We watched the auction and the price just kept going up and up . ''
The highly sought-after books could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teacher not spotted the copies in a skip at a school where she used to work in 2008 and stored them in her loft .
She added : `` I love books and reading and it just seemed awful to throw them away , so I picked up about five Harry Potter books .
I thought they might be useful for my children or grandchildren in the future .
It was better than seeing them go to waste . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of Hansons ' Library Auction , said : `` I 'm delighted for our vendors .
It was marvellous to see the Harry Potter books do so well and spark such intense bidding .
`` I always thought the Philosopher 's Stone hardback first edition might surprise us .
I put on a humble estimate due to some damage to the binding .
`` We had lots of interest , particularly from America , in what was a special Harry Potter-themed library auction .
`` We sold a multitude of books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JK Rowling .
`` Another highlight was a Philosopher 's Stone paperback first edition in pristine condition which made £6,500 . ''
Harry Potter and the Philsopher 's Stone is the first book in the beloved series , which spawned films , merchandise and even theme parks .

A first edition Harry Potter book has sold for £33,000 at auction - after being found in a skip.
The rare hardback copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was salvaged from the skip at a Buckinghamshire school, and was sold with four other novels from the series that were also discovered dumped.
Two Philosopher's Stone paperback first editions went for £3,400 and £3,000 respectively.
And first edition copies of the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban made £360.
Image: The second and third books in the series also sold in the auction. Pic: Hansons
Due to coronavirus restrictions, bidders took part in the international auction by phone and online.
The Philosopher's Stone hardback was bought by a private UK buyer.
The copy was one of only 500 first edition hardbacks printed of the 1997 book, and had an estimated price of between £8,000 and £12,000.
The anonymous seller, a 65-year-old teacher, said: "To say I'm pleased is an understatement. Due to its condition, we thought £20,000 would be a good result. We watched the auction and the price just kept going up and up."
Image: The hardback version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone sold for £33,000. Pic: Hansons
The highly sought-after books could have been lost to landfill, had the teacher not spotted the copies in a skip at a school where she used to work in 2008 and stored them in her loft.
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She added: "I love books and reading and it just seemed awful to throw them away, so I picked up about five Harry Potter books. I thought they might be useful for my children or grandchildren in the future. It was better than seeing them go to waste."
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Jim Spencer, head of Hansons' Library Auction, said: "I'm delighted for our vendors. It was marvellous to see the Harry Potter books do so well and spark such intense bidding.
"I always thought the Philosopher's Stone hardback first edition might surprise us. I put on a humble estimate due to some damage to the binding.
"We had lots of interest, particularly from America, in what was a special Harry Potter-themed library auction.
Image: Auctioneer Charles Hanson sold the books. Pic: Hansons
"We sold a multitude of books for several clients, some signed by JK Rowling.
"Another highlight was a Philosopher's Stone paperback first edition in pristine condition which made £6,500."
Harry Potter and the Philsopher's Stone is the first book in the beloved series, which spawned films, merchandise and even theme parks.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: New COVID-19 antibody test to be available in the next two weeks

A new COVID-19 antibody test will go live in the UK in the next fortnight .
The groundbreaking test takes a blood sample from a patient and analyses it for antibodies that will show if someone has had the virus .
If the antibodies show up as positive it will be the first clue in establishing that somebody has a degree of immunity to COVID-19 .
Trials are starting to get under way at four hospitals in England including the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire where they are confident of being able to handle thousands of the antibody tests every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was given exclusive access to the blood science laboratory at the hospital where they are preparing to start the tests .
Consultant clinical biochemist , Dr Martin Myers , explained : `` If you have antibodies there then you have had that disease , that will help public health doctors decide how to unlock where we are going to go as a society , to see how many of us may have caught the disease , to see how many of us have antibodies to the disease .
`` So it is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to how many of us have had the disease . ''
The test being used in Preston has been developed by the medical company Roche in collaboration with the NHS and involves a blood sample being taken and then analysed on existing equipment at the hospital .
The antibody testing will complement the ongoing COVID-19 testing which looks for whether someone has the virus at the time of the test .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Microbiologist Dr David Orr explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell precisely how effective the antibodies are at killing the virus but the information that the antibodies are present could enable people to make better informed decisions .
`` Especially in the healthcare system where some staff may have had it previously '' he said .
`` You might want to think about deploying those staff to look after patients who have the disease because they might have some protection . ''
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care in England said : `` Antibody testing is an important part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 and to help us understand who has had the disease .
`` In addition to the recent huge expansion of the UK 's swab-based coronavirus testing capacity , we are actively developing our plans for antibody testing across the NHS and ultimately the wider public . ''
Simpler `` finger prick '' type tests for antibodies that could be carried out at home are being looked at as well but currently none have yet been approved for use .
General testing for COVID-19 has been ramped up over the last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in Preston currently .

A new COVID-19 antibody test will go live in the UK in the next fortnight.
The groundbreaking test takes a blood sample from a patient and analyses it for antibodies that will show if someone has had the virus.
If the antibodies show up as positive it will be the first clue in establishing that somebody has a degree of immunity to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Hospital cleaner Hassan Akkad pleaded for NHS support staff to be included in the coronavirus bereavement scheme
Trials are starting to get under way at four hospitals in England including the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire where they are confident of being able to handle thousands of the antibody tests every day from 1 June.
Sky News was given exclusive access to the blood science laboratory at the hospital where they are preparing to start the tests.
Consultant clinical biochemist, Dr Martin Myers, explained: "If you have antibodies there then you have had that disease, that will help public health doctors decide how to unlock where we are going to go as a society, to see how many of us may have caught the disease, to see how many of us have antibodies to the disease.
"So it is really giving them the intelligence and information as to how many of us have had the disease."
The test being used in Preston has been developed by the medical company Roche in collaboration with the NHS and involves a blood sample being taken and then analysed on existing equipment at the hospital.
The antibody testing will complement the ongoing COVID-19 testing which looks for whether someone has the virus at the time of the test.
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Microbiologist Dr David Orr explained that it will still be hard to tell precisely how effective the antibodies are at killing the virus but the information that the antibodies are present could enable people to make better informed decisions.
"Especially in the healthcare system where some staff may have had it previously" he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 Residents on one road in Leeds have agreed to film their experiences of lockdown
"You might want to think about deploying those staff to look after patients who have the disease because they might have some protection."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care in England said: "Antibody testing is an important part of our strategy to counter the spread of COVID-19 and to help us understand who has had the disease.
"In addition to the recent huge expansion of the UK's swab-based coronavirus testing capacity, we are actively developing our plans for antibody testing across the NHS and ultimately the wider public."
Simpler "finger prick" type tests for antibodies that could be carried out at home are being looked at as well but currently none have yet been approved for use.
General testing for COVID-19 has been ramped up over the last week - 700 tests a day are being done in Preston currently.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Drinking at the bar may be stopped under proposals to reopen pubs

People could be stopped from drinking at the bar when pubs reopen .
Putting restrictions on punters remaining there after ordering and getting their drink is among the proposals put forward by industry leaders to help customers stay safe from coronavirus .
Limits on the number of children in outdoor playing areas , patrols of smoking areas and stopping drinkers from returning glasses are other possibilities ahead of a potential reopening of pubs in July .
Under options from trade group UKHospitality ( UKH ) , restaurant tables would be spaced to meet social distancing guidelines , cutlery would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided in individually wrapped sachets .
Earlier this month , Boris Johnson said that some hospitality firms could be able to reopen from 4 July at the earliest in the third phase of the government 's easing of the lockdown .
Pubs , restaurants and hotels have been closed since shutting their doors in March , with vast numbers of staff supported by the furlough scheme .
Hospitality businesses made it clear they favour a phased reopening and do not wish to move ahead with it `` before the time is right '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on customers remaining at the bar after ordering and getting their drink '' should be considered .
It also proposed that customers are `` discouraged '' from returning empty glasses , they are told to keep a safe distance away from bar staff and they will have to form a socially-distanced queue for orders .
Kate Nicholls , chief executive officer of UKH , said : `` UKH is working hard with our members and alongside other industry bodies to develop practical and effective guidelines to enable businesses to begin to reopen safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are draft guidelines that have been shared with governments in England , Scotland and Wales , to help inform their thinking around reopening .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We hope that the guidelines will help businesses draw up their own plans based on their premises , ensuring that safety is at the forefront of operations when the right time comes to reopen . ''
One landlord has gone so far as to turn an existing pub into what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whatever schemes are adopted , many believe the UK 's pubs and bars face an uncertain future .

People could be stopped from drinking at the bar when pubs reopen.
Putting restrictions on punters remaining there after ordering and getting their drink is among the proposals put forward by industry leaders to help customers stay safe from coronavirus.
Limits on the number of children in outdoor playing areas, patrols of smoking areas and stopping drinkers from returning glasses are other possibilities ahead of a potential reopening of pubs in July.
Under options from trade group UKHospitality (UKH), restaurant tables would be spaced to meet social distancing guidelines, cutlery would be brought out with each meal and condiments provided in individually wrapped sachets.
Image: There could be restrictions on customers remaining at the bar after ordering and getting their drink
Earlier this month, Boris Johnson said that some hospitality firms could be able to reopen from 4 July at the earliest in the third phase of the government's easing of the lockdown.
Pubs, restaurants and hotels have been closed since shutting their doors in March, with vast numbers of staff supported by the furlough scheme.
Hospitality businesses made it clear they favour a phased reopening and do not wish to move ahead with it "before the time is right".
The guidance suggests that "restrictions on customers remaining at the bar after ordering and getting their drink" should be considered.
It also proposed that customers are "discouraged" from returning empty glasses, they are told to keep a safe distance away from bar staff and they will have to form a socially-distanced queue for orders.
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Kate Nicholls, chief executive officer of UKH, said: "UKH is working hard with our members and alongside other industry bodies to develop practical and effective guidelines to enable businesses to begin to reopen safely when the time is right.
"These are draft guidelines that have been shared with governments in England, Scotland and Wales, to help inform their thinking around reopening.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We hope that the guidelines will help businesses draw up their own plans based on their premises, ensuring that safety is at the forefront of operations when the right time comes to reopen."
One landlord has gone so far as to turn an existing pub into what one might look like after lockdown.
Whatever schemes are adopted, many believe the UK's pubs and bars face an uncertain future.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Why the pandemic has created a 'vicious cycle' for people with OCD

Coronavirus has left people with obsessive compulsive disorder and health anxiety in a `` vicious cycle '' , experts have told Sky News .
Patients with both disorders constantly check their bodies for signs of illness and carry out washing or decontaminating rituals to help `` reduce the threat '' of them falling ill or something bad happening to them .
But the COVID-19 outbreak and recent easing of the UK 's lockdown restrictions has seen a surge in these obsessional `` safety-seeking '' behaviours , which feed the anxiety of OCD sufferers .
Professor Paul Salkovskis , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News : `` If you wash your hands for 20 seconds after every time you go out , that 's fine .
`` But if you 're washing your hands six or seven times after you touch the inside of your front door , that 's a problem . ''
Professor Rona Moss-Morris , head of psychology at King 's College London , added that for most people , a certain level of anxiety about getting coronavirus will help them take practical steps to stop them catching it .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety-seeking behaviours cause a vicious cycle over time .
`` So with COVID , washing your hands is a good thing , because it means you 're being vigilant .
`` But if you 're health anxious , it might become a bad thing if you ca n't control how often you 're doing it . ''
Allanah , 22 , was diagnosed with severe anxiety six years ago and also suffers from brittle asthma .
She is living with her partner and his parents in north Lincolnshire and says she is struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A & E because of her breathing .
The university student said : `` It was very scary going to hospital .
I wore a mask but it 's not 100 % protection .
You think 'what if the cleaners have missed something ? '
`` My partner and his mother are key workers , so they have to go out .
`` When they come in they have to go straight in the shower , but I still think 'what if they 've touched something ? '
`` I have hand sanitiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are wipes by the door . ''
Health anxiety and OCD patients also use `` avoidance behaviours '' to try to reassure themselves .
Allanah said she has avoided going for walks because she is afraid of getting too close to someone and has quit her term-time bar job because she `` does n't want to be in that environment '' any more .
Professor Moss-Morris said : `` With the lockdown easing , people are going to be asked to go back to work or soon we might be told we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is going to be particularly anxiety-inducing for some people .
`` But the more you avoid something , the more it gets worse .
Avoiding them will not help you be safe . ''
She also criticised the government 's `` stay alert '' message for making people with the two conditions `` more anxious '' after it was scrapped over claims it was too vague , with polls suggesting only a third of people understood what it meant .
But the new `` keep our distance , wash our hands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' slogan will still be a struggle because for patients `` there are no 100 % assurances you wo n't get ill even outside the pandemic , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Salkovskis added : `` There 's no way of disconfirming COVID fears unless you go to a testing centre . ''
OCD UK , Anxiety UK and Mind are all charities with services to help people struggling to cope .
The Oxford Health Specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for managing OCD and coronavirus .

Coronavirus has left people with obsessive compulsive disorder and health anxiety in a "vicious cycle", experts have told Sky News.
Patients with both disorders constantly check their bodies for signs of illness and carry out washing or decontaminating rituals to help "reduce the threat" of them falling ill or something bad happening to them.
But the COVID-19 outbreak and recent easing of the UK's lockdown restrictions has seen a surge in these obsessional "safety-seeking" behaviours, which feed the anxiety of OCD sufferers.
Image: Even with social distancing, some people with OCD and health anxiety may be too scared to leave the house
Professor Paul Salkovskis, director of psychological health at Oxford University, told Sky News: "If you wash your hands for 20 seconds after every time you go out, that's fine.
"But if you're washing your hands six or seven times after you touch the inside of your front door, that's a problem."
Professor Rona Moss-Morris, head of psychology at King's College London, added that for most people, a certain level of anxiety about getting coronavirus will help them take practical steps to stop them catching it.
She said: "For people with health anxiety, safety-seeking behaviours cause a vicious cycle over time.
"So with COVID, washing your hands is a good thing, because it means you're being vigilant.
"But if you're health anxious, it might become a bad thing if you can't control how often you're doing it."
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Allanah, 22, was diagnosed with severe anxiety six years ago and also suffers from brittle asthma.
She is living with her partner and his parents in north Lincolnshire and says she is struggling after she was forced to go to A&E because of her breathing.
The university student said: "It was very scary going to hospital. I wore a mask but it's not 100% protection. You think 'what if the cleaners have missed something?'
"My partner and his mother are key workers, so they have to go out.
"When they come in they have to go straight in the shower, but I still think 'what if they've touched something?'
"I have hand sanitiser near me at all times and there are wipes by the door."
Image: Allanah, 22, has noticed her health anxiety increase during the pandemic
Health anxiety and OCD patients also use "avoidance behaviours" to try to reassure themselves.
Allanah said she has avoided going for walks because she is afraid of getting too close to someone and has quit her term-time bar job because she "doesn't want to be in that environment" any more.
Professor Moss-Morris said: "With the lockdown easing, people are going to be asked to go back to work or soon we might be told we can go to a friend's house, this is going to be particularly anxiety-inducing for some people.
"But the more you avoid something, the more it gets worse. Avoiding them will not help you be safe."
She also criticised the government's "stay alert" message for making people with the two conditions "more anxious" after it was scrapped over claims it was too vague, with polls suggesting only a third of people understood what it meant.
But the new "keep our distance, wash our hands, think of others and play our part" slogan will still be a struggle because for patients "there are no 100% assurances you won't get ill even outside the pandemic," she said.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Professor Salkovskis added: "There's no way of disconfirming COVID fears unless you go to a testing centre."
OCD UK, Anxiety UK and Mind are all charities with services to help people struggling to cope.
The Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Interventions Centre has created a leaflet for managing OCD and coronavirus.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Vauxhall boss says reopening of car showrooms is vital for industry

The government should allow car showrooms to reopen from Monday or risk production lines standing idle and thousands of workers remaining on furlough , Vauxhall 's boss has told Sky News .
Stephen Norman called on ministers to lift the shutdown so that Vauxhall can resume production at its Ellesmere Port plant , which directly employs 1,100 people producing the Astra .
Vauxhall 's comments come as the wider industry warns that the continued closure of showrooms is costing the Treasury £61m a day in lost tax revenue and the price of furloughing the majority of 590,000 people who work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants all 4,900 new car showrooms to reopen urgently , claiming that every day they are closed costs £20m in VAT and vehicle excise duty .
The SMMT estimates the cost of furloughing staff at £41m a day .
Production has been shut down since 16 March , and Mr Norman said it will not resume unless the company is confident it can generate demand through its dealership network .
Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover have also stopped production at their plants producing cars primarily for domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a halt .
Nissan , whose car factory in Sunderland is the largest in the UK , said it would begin a `` phased resumption '' of vehicle production from 8 June .
Vauxhall 's van plant at Luton resumed production this week , as did Ford and Toyota engine plants , and JLR 's Solihull factory , which produces cars for export to China - the first country to experience lockdown and the first to emerge from it .
In Britain , Downing Street has indicated that showrooms may be permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase two of the lockdown easing is scheduled to begin as long as certain conditions are met .
Sky News was given access to Vauxhall 's Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire to see the extensive preparations in place to allow workers to return safely .
These will include compulsory wearing of goggles , gloves and face masks for everyone on site .
But Mr Norman , Vauxhall 's boss , said that despite the prime minister 's call for companies that can operate to return to business , they would not make cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is one thing that we 're missing , that other markets on the continent benefit from , and that 's the ability to open car dealerships , '' he said .
`` So it really is important now that the UK government allows retail dealerships to open for sales , so we can develop orders to build the vehicles in the plant that you 've been visiting today .
`` Nobody in the modern industry builds vehicles in the hope of finding a customer , you build a vehicle for a customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , the four nations , develop customer orders so we can get Ellesmere Port back into production as soon as possible . ''
Currently showrooms are closed under the government shutdown of `` non-essential '' retail .
Vauxhall believes they can be reopened safely as many dealerships are large spaces , often with outdoor areas .
There are 4,900 new car showrooms in the UK and automotive retail employs 590,000 people , the bulk of them currently furloughed .
The entire car retail sector , including after-sale servicing , generates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norman said the continued showroom closure is illogical given garden centres are open , and estate agents have been allowed to resume conducting viewings in people 's homes .
`` By allowing , for example , estate agents to open , which are relatively confined spaces , we have a little bit of difficulty in understanding why retail car showrooms , which are much bigger places , can not reopen , and if necessary , we can have them open simply upon appointment , '' he said .
`` What we are asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow us to reopen at the very latest from Monday , and not have to wait until the month of June .
`` That really is vital for the UK motor industry , not just for Vauxhall . ''
Vauxhall has been working on safety procedures to cope with the threat of COVID-19 since lockdown began and contributed to the government guidelines for safe working that were published last week .
Every worker will be required to monitor and record their temperature for 14 days before returning to work , and have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will be issued with two masks for each shift , as well as gloves and goggles that must be worn at all times .
Access to changing rooms , toilets and rest areas will be restricted to ensure physical distancing is maintained , and two-metre indicators have been placed on production lines and work areas .
On the main general assembly production line , where more than 600 people are employed , individual work stations will be cleaned for five minutes every hour .
Workers operating face-to-face across the line who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visors for extra protection .
Deliveries will also be strictly monitored .
Lorry drivers will not be allowed to leave their cabs without PPE , any paperwork will be left for at least three hours before it is touched , and forklift trucks will be disinfected several times during every shift .
The closure of Vauxhall 's plant has also affected hundreds of workers in its supply chain .
Adient , which makes seats for the Astra as well as several other UK manufacturers , ceased production when Ellesmere Port shut down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Wood said they will only come back when Vauxhall resumes .
`` We are an integral part of Vauxhall and so we ca n't do anything to start until they start , we 're completely dependent on them , '' he said .
`` If they 're running , we run , if they stop , we stop , so we 've stopped at the moment . ''
Mr Norman predicted that if sales and production can resume soon the car industry could bounce back quickly from the shock caused by COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major issue with the volume of orders that will come back in once car showrooms and van showrooms reopen , and the sooner we can do that as soon as we can bring people off furlough and stand on our own two feet . ''
On reopening of showrooms as the lockdown eases , a spokesman for the prime minister said : `` That would form part of step two and it 's an issue that we are certainly very alive to .
`` We have to move forward with extreme caution and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk the sacrifice of the British public that would increase the spread . ''
A spokesperson for the department of business , energy and industrial strategy said : `` The reopening of non-essential retail like car showrooms should begin in a phased manner from 1 June , subject to the scientific evidence .
`` We have published clear guidance to ensure workplaces can open in a safe way when the time is right .
`` Currently , car showrooms can continue to sell cars remotely and deliver cars , as long as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The government should allow car showrooms to reopen from Monday or risk production lines standing idle and thousands of workers remaining on furlough, Vauxhall's boss has told Sky News.
Stephen Norman called on ministers to lift the shutdown so that Vauxhall can resume production at its Ellesmere Port plant, which directly employs 1,100 people producing the Astra.
Vauxhall's comments come as the wider industry warns that the continued closure of showrooms is costing the Treasury £61m a day in lost tax revenue and the price of furloughing the majority of 590,000 people who work in the car retail sector.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants all 4,900 new car showrooms to reopen urgently, claiming that every day they are closed costs £20m in VAT and vehicle excise duty.
The SMMT estimates the cost of furloughing staff at £41m a day.
Production has been shut down since 16 March, and Mr Norman said it will not resume unless the company is confident it can generate demand through its dealership network.
Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover have also stopped production at their plants producing cars primarily for domestic and European retail markets that have ground to a halt.
Nissan, whose car factory in Sunderland is the largest in the UK, said it would begin a "phased resumption" of vehicle production from 8 June.
Vauxhall's van plant at Luton resumed production this week, as did Ford and Toyota engine plants, and JLR's Solihull factory, which produces cars for export to China - the first country to experience lockdown and the first to emerge from it.
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In Britain, Downing Street has indicated that showrooms may be permitted to open from 1 June, when phase two of the lockdown easing is scheduled to begin as long as certain conditions are met.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 From 'just in time' to 'just in case'
Sky News was given access to Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire to see the extensive preparations in place to allow workers to return safely.
These will include compulsory wearing of goggles, gloves and face masks for everyone on site.
But Mr Norman, Vauxhall's boss, said that despite the prime minister's call for companies that can operate to return to business, they would not make cars they are unable to sell.
"There is one thing that we're missing, that other markets on the continent benefit from, and that's the ability to open car dealerships," he said.
"So it really is important now that the UK government allows retail dealerships to open for sales, so we can develop orders to build the vehicles in the plant that you've been visiting today.
"Nobody in the modern industry builds vehicles in the hope of finding a customer, you build a vehicle for a customer, and it's absolutely vital that the United Kingdom, the four nations, develop customer orders so we can get Ellesmere Port back into production as soon as possible."
Currently showrooms are closed under the government shutdown of "non-essential" retail.
Vauxhall believes they can be reopened safely as many dealerships are large spaces, often with outdoor areas.
There are 4,900 new car showrooms in the UK and automotive retail employs 590,000 people, the bulk of them currently furloughed.
The entire car retail sector, including after-sale servicing, generates turnover of more than £200bn.
Mr Norman said the continued showroom closure is illogical given garden centres are open, and estate agents have been allowed to resume conducting viewings in people's homes.
"By allowing, for example, estate agents to open, which are relatively confined spaces, we have a little bit of difficulty in understanding why retail car showrooms, which are much bigger places, cannot reopen, and if necessary, we can have them open simply upon appointment," he said.
"What we are asking is for the UK government now to allow us to reopen at the very latest from Monday, and not have to wait until the month of June.
"That really is vital for the UK motor industry, not just for Vauxhall."
Image: John Wood of seat maker Adient says when Vauxhall shuts down it shuts down
Vauxhall has been working on safety procedures to cope with the threat of COVID-19 since lockdown began and contributed to the government guidelines for safe working that were published last week.
Every worker will be required to monitor and record their temperature for 14 days before returning to work, and have their temperature taken on entering the site.
They will be issued with two masks for each shift, as well as gloves and goggles that must be worn at all times.
Access to changing rooms, toilets and rest areas will be restricted to ensure physical distancing is maintained, and two-metre indicators have been placed on production lines and work areas.
On the main general assembly production line, where more than 600 people are employed, individual work stations will be cleaned for five minutes every hour.
Workers operating face-to-face across the line who may come closer than two metres will wear visors for extra protection.
Image: Car showrooms cannot open under current lockdown rules
Deliveries will also be strictly monitored.
Lorry drivers will not be allowed to leave their cabs without PPE, any paperwork will be left for at least three hours before it is touched, and forklift trucks will be disinfected several times during every shift.
The closure of Vauxhall's plant has also affected hundreds of workers in its supply chain.
Adient, which makes seats for the Astra as well as several other UK manufacturers, ceased production when Ellesmere Port shut down and furloughed around 100 staff.
Plant manager John Wood said they will only come back when Vauxhall resumes.
"We are an integral part of Vauxhall and so we can't do anything to start until they start, we're completely dependent on them," he said.
"If they're running, we run, if they stop, we stop, so we've stopped at the moment."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Rolls-Royce to axe 9,000 jobs
Mr Norman predicted that if sales and production can resume soon the car industry could bounce back quickly from the shock caused by COVID-19.
"We don't see any major issue with the volume of orders that will come back in once car showrooms and van showrooms reopen, and the sooner we can do that as soon as we can bring people off furlough and stand on our own two feet."
On reopening of showrooms as the lockdown eases, a spokesman for the prime minister said: "That would form part of step two and it's an issue that we are certainly very alive to.
"We have to move forward with extreme caution and not do anything that would put at risk the sacrifice of the British public that would increase the spread."
A spokesperson for the department of business, energy and industrial strategy said: "The reopening of non-essential retail like car showrooms should begin in a phased manner from 1 June, subject to the scientific evidence.
"We have published clear guidance to ensure workplaces can open in a safe way when the time is right.
"Currently, car showrooms can continue to sell cars remotely and deliver cars, as long as they follow guidance from Public Health England."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Worcester cafe preparing to reopen by using shower curtain dividers

A cafe in Worcestershire is preparing to reopen its doors by hanging up clear shower curtains around the shop - in an attempt to make people feel safe .
Francini Cafe De Colombia in Worcester has come up with the novel way of trying to protect customers from coronavirus in the hope it will inspire other businesses to safely reopen when the time comes .
The cafe 's owner , Francini Osorio , has also installed an air purifier at his venue to filter the air for customers , who may be fearful of catching COVID-19 , but still fancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 30 of the plastic screenings in his restaurant , which will be sprayed with disinfectant , and will introduce a more rigorous cleaning policy when he is allowed to open his doors .
`` The idea is to keep people together but separated by the curtain .
`` If this has inspired people , that 's brilliant . ''
Non-essential businesses have been closed since 24 March , when Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the country on lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Coffee shops and restaurants are beginning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instil confidence in customers , while trying to stay in business .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Osorio , who is originally from Colombia , said : `` Where I come from we do n't sink , we stand up and we keep going . ''
He is also encouraging customers to bring their own masks to his shop , while offering free gloves to diners .

A cafe in Worcestershire is preparing to reopen its doors by hanging up clear shower curtains around the shop - in an attempt to make people feel safe.
Francini Cafe De Colombia in Worcester has come up with the novel way of trying to protect customers from coronavirus in the hope it will inspire other businesses to safely reopen when the time comes.
The cafe's owner, Francini Osorio, has also installed an air purifier at his venue to filter the air for customers, who may be fearful of catching COVID-19, but still fancy a coffee.
Image: The cafe is preparing to reopen. Pic: SWNS
Image: The curtains will keep people separated at the tables. Pic: SWNS
He has used more than 30 of the plastic screenings in his restaurant, which will be sprayed with disinfectant, and will introduce a more rigorous cleaning policy when he is allowed to open his doors.
"The idea is to keep people together but separated by the curtain.
"If this has inspired people, that's brilliant."
Non-essential businesses have been closed since 24 March, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the country on lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Coffee shops and restaurants are beginning to adapt to the new social-distancing measures to instil confidence in customers, while trying to stay in business.
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Mr Osorio, who is originally from Colombia, said: "Where I come from we don't sink, we stand up and we keep going."
He is also encouraging customers to bring their own masks to his shop, while offering free gloves to diners.


news--2020-05-21--Tory says fellow MPs who want to keep virtual parliament are 'lazy and work-shy'

MPs who want to maintain the virtual parliament system during the coronavirus lockdown are `` lazy '' and `` work-shy '' , a Conservative MP has claimed .
Crawley MP Henry Smith wrote on Twitter that it was not surprising that `` work-shy social and nationalist MPs tried to keep the remote parliament going beyond 2 June '' amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
The remarks attracted criticism , with Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner branding them `` nonsense '' .
She added that MPs and their staff from across the chamber have been `` working hard '' from their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Jess Phillips and former shadow minister and Labour MP Debbie Abrahams also criticised Mr Smith , condemning his remarks as both `` appalling '' and `` insulting '' .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed on Wednesday that he is sticking with plans to make MPs return to Westminster next month and bring an end to the current hybrid system .
This has seen MPs contribute to proceedings either in person or via Zoom .
Mr Rees-Mogg said social distancing will continue , which has limited numbers in the chamber to 50 MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to keep six feet apart when casting their votes in the chamber .
Mr Rees-Mogg pledged that parliament would be `` COVID-19 secure '' by 2 June , with MPs spared the `` crowded , bustling chamber of old '' .
He said the staff of MPs will be `` strongly advised to continue working from home '' , while efforts are continuing to work out how those with underlying health conditions who have been told to shield can still contribute .
Making the case for MPs to return , Mr Rees-Mogg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time available for debating legislation by around two-thirds and hindered `` proper scrutiny '' of the government .
In the wake of his announcement , opposition MPs failed in an attempt to take control of the Commons agenda to allow a vote on how the chamber will operate after recess when their amendment was not selected .
Labour has said ministers have `` yet to provide an honest explanation as to why it wants to bring this virtual system to an end '' .
A number of MPs from across the political spectrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has said MPs `` risk becoming 650 super-spreaders '' .
`` The current 'hybrid ' arrangements , however , while far from perfect , mean that MPs can work from home while all can still take part in voting on legislation , asking questions , scrutinising the government , speaking in debates , as well as undertaking constituency work , '' he said .
He added : `` Providing safe working conditions will be difficult as social distancing is nigh on impossible in its narrow corridors .
`` Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the country which are still experiencing high rates of infection is an epidemiologist 's very worst nightmare . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Robert Halfon , a fellow Tory MP , warned the Commons would become an `` apartheid parliament '' if measures for participating virtually are not retained for those who need them .
Mr Halfon , who is disabled , considered in an at-risk group and currently shielding , said : `` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , I would come in tomorrow if I could . ''
Garry Graham , deputy general secretary of the Prospect union , said trade unions representing parliamentary staff had offered to work with the government on a phased return to a physical parliament between now and the summer .
He said : `` It is incredibly disappointing that the government has chosen to ignore the voice of staff and impose a full return to parliament in two weeks , including physical voting , that will mean hundreds of people packed into parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk . ''

MPs who want to maintain the virtual parliament system during the coronavirus lockdown are "lazy" and "work-shy", a Conservative MP has claimed.
Crawley MP Henry Smith wrote on Twitter that it was not surprising that "work-shy social and nationalist MPs tried to keep the remote parliament going beyond 2 June" amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The remarks attracted criticism, with Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner branding them "nonsense".
Image: Henry Smith's comments have been described as 'appalling' and 'insulting'
She added that MPs and their staff from across the chamber have been "working hard" from their homes during the coronavirus lockdown.
Labour shadow minister Jess Phillips and former shadow minister and Labour MP Debbie Abrahams also criticised Mr Smith, condemning his remarks as both "appalling" and "insulting".
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed on Wednesday that he is sticking with plans to make MPs return to Westminster next month and bring an end to the current hybrid system.
This has seen MPs contribute to proceedings either in person or via Zoom.
Mr Rees-Mogg said social distancing will continue, which has limited numbers in the chamber to 50 MPs in recent weeks.
MPs will be required to keep six feet apart when casting their votes in the chamber.
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Mr Rees-Mogg pledged that parliament would be "COVID-19 secure" by 2 June, with MPs spared the "crowded, bustling chamber of old".
He said the staff of MPs will be "strongly advised to continue working from home", while efforts are continuing to work out how those with underlying health conditions who have been told to shield can still contribute.
Making the case for MPs to return, Mr Rees-Mogg said the hybrid parliament had cut the time available for debating legislation by around two-thirds and hindered "proper scrutiny" of the government.
In the wake of his announcement, opposition MPs failed in an attempt to take control of the Commons agenda to allow a vote on how the chamber will operate after recess when their amendment was not selected.
Labour has said ministers have "yet to provide an honest explanation as to why it wants to bring this virtual system to an end".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 MPs grapple with virtual democracy
A number of MPs from across the political spectrum have expressed concerns about a return.
Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has said MPs "risk becoming 650 super-spreaders".
"The current 'hybrid' arrangements, however, while far from perfect, mean that MPs can work from home while all can still take part in voting on legislation, asking questions, scrutinising the government, speaking in debates, as well as undertaking constituency work," he said.
He added: "Providing safe working conditions will be difficult as social distancing is nigh on impossible in its narrow corridors.
"Meanwhile, having MPs arrive in Westminster from other parts of the country which are still experiencing high rates of infection is an epidemiologist's very worst nightmare."
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Robert Halfon, a fellow Tory MP, warned the Commons would become an "apartheid parliament" if measures for participating virtually are not retained for those who need them.
Mr Halfon, who is disabled, considered in an at-risk group and currently shielding, said: "It's not that I don't want to come in, I would come in tomorrow if I could."
Garry Graham, deputy general secretary of the Prospect union, said trade unions representing parliamentary staff had offered to work with the government on a phased return to a physical parliament between now and the summer.
He said: "It is incredibly disappointing that the government has chosen to ignore the voice of staff and impose a full return to parliament in two weeks, including physical voting, that will mean hundreds of people packed into parliament's narrow corridors putting MPs and staff at risk."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Economy faces 'frustratingly slow recovery' despite virus hit easing

A closely watched survey of business activity suggests the worst of the coronavirus decline may be over as the economy faces up to the deepest recession in living memory .
The IHS Markit/CIPS flash purchasing managers ' index ( PMI ) for May showed a slowing in the record monthly collapse in output in April - with key indicators beating the expectations of economists .
However , those readings remained deep in negative territory as the country 's COVID-19 lockdown remained largely in place .
The index , in which a figure above 50 represents growth , showed activity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose to 28.9 in this month 's preliminary reading .
That was up from 13.8 in April .
The report 's authors cautioned that despite the improvement , the pace of decline remained far worse than at any point during the financial crisis with employment and new business orders continuing to fall .
A separate survey for the CBI found manufacturing output falling at its fastest pace since the measurement began in 1975 .
Total and export order books both deteriorated compared to the previous month , it found , dropping to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively .
A PMI survey covering the eurozone painted a similar picture to that in the UK with Germany , the bloc 's largest economy , already confirmed to be in recession .
Confirmation that the UK is also in recession - defined as two quarters of negative growth - is expected following the end of the April to June period .
The chancellor warned just this week of a downturn `` like we 've never seen '' in remarks to a parliamentary committee , just hours after official figures charted a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rishi Sunak had previously admitted that not every job was going to be saved by the government 's various schemes to support businesses and workers .
Chris Williamson , chief business economist at IHS Markit , said of the PMI data : `` The UK economy remains firmly locked in an unprecedented downturn , with business activity and employment continuing to slump at alarming rates in May . ''
He added : `` The UK looks set to see a frustratingly slow recovery , given the likely slower pace of opening up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen fewer COVID-19 cases .
`` Virus-related restrictions , widespread job insecurity and weak demand will be exacerbated by growing business uncertainty regarding Brexit .
`` We are consequently expecting GDP to fall by almost 12 % in 2020 .
`` While the quarterly rate of decline looks likely to peak at around 20 % in the second quarter , the recovery will be measured in years not months . ''

A closely watched survey of business activity suggests the worst of the coronavirus decline may be over as the economy faces up to the deepest recession in living memory.
The IHS Markit/CIPS flash purchasing managers' index (PMI) for May showed a slowing in the record monthly collapse in output in April - with key indicators beating the expectations of economists.
However, those readings remained deep in negative territory as the country's COVID-19 lockdown remained largely in place.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Chancellor:'Economic recovery will take time'
The index, in which a figure above 50 represents growth, showed activity in the dominant services sector and in manufacturing rose to 28.9 in this month's preliminary reading.
That was up from 13.8 in April.
The report's authors cautioned that despite the improvement, the pace of decline remained far worse than at any point during the financial crisis with employment and new business orders continuing to fall.
A separate survey for the CBI found manufacturing output falling at its fastest pace since the measurement began in 1975.
Total and export order books both deteriorated compared to the previous month, it found, dropping to their lowest since October 1981 and October 1998 respectively.
A PMI survey covering the eurozone painted a similar picture to that in the UK with Germany, the bloc's largest economy, already confirmed to be in recession.
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Confirmation that the UK is also in recession - defined as two quarters of negative growth - is expected following the end of the April to June period.
The chancellor warned just this week of a downturn "like we've never seen" in remarks to a parliamentary committee, just hours after official figures charted a record surge in unemployment claims for April.
Rishi Sunak had previously admitted that not every job was going to be saved by the government's various schemes to support businesses and workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Some furloughed workers are still working
Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said of the PMI data: "The UK economy remains firmly locked in an unprecedented downturn, with business activity and employment continuing to slump at alarming rates in May."
He added: "The UK looks set to see a frustratingly slow recovery, given the likely slower pace of opening up the economy relative to other countries which have seen fewer COVID-19 cases.
"Virus-related restrictions, widespread job insecurity and weak demand will be exacerbated by growing business
uncertainty regarding Brexit.
"We are consequently expecting GDP to fall by almost 12% in 2020.
"While the quarterly rate of decline looks likely to peak at around 20% in the second quarter, the recovery will be measured in years not months."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: TOWIE's Bobby Norris says online abuse has increased during lockdown

The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris has said online trolls should be punished in a similar way to motorists who repeatedly break the rules , as he claimed the abuse he gets has increased during the coronavirus lockdown .
Giving evidence to the Petitions Committee as part of his campaign to tackle online abuse , the reality star - who found fame on the ITV2 show in 2012 - said he receives death threats on a daily basis .
The 33-year-old revealed he has been told to kill himself , and said he had become strong enough not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up `` quite a thick skin '' and becoming almost `` immune '' to the abuse .
But he told MPs he fears others being targeted might not be able to cope in the same way .
Calling on social media companies to do more by tracing the trolls and `` taking away their privilege '' , Norris said : `` If you do n't use your driving licence appropriately , you can have it revoked .
`` If you do n't use social media appropriately , you should have it revoked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still this thing in people 's minds where they think what they say online does n't matter and it 's not the same as saying it to someone 's face , but it is . ''
Norris added : `` I believe trolling is abuse and the content is often a hate crime , whether it 's homophobia or racism .
`` If it 's a hate crime offline , it should be online .
People should n't be losing their lives , taking their lives , or locking themselves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have come so far in terms of homophobia , but we have still got a long way to go . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Norris also said that education had a key part to play , saying : `` We have to nip this in the bud from education age , no child is born a troll but they are taught it 's acceptable . ''
He also suggested users should to have to give a form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media accounts , adding that trolls should have their IP addresses flagged so they can not set up new profiles if they are reported .
Norris added : `` I have seen such an increase in online abuse and trolling , especially since lockdown .
`` Since speaking about it to my fans and followers on social media , I 'm so aware that it 's not just me and people in the public eye going through it . ''
A parliamentary spokesman has said there is no set length for the inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be submitted to the government for consideration .
The committee hearing was arranged after more than 130,000 people signed an online petition launched by Norris , calling for trolls to be held `` accountable for their online abuse '' .

The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris has said online trolls should be punished in a similar way to motorists who repeatedly break the rules, as he claimed the abuse he gets has increased during the coronavirus lockdown.
Giving evidence to the Petitions Committee as part of his campaign to tackle online abuse, the reality star - who found fame on the ITV2 show in 2012 - said he receives death threats on a daily basis.
The 33-year-old revealed he has been told to kill himself, and said he had become strong enough not to act on the abuse after building up "quite a thick skin" and becoming almost "immune" to the abuse.
But he told MPs he fears others being targeted might not be able to cope in the same way.
Image: The star has given evidence to the Petitions Committee
Calling on social media companies to do more by tracing the trolls and "taking away their privilege", Norris said: "If you don't use your driving licence appropriately, you can have it revoked.
"If you don't use social media appropriately, you should have it revoked."
He continued: "I believe there is still this thing in people's minds where they think what they say online doesn't matter and it's not the same as saying it to someone's face, but it is."
Norris added: "I believe trolling is abuse and the content is often a hate crime, whether it's homophobia or racism.
"If it's a hate crime offline, it should be online. People shouldn't be losing their lives, taking their lives, or locking themselves in their house or in the bedrooms.
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"We have come so far in terms of homophobia, but we have still got a long way to go."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Norris also said that education had a key part to play, saying: "We have to nip this in the bud from education age, no child is born a troll but they are taught it's acceptable."
He also suggested users should to have to give a form of identification when signing up for social media accounts, adding that trolls should have their IP addresses flagged so they cannot set up new profiles if they are reported.
Norris added: "I have seen such an increase in online abuse and trolling, especially since lockdown.
"Since speaking about it to my fans and followers on social media, I'm so aware that it's not just me and people in the public eye going through it."
Image: Norris wants social media companies to do more
A parliamentary spokesman has said there is no set length for the inquiry, but that a report would eventually be submitted to the government for consideration.
The committee hearing was arranged after more than 130,000 people signed an online petition launched by Norris, calling for trolls to be held "accountable for their online abuse".


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Study says one in six have had COVID-19 in London, one in 20 across UK

At least 5 % of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies , with the number rising to 17 % in London , a study has found .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the results of the study at the government 's daily coronavirus update , as he announced plans for antibody certificates .
The figures are the first ones to be released by a government-commissioned study run by the Office for National Statistics , using 1,000 adults to track levels of immunity in the UK .
Participants had to give blood samples that are tested to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people and how long it might last .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously hailed an antibody test found by scientists at Porton Down to be 100 % accurate as a `` game-changer '' for lifting the lockdown .
This , he said , is because someone with antibodies can be `` safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again '' .
The test , made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health England .
Mr Hancock confirmed it will be rolled out for free on the NHS from next week - going to health and social care workers first .
However , experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people - and how long the immunity might last .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker John Edmunds , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , has warned studies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for hopes humans could develop long-term immunity .
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday : `` We can also see from other coronaviruses , from ones that cause coughs and colds , that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses , allowing them to get reinfected later .
`` Immunity may not last that long against this virus . ''
There have been more than 252,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK , and at least 36,124 deaths .
Analysis : UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londoners are so much more likely to have had the infection because the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the country on the epidemic curve as we went into lockdown , writes our science correspondent Thomas Moore .
And since then spread of the virus has slowed dramatically .
These are results based on small samples of people across the country , so there will be a margin of error .
That ’ s why scientists are excited about the 10 million antibody tests that the government will roll out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more reliable data with geographical and occupational breakdowns .
But the figures give us a useful guide to what has happened over the past few weeks .
And they show how far short we are of herd immunity .
Roughly 60 % of the population would need to have had the virus and be immune to re-infection to stop the virus spreading .
It means a vaccine is our only realistic hope of returning to normal life .

At least 5% of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies, with the number rising to 17% in London, a study has found.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the results of the study at the government's daily coronavirus update, as he announced plans for antibody certificates.
The figures are the first ones to be released by a government-commissioned study run by the Office for National Statistics, using 1,000 adults to track levels of immunity in the UK.
Participants had to give blood samples that are tested to check how many had developed COVID-19 antibodies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
Experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people and how long it might last.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously hailed an antibody test found by scientists at Porton Down to be 100% accurate as a "game-changer" for lifting the lockdown.
This, he said, is because someone with antibodies can be "safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again".
The test, made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche, has been approved for use by Public Health England.
Mr Hancock confirmed it will be rolled out for free on the NHS from next week - going to health and social care workers first.
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However, experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people - and how long the immunity might last.
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John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest "potentially bad news" for hopes humans could develop long-term immunity.
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday: "We can also see from other coronaviruses, from ones that cause coughs and colds, that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses, allowing them to get reinfected later.
"Immunity may not last that long against this virus."
There have been more than 252,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, and at least 36,124 deaths.
Image: One professor warned immunity 'may not last that long'
Analysis: UK is still far short of herd immunity
Londoners are so much more likely to have had the infection because the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the country on the epidemic curve as we went into lockdown, writes our science correspondent Thomas Moore.
And since then spread of the virus has slowed dramatically.
These are results based on small samples of people across the country, so there will be a margin of error.
That’s why scientists are excited about the 10 million antibody tests that the government will roll out from next week.
They will give more reliable data with geographical and occupational breakdowns.
But the figures give us a useful guide to what has happened over the past few weeks.
And they show how far short we are of herd immunity.
Roughly 60% of the population would need to have had the virus and be immune to re-infection to stop the virus spreading.
It means a vaccine is our only realistic hope of returning to normal life.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Easing the UK out of lockdown is a confidence game and the PM is losing

You can see what the prime minister meant when he stood up in the Commons only 10 days ago and spoke about the `` complexities '' of moving from the `` gloriously simple '' Stay At Home message to a more nuanced one .
The 50-page strategy he published on the same day was meant to be our route map towards a new normal .
But so far , the public do n't seem to have much confidence in the manual or the message .
A YouGov poll over the weekend showed support for the government 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those polled thought the changes went too far and nearly three out of four wanted clearer guidance from the government about what they can and can not do as they come out of lockdown .
The mismatch between the road map and the nation 's psyche over COVID-19 has been playing out in technicolour when it comes to getting ready for step one of easing out of lockdown : the phased return of children to schools .
The government announced the plans only for teaching unions and parents to raise concerns over safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 councils - accounting for perhaps 1,500 primary schools - are in open revolt saying they will not be forced to follow the plan .
The government still has a lot to do to convince the public this route map is safe .
It also has a bit of a way to go to convince the public that the work to give us a clear route out of lockdown is complete .
The track and trace system - which has been hailed as the silver bullet to control cases and protect us as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be ready by 1 June , according to the prime minister .
But it will be without the smartphone app we were told just 10 days ago ( in that strategy document ) was integral to making the system work .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , told us we all had to `` do our duty '' and download the COVID-19 app when it became available .
It was meant to be rolled out in mid-May .
Now we 're told it will be ready in the `` coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the app , which was only ever the `` cherry on the cake '' .
`` The cake is the human test and trace system .
That is the most important thing '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Many other experts agree that an app is n't integral to track and trace .
And Greg Clark , chair of the science select committee , very sensibly pointed out in an interview with Sky News that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app that does n't work .
But if coaxing people out of lockdown is a confidence game , writing in your road map that the app is an integral part of track and trace only to then say it 's not , may confuse or even unnerve people .
This is in part a confidence game , and at the moment No .
10 seems to be losing .
`` The hardest part is getting the boulder to move .
Once it moves , people will feel more confident , '' one senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hump from blanket lockdown to a new way of life is hard .
That perhaps helps explain why senior ministers and officials I 've spoken to are now nodding to a lowering of expectations .
Yes , schools are almost certain to open from 1 June ( subject to no sudden spike in the R number ) but take-up will be minimal at first until more parents feel more confident about sending their children back .
`` It 's the carrot not the stick , '' says one government insider .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the measures in place . ''
But the government also needs to put far more flesh on the bones of its five tests in the coming days to give the public more confidence that it has a handle on the disease .
It has predicated its route out of lockdown on two critical measures .
The first is making sure the R-rate - the reproduction number - is below one , in order to make sure the number of infections is under control and not accelerating .
The second is having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive down new cases and stop hotspots from developing by early detection of outbreaks .
On both measures , information is patchy .
We still have very limited detail on the R-rate in regional and local areas and across different sectors - such as local communities , care homes and schools .
If the prime minister makes the R-rate central to the strategy , he should follow through with more detailed information about how it is evolving in local areas to help inform and reassure the public .
This is true too of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said this week all changes to lockdown would need an effective system of tracing and isolating new cases , but we have no information on how this system will work beyond the prime minister 's commitment to 25,000 new contact tracers being in post by June .
The prime minister hopes that while lifting lockdown is fiendishly complicated , if he can get this track and trace system up and running quickly , he 'll be able to re-open not just primary schools but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as outdoor markets or cafe courtyards - too .
We might soon be able to meet more members of our family or perhaps our friends in a socially-distanced way too .
Of course it 's much harder to give the public confidence in a nuanced message when you are trying to manage a disease you do n't yet fully understand .
But the government still has a lot to do convince the public its route map out is safe , starting with making sure its track and trace system is fully operational in @ @ @ @

You can see what the prime minister meant when he stood up in the Commons only 10 days ago and spoke about the "complexities" of moving from the "gloriously simple" Stay At Home message to a more nuanced one.
The 50-page strategy he published on the same day was meant to be our route map towards a new normal. But so far, the public don't seem to have much confidence in the manual or the message.
A YouGov poll over the weekend showed support for the government's handling of the virus dropping sharply. Over half of those polled thought the changes went too far and nearly three out of four wanted clearer guidance from the government about what they can and cannot do as they come out of lockdown.
The mismatch between the road map and the nation's psyche over COVID-19 has been playing out in technicolour when it comes to getting ready for step one of easing out of lockdown: the phased return of children to schools.
The government announced the plans only for teaching unions and parents to raise concerns over safety of staff and children. At least 18 councils - accounting for perhaps 1,500 primary schools - are in open revolt saying they will not be forced to follow the plan. The government still has a lot to do to convince the public this route map is safe.
It also has a bit of a way to go to convince the public that the work to give us a clear route out of lockdown is complete. The track and trace system - which has been hailed as the silver bullet to control cases and protect us as we go about our daily lives - will be ready by 1 June, according to the prime minister. But it will be without the smartphone app we were told just 10 days ago (in that strategy document) was integral to making the system work.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told us we all had to "do our duty" and download the COVID-19 app when it became available. It was meant to be rolled out in mid-May. Now we're told it will be ready in the "coming weeks" and Downing Street is distancing itself from the app, which was only ever the "cherry on the cake". "The cake is the human test and trace system. That is the most important thing".
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Many other experts agree that an app isn't integral to track and trace. And Greg Clark, chair of the science select committee, very sensibly pointed out in an interview with Sky News that it is better to wait than roll out an app that doesn't work.
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But if coaxing people out of lockdown is a confidence game, writing in your road map that the app is an integral part of track and trace only to then say it's not, may confuse or even unnerve people. This is in part a confidence game, and at the moment No. 10 seems to be losing.
"The hardest part is getting the boulder to move. Once it moves, people will feel more confident," one senior government official concedes. But getting over the hump from blanket lockdown to a new way of life is hard.
That perhaps helps explain why senior ministers and officials I've spoken to are now nodding to a lowering of expectations. Yes, schools are almost certain to open from 1 June (subject to no sudden spike in the R number) but take-up will be minimal at first until more parents feel more confident about sending their children back. "It's the carrot not the stick," says one government insider. "We've got to show people we have the measures in place."
But the government also needs to put far more flesh on the bones of its five tests in the coming days to give the public more confidence that it has a handle on the disease. It has predicated its route out of lockdown on two critical measures. The first is making sure the R-rate - the reproduction number - is below one, in order to make sure the number of infections is under control and not accelerating. The second is having a track and trace system in place to drive down new cases and stop hotspots from developing by early detection of outbreaks.
On both measures, information is patchy. We still have very limited detail on the R-rate in regional and local areas and across different sectors - such as local communities, care homes and schools. If the prime minister makes the R-rate central to the strategy, he should follow through with more detailed information about how it is evolving in local areas to help inform and reassure the public.
This is true too of track and trace. The government's own deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said this week all changes to lockdown would need an effective system of tracing and isolating new cases, but we have no information on how this system will work beyond the prime minister's commitment to 25,000 new contact tracers being in post by June.
The prime minister hopes that while lifting lockdown is fiendishly complicated, if he can get this track and trace system up and running quickly, he'll be able to re-open not just primary schools but some non-essential shops and outside spaces - such as outdoor markets or cafe courtyards - too. We might soon be able to meet more members of our family or perhaps our friends in a socially-distanced way too.
Of course it's much harder to give the public confidence in a nuanced message when you are trying to manage a disease you don't yet fully understand. But the government still has a lot to do convince the public its route map out is safe, starting with making sure its track and trace system is fully operational in 10 days time.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: New lockdown rules for Scotland as restrictions start to ease next week

The lockdown in Scotland will start to be eased next week , the Scottish government has announced .
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a five-phase `` route map '' for the `` relaxation '' of the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland .
She said the new rules are `` not set in stone '' and they will be reviewed every three weeks , as required by law .
Some of the rules will start on 28 May , with others a few days after , Ms Sturgeon said .
The new rules are : • People will be able to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same household will be able to meet those from one other household , if there are not too many people and they stay two metres apart outdoors - including in gardens • Visits inside another household are not allowed • Non-contact sports like golf , fishing , bowls and tennis will be allowed • People will be able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities , but they should try to stay close to home • Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction will resume • Garden centres will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like social work will resume • Some parts of the criminal justice system will resume Ms Sturgeon said people need to continue to wash their hands , remain two metres apart and stay at home as much as possible .
She said a test , trace , isolate and support system - called Test and Protect - is being trialled and `` will be a crucial tool in controlling the virus '' .
As part of the first phase , Ms Sturgeon said teachers will return to work in June to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after 11 August .
Transition support will be given to children going into primary year one or moving from primary to secondary schools .
More children will also have access to critical childcare , especially outdoor nurseries , which has so far only been provided for children of key workers during the lockdown .
Ms Sturgeon also said during phase one there will be the `` gradual opening '' of drive-thru food outlets .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into play in England last Wednesday but Ms Sturgeon said at the time it would not be safe for Scotland to follow the same timetable .
She said this was because the R number - the number of people one person infects - has been higher in Scotland than in other parts of the UK .
But , over the past few weeks the number of people dying with coronavirus has fallen , so has the number of patients in hospital .

The lockdown in Scotland will start to be eased next week, the Scottish government has announced.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a five-phase "route map" for the "relaxation" of the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland.
She said the new rules are "not set in stone" and they will be reviewed every three weeks, as required by law.
Image: People in Scotland will be allowed to play golf from next week
Some of the rules will start on 28 May, with others a few days after, Ms Sturgeon said.
The new rules are:
People will be able to sit and sunbathe outdoors
People from the same household will be able to meet those from one other household, if there are not too many people and they stay two metres apart outdoors - including in gardens
Visits inside another household are not allowed
Non-contact sports like golf, fishing, bowls and tennis will be allowed
People will be able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities, but they should try to stay close to home
Recycling and waste services will resume
Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction will resume
Garden centres will be allowed to open
Some services like social work will resume
Some parts of the criminal justice system will resume
Ms Sturgeon said people need to continue to wash their hands, remain two metres apart and stay at home as much as possible.
She said a test, trace, isolate and support system - called Test and Protect - is being trialled and "will be a crucial tool in controlling the virus".
As part of the first phase, Ms Sturgeon said teachers will return to work in June to prepare for schools to open for the new school year after 11 August.
Transition support will be given to children going into primary year one or moving from primary to secondary schools.
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More children will also have access to critical childcare, especially outdoor nurseries, which has so far only been provided for children of key workers during the lockdown.
Ms Sturgeon also said during phase one there will be the "gradual opening" of drive-thru food outlets.
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Some of the new Scottish lockdown rules came into play in England last Wednesday but Ms Sturgeon said at the time it would not be safe for Scotland to follow the same timetable.
She said this was because the R number - the number of people one person infects - has been higher in Scotland than in other parts of the UK.
But, over the past few weeks the number of people dying with coronavirus has fallen, so has the number of patients in hospital.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Emmerdale resumes filming and will show characters dealing with lockdown

Emmerdale 's cast and crew are back on set and will be filming six new episodes that show characters dealing with the lockdown .
Work on the episodes - to be filmed over two weeks with a scaled-down crew and social distancing measures in place - began on Wednesday at the show 's studios in Leeds .
ITV said the new episodes will ensure the drama `` stays on air in June '' - and will feature a nod to the NHS , health care workers and those working on the front line during the coronavirus pandemic .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to see `` resentments and past feuds resurface , old wounds further exposed , relationships scrutinised , with doubts and insecurities laid bare '' .
It said : `` Some seize the opportunity lockdown presents to heal divisions , whilst others get some sizzle back into their lives ! ''
Some of its best known characters , including Cain and Aaron Dingle , played by Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller , respectively , will also reflect on what they think is important in life .
Executive producer Jane Hudson said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in March , the writers instantly rose to the challenge .
`` Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning .
`` The response from everyone at Emmerdale to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we 're really grateful for their support . ''
The broadcaster said there will be fewer scenes which will no longer be filmed on location and that scripts will feature a smaller number of actors .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ITV 's soaps , is due to resume filming within weeks , according to one of its stars Helen Worth - who spoke to This Morning on Wednesday .
Charlotte Moore , the BBC 's director of content , told The Telegraph last week that filming for EastEnders would start again by the end of June .
Iconic Australian soap Neighbours resumed filming in April using social distancing measures , with various productions from around the world getting in touch for details on how it is operating .

Emmerdale's cast and crew are back on set and will be filming six new episodes that show characters dealing with the lockdown.
Work on the episodes - to be filmed over two weeks with a scaled-down crew and social distancing measures in place - began on Wednesday at the show's studios in Leeds.
ITV said the new episodes will ensure the drama "stays on air in June" - and will feature a nod to the NHS, health care workers and those working on the front line during the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Filming on Emmerdale was stopped in March due to the lockdown. Pic: ITV
In a statement, the broadcaster said fans can expect to see "resentments and past feuds resurface, old wounds further exposed, relationships scrutinised, with doubts and insecurities laid bare".
It said: "Some seize the opportunity lockdown presents to heal divisions, whilst others get some sizzle back into their lives!"
Some of its best known characters, including Cain and Aaron Dingle, played by Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller, respectively, will also reflect on what they think is important in life.
Executive producer Jane Hudson said: "When we first discussed commissioning these episodes back in March, the writers instantly rose to the challenge.
"Seven weeks into lockdown and the scripts have an added poignancy and meaning.
"The response from everyone at Emmerdale to filming these episodes has been fantastic and we're really grateful for their support."
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The broadcaster said there will be fewer scenes which will no longer be filmed on location and that scripts will feature a smaller number of actors.
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Coronation Street, another of ITV's soaps, is due to resume filming within weeks, according to one of its stars Helen Worth - who spoke to This Morning on Wednesday.
Charlotte Moore, the BBC's director of content, told The Telegraph last week that filming for EastEnders would start again by the end of June.
Iconic Australian soap Neighbours resumed filming in April using social distancing measures, with various productions from around the world getting in touch for details on how it is operating.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Hundreds of people charged after COVID-related attacks on emergency staff

Hundreds of people have been charged with coronavirus-related attacks in England and Wales , many of them on emergency workers , a senior prosecutor has said .
Some 442 suspects were charged with 660 offences flagged as being connected to COVID-19 last month , including assaults on 313 emergency staff .
Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC said there had been some `` appalling conduct '' towards frontline workers .
The Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) said many of the offences followed the `` typical pattern '' of police officers and other emergency workers being coughed at and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming to have coronavirus .
Mr Hill , who heads the CPS , told the Justice Affairs Select Committee there were also `` 142 offences of criminal damage , 99 public order offences , 63 common assaults ( and ) 44 cases of shop lifting '' .
He added that there is a `` very high conviction rate , hovering at around 97 % '' , because in the vast majority of cases people are pleading guilty .
Earlier this month , seven people were arrested after police were coughed at as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a birthday party during strict lockdown measures .
Around 40 people - including children - were at the gathering in Bolton .
In a separate briefing , the National Police Chiefs Council said there had been a 14 % rise in assaults on emergency staff in the four weeks to 10 May , compared to the same period last year .
In general , crime is down by about 25 % in England and Wales , with 999 calls falling 23 % .
Speaking about the impact that lockdown is having on domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` as alarmed as anybody else '' by the challenges facing victims at the moment .
He added that while the number of calls to domestic abuse helplines has risen by 49 % , the number of cases `` in the criminal justice pipeline '' has gone up by a much smaller number .
Cautioning the perpetrators of domestic abuse has become difficult without face-to-face contact , Mr Hill said .
`` The offender needs to understand what he or she - it 's usually he but it can be a she - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with that individual to ensure that the conditional caution takes effect , '' he told MPs .
Mr Hill added that `` face-to-face intervention '' had become `` very difficult to impossible in the early stages of lockdown '' .
That being the case , he said he did not think there had been `` much in the way of out of court disposal on domestic abuse cases '' .
He continued : `` It 's rather the other way - more is coming to court . ''
Mr Hill said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during lockdown , it will be important to reassess the justice system once restrictions are lifted .
`` As always there is a balance [ in using technology ] when it comes to trial and the public declaration of guilt or innocence , '' he said .
`` We are going to have to look hard at the system and make sure we do n't lose any of the cornerstones of open justice and access to justice merely because we 've gone through a period of crisis . ''

Hundreds of people have been charged with coronavirus-related attacks in England and Wales, many of them on emergency workers, a senior prosecutor has said.
Some 442 suspects were charged with 660 offences flagged as being connected to COVID-19 last month, including assaults on 313 emergency staff.
Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC said there had been some "appalling conduct" towards frontline workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Coronavirus antibody test ready in two weeks
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said many of the offences followed the "typical pattern" of police officers and other emergency workers being coughed at and spat on by members of the public claiming to have coronavirus.
Mr Hill, who heads the CPS, told the Justice Affairs Select Committee there were also "142 offences of criminal damage, 99 public order offences, 63 common assaults (and) 44 cases of shop lifting".
He added that there is a "very high conviction rate, hovering at around 97%", because in the vast majority of cases people are pleading guilty.
Earlier this month, seven people were arrested after police were coughed at as they attempted to disperse a large group at a birthday party during strict lockdown measures. Around 40 people - including children - were at the gathering in Bolton.
In a separate briefing, the National Police Chiefs Council said there had been a 14% rise in assaults on emergency staff in the four weeks to 10 May, compared to the same period last year.
In general, crime is down by about 25% in England and Wales, with 999 calls falling 23%.
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Speaking about the impact that lockdown is having on domestic abuse, Mr Hill said he was "as alarmed as anybody else" by the challenges facing victims at the moment.
He added that while the number of calls to domestic abuse helplines has risen by 49%, the number of cases "in the criminal justice pipeline" has gone up by a much smaller number.
The National Police Chiefs Council reported a 4% rise in domestic abuse incidents.
Cautioning the perpetrators of domestic abuse has become difficult without face-to-face contact, Mr Hill said.
"The offender needs to understand what he or she - it's usually he but it can be a she - has done and there needs to be work with that individual to ensure that the conditional caution takes effect," he told MPs.
Mr Hill added that "face-to-face intervention" had become "very difficult to impossible in the early stages of lockdown".
That being the case, he said he did not think there had been "much in the way of out of court disposal on domestic abuse cases".
He continued: "It's rather the other way - more is coming to court."
Mr Hill said that while modern technology had been very useful during lockdown, it will be important to reassess the justice system once restrictions are lifted.
"As always there is a balance [in using technology] when it comes to trial and the public declaration of guilt or innocence," he said.
"We are going to have to look hard at the system and make sure we don't lose any of the cornerstones of open justice and access to justice merely because we've gone through a period of crisis."