news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Government minister Greg Hands reveals father's death linked to COVID-19

Government minister Greg Hands has revealed his father has died after contracting coronavirus .
The Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham said the loss of his father made Thursday 's Clap for Carers event `` especially poignant '' .
`` Great to be out there , clapping for our carers , including those in our care homes , '' the trade minister said , referring to the now-weekly show of support for Britain 's key workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
`` Especially poignant for me this week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care home , on Monday , of pneumonia brought on by COVID-19 .
`` My father is another care home COVID death , but I remember him as a brilliant grammar school scientist , a single-minded & determined man , worked his way out of poverty , fought hard and gave his best .
`` He will be sorely missed .
1934-2020 , RIP . ''
Boris Johnson took part in this week 's Clap for Carers event , joining many people across the country as they thanked frontline healthcare workers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his Chequers country residence after being discharged from hospital , while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab deputises for him .
A Downing Street spokesman said : `` Like millions of people across the country , the prime minister joined in the Clap for Carers this evening , to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country 's doctors , nurses and care workers . ''
It is now the fourth week since the country started applauding those treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals and care homes , after the idea went viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson 's fiancee Carrie Symonds said she was `` clapping harder than ever tonight for our carers - you are the best of Britain '' .
She also paid tribute to Captain Tom Moore , 99 , who has raised more than £15m for an NHS charity by walking 100 laps around his garden .
Also taking part in Clap for Carers was Mr Raab and Chancellor Rishi Sunak , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of the PM .

Government minister Greg Hands has revealed his father has died after contracting coronavirus.
The Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham said the loss of his father made Thursday's Clap for Carers event "especially poignant".
"Great to be out there, clapping for our carers, including those in our care homes," the trade minister said, referring to the now-weekly show of support for Britain's key workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: Greg Hands (L) with his father. Pic: Greg Hands/Twitter
"Especially poignant for me this week after the death of my father in his care home, on Monday, of pneumonia brought on by COVID-19.
"My father is another care home COVID death, but I remember him as a brilliant grammar school scientist, a single-minded & determined man, worked his way out of poverty, fought hard and gave his best.
"He will be sorely missed. 1934-2020, RIP."
Boris Johnson took part in this week's Clap for Carers event, joining many people across the country as they thanked frontline healthcare workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Britain applauds its NHS heroes
The prime minister is currently recovering from COVID-19 at his Chequers country residence after being discharged from hospital, while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab deputises for him.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Like millions of people across the country, the prime minister joined in the Clap for Carers this evening, to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country's doctors, nurses and care workers."
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It is now the fourth week since the country started applauding those treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals and care homes, after the idea went viral on social media at the start of the lockdown.
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Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds said she was "clapping harder than ever tonight for our carers - you are the best of Britain".
She also paid tribute to Captain Tom Moore, 99, who has raised more than £15m for an NHS charity by walking 100 laps around his garden.
Also taking part in Clap for Carers was Mr Raab and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who have been leading the government's response in the absence of the PM.


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Brits urged to buy a paper as industry grapples with 'biggest ever crisis'

Britons have been urged to buy a newspaper as the press grapples `` with the biggest existential crisis in its history '' .
The newspaper business has come under increasing strain amid the coronavirus pandemic , with falling advertising revenue and declining circulation .
Two of the UK 's biggest publishers have cut wages for staff in the latest round of measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis .
The Daily Mail and General Trust ( DMGT ) , which owns the Mail , Metro and the i newspaper titles , has imposed a pay cut on all staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Reach , owner of the Mirror and Express papers , said all staff will see a pay cut of at least 10 % due to heavy falls in advertising and circulation .
Writing in The Times , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` Newspapers are at heart of the British media and essential to its vibrant mix .
`` People across the country are rising to the coronavirus challenge and I suggest we all add one small thing to our to-do list : buy a paper .
`` Despite the massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production and distribution of news , those working in the industry have shown a dogged determination to keep the show on the road .
`` Right now the news industry is doing a vital public service by giving important information to people as the pandemic unfolds . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also urged brands to end `` ad-blocking '' on online news articles about the pandemic and allow their adverts to appear next to COVID-19 news stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest national emergency since the Second World War the press is grappling with arguably the biggest existential crisis in its history .
`` National , regional and local newspapers are under huge financial pressure , largely because of plummeting commercial advertising on their printed pages and websites .
`` So today I am asking companies and the advertising industry to act and do all they can to resolve this issue .
`` I have written to the 100 biggest brands in the UK to urge them to review their advertising policies and check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing next to news providing a vital public service . ''

Britons have been urged to buy a newspaper as the press grapples "with the biggest existential crisis in its history".
The newspaper business has come under increasing strain amid the coronavirus pandemic, with falling advertising revenue and declining circulation.
Two of the UK's biggest publishers have cut wages for staff in the latest round of measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
The Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), which owns the Mail, Metro and the i newspaper titles, has imposed a pay cut on all staff earning more than £40,000 a year.
And Reach, owner of the Mirror and Express papers, said all staff will see a pay cut of at least 10% due to heavy falls in advertising and circulation.
Writing in The Times, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Newspapers are at heart of the British media and essential to its vibrant mix.
"People across the country are rising to the coronavirus challenge and I suggest we all add one small thing to our to-do list: buy a paper.
"Despite the massive disruption the coronavirus lockdown is causing to the production and distribution of news, those working in the industry have shown a dogged determination to keep the show on the road.
"Right now the news industry is doing a vital public service by giving important information to people as the pandemic unfolds."
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He also urged brands to end "ad-blocking" on online news articles about the pandemic and allow their adverts to appear next to COVID-19 news stories.
"As the country fights our greatest national emergency since the Second World War the press is grappling with arguably the biggest existential crisis in its history.
"National, regional and local newspapers are under huge financial pressure, largely because of plummeting commercial advertising on their printed pages and websites.
"So today I am asking companies and the advertising industry to act and do all they can to resolve this issue.
"I have written to the 100 biggest brands in the UK to urge them to review their advertising policies and check they are not inappropriately blocking adverts from appearing next to news providing a vital public service."


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Queen asks for no gun salutes to mark birthday as it would be 'inappropriate'

The Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday as it would be `` inappropriate in the current circumstances '' .
Buckingham Palace said the Queen did not want any special measures in place to allow gun salutes when she turns 94 on Tuesday .
Gun salutes , in which blank rounds are fired from around London , are typically used by the Royal Family to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays .
But this is believed to be the first time in the Queen 's 68-year reign that there will be none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said : `` Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances . ''
Any phone or video calls she has with family will be kept private , they added .
Government buildings have been given standard advice on flag-flying protocol for the day .
However , this advice includes an acknowledgement that `` in current circumstances we are not expecting everyone to be able to follow this advice and you should continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the government '' .
It comes after more than 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 , the fifth-highest death toll in the world from the virus , which originated in China late last year .
It has already been announced that the Trooping Of The Colour - the Queen 's annual birthday parade in June - would not go ahead in its traditional form .
There are also no current plans for an alternative day to mark the Queen 's birthday .
The Queen 's schedule has already been affected by coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Easter but moved there from Buckingham Palace a week earlier than expected as a precautionary measure .
Over the Easter weekend , as churches were forced to remain closed , she broadcast a message to the nation - only the fifth of its kind during her reign .
In words that were also broadcast across the Commonwealth , she said : `` We know that coronavirus will not overcome us '' .
The Queen 's eldest son Prince Charles was among those who contracted the virus , although his symptoms were mild @ @ @ @ @

The Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday as it would be "inappropriate in the current circumstances".
Buckingham Palace said the Queen did not want any special measures in place to allow gun salutes when she turns 94 on Tuesday.
Gun salutes, in which blank rounds are fired from around London, are typically used by the Royal Family to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 In full: The Queen's historic address to the nation
But this is believed to be the first time in the Queen's 68-year reign that there will be none on her birthday.
A Buckingham Palace source said: "Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances."
Any phone or video calls she has with family will be kept private, they added.
Image: Prince Charles tested positive for coronavirus, but has since recovered
Government buildings have been given standard advice on flag-flying protocol for the day.
However, this advice includes an acknowledgement that "in current circumstances we are not expecting everyone to be able to follow this advice and you should continue to adhere to social distancing as set out by the government".
It comes after more than 14,000 people have died from COVID-19, the fifth-highest death toll in the world from the virus, which originated in China late last year.
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Some 150,000 people have died worldwide.
It has already been announced that the Trooping Of The Colour - the Queen's annual birthday parade in June - would not go ahead in its traditional form.
There are also no current plans for an alternative day to mark the Queen's birthday.
The Queen's schedule has already been affected by coronavirus.
She usually stays at Windsor Castle for Easter but moved there from Buckingham Palace a week earlier than expected as a precautionary measure.
Over the Easter weekend, as churches were forced to remain closed, she broadcast a message to the nation - only the fifth of its kind during her reign.
In words that were also broadcast across the Commonwealth, she said: "We know that coronavirus will not overcome us".
The Queen's eldest son Prince Charles was among those who contracted the virus, although his symptoms were mild and he has recovered.


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Stop treating public 'like children' and reveal exit strategy, say senior MPs

The government should stop underestimating the public by treating them `` like children '' in refusing to openly discuss lockdown exit strategies , senior Conservative MPs have said .
Several Conservative backbenchers and former ministers have argued that `` strategic clarity '' must be now be made public on how the UK may ease its coronavirus lockdown , which has been extended this week until May .
Among them was former Brexit secretary David Davis , who pointed to strategies taken by other countries to communicate the steps to relax measures , insisting that the British public understands that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Other countries have been very open about what they 've done .
`` There 's really no reason , there 's no argument for not debating and discussing with all the facts available . ''
He added there were `` lots and lots '' of benefits to openly discussing an exit strategy and that the government 's argument to avoid confusing the message was `` just wrong '' .
`` It underestimates the public , '' he said , adding : `` The public understands that there are phases to this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iain Duncan Smith told The Times the government needs to `` accept and admit we are coming out of lockdown '' and stop treating people `` like children '' .
He said : `` We need to trust the British people and not treat them like children .
We must respect their common sense .
`` They need to know that the sun is rising at some point , in an economic sense . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's lack of clarity on an exit strategy could be due to Boris Johnson 's absence as he continues his recovery from the illness - but the prime minister 's official spokesman said this is `` wrong '' .
The government has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to reveal an exit strategy , but it has pointed instead to the five changes it would need to see happen before it could even begin considering a lift to the lockdown .
These include a decrease in the daily number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS can cope and that any adjustments would not lead to a second peak , and the implementation of enough testing to meet demand .
Tobias Ellwood , chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee , suggested that a timeless `` general road map '' would be `` well received '' by the public , and could be of help to keep `` the hearts and minds and support in place '' .
He said : `` You want people rallying behind government , working with government , not acting against it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to ensure that they are as best informed as to what 's coming around the corner , and therefore fewer surprises , or guessing what might happen next , or speculating , which can be more dangerous . ''
When asked if Mr Johnson 's absence could have affected the willingness to talk about an exit plan , he said it had been `` a real setback '' and that there would be `` a step change in communication '' when he returns .
This could be in `` a few more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was clearly hit badly and they want him back in full health , and so he 's following doctors ' order at the moment , '' he said .
For now , Mr Ellwood added : `` What we need is strategic clarity as to what happens next , and that 's what I 'm calling for .
`` My concern has been that there has been a clarion call for an exit strategy when the government must make clear there is no exit from this until a vaccine is procured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , therefore the longevity of this needs to be managed .
`` Letting the nation know what is coming round the corner helps keep minds focused and people on board .
`` So I fully understand the concern of diluting that central message during the lockdown , but I see three phases to this . ''
The three phases , according to Mr Ellwood , could consist of a continuation of the lockdown ; a post-lockdown and pre-vaccine period where measures are gradually eased ; and a vaccine rollout .

The government should stop underestimating the public by treating them "like children" in refusing to openly discuss lockdown exit strategies, senior Conservative MPs have said.
Several Conservative backbenchers and former ministers have argued that "strategic clarity" must be now be made public on how the UK may ease its coronavirus lockdown, which has been extended this week until May.
Among them was former Brexit secretary David Davis, who pointed to strategies taken by other countries to communicate the steps to relax measures, insisting that the British public understands that it will be phased.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 Now is not the time to let up'
He said: "Other countries have been very open about what they've done.
"There's really no reason, there's no argument for not debating and discussing with all the facts available."
He added there were "lots and lots" of benefits to openly discussing an exit strategy and that the government's argument to avoid confusing the message was "just wrong".
"It underestimates the public," he said, adding: "The public understands that there are phases to this."
Meanwhile, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Times the government needs to "accept and admit we are coming out of lockdown" and stop treating people "like children".
He said: "We need to trust the British people and not treat them like children. We must respect their common sense.
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"They need to know that the sun is rising at some point, in an economic sense."
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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Labour leader Keir Starmer has suggested the government's lack of clarity on an exit strategy could be due to Boris Johnson's absence as he continues his recovery from the illness - but the prime minister's official spokesman said this is "wrong".
The government has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to reveal an exit strategy, but it has pointed instead to the five changes it would need to see happen before it could even begin considering a lift to the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Crowds ignore 2m rule during Clap for Carers
These include a decrease in the daily number of deaths and new infections, confidence the NHS can cope and that any adjustments would not lead to a second peak, and the implementation of enough testing to meet demand.
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, suggested that a timeless "general road map" would be "well received" by the public, and could be of help to keep "the hearts and minds and support in place".
He said: "You want people rallying behind government, working with government, not acting against it.
"The best way to do that is to ensure that they are as best informed as to what's coming around the corner, and therefore fewer surprises, or guessing what might happen next, or speculating, which can be more dangerous."
When asked if Mr Johnson's absence could have affected the willingness to talk about an exit plan, he said it had been "a real setback" and that there would be "a step change in communication" when he returns.
This could be in "a few more days", he said.
"He was clearly hit badly and they want him back in full health, and so he's following doctors' order at the moment," he said.
For now, Mr Ellwood added: "What we need is strategic clarity as to what happens next, and that's what I'm calling for.
"My concern has been that there has been a clarion call for an exit strategy when the government must make clear there is no exit from this until a vaccine is procured and delivered to a sizeable proportion of the population, therefore the longevity of this needs to be managed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Relaxing UK lockdown would risk lives - Raab
"Letting the nation know what is coming round the corner helps keep minds focused and people on board.
"So I fully understand the concern of diluting that central message during the lockdown, but I see three phases to this."
The three phases, according to Mr Ellwood, could consist of a continuation of the lockdown; a post-lockdown and pre-vaccine period where measures are gradually eased; and a vaccine rollout.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Longleat Safari Park owner Lord Bath dies after contracting COVID-19

The eccentric owner of Longleat Safari Park , Lord Bath , has died after contracting coronavirus .
Alexander Thynn , 87 , died on Saturday after being admitted to hospital in Bath on 28 March , his family have said .
In a statement , the safari park said : `` It is with the deepest sadness we have to announce Lord Bath has died at the age of 87 .
`` Alexander Thynn , 7th Marquess of Bath , passed away on Saturday , 4th April .
He was admitted to the Royal United Hospital in Bath on 28th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
`` The family would like to express their great appreciation for the dedicated team of nurses , doctors and other staff who cared so professionally and compassionately for Alexander in these extremely difficult times for everyone '' They would politely request a period of privacy to deal with their loss . ''
Lord Bath was well known for having multiple partners in addition to his wife , and he claimed to have 72 `` wifelets '' who were immortalised in paintings he placed on Longleat House 's walls .
TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bath on Twitter , posting a picture of him and his colleague Kate Humble with the safari park owner .
The three of them spent years filming the series Animal Park together .
He wrote : `` Devastated to hear the sad passing of Lord Bath .
We spent nearly two decades with the eccentric and colourful Lord at Longleat filming Animal Park .
`` He will be missed .
Sending my love and condolences to the family @ Emmaweymouth1 and everyone at @ Longleat . '
Kate Humble , who presented the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was `` very sad '' to hear of his death .
She tweeted : `` Everyone will describe him as eccentric - and he was , gloriously so - but he was also kind & fun - and we all need a bit of kindness & fun in our lives . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Lord Bath , then Viscount Weymouth , was educated at Eton and Oxford and was president of the famous Bullingdon Club .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had two children , but he said in 2010 that he also acknowledged that he had `` an eight-year-old but I do n't see enough of her '' .
Lord Bath stood in the first European parliamentary elections in 1979 , representing the Wessex Regionalist Party which he helped to set up .
After becoming the 7th Marquess of Bath in 1992 , he sat as a Liberal Democrat in the House of Lords .
But he lost his seat when Labour reforms excluded most hereditary peers .

The eccentric owner of Longleat Safari Park, Lord Bath, has died after contracting coronavirus.
Alexander Thynn, 87, died on Saturday after being admitted to hospital in Bath on 28 March, his family have said.
In a statement, the safari park said: "It is with the deepest sadness we have to announce Lord Bath has died at the age of 87.
"Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath, passed away on Saturday, 4th April. He was admitted to the Royal United Hospital in Bath on 28th March where it was confirmed he had the coronavirus.
"The family would like to express their great appreciation for the dedicated team of nurses, doctors and other staff who cared so professionally and compassionately for Alexander in these extremely difficult times for everyone
Image: Lord Bath at Longleat House
"They would politely request a period of privacy to deal with their loss."
Lord Bath was well known for having multiple partners in addition to his wife, and he claimed to have 72 "wifelets" who were immortalised in paintings he placed on Longleat House's walls.
They included models and a 17-year-old Sri Lankan.
TV presenter Ben Fogle paid tribute to Lord Bath on Twitter, posting a picture of him and his colleague Kate Humble with the safari park owner. The three of them spent years filming the series Animal Park together.
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He wrote: "Devastated to hear the sad passing of Lord Bath. We spent nearly two decades with the eccentric and colourful Lord at Longleat filming Animal Park.
"He will be missed. Sending my love and condolences to the family @Emmaweymouth1 and everyone at @Longleat.'
Image: Lord Bath at fancy dress garden party at his home, Longleat House, in 1987
Kate Humble, who presented the show, which ran from 2000-09, said she was "very sad" to hear of his death.
She tweeted: "Everyone will describe him as eccentric - and he was, gloriously so - but he was also kind & fun - and we all need a bit of kindness & fun in our lives."
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Lord Bath, then Viscount Weymouth, was educated at Eton and Oxford and was president of the famous Bullingdon Club.
In 1969 he married Emma Gael and had two children, but he said in 2010 that he also acknowledged that he had "an eight-year-old but I don't see enough of her".
Lord Bath stood in the first European parliamentary elections in 1979, representing the Wessex Regionalist Party which he helped to set up.
After becoming the 7th Marquess of Bath in 1992, he sat as a Liberal Democrat in the House of Lords.
But he lost his seat when Labour reforms excluded most hereditary peers.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Another 621 patients die - UK total now 4,934

Another 621 hospital patients have died after contracting coronavirus - taking the UK 's total to 4,934 .
Public Health England reported an extra 555 deaths , Public Health Wales recorded 12 and the Public Health Agency said there had been seven in Northern Ireland .
In Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said authorities had recorded an additional two deaths , but stressed the number was based on a new way of counting deaths .
The UK national figure for deaths was the situation at 5pm on Saturday .
The figures for deaths in the various UK countries have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health , the number who have tested positive across the UK , as of 9am on Sunday , now stands at 47,806. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In England , the largest number of deaths was again reported in London , after the Midlands become the worst affected region briefly on Saturday .
But the worst hit health trust , Public Health England data showed , has been University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust , where 210 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust , Barts Health Trust , Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust , and Royal Free London NHS Trust have all recorded more than 100 deaths .
The rise in the figures come after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said outdoor exercise could be banned if people flout the social distancing rules .
With temperatures rising , he stressed that sunbathing in public spaces was against government guidance , and told those who dared to disobey that they are putting their own and others ' lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures also showed the number of new people tested daily in the UK for coronavirus had risen back above 10,000 .
A total of 12,334 new people were tested in the 24 hours to 9am .
The same figure on Saturday had fallen below 10,000 , having previously been above 10,000 for two days in a row - amid concerns about the number of tests taking place .
It came as Professor Stephen Powis , NHS England 's national medical director , warned that while new cases of coronavirus appear to be stabilising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` take our foot off the pedal ''

Another 621 hospital patients have died after contracting coronavirus - taking the UK's total to 4,934.
Public Health England reported an extra 555 deaths, Public Health Wales recorded 12 and the Public Health Agency said there had been seven in Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said authorities had recorded an additional two deaths, but stressed the number was based on a new way of counting deaths.
Image: Police move on sunbathers in Regent's Park, London, as the UK continues in lockdown
The UK national figure for deaths was the situation at 5pm on Saturday. The figures for deaths in the various UK countries have different time scales.
According to the Department of Health, the number who have tested positive across the UK, as of 9am on Sunday, now stands at 47,806.
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In England, the largest number of deaths was again reported in London, after the Midlands become the worst affected region briefly on Saturday.
But the worst hit health trust, Public Health England data showed, has been University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, where 210 people have died with COVID-19 related symptoms.
In London, the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Barts Health Trust, Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust, and Royal Free London NHS Trust have all recorded more than 100 deaths.
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The rise in the figures come after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said outdoor exercise could be banned if people flout the social distancing rules.
With temperatures rising, he stressed that sunbathing in public spaces was against government guidance, and told those who dared to disobey that they are putting their own and others' lives at risk.
The Department of Health figures also showed the number of new people tested daily in the UK for coronavirus had risen back above 10,000.
A total of 12,334 new people were tested in the 24 hours to 9am.
The same figure on Saturday had fallen below 10,000, having previously been above 10,000 for two days in a row - amid concerns about the number of tests taking place.
It came as Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, warned that while new cases of coronavirus appear to be stabilising, it was not the time to "take our foot off the pedal"


news--2020-04-05--Blow for Barnett as Invesco sacked by trust after value slumps

One of the City 's best-known stock-pickers has lost his grip on an investment trust he has managed for almost a quarter of a century , as COVID-19 's impact on the stock market hammers the performance of active fund managers .
Sky News has learnt that Perpetual Income and Growth Investment Trust ( PIGIT ) has notified Invesco that it intends to remove it as the manager of its roughly £500m portfolio .
The decision is likely to be announced as soon as this week .
It will represent a bitter blow to Mark Barnett , the Invesco executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after its launch .
Mr Barnett , who has been a respected figure in the asset management industry for decades , had been on alert for PIGIT to move since Edinburgh Investment Trust removed him as its manager in December .
PIGIT 's ten largest holdings include BP and Royal Dutch Shell , the FTSE-100 oil giants which have been jolted by the recent slump in oil prices .
The investment trust 's value has slumped by 40 % over the last 12 months .
It is now expected to choose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One source pointed out that PIGIT represented only a modest proportion of the overall assets that Mr Barnett manages at Invesco .
Mr Barnett , who also manages several of Invesco 's own , much larger UK equities funds , had hoped that the resolution of the Brexit impasse would pave the way for a strong run for London-listed shares .
However , the coronavirus outbreak has had a savage impact on the stock-picking strategies of many fund managers , with many listed companies now likely to need to raise fresh equity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds oriented towards stocks typically paying handsome dividends have also been stunned by the flood of companies announcing that they would cancel or defer shareholder payouts because of uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic .
Last week , Invesco wrote down the value of unlisted investments managed by Mr Barnett by 60 % , and said it would seek to offload them .
Mr Barnett 's prominence is partly a consequence of his historically close working relationship with Neil Woodford , who left Invesco to set up his own asset management operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
An attempt by Kent County Council to withdraw £250m from Woodford Investment Management ( WIM ) last May triggered a decision by the fund administrator to prevent investors from pulling out their money .
WIM , which for several years was the most lauded new entrant into the multitrillion-pound UK fund management industry , subsequently announced that it would close .
Sky News revealed last month that Mr Woodford was canvassing support from wealthy investors about a comeback .
Last November , Invesco announced a shake-up in the stewardship of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of outflows .
The US-owned fund manager appointed Martin Walker , one of its senior fund managers , to the role of co-head of UK equities alongside Mr Barnett .
Mr Barnett 's performance looks more impressive when judged over a longer period , with the Strategic Income Fund - managed by Mr Barnett since 2006 - having delivered returns of 113 % over the last decade .
Last autumn , Mr Barnett offered a mea culpa to his investors but insisted that he was determined to improve returns , saying that income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Invesco I am not just accountable to my investors , '' Mr Barnett wrote in October .
`` I am also accountable to teams of highly experienced and qualified professionals , as well as layers of experienced senior management .
`` I am supported to make independent investment decisions , yes , but I am also accountable and well-challenged .
`` I am the named portfolio manager , but I am not my own boss . ''
Invesco declined to comment , while PIGIT could not be reached for comment .

One of the City's best-known stock-pickers has lost his grip on an investment trust he has managed for almost a quarter of a century, as COVID-19's impact on the stock market hammers the performance of active fund managers.
Sky News has learnt that Perpetual Income and Growth Investment Trust (PIGIT) has notified Invesco that it intends to remove it as the manager of its roughly £500m portfolio.
The decision is likely to be announced as soon as this week.
It will represent a bitter blow to Mark Barnett, the Invesco executive who has managed PIGIT since 1999, shortly after its launch.
Mr Barnett, who has been a respected figure in the asset management industry for decades, had been on alert for PIGIT to move since Edinburgh Investment Trust removed him as its manager in December.
PIGIT's ten largest holdings include BP and Royal Dutch Shell, the FTSE-100 oil giants which have been jolted by the recent slump in oil prices.
The investment trust's value has slumped by 40% over the last 12 months.
It is now expected to choose a replacement manager during the coming months.
One source pointed out that PIGIT represented only a modest proportion of the overall assets that Mr Barnett manages at Invesco.
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Mr Barnett, who also manages several of Invesco's own, much larger UK equities funds, had hoped that the resolution of the Brexit impasse would pave the way for a strong run for London-listed shares.
However, the coronavirus outbreak has had a savage impact on the stock-picking strategies of many fund managers, with many listed companies now likely to need to raise fresh equity to survive.
In addition to that, funds oriented towards stocks typically paying handsome dividends have also been stunned by the flood of companies announcing that they would cancel or defer shareholder payouts because of uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic.
Last week, Invesco wrote down the value of unlisted investments managed by Mr Barnett by 60%, and said it would seek to offload them.
Mr Barnett's prominence is partly a consequence of his historically close working relationship with Neil Woodford, who left Invesco to set up his own asset management operation in 2013 before seeing it implode last year.
An attempt by Kent County Council to withdraw £250m from Woodford Investment Management (WIM) last May triggered a decision by the fund administrator to prevent investors from pulling out their money.
WIM, which for several years was the most lauded new entrant into the multitrillion-pound UK fund management industry, subsequently announced that it would close.
Sky News revealed last month that Mr Woodford was canvassing support from wealthy investors about a comeback.
Last November, Invesco announced a shake-up in the stewardship of its flagship UK funds after billions of pounds of outflows.
The US-owned fund manager appointed Martin Walker, one of its senior fund managers, to the role of co-head of UK equities alongside Mr Barnett.
Mr Barnett's performance looks more impressive when judged over a longer period, with the Strategic Income Fund - managed by Mr Barnett since 2006 - having delivered returns of 113% over the last decade.
Last autumn, Mr Barnett offered a mea culpa to his investors but insisted that he was determined to improve returns, saying that income generation had remained strong.
"At Invesco I am not just accountable to my investors," Mr Barnett wrote in October.
"I am also accountable to teams of highly experienced and qualified professionals, as well as layers of experienced senior management.
"I am supported to make independent investment decisions, yes, but I am also accountable and well-challenged.
"I am the named portfolio manager, but I am not my own boss."
Invesco declined to comment, while PIGIT could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Irish PM re-registers as doctor to help tackle outbreak

The Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has re-registered as a doctor with the country 's health service and will work one shift a week to assist during the coronavirus outbreak .
Mr Varadkar was a practising doctor for seven years , working as a junior doctor in St James 's Hospital and Connolly Hospital in Dublin before becoming a politician .
There have been just under 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland , with 158 of those diagnosed with the disease subsequently dying .
Following the outbreak in Ireland the taoiseach rejoined the medical register , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Varadkar offered his services to Ireland 's Health Service Executive ( HSE ) for `` one session a week in areas that are within his scope of practice '' , according to his office .
`` Many of his family and friends are working in the health service .
He wanted to help out even in a small way , '' the spokesman added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It follows Ireland 's health minister Simon Harris launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health service , which like many others is struggling to handle the outbreak .
The HSE said it had spoken to thousands of healthcare professionals who may be eligible to return to work after it received more than 70,000 responses to the drive .
Mr Varadkar will assist by providing phone assessments , the first way that HSE speaks to potential patients who may have been exposed to the virus .
He comes from a medical family , the Irish Times reported , as the son of a doctor and a nurse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their husbands all also working in healthcare .

The Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has re-registered as a doctor with the country's health service and will work one shift a week to assist during the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Varadkar was a practising doctor for seven years, working as a junior doctor in St James's Hospital and Connolly Hospital in Dublin before becoming a politician.
There have been just under 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland, with 158 of those diagnosed with the disease subsequently dying.
Following the outbreak in Ireland the taoiseach rejoined the medical register, which he was removed from in 2013.
Mr Varadkar offered his services to Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) for "one session a week in areas that are within his scope of practice", according to his office.
"Many of his family and friends are working in the health service. He wanted to help out even in a small way," the spokesman added.
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It follows Ireland's health minister Simon Harris launching a recruitment drive for the country's health service, which like many others is struggling to handle the outbreak.
The HSE said it had spoken to thousands of healthcare professionals who may be eligible to return to work after it received more than 70,000 responses to the drive.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:36 Irish PM on a 'comprehensive' virus response
Mr Varadkar will assist by providing phone assessments, the first way that HSE speaks to potential patients who may have been exposed to the virus.
He comes from a medical family, the Irish Times reported, as the son of a doctor and a nurse, with his partner, two sisters and their husbands all also working in healthcare.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: 'We'll meet again' - Queen recalls WWII song in bid to lift nation in lockdown

The Queen has drawn on her experience of wartime spirit to call on the country to `` remain united and resolute '' to overcome the coronavirus crisis .
In an historic address to the nation recorded inside Windsor Castle , the monarch said : `` Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute , then we will overcome it . ''
In a deeply moving and personal message , Her Majesty reflected on how difficult it is for many spending time apart during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more still to endure , better days will return : we will be with our friends again ; we will be with our families again ; we will meet again , '' she said .
In words that appeared to echo those of Dame Vera Lynn 's famous Second World War song We 'll Meet Again , the Queen drew on her own personal memories when she said : `` The pride in who we are is not a part of our past , it defines our present and our future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to praise the work of those keeping the country going and putting their own lives at risk , saying : `` I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line , as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles , who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all .
`` I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country for coming together to clap for the NHS on the last two Thursday evenings .
`` The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit ; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children , '' she said .
It was only the fifth address of its kind during her 68-year reign and it was also broadcast across the Commonwealth .
The Queen is head of state of 16 Commonwealth realms as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the worldwide nature of the COVID-19 outbreak , she said : `` While we have faced challenges before , this one is different .
`` This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour , using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal .
`` We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us . ''
The Palace has been keen to stress that these were the Queen 's words , written with her close advisers , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the address before it was recorded .
In a message the government would have been keen to see her reinforce , the Queen thanked those who have been staying at home to protect the vulnerable , using her own personal experience to get the message across .
`` It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made , in 1940 , helped by my sister , '' she said .
`` We , as children , spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once again , many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones .
`` But now , as then , we know , deep down , that it is the right thing to do . ''
She added : `` I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge .
`` And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any .
That the attributes of self-discipline , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characterise this country . ''
The message was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle , only after special advice was given by the royal household 's medical team to protect the Queen and adhere to the current social distancing guidelines .
Only one cameraman was allowed in the room wearing gloves and a mask .
Other technical staff were made to work in a separate room using monitors and speakers .
The Queen has been staying at Windsor for the past two weeks .
She moved there from Buckingham Palace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautionary measure .
She normally stays in Windsor for Easter , but it is anticipated she will remain there after the break .

The Queen has drawn on her experience of wartime spirit to call on the country to "remain united and resolute" to overcome the coronavirus crisis.
In an historic address to the nation recorded inside Windsor Castle, the monarch said: "Together we are tackling this disease and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it."
In a deeply moving and personal message, Her Majesty reflected on how difficult it is for many spending time apart during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again," she said.
Image: The Queen left Buckingham Palace last month
In words that appeared to echo those of Dame Vera Lynn's famous Second World War song We'll Meet Again, the Queen drew on her own personal memories when she said: "The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future."
The 93-year-old monarch was also quick to praise the work of those keeping the country going and putting their own lives at risk, saying: "I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.
"I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times."
And she praised the country for coming together to clap for the NHS on the last two Thursday evenings.
"The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children," she said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Britons salute NHS heroes
It was only the fifth address of its kind during her 68-year reign and it was also broadcast across the Commonwealth.
The Queen is head of state of 16 Commonwealth realms as well as head of the Commonwealth.
Reflecting on the worldwide nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, she said: "While we have faced challenges before, this one is different.
"This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal.
"We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Charles: NHS Nightingale is 'shining light'
The Palace has been keen to stress that these were the Queen's words, written with her close advisers, but Number 10 would have had sight of the address before it was recorded.
In a message the government would have been keen to see her reinforce, the Queen thanked those who have been staying at home to protect the vulnerable, using her own personal experience to get the message across.
"It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister," she said.
"We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones.
"But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do."
She added: "I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.
"And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country."
Image: The Queen held a recent weekly meeting with the PM via phone because of social distancing
The message was recorded in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, only after special advice was given by the royal household's medical team to protect the Queen and adhere to the current social distancing guidelines.
Only one cameraman was allowed in the room wearing gloves and a mask.
Other technical staff were made to work in a separate room using monitors and speakers.
Image: The message was recorded at Windsor Castle
The Queen has been staying at Windsor for the past two weeks.
She moved there from Buckingham Palace a week earlier than expected as a precautionary measure.
She normally stays in Windsor for Easter, but it is anticipated she will remain there after the break.


news--2020-04-05--Tory grandees warn over Chinese move on chipmaker Imagination

David Davis , the former Brexit secretary , has urged ministers to probe a Chinese bid to take control of Imagination Technologies Group , amid fears that the British chip designer 's assets will be shifted away from the UK .
Sky News has seen a letter from Mr Davis to Oliver Dowden , the digital , culture , media and sport secretary , asking the government to `` investigate this potential change of control of an important British strategic asset and , if necessary…intervene to ensure that this change of control does not take place '' .
The growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort by China Reform Holdings - which has close links to Beijing - to nominate four directors to Imagination 's board at an emergency meeting on Tuesday .
If the move takes place , it could give China Reform sufficient control of Imagination to set in motion a redomiciling of the company and its assets to China .
In his letter , Mr Davis asked Mr Dowden whether the government had powers to stop `` British-owned intellectual property passing into Chinese ownership '' and whether it had a list of British technology companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
He also demanded to know whether there were `` any legal mechanisms in place to stop people who work directly or indirectly for the Chinese state sitting on British company boards '' .
Sky News revealed on Saturday details of China Reform 's effort to take over the board of the chip designer , which counts Apple and Samsung among its largest customers .
Imagination was taken over in 2017 by Canyon Bridge Capital Partners , a Cayman Islands-based private equity firm , in a £550m deal .
Canyon Bridge 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood to have given assurances at the time of the deal that it would be passive .
The chairs of four Commons select committees have now written to Boris Johnson , asking the prime minister to intervene on the grounds of potential risks to national security .
The government intelligence agency , GCHQ , and the National Cyber Security Centre have also been informed of the developments .
On Sunday , Iain Duncan Smith , the former Tory leader and a staunch critic of Beijing , also weighed in , telling Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` part of a pattern '' .
`` The totalitarian government has a strategic ambition to dominate key global markets and raw materials required in the manufacture of everything from microprocessors to batteries , '' he said .
`` They plan to make the world dependent on China and so dominate us all .
`` It 's time for the UK and the west to think again . ''
Imagination designs graphics processing units ( GPUs ) used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is based in Hertfordshire , employs about 600 people in the UK - with those prized technology jobs likely to be at risk if the company is moved to China .
One source said that China Reform had indicated to the company that it ultimately wanted to redomicile it to China - a move that would compound deepening fears about the pace of the 'technology transfer ' to the world 's most populous nation .
They added that China Reform 's move appeared to be timed to coincide with `` the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with governments around the world almost entirely consumed by the task of dealing with the coronavirus outbreak .
Imagination was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings , which is owned by Japan 's SoftBank .
The relationship between Imagination and Apple , which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January , means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ( CFIUS ) blocked a takeover by Canyon Bridge of Lattice Semiconductor following an executive order from President Trump .
In the wake of that decision , Canyon Bridge relocated its head office from the US to the light-touch Cayman Islands .
Imagination is said to be taking legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented .
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government 's decision to allow Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum , the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies .
Theresa May 's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology , requiring buyers to notify the government of any potential issues .
Mr Davis declined to comment on the content of his letter , while Imagination also declined to comment .

David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, has urged ministers to probe a Chinese bid to take control of Imagination Technologies Group, amid fears that the British chip designer's assets will be shifted away from the UK.
Sky News has seen a letter from Mr Davis to Oliver Dowden, the digital, culture, media and sport secretary, asking the government to "investigate this potential change of control of an important British strategic asset and, if necessary…intervene to ensure that this change of control does not take place".
The growing clamour for government intervention relates to an effort by China Reform Holdings - which has close links to Beijing - to nominate four directors to Imagination's board at an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
If the move takes place, it could give China Reform sufficient control of Imagination to set in motion a redomiciling of the company and its assets to China.
In his letter, Mr Davis asked Mr Dowden whether the government had powers to stop "British-owned intellectual property passing into Chinese ownership" and whether it had a list of British technology companies that could not be sold into Chinese control.
He also demanded to know whether there were "any legal mechanisms in place to stop people who work directly or indirectly for the Chinese state sitting on British company boards".
Image: Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has been told by Mr Davis there are fears the chip designer's assets will be moved away from the UK
Sky News revealed on Saturday details of China Reform's effort to take over the board of the chip designer, which counts Apple and Samsung among its largest customers.
Imagination was taken over in 2017 by Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, a Cayman Islands-based private equity firm, in a £550m deal.
Canyon Bridge's main investor is China Reform, which is understood to have given assurances at the time of the deal that it would be passive.
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The chairs of four Commons select committees have now written to Boris Johnson, asking the prime minister to intervene on the grounds of potential risks to national security.
The government intelligence agency, GCHQ, and the National Cyber Security Centre have also been informed of the developments.
On Sunday, Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader and a staunch critic of Beijing, also weighed in, telling Sky News that China Reform's coup attempt was "part of a pattern".
"The totalitarian government has a strategic ambition to dominate key global markets and raw materials required in the manufacture of everything from microprocessors to batteries," he said.
"They plan to make the world dependent on China and so dominate us all.
"It's time for the UK and the west to think again."
Image: Imagination makes graphics processing units (GPUs) for customers including Apple and Samsung
Imagination designs graphics processing units (GPUs) used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11bn devices globally.
The company, which is based in Hertfordshire, employs about 600 people in the UK - with those prized technology jobs likely to be at risk if the company is moved to China.
One source said that China Reform had indicated to the company that it ultimately wanted to redomicile it to China - a move that would compound deepening fears about the pace of the 'technology transfer' to the world's most populous nation.
They added that China Reform's move appeared to be timed to coincide with "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers, with governments around the world almost entirely consumed by the task of dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
Imagination was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings, which is owned by Japan's SoftBank.
The relationship between Imagination and Apple, which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January, means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company's board.
In 2017, America's powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) blocked a takeover by Canyon Bridge of Lattice Semiconductor following an executive order from President Trump.
In the wake of that decision, Canyon Bridge relocated its head office from the US to the light-touch Cayman Islands.
Imagination is said to be taking legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented.
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government's decision to allow Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies.
Theresa May's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology, requiring buyers to notify the government of any potential issues.
Mr Davis declined to comment on the content of his letter, while Imagination also declined to comment.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Canada investigates reports medical supplies shipment 'diverted to US'

Canada is investigating reports a shipment of medical supplies the country had ordered was diverted to the US .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is `` very concerned '' , adding that `` we need to make sure that [ coronavirus ] equipment that is destined for Canada gets to and stays in Canada .
`` And I 've asked ministers to follow up on these particular reports .
`` We are working not just here at home but overseas ; as well , to ensure that the equipment that Canada has ordered makes its way to Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 125 Canadians , while more than 10,000 have fallen ill. Mr Trudeau told reporters on Thursday he has asked his public safety minister and transport minister to investigate , but stressed the country 's relationship with its neighbour to the south has not changed .
`` We are working together [ with US officials ] .
We understand that the needs of the United States are real , but the needs of Canada are also real .
And we need to work together to that end , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hard-hit eastern region pointed the finger at Washington .
Dr Jean Rottner , an emergency room doctor in Mulhouse , told RTL radio American officials swooped on a Chinese airport to take away a planeload of masks that France had ordered .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' On the tarmac , the Americans arrive , take out cash and pay three or four times more for our orders , so we really have to fight . ''
Almost 200,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epicentre of the infection in the US , courtesy of the Justice Department .
It is distributing about 192,000 N-95 masks as well as gloves , gowns , hand sanitiser and other personal protective equipment seized by the new coronavirus hoarding and price gouging task force .
The supplies , found by the FBI on Monday , will go to frontline medical workers in New York and New Jersey .
The justice department says it notified the department of health and human services , which compelled the supplies be turned over as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agents also found nearly 600,000 medical-grade gloves , 130,000 surgical masks , some N100 masks and disinfectant spray and towels .
Authorities said the owner would be paid `` fair market value '' for the supplies .

Canada is investigating reports a shipment of medical supplies the country had ordered was diverted to the US.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "very concerned", adding that "we need to make sure that [coronavirus] equipment that is destined for Canada gets to and stays in Canada.
"And I've asked ministers to follow up on these particular reports.
Image: A COVID-19 testing center in the Canadian capital, Ottawa
"We are working not just here at home but overseas; as well, to ensure that the equipment that Canada has ordered makes its way to Canada."
Coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 125 Canadians, while more than 10,000 have fallen ill.
Mr Trudeau told reporters on Thursday he has asked his public safety minister and transport minister to investigate, but stressed the country's relationship with its neighbour to the south has not changed.
"We are working together [with US officials]. We understand that the needs of the United States are real, but the needs of Canada are also real. And we need to work together to that end," he added.
A top health official in France's hard-hit eastern region pointed the finger at Washington.
Dr Jean Rottner, an emergency room doctor in Mulhouse, told RTL radio American officials swooped on a Chinese airport to take away a planeload of masks that France had ordered.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why is Sweden not on lockdown?
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"On the tarmac, the Americans arrive, take out cash and pay three or four times more for our orders, so we really have to fight."
Almost 200,000 masks are heading to New York, the epicentre of the infection in the US, courtesy of the Justice Department.
It is distributing about 192,000 N-95 masks as well as gloves, gowns, hand sanitiser and other personal protective equipment seized by the new coronavirus hoarding and price gouging task force.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Here is what lockdown actually means for you.
The supplies, found by the FBI on Monday, will go to frontline medical workers in New York and New Jersey.
The justice department says it notified the department of health and human services, which compelled the supplies be turned over as part of the Defense Production Act.
Agents also found nearly 600,000 medical-grade gloves, 130,000 surgical masks, some N100 masks and disinfectant spray and towels.
Authorities said the owner would be paid "fair market value" for the supplies.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Double trouble for easyJet as Stelios wages war on CFO

The founder of easyJet has escalated his battle against the low-cost carrier 's board by threatening to oust one of its top executives and warning that it could run out of money by August .
Sky News can reveal that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou , who along with members of his family owns close to 34 % of easyJet , will announce on Monday that he will seek to remove Andrew Findlay , its finance chief , as well as non-executive director Andreas Bierwirth .
Sir Stelios last week used his shareholding to requisition an extraordinary general meeting to oust Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move every seven weeks in an attempt to replace its entire slate of non-executives .
In a statement posted on easyGroup 's website on Sunday night , Sir Stelios said he would not inject any more money into easyJet 's shares unless it cancels an order for Airbus aircraft worth £4.5bn .
The tycoon , who launched the airline in 1995 before floating it five years later , wants it to raise at least £600m through a rights issue in which he has signalled a willingness to participate .
`` If easyJet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money as loans only to pass it on to Airbus , it will have to raise fresh equity anyway in the next 3-6 months - reducing the value of our current shareholdings to close to zero , '' he said .
`` In any event no rational investor would be buying new shares in easyJet if the money will be used by easyJet to pay £4.5bn to Airbus for new planes it simply does not need .
`` I will certainly not be throwing good money after bad .
`` For the avoidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any fresh equity in easyJet whilst the Airbus liability is in place . ''
Sir Stelios recently received a £60m dividend cheque from easyJet , which the airline paid despite ominous signs of the crisis in which the industry now finds itself .
Sir Stelios 's effort to get rid of Mr Findlay - motivated by what he called the board 's `` dirty trick '' in rejecting the requisition notice - will heighten tensions between the two sides .
EasyJet has described its founder 's campaign as an unwelcome distraction during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been grounded because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sir Stelios has opposed public statements by easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren that the company was seeking a government loan on commercial terms to help it weather the coronavirus outbreak .
Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , recently said that any state support for airlines would need to be in taxpayers ' interest and would be available `` only as a last resort '' .
That comment implied that airlines such as easyJet would need to tap their own shareholders for funding before approaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board , Sir Stelios warned that if the Airbus order for more than 100 new planes was not abandoned , `` easyJet will run out of money around August 2020 , perhaps even earlier '' .
He said he had chosen Mr Findlay as his latest target to be sacked because it was `` the best way to stop him writing billion pound cheques plus to Airbus every year '' .
Referring to Mr Findlay 's previous employer , he added : that the aircraft order `` would have been the equivalent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplier and then buying 50 % more bikes than it could expect to sell - but strange things happen to executives when Airbus is the vendor '' .
That stark warning underlines the emergency facing global aviation industry as the coronavirus pandemic leaves it facing the gravest crisis in its history .
It is not the first time that the easyJet founder has been in dispute with the company over the size of its fleet , having settled several disputes with uneasy truces .
An easyJet spokeswoman said : `` The board is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the aviation sector as a whole .
`` We remain absolutely focused on short term liquidity , removing expenditure from the business alongside safeguarding jobs and ensuring the long-term future of the airline .
`` We believe that holding a general meeting would be an unhelpful distraction from tackling the many immediate issues our business faces . ''

The founder of easyJet has escalated his battle against the low-cost carrier's board by threatening to oust one of its top executives and warning that it could run out of money by August.
Sky News can reveal that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who along with members of his family owns close to 34% of easyJet, will announce on Monday that he will seek to remove Andrew Findlay, its finance chief, as well as non-executive director Andreas Bierwirth.
Sir Stelios last week used his shareholding to requisition an extraordinary general meeting to oust Mr Bierwirth, and said he would repeat the move every seven weeks in an attempt to replace its entire slate of non-executives.
In a statement posted on easyGroup's website on Sunday night, Sir Stelios said he would not inject any more money into easyJet's shares unless it cancels an order for Airbus aircraft worth £4.5bn.
The tycoon, who launched the airline in 1995 before floating it five years later, wants it to raise at least £600m through a rights issue in which he has signalled a willingness to participate.
"If easyJet stumbles along whilst taking UK taxpayers' money as loans only to pass it on to Airbus, it will have to raise fresh equity anyway in the next 3-6 months - reducing the value of our current shareholdings to close to zero," he said.
"In any event no rational investor would be buying new shares in easyJet if the money will be used by easyJet to pay £4.5bn to Airbus for new planes it simply does not need.
"I will certainly not be throwing good money after bad.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I will not inject any fresh equity in easyJet whilst the Airbus liability is in place."
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Sir Stelios recently received a £60m dividend cheque from easyJet, which the airline paid despite ominous signs of the crisis in which the industry now finds itself.
Sir Stelios's effort to get rid of Mr Findlay - motivated by what he called the board's "dirty trick" in rejecting the requisition notice - will heighten tensions between the two sides.
EasyJet has described its founder's campaign as an unwelcome distraction during a period in which its entire fleet has been grounded because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sir Stelios has opposed public statements by easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren that the company was seeking a government loan on commercial terms to help it weather the coronavirus outbreak.
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, recently said that any state support for airlines would need to be in taxpayers' interest and would be available "only as a last resort".
That comment implied that airlines such as easyJet would need to tap their own shareholders for funding before approaching the government.
In his latest attack on the board, Sir Stelios warned that if the Airbus order for more than 100 new planes was not abandoned, "easyJet will run out of money around August 2020, perhaps even earlier".
He said he had chosen Mr Findlay as his latest target to be sacked because it was "the best way to stop him writing billion pound cheques plus to Airbus every year".
Referring to Mr Findlay's previous employer, he added: that the aircraft order "would have been the equivalent of Halfords only buying bikes from one supplier and then buying 50% more bikes than it could expect to sell - but strange things happen to executives when Airbus is the vendor".
That stark warning underlines the emergency facing global aviation industry as the coronavirus pandemic leaves it facing the gravest crisis in its history.
It is not the first time that the easyJet founder has been in dispute with the company over the size of its fleet, having settled several disputes with uneasy truces.
An easyJet spokeswoman said: "The board is managing the unprecedented challenges facing the airline and the aviation sector as a whole.
"We remain absolutely focused on short term liquidity, removing expenditure from the business alongside safeguarding jobs and ensuring the long-term future of the airline.
"We believe that holding a general meeting would be an unhelpful distraction from tackling the many immediate issues our business faces."


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Cutting Premier League players' wages would cost Treasury £200m, PFA claims

Cutting top footballers ' pay during the coronavirus outbreak could cost the government more than £200m in tax receipts , the Professional Footballers ' Association has claimed .
The PFA says the loss in revenue would be `` detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services '' .
When representatives from the Premier League 's 20 clubs met on Friday they all agreed to consult players on a `` combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 % of total annual remuneration '' .
But on Saturday , Premier League players failed to reach an agreement with their clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players are mindful that as PAYE employees , the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services - which are especially critical at this time .
`` Taking a 30 % salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums .
This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services .
`` The proposed 30 % deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government . ''
The government said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between players and clubs , with Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden saying : `` Football must play its part to show that the sport understands the pressures its lower paid staff , communities and fans face . ''
On Saturday , Liverpool became the latest Premier League club to put its non-playing staff on furlough , joining Tottenham , Norwich , Newcastle and AFC Bournemouth .
Liverpool made a pre-tax profit of £42m last year and it said `` complex '' talks continue with players about savings on salaries .
However , if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could end up owing broadcasters hundreds of millions of pounds .
Even Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said Premier League players should `` take a pay cut and play their part '' .
An FA spokesman told Sky Sports News : `` As a not-for-profit organisation , we want to ensure that we take the appropriate course of action to support the wider organisation and our employees .
`` We will make a further announcement on our next steps in due course . ''
It comes as Wayne Rooney criticised both the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footballers in a `` no-win situation '' over the issue of pay cuts , branding their interventions `` a disgrace '' .
The former England captain , now playing for Championship club Derby , wrote in a column in the Sunday Times that his fellow professionals were `` easy targets '' in the wider response to the coronavirus crisis .
He said he had both the means and the will to make significant financial contributions , either in the form of salary reductions or direct donations to the NHS , but felt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unhelpful .
Rooney wrote : `` If the government approached me to help support nurses financially or buy ventilators I 'd be proud to do so - as long as I knew where the money was going .
`` I 'm in a position where I could give something up .
Not every footballer is in the same position .
Yet suddenly the whole profession has been put on the spot with a demand for 30 % pay cuts across the board .
Why are footballers suddenly the scapegoats ?
`` How the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disgrace .
First the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , said that Premier League players should take a pay cut .
He was supposed to be giving the nation the latest on the biggest crisis we 've faced in our lifetimes .
Why was the pay of footballers even in his head ?
Was he desperate to divert attention from his government 's handling of this pandemic ? ''
`` In my opinion it is now a no-win situation .
Whatever way you look at it , we 're easy targets .
@

Cutting top footballers' pay during the coronavirus outbreak could cost the government more than £200m in tax receipts, the Professional Footballers' Association has claimed.
The PFA says the loss in revenue would be "detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services".
When representatives from the Premier League's 20 clubs met on Friday they all agreed to consult players on a "combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30% of total annual remuneration".
But on Saturday, Premier League players failed to reach an agreement with their clubs.
The PFA said: "The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services - which are especially critical at this time.
Image: Wayne Rooney says players are in "no-win situation" over the issue of pay cuts.
"Taking a 30% salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.
"The proposed 30% deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government."
:: England boss Gareth Southgate takes 30% pay cut
The government said it was "concerned" by the stand-off between players and clubs, with Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden saying: "Football must play its part to show that the sport understands the pressures its lower paid staff, communities and fans face."
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On Saturday, Liverpool became the latest Premier League club to put its non-playing staff on furlough, joining Tottenham, Norwich, Newcastle and AFC Bournemouth.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'Sunbathing is against the rules'
Liverpool made a pre-tax profit of £42m last year and it said "complex" talks continue with players about savings on salaries.
However, if the season is not completed, the league could end up owing broadcasters hundreds of millions of pounds.
Even Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said Premier League players should "take a pay cut and play their part".
An FA spokesman told Sky Sports News: "As a not-for-profit organisation, we want to ensure that we take the appropriate course of action to support the wider organisation and our employees.
"We will make a further announcement on our next steps in due course."
It comes as Wayne Rooney criticised both the government and the Premier League for putting top footballers in a "no-win situation" over the issue of pay cuts, branding their interventions "a disgrace".
The former England captain, now playing for Championship club Derby, wrote in a column in the Sunday Times that his fellow professionals were "easy targets" in the wider response to the coronavirus crisis.
He said he had both the means and the will to make significant financial contributions, either in the form of salary reductions or direct donations to the NHS, but felt the public pressure being exerted on players was unhelpful.
Rooney wrote: "If the government approached me to help support nurses financially or buy ventilators I'd be proud to do so - as long as I knew where the money was going.
"I'm in a position where I could give something up. Not every footballer is in the same position. Yet suddenly the whole profession has been put on the spot with a demand for 30% pay cuts across the board. Why are footballers suddenly the scapegoats?
"How the past few days have played out is a disgrace. First the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said that Premier League players should take a pay cut. He was supposed to be giving the nation the latest on the biggest crisis we've faced in our lifetimes. Why was the pay of footballers even in his head? Was he desperate to divert attention from his government's handling of this pandemic?"
"In my opinion it is now a no-win situation. Whatever way you look at it, we're easy targets."


news--2020-04-29--Priti Patel: Calls for bullying report to be released amid reports home secretary 'cleared'

Labour has called for the results of an investigation into bullying allegations against Priti Patel to be made public as soon as possible , amid reports the home secretary has been cleared .
The Cabinet Office investigation was launched in the wake of Sir Philip Rutnam quitting as permanent secretary at the Home Office .
When he announced his resignation in February , Sir Philip claimed he had been the target of a `` vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign '' which he accused the home secretary of being behind .
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
Sir Philip has since launched legal action against the home secretary .
Subsequent claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments later emerged , prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to order the Cabinet Office review .
Supporters of the home secretary have rallied round her and say she is the victim of a smear campaign , while the PM has said he backs her .
Ms Patel rejects all claims of bullying that have been made against her .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to have found 'no evidence ' '' to substantiate the allegations that she bullied staff at the Home Office and other departments where she worked .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There has been no official comment on whether the inquiry has finished , but multiple reports say the home secretary has been cleared of breaching the ministerial code .
Labour is now calling for the results of the investigation to be made public .
A letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Thomas-Symonds and Rachel Reeves , said : `` We appreciate that the country is dealing with an unprecedented challenge in response to the coronavirus and the prime minister 's illness , in respect of which we wish him a swift recovery .
`` However , it is absolutely vital that the findings of the inquiry are made public as soon as possible .
`` At a time when additional powers are being assumed by the government , the imperative that the public are completely assured of the conduct of senior ministers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is supporting Sir Philip as general secretary of the FDA civil servants ' union , said the timing of the reports was `` suspicious '' .
They emerged hours before Ms Patel appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday to face questions about the Home Office 's response to the coronavirus outbreak .
She was not asked about the Cabinet Office report during the session .
Mr Penman told the Press Association : `` The ministerial code was never really intended to deal with these sorts of issues like bullying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like conflicts of interest from ministers .
`` It does n't equate to any normal bullying and harassment process any significant employer would have or would apply to anyone else in the civil service .
`` The whole process is a relic from a bygone age and what we need is an independent and transparent process where ministers can be held to account for their behaviour or exonerated quickly and publicly if there 's nothing there . ''

Labour has called for the results of an investigation into bullying allegations against Priti Patel to be made public as soon as possible, amid reports the home secretary has been cleared.
The Cabinet Office investigation was launched in the wake of Sir Philip Rutnam quitting as permanent secretary at the Home Office.
When he announced his resignation in February, Sir Philip claimed he had been the target of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" which he accused the home secretary of being behind.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'I don't believe Priti Patel'
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
Sir Philip has since launched legal action against the home secretary.
Subsequent claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments later emerged, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to order the Cabinet Office review.
Supporters of the home secretary have rallied round her and say she is the victim of a smear campaign, while the PM has said he backs her.
Ms Patel rejects all claims of bullying that have been made against her.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the review is "believed to have found 'no evidence'" to substantiate the allegations that she bullied staff at the Home Office and other departments where she worked.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There has been no official comment on whether the inquiry has finished, but multiple reports say the home secretary has been cleared of breaching the ministerial code.
Labour is now calling for the results of the investigation to be made public.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 PM orders investigation into Patel bullying claims
A letter to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, frontbenchers Nick Thomas-Symonds and Rachel Reeves, said: "We appreciate that the country is dealing with an unprecedented challenge in response to the coronavirus and the prime minister's illness, in respect of which we wish him a swift recovery.
"However, it is absolutely vital that the findings of the inquiry are made public as soon as possible.
"At a time when additional powers are being assumed by the government, the imperative that the public are completely assured of the conduct of senior ministers is even greater."
Dave Penman, who is supporting Sir Philip as general secretary of the FDA civil servants' union, said the timing of the reports was "suspicious".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 PM defends his home secretary over claims that she is a bully
They emerged hours before Ms Patel appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday to face questions about the Home Office's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
She was not asked about the Cabinet Office report during the session.
Mr Penman told the Press Association: "The ministerial code was never really intended to deal with these sorts of issues like bullying and harassment, it was for things like conflicts of interest from ministers.
"It doesn't equate to any normal bullying and harassment process any significant employer would have or would apply to anyone else in the civil service.
"The whole process is a relic from a bygone age and what we need is an independent and transparent process where ministers can be held to account for their behaviour or exonerated quickly and publicly if there's nothing there."


news--2020-05-02--Flamingos enjoy quieter roads and cleaner air in Mumbai

As Mumbai 's humans are told to stay at home , the flamingos are taking over the city .
Millions @ @ @ @ @ residents are at home to limit the spread of COVID-19 , which has killed more @ @ @ @ @ But tens of thousands of flamingos have arrived to turn the lakes and wetlands pink @ @ @ @ @ migratory birds that come to southern and western India 's coastal regions after their breeding @ @ @ @ @ it is rare to see them arrive in such numbers .
Clearer skies , quieter @ @ @ @ @ thought to have made the usually polluted city more attractive to bird life .
The @ @ @ @ @ so many countries being in lockdown have seen a number of photos showing animals roaming @ @ @ @ @ seen wandering along the roads of central Paris , deer in urban Japan , pumas @ @ @ @ @ Dubai , cows sitting on beaches in Corsica , and mountain goats in the Welsh @ @ @ @

As Mumbai's humans are told to stay at home, the flamingos are taking over the city.
Millions of the city's human residents are at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 235,000 people worldwide.
But tens of thousands of flamingos have arrived to turn the lakes and wetlands pink.
Flamingos are among the migratory birds that come to southern and western India's coastal regions after their breeding cycle of mating.
But it is rare to see them arrive in such numbers.
Clearer skies, quieter streets and cleaner air are thought to have made the usually polluted city more attractive to bird life.
The environmental changes brought on by so many countries being in lockdown have seen a number of photos showing animals roaming streets.
Ducks have been seen wandering along the roads of central Paris, deer in urban Japan, pumas in Chile, peacocks in Dubai, cows sitting on beaches in Corsica, and mountain goats in the Welsh town of Llandudno.