news--2020-06-05--Amazon to help UK business reopen as its US employees take legal action over COVID measures

Amazon has joined forces with the British Chambers of Commerce to offer advice to businesses on how to return to work safely .
It comes as many non-essential shops prepare to re-open , having been closed since the middle of March as part of government restrictions designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Under the arrangement , 1,000 UK businesses can tour Amazon 's UK fulfilment centres to see what Amazon says are more than 150 `` significant '' process changes to ensure health and safety among staff .
Many businesses are struggling with the requirements of reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director general Dr Adam Marshall said : `` Businesses will be taking a safe , risk-based approach to returning to work , in close consultation with their staff , but for many this will be an entirely new way of working . ''
Amazon UK operations regional director Stuart Morgan said : `` Nothing is more important to us than making sure that we protect the health of our teams , and we 've been working around the clock since the early days of the outbreak to make changes to our processes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But it also comes as a group of Amazon workers at a fulfilment centre in Staten Island in New York launch legal action calling for changes in their workplace to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
The three employees and three members of their households say they fear for their health and lives , alleging operations at the facility are not in line with public health guidance .
The workers claim that the company 's leave policies incentivise staff to come to work when they are ill and to disregard proper health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seeking financial damages , aside from back pay for paid quarantine leave .
But they are calling for the courts to force Amazon to implement measures such as a leave policy encouraging workers to stay home when they have COVID-19 symptoms without the threat of losing their job and an increase in the allowance for `` time off task '' so workers can wash their hands and clear their work stations .
They are also calling for Amazon to follow public health guidance for contact tracing after a worker tests positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plaintiffs , said : `` Workers at Amazon 's JFK8 facility are asking a court to enforce public health guidance at our workplace because we 've seen how the company 's current leave and break policies and failure to do thorough contact tracing of ill workers ' interactions have put all of us at risk . ''
An Amazon spokesman told Sky News : `` We are saddened by the tragic impact COVID-19 has had on communities across the globe , including on some Amazon team members and their family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 May , we offered our employees unlimited time away from work , and since 1 May we have offered leave for those most vulnerable or who need to care for children or family members .
`` We also invested $ 4bn from April to June on COVID-related initiatives , including over $ 800m in the first half of this year on safety measures like temperature checks , masks , gloves , enhanced cleaning and sanitisation , extended pay and benefits options , testing , and more .
This includes two weeks paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and launching a $ 25m fund to support our partners and contractors . ''

Amazon has joined forces with the British Chambers of Commerce to offer advice to businesses on how to return to work safely.
It comes as many non-essential shops prepare to re-open, having been closed since the middle of March as part of government restrictions designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Under the arrangement, 1,000 UK businesses can tour Amazon's UK fulfilment centres to see what Amazon says are more than 150 "significant" process changes to ensure health and safety among staff.
Many businesses are struggling with the requirements of reopening, including social distancing rules.
BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall said: "Businesses will be taking a safe, risk-based approach to returning to work, in close consultation with their staff, but for many this will be an entirely new way of working."
Amazon UK operations regional director Stuart Morgan said: "Nothing is more important to us than making sure that we protect the health of our teams, and we've been working around the clock since the early days of the outbreak to make changes to our processes and procure the necessary supplies for this."
But it also comes as a group of Amazon workers at a fulfilment centre in Staten Island in New York launch legal action calling for changes in their workplace to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The three employees and three members of their households say they fear for their health and lives, alleging operations at the facility are not in line with public health guidance.
The workers claim that the company's leave policies incentivise staff to come to work when they are ill and to disregard proper health precautions during their shifts.
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Image: Amazon is considered one of the Big Four technology companies, along with Google, Apple, and Microsoft
They are not seeking financial damages, aside from back pay for paid quarantine leave.
But they are calling for the courts to force Amazon to implement measures such as a leave policy encouraging workers to stay home when they have COVID-19 symptoms without the threat of losing their job and an increase in the allowance for "time off task" so workers can wash their hands and clear their work stations.
They are also calling for Amazon to follow public health guidance for contact tracing after a worker tests positive for the virus.
Derrick Palmer, one of the plaintiffs, said: "Workers at Amazon's JFK8 facility are asking a court to enforce public health guidance at our workplace because we've seen how the company's current leave and break policies and failure to do thorough contact tracing of ill workers' interactions have put all of us at risk."
An Amazon spokesman told Sky News: "We are saddened by the tragic impact COVID-19 has had on communities across the globe, including on some Amazon team members and their family and friends.
"From early March to 1 May, we offered our employees unlimited time away from work, and since 1 May we have offered leave for those most vulnerable or who need to care for children or family members.
"We also invested $4bn from April to June on COVID-related initiatives, including over $800m in the first half of this year on safety measures like temperature checks, masks, gloves, enhanced cleaning and sanitisation, extended pay and benefits options, testing, and more. This includes two weeks paid leave for any COVID diagnosis or quarantine, and launching a $25m fund to support our partners and contractors."


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Markets see signs of economic recovery after better-than-expected US jobs figures

The US unemployment rate fell to 13.3 % in May , down from 14.7 % the previous month , as 2.5 million jobs were added in a big surprise to the upside that was reflected on financial markets .
The figures from the US Labor Department were unexpectedly positive amid an economy that is still struggling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
Market forecasters had expected eight million jobs to have been lost last month given dire jobless claims numbers .
It comes as some US states start to reopen their economies again , after many businesses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit the spread of the illness .
However , within the figures is a 17.6 % unemployment rate for Hispanics and 16.8 % for African-Americans .
The rate for white Americans was 12.4 % .
Many economists think the US job market has past the worst of the downturn , after a nine-week decline in the number of people applying for unemployment benefits .
Edward Moya , senior market analyst at OANDA , said : `` It is not often you get the headline number and all the components help paint a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He noted that average hourly earnings fell , most likely to point to the return of lower-paying jobs .
`` This nonfarm payroll report was supposed to provide a baseline on how bad things got and not that the recovery was already taking hold in May .
`` Now financial markets can move forward and it will be hard to build a case against seeing US stocks return to record high territory . ''
Randy Frederick , vice president of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin , Texas , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , a very positive and a far better-than-expected report '' .
`` The unemployment rate was likely to peak in May and then get better from there , but it looks as though it might have peaked in April , which is a very positive development for the economy . ''
US President Donald Trump responded to the numbers by firing off almost a dozen tweets , describing the figures as `` joyous '' , `` incredible '' and a `` stunner by any stretch of the imagination '' .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In early trading in the US , the Dow was up 2.6 % , the S & P 500 up 2.2 % and the tech-rich Nasdaq gained 1.6 % .
Among those stocks benefiting were Boeing on hopes of a pick-up in air travel , and vaccine maker Novavax which announced US government funding for its prospective COVID-19 vaccine .
Stock markets across Europe and in the UK also reacted positively to news that the world 's biggest economy was showing signs of recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late afternoon trading on Friday .
However , it remains more than 10 % down in the year to date , trading at levels last seen three months ago following February 's COVID-19 pandemic panic .
France 's CAC 40 was up more than 3 % , the German DAX climbed 2.9 % , Italy 's MIB rose 2.5 % and Spain 's IBEX gained 3.9 % .
In the UK , airlines showed some gains , investors shrugging off concerns over the UK 's planned quarantine for arriving passengers and concentrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights .
British Airways owner IAG and easyJet both showed strong gains - up 13 % and 7 % respectively by 3.30pm .
Gains for Ryanair and Wizz Air were slighter .
Just before lunchtime , the pound rose to a three-month high against the dollar and was set for its biggest weekly gain since the end of March while it was also sharply higher against the euro despite a lack of progress in Brexit talks .

The US unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May, down from 14.7% the previous month, as 2.5 million jobs were added in a big surprise to the upside that was reflected on financial markets.
The figures from the US Labor Department were unexpectedly positive amid an economy that is still struggling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Market forecasters had expected eight million jobs to have been lost last month given dire jobless claims numbers.
It comes as some US states start to reopen their economies again, after many businesses were forced to close temporarily in an effort to limit the spread of the illness.
However, within the figures is a 17.6% unemployment rate for Hispanics and 16.8% for African-Americans. The rate for white Americans was 12.4%.
Many economists think the US job market has past the worst of the downturn, after a nine-week decline in the number of people applying for unemployment benefits.
Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "It is not often you get the headline number and all the components help paint a positive picture of the economy."
He noted that average hourly earnings fell, most likely to point to the return of lower-paying jobs.
"This nonfarm payroll report was supposed to provide a baseline on how bad things got and not that the recovery was already taking hold in May.
"Now financial markets can move forward and it will be hard to build a case against seeing US stocks return to record high territory."
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Randy Frederick, vice president of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas, said: "It's a refreshing thing to experience, a very positive and a far better-than-expected report".
"The unemployment rate was likely to peak in May and then get better from there, but it looks as though it might have peaked in April, which is a very positive development for the economy."
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US President Donald Trump responded to the numbers by firing off almost a dozen tweets, describing the figures as "joyous", "incredible" and a "stunner by any stretch of the imagination".
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In early trading in the US, the Dow was up 2.6%, the S&P 500 up 2.2% and the tech-rich Nasdaq gained 1.6%.
Among those stocks benefiting were Boeing on hopes of a pick-up in air travel, and vaccine maker Novavax which announced US government funding for its prospective COVID-19 vaccine.
Stock markets across Europe and in the UK also reacted positively to news that the world's biggest economy was showing signs of recovery.
The FTSE 100 was up 2% in late afternoon trading on Friday.
However, it remains more than 10% down in the year to date, trading at levels last seen three months ago following February's COVID-19 pandemic panic.
France's CAC 40 was up more than 3%, the German DAX climbed 2.9%, Italy's MIB rose 2.5% and Spain's IBEX gained 3.9%.
In the UK, airlines showed some gains, investors shrugging off concerns over the UK's planned quarantine for arriving passengers and concentrating more on the growing prospect of resuming flights.
British Airways owner IAG and easyJet both showed strong gains - up 13% and 7% respectively by 3.30pm. Gains for Ryanair and Wizz Air were slighter.
Just before lunchtime, the pound rose to a three-month high against the dollar and was set for its biggest weekly gain since the end of March while it was also sharply higher against the euro despite a lack of progress in Brexit talks.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Tenants fear being made homeless by end of June when temporary eviction ban expires

Tenants across the UK fear they could be made homeless at the end of the month when the government 's temporary ban on eviction expires , a renters ' union has warned .
The government introduced a three-month ban on landlords evicting their tenants when the UK went into lockdown in March .
But with the moratorium on evictions expiring on 25 June , renters who have struggled to pay their bills during the coronavirus outbreak are scared of losing their homes , according to the London Renters ' Union ( LRU ) .
Eight million people in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study by Citizens Advice suggesting 2.6 million private renters will have eventually missed payments because of the COVID-19 crisis .
The charity fears tenants are on a `` cliff edge '' , which could see them fall into long-term debt or homelessness if the eviction ban is not extended .
Housing ministers have proposed trying to arrange flexible arrears repayment plans instead of cases going to court , but no details have been released yet .
The LRU fears landlords will start using Section 21 of the housing act again - otherwise known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are the most common way of evicting tenants - when the temporary ban is lifted .
Aaron , 38 , works for the NHS in London as well as being an LRU organiser , but has seen his household income fall dramatically during lockdown .
He said : `` We 've not been paying rent for months , so we can afford the basics .
And of course the veiled threats of eviction from our landlord began quickly , despite evictions supposedly being illegal right now .
`` It 's been really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the month . ''
But the National Residential Landlords Association ( NRLA ) claims only one in 10 tenants have been unable to pay their rent because of the virus .
John Stewart , deputy director for policy and research , told Sky News a further extension of the ban would be `` very difficult '' for some landlords .
He said : `` For landlords who rely solely on rent for their household income , they could fall behind on their mortgage and the property might be repossessed .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The government messaging has been clear that if you can pay your rent you should continue to do so .
So an extension would just be pushing the problem further down the line . ''
He added that landlords need the right to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour or putting their co-tenants at risk by refusing to abide by handwashing and social distancing rules .
Landlords also have to give three-months ' notice if they want to evict tenants , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue an update in the next week , but a government spokesman said it has taken `` unprecedented '' action to support renters during the pandemic .
They added : `` We have increased the Local Housing Allowance rates so they cover the lowest 30 % of market rents and from April around 900,000 people across the UK saw their Housing Benefit rise .
`` We will continue to carefully consider the next steps on how best to support tenants and landlords to ensure fairness in the rental market . ''

Tenants across the UK fear they could be made homeless at the end of the month when the government's temporary ban on eviction expires, a renters' union has warned.
The government introduced a three-month ban on landlords evicting their tenants when the UK went into lockdown in March.
But with the moratorium on evictions expiring on 25 June, renters who have struggled to pay their bills during the coronavirus outbreak are scared of losing their homes, according to the London Renters' Union (LRU).
Eight million people in the UK live in rented accommodation, with a study by Citizens Advice suggesting 2.6 million private renters will have eventually missed payments because of the COVID-19 crisis.
The charity fears tenants are on a "cliff edge", which could see them fall into long-term debt or homelessness if the eviction ban is not extended.
Housing ministers have proposed trying to arrange flexible arrears repayment plans instead of cases going to court, but no details have been released yet.
The LRU fears landlords will start using Section 21 of the housing act again - otherwise known as "no fault" repossessions, which are the most common way of evicting tenants - when the temporary ban is lifted.
Image: Aaron, 38, works for the NHS, but has been unable to pay all his rent during lockdown
Aaron, 38, works for the NHS in London as well as being an LRU organiser, but has seen his household income fall dramatically during lockdown.
He said: "We've not been paying rent for months, so we can afford the basics. And of course the veiled threats of eviction from our landlord began quickly, despite evictions supposedly being illegal right now.
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"It's been really horribly stressful and I'm dreading the end of the month."
But the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) claims only one in 10 tenants have been unable to pay their rent because of the virus.
John Stewart, deputy director for policy and research, told Sky News a further extension of the ban would be "very difficult" for some landlords.
He said: "For landlords who rely solely on rent for their household income, they could fall behind on their mortgage and the property might be repossessed.
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"The government messaging has been clear that if you can pay your rent you should continue to do so. So an extension would just be pushing the problem further down the line."
He added that landlords need the right to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour or putting their co-tenants at risk by refusing to abide by handwashing and social distancing rules.
Landlords also have to give three-months' notice if they want to evict tenants, he said.
Sky News understands ministers are due to issue an update in the next week, but a government spokesman said it has taken "unprecedented" action to support renters during the pandemic.
They added: "We have increased the Local Housing Allowance rates so they cover the lowest 30% of market rents and from April around 900,000 people across the UK saw their Housing Benefit rise.
"We will continue to carefully consider the next steps on how best to support tenants and landlords to ensure fairness in the rental market."


news--2020-06-27--George Floyd death: Violence against police 'detracted' from Black Lives Matter message, says London

George Floyd death: Violence against police 'detracted' from Black Lives Matter message, says London mayor

Violence and abuse against police has `` detracted '' from the message of the Black Lives Matter protests , London mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News .
Demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd have spread from America to the UK in recent days , with thousands gathering in central London on Wednesday .
That protest saw scuffles between police and demonstrators , with at least one officer being punched in clashes .
Journalists were also seen fleeing from protesters as they attempted to report on the demonstrations .
As well as urging people attending future protests to abide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of spreading coronavirus , Mr Khan told Sky News there can be `` no excuse '' for abuse or violence against police .
`` The vast , vast majority of those protesting did so peacefully , lawfully and safely , '' the London mayor said .
`` A very small minority acted in a way that is unacceptable - they were abusive and violent towards our police officers .
`` There can be no excuse for doing so .
`` All they 've done is , not only injure our police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've detracted from what is a really important issue : Black Lives Matter .
`` George Floyd 's awful brutal death is what we should be talking about and addressing the racism , the discrimination and the inequalities black people face in my city , in our country and around the world .
`` It 's really important nobody 's under any mistaken impression that it is acceptable to be abusive or violent towards police officers or even journalists . ''
Mr Khan said he found it `` objectionable '' that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a camera person '' .
Mr Floyd , a 46-year-old black American , died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis , Minnesota , on 25 May .
The London mayor described Mr Floyd 's death as `` brutal '' and called for Britons not to be `` not lulled into a false sense of complacency '' that such an incident could only happen in America .
`` In 2020 , it is still the case that in the most progressive city in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black Londoner , your life chances and even your life expectancy are less than many other ethnic groups , '' Mr Khan said .
He added : `` When you speak to a black person , most black people will tell you that one of the things that went through their mind when they saw the brutal killing of George Floyd is 'but for the grace of God that could have been me , my dad , my brother , my son , my cousin ' . ''
The London mayor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also issued a warning to those planning to attend protests this weekend amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis .
`` You may go and inadvertently - by being too close to somebody else - either pass the virus on or catch the virus , '' he said .
`` How would you feel if you then went home and gave it to an elder relative in your home who , ultimately , lost his or her life ? ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged demonstrators to keep two metres apart , wear face coverings and wash their hands regularly or carry hand sanitiser .
He also called for Mr Floyd 's death and the coronavirus pandemic - which has been found to disproportionately affect Black , Asian and ethnic minority ( BAME ) people - to be a `` catalyst for meaningful change to address the structural inequalities '' in London , the UK and the rest of the world .

Violence and abuse against police has "detracted" from the message of the Black Lives Matter protests, London mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News.
Demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd have spread from America to the UK in recent days, with thousands gathering in central London on Wednesday.
That protest saw scuffles between police and demonstrators, with at least one officer being punched in clashes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Scuffles break out at London protest
Journalists were also seen fleeing from protesters as they attempted to report on the demonstrations.
As well as urging people attending future protests to abide by social distancing rules due to the risk of spreading coronavirus, Mr Khan told Sky News there can be "no excuse" for abuse or violence against police.
"The vast, vast majority of those protesting did so peacefully, lawfully and safely," the London mayor said.
"A very small minority acted in a way that is unacceptable - they were abusive and violent towards our police officers.
"There can be no excuse for doing so.
"All they've done is, not only injure our police officers and been abusive towards them, but they've detracted from what is a really important issue: Black Lives Matter.
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"George Floyd's awful brutal death is what we should be talking about and addressing the racism, the discrimination and the inequalities black people face in my city, in our country and around the world.
"It's really important nobody's under any mistaken impression that it is acceptable to be abusive or violent towards police officers or even journalists."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Thousands protest in solidarity with BLM
Mr Khan said he found it "objectionable" that "somebody would turn on a journalist or a camera person".
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black American, died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 'If you protest please wear a mask'
The London mayor described Mr Floyd's death as "brutal" and called for Britons not to be "not lulled into a false sense of complacency" that such an incident could only happen in America.
"In 2020, it is still the case that in the most progressive city in the world, London, that if you're born a black Londoner, your life chances and even your life expectancy are less than many other ethnic groups," Mr Khan said.
He added: "When you speak to a black person, most black people will tell you that one of the things that went through their mind when they saw the brutal killing of George Floyd is 'but for the grace of God that could have been me, my dad, my brother, my son, my cousin'."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'White people essential to ending racism'
The London mayor, who will not be attending demonstrations himself, also issued a warning to those planning to attend protests this weekend amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
"You may go and inadvertently - by being too close to somebody else - either pass the virus on or catch the virus," he said.
"How would you feel if you then went home and gave it to an elder relative in your home who, ultimately, lost his or her life?"
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Mr Khan urged demonstrators to keep two metres apart, wear face coverings and wash their hands regularly or carry hand sanitiser.
He also called for Mr Floyd's death and the coronavirus pandemic - which has been found to disproportionately affect Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) people - to be a "catalyst for meaningful change to address the structural inequalities" in London, the UK and the rest of the world.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Stock markets worldwide retreat as fears grow of a second wave

Stock markets around the world have retreated amid growing fears of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic .
The blue-chip FTSE 100 closed down more than 3 % and the domestically focused FTSE 250 was down 2.8 % - with the some of the biggest falls among financial , energy and consumer stocks .
A further 154 COVID-19 deaths in the UK were confirmed by the government on Wednesday , taking the total to more than 43,000 , leaving some experts fearing that reopening pubs and restaurants as early as 4 July could be risky .
AJ Bell investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact of potential measures to contain local outbreaks would be less than another nationwide lockdown , `` a recovery of this nature is a messier story for investors to digest and this could act as a drag on equities '' .
In March , the FTSE 100 crashed to an eight-year low as thousands of businesses were told to close and people were told to stay home to limit the spread of the virus .
Since then , the index has rallied about 25 % - but its recovery has slowed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all three main indexes fell steadily in late trading - the S & P 500 down 2.6 % , the Dow Jones losing almost 2.7 % and the tech-rich Nasdaq down by 2.2 % .
The S & P 500 and Dow Jones are 8 % and 13 % down from record closing highs in February .
Among the fallers in the US on Wednesday were airlines , resorts , and cruise companies - Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings both lost about 10 % .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , and Spreaker Cruise company Carnival was down 9.3 % after ratings agency Standard & Poor 's downgraded its bonds to junk status on forecasts for weak demand .
It comes as the number of new coronavirus cases in the US hit their highest level in two months , with states including Arizona and Texas reporting record numbers .
The country 's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has warned that the next two weeks could be critical in efforts to contain the virus .
Elliot Savage , portfolio manager of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People are feeling incrementally negative about new coronavirus cases both in the US and the world .
It 's the summer and in fall we have the flu , and with the COVID-19 going on it 's a significant concern . ''
Also , the International Monetary Fund warned that the pandemic is causing more damage to the world 's economies than first thought .
Advanced economies will be hit particularly hard , it said , with US output forecast to shrink by 8 % .
Europe 's markets were also down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.8 % , Italy 's MIB fell by 3.4 % , Spain 's IBEX was down 3.2 % while France 's CAC 40 slid 2.3 % .

Stock markets around the world have retreated amid growing fears of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 closed down more than 3% and the domestically focused FTSE 250 was down 2.8% - with the some of the biggest falls among financial, energy and consumer stocks.
A further 154 COVID-19 deaths in the UK were confirmed by the government on Wednesday, taking the total to more than 43,000, leaving some experts fearing that reopening pubs and restaurants as early as 4 July could be risky.
AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said that while the economic impact of potential measures to contain local outbreaks would be less than another nationwide lockdown, "a recovery of this nature is a messier story for investors to digest and this could act as a drag on equities".
In March, the FTSE 100 crashed to an eight-year low as thousands of businesses were told to close and people were told to stay home to limit the spread of the virus.
Since then, the index has rallied about 25% - but its recovery has slowed in recent weeks.
In the US, all three main indexes fell steadily in late trading - the S&P 500 down 2.6%, the Dow Jones losing almost 2.7% and the tech-rich Nasdaq down by 2.2%.
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones are 8% and 13% down from record closing highs in February.
Among the fallers in the US on Wednesday were airlines, resorts, and cruise companies - Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings both lost about 10%.
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Cruise company Carnival was down 9.3% after ratings agency Standard & Poor's downgraded its bonds to junk status on forecasts for weak demand.
It comes as the number of new coronavirus cases in the US hit their highest level in two months, with states including Arizona and Texas reporting record numbers.
The country's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has warned that the next two weeks could be critical in efforts to contain the virus.
Elliot Savage, portfolio manager of the YCG Enhanced Fund, said: "People are feeling incrementally negative about new coronavirus cases both in the US and the world. It's the summer and in fall we have the flu, and with the COVID-19 going on it's a significant concern."
Also, the International Monetary Fund warned that the pandemic is causing more damage to the world's economies than first thought.
Advanced economies will be hit particularly hard, it said, with US output forecast to shrink by 8%.
Europe's markets were also down on Wednesday - Germany's DAX dropped 2.8%, Italy's MIB fell by 3.4%, Spain's IBEX was down 3.2% while France's CAC 40 slid 2.3%.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: US daily COVID cases the highest since April as experts predict 180,000 US deaths

The US has recorded a one-day total of 34,700 new confirmed COVID-19 cases , the highest level since late April , when the number peaked at 36,400 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
It comes as three US states announced they are imposing quarantine measures on visitors from states with high coronavirus infection rates , as forecasts predict nearly 180,000 deaths by October .
The worrying prediction was made by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington .
In a joint news conference , the governors of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those visiting from Alabama , Arkansas , Arizona , Florida , North Carolina , South Carolina , Texas , Washington New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the measures were `` a smart thing to do '' , adding : `` We have taken our people , the three of us from these three states , through hell and back , and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round . ''
Andrew Cuomo , New York 's governor , said the quarantine will apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are testing positive on a rolling seven-day basis , or where 10 % of the population is testing positive .
At least 26 US states are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases compared with the previous week , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Health authorities in Texas reported more than 5,000 cases in a single day , breaking the state 's previous record .
Governor Greg Abbott told local media the spread of the virus was `` rampant '' , saying : `` Unless you do need to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at your home . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker California recorded 5,019 new cases on Monday , topping its daily record for the fourth time in the space of a week .
In Arizona , there were 3,591 new cases in a day , and a further 3,289 cases were confirmed in Florida .
More than 2,347,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US in total , and at least 121,225 people have died , according to Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epicentre of the national epidemic , now has one of the lowest transmission rates in the country .
Data from COVID Act Now shows New York and New Jersey are two of three states on track to contain the virus .
Some states which lifted their restrictions early to protect their economies have now seen a renewed surge in infections .
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said `` hotspot spikes '' were emerging in certain areas around the country , but denied there would be another `` economic lockdown '' .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union nations are considering a ban on travellers from the US , as well as Russia and Brazil , as they reopen to visitors .

The US has recorded a one-day total of 34,700 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, the highest level since late April, when the number peaked at 36,400, according to Johns Hopkins University.
It comes as three US states announced they are imposing quarantine measures on visitors from states with high coronavirus infection rates, as forecasts predict nearly 180,000 deaths by October.
The worrying prediction was made by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.
In a joint news conference, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said a 14-day self-quarantine would apply to those visiting from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington
Image: New Jersey governor Phil Murphy
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the measures were "a smart thing to do", adding: "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round."
Andrew Cuomo, New York's governor, said the quarantine will apply to any state where 10 out of 100,000 people are testing positive on a rolling seven-day basis, or where 10% of the population is testing positive.
At least 26 US states are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases compared with the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Health authorities in Texas reported more than 5,000 cases in a single day, breaking the state's previous record.
Governor Greg Abbott told local media the spread of the virus was "rampant", saying: "Unless you do need to go out, the safest place for you is at your home."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
California recorded 5,019 new cases on Monday, topping its daily record for the fourth time in the space of a week.
In Arizona, there were 3,591 new cases in a day, and a further 3,289 cases were confirmed in Florida.
More than 2,347,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US in total, and at least 121,225 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins.
New York City, once the epicentre of the national epidemic, now has one of the lowest transmission rates in the country.
Image: New York governor Andrew Cuomo
Data from COVID Act Now shows New York and New Jersey are two of three states on track to contain the virus.
Some states which lifted their restrictions early to protect their economies have now seen a renewed surge in infections.
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said "hotspot spikes" were emerging in certain areas around the country, but denied there would be another "economic lockdown".
According to a New York Times report, European Union nations are considering a ban on travellers from the US, as well as Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to visitors.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: £105m bid to keep homeless off the streets after lockdown

The government has committed more money to stop thousands of homeless people returning to the streets after charities warned they could be evicted from hotels as lockdown is eased .
Rough sleepers and those at risk of becoming homeless will be helped to secure their own tenancies with funding of £105m , according to the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government .
When lockdown was announced in March , the government allocated £3.2m to help homeless people self-isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Around 15,000 people went into emergency accommodation such as hotels to keep them safe during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostels .
In some ways it has been an enormous social experiment to help reset the lives of rough sleepers , but charities feared it would end in July , when contracts between local authorities in England and hotels were expected to terminate due to current government money running out .
The announcement of the new money comes as one council told Sky News it has had remarkable success using the emergency COVID-19 investment to steer rough sleepers away from addiction .
Rather than use hotels , Somerset-West and Taunton Council put its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence and used much of the emergency government money to set up support teams with the YMCA .
Together they brought in a regular nurse and coordinated visits to their residents from the drug and alcohol services and mental health trust .
Sky News met several former rough sleepers who say they have beaten long-held alcohol and drug addictions during the three-month period .
Heroin addict David Brown used to finance his addiction through daily shoplifting .
He said : `` I 'm now clean off the drugs and that 's happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I do n't wake up ill .
It feels good .
I 'm not chasing my drugs anymore and I 've realised I 'm better than a drug habit . ''
Alcoholic Alistair Smith , a former secondary teacher , became homeless because , as he puts it , he drank his rent .
But the project appears to have turned things around for him , too .
He says he is drinking `` a tenth '' of what he was before .
And adds : `` You ask any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking less heroin , less spice , less crack . ''
Federica Smith-Roberts , leader of Somerset-West and Taunton Council , said : `` The message that I want to get through is that I want other councils to look at this as a model and the government needs to look at this way of working .
`` To hear their stories actually made me cry because if you can hear someone telling you that they are no longer taking drugs - or their mental health is in a better state - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got involved in politics , and that 's what all councils should be doing .
That 's what the government should be doing - because you are turning someone 's life around . ''
John Shipley , housing operator at the YMCA Dulverton group , who is helping run the Taunton project , said : `` One of the big differences this project has made is that our residents have started talking about their future , and that 's something most of them wo n't have thought about in years . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the involvement of other agencies that are going to help them sustain that because they are not going to live in a place like this for the rest of their lives , they are going to move on to somewhere else - and that , for some people , is the most dangerous step . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has said a further £16m to address substance misuse , which has previously been announced , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` In recent months , I have seen a huge effort across the country to keep almost 15,000 vulnerable people off the streets .
This has been vital to ensure their safety during the peak of the pandemic and has changed the lives of thousands for the better .
`` The additional funding announced today will allow us to continue to support these individuals - giving them access to the accommodation and support they need now while we continue with plans to deliver thousands of long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairwoman of the COVID-19 rough sleeping task force , Dame Louise Casey , thanked hotels and other providers for providing `` safe haven '' for some of society 's most vulnerable members .
She said : `` We now have an extraordinary opportunity to help keep them in and turn their lives around if we get the next steps right .
`` I am clear that there can now be no going back to the streets as people begin to move on from the emergency accommodation that has been put in place .
@

The government has committed more money to stop thousands of homeless people returning to the streets after charities warned they could be evicted from hotels as lockdown is eased.
Rough sleepers and those at risk of becoming homeless will be helped to secure their own tenancies with funding of £105m, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
When lockdown was announced in March, the government allocated £3.2m to help homeless people self-isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 What it's like to be homeless in a lockdown
Around 15,000 people went into emergency accommodation such as hotels to keep them safe during the pandemic and relieve the crowding in hostels.
In some ways it has been an enormous social experiment to help reset the lives of rough sleepers, but charities feared it would end in July, when contracts between local authorities in England and hotels were expected to terminate due to current government money running out.
The announcement of the new money comes as one council told Sky News it has had remarkable success using the emergency COVID-19 investment to steer rough sleepers away from addiction.
Rather than use hotels, Somerset-West and Taunton Council put its homeless people into disused university halls of residence and used much of the emergency government money to set up support teams with the YMCA.
Together they brought in a regular nurse and coordinated visits to their residents from the drug and alcohol services and mental health trust.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 Living on the streets in Weston-super-Mare
Sky News met several former rough sleepers who say they have beaten long-held alcohol and drug addictions during the three-month period.
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Heroin addict David Brown used to finance his addiction through daily shoplifting. He said: "I'm now clean off the drugs and that's happened in three months. The habit's gone. I don't wake up ill. It feels good. I'm not chasing my drugs anymore and I've realised I'm better than a drug habit."
Alcoholic Alistair Smith, a former secondary teacher, became homeless because, as he puts it, he drank his rent. But the project appears to have turned things around for him, too. He says he is drinking "a tenth" of what he was before. And adds: "You ask any of the addicts they'll all say they are taking less heroin, less spice, less crack."
Image: Former teacher Alistair Smith says he is drinking much less thanks to the scheme in Somerset
Federica Smith-Roberts, leader of Somerset-West and Taunton Council, said: "The message that I want to get through is that I want other councils to look at this as a model and the government needs to look at this way of working.
"To hear their stories actually made me cry because if you can hear someone telling you that they are no longer taking drugs - or their mental health is in a better state - that for me is a reason why I got involved in politics, and that's what all councils should be doing. That's what the government should be doing - because you are turning someone's life around."
John Shipley, housing operator at the YMCA Dulverton group, who is helping run the Taunton project, said: "One of the big differences this project has made is that our residents have started talking about their future, and that's something most of them won't have thought about in years."
He added: "There needs to be the involvement of other agencies that are going to help them sustain that because they are not going to live in a place like this for the rest of their lives, they are going to move on to somewhere else - and that, for some people, is the most dangerous step."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has said a further £16m to address substance misuse, which has previously been announced, has been brought forward due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "In recent months, I have seen a huge effort across the country to keep almost 15,000 vulnerable people off the streets. This has been vital to ensure their safety during the peak of the pandemic and has changed the lives of thousands for the better.
"The additional funding announced today will allow us to continue to support these individuals - giving them access to the accommodation and support they need now while we continue with plans to deliver thousands of long-term homes in the coming months."
Chairwoman of the COVID-19 rough sleeping task force, Dame Louise Casey, thanked hotels and other providers for providing "safe haven" for some of society's most vulnerable members.
She said: "We now have an extraordinary opportunity to help keep them in and turn their lives around if we get the next steps right.
"I am clear that there can now be no going back to the streets as people begin to move on from the emergency accommodation that has been put in place."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: The remote Bosnian village untouched by the global pandemic

Residents from Bosnia 's highest village say they have not had a single case of coronavirus since the pandemic began .
Residents of Lukomir , who move away during the harsh winter months , returned just as lockdown was brought in .
The Bjelasnica mountain settlement is elevated almost 1,500m ( 4,921ft ) above sea level .
`` There is no corona here .
We move freely , without face masks and ( protective ) gloves , '' said 83-year-old Vejsil Comor .
`` I joke with ( city people ) , I ask them why they must wear gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But ( they 've ) got used to wearing gloves ( as protection against COVID-19 ) , so it would be best if they hold onto that tradition , I think .
`` It is important to keep traditions alive , we have a saying here that it is better for a village , or a city , to die than to give up its traditions .
`` If I had to go to the city , I too would wear gloves . ''
Raha Elezovic , 65 , said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It spread all over the world , even in America , but not in Lukomir . ''

Residents from Bosnia's highest village say they have not had a single case of coronavirus since the pandemic began.
Residents of Lukomir, who move away during the harsh winter months, returned just as lockdown was brought in.
The Bjelasnica mountain settlement is elevated almost 1,500m (4,921ft) above sea level.
"There is no corona here. We move freely, without face masks and (protective) gloves," said 83-year-old Vejsil Comor.
"I joke with (city people), I ask them why they must wear gloves when it is not winter.
"But (they've) got used to wearing gloves (as protection against COVID-19), so it would be best if they hold onto that tradition, I think.
"It is important to keep traditions alive, we have a saying here that it is better for a village, or a city, to die than to give up its traditions.
"If I had to go to the city, I too would wear gloves."
Raha Elezovic, 65, said: "The coronavirus has not reached us.
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"It spread all over the world, even in America, but not in Lukomir."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Scotland reveals when pubs, hairdressers and cinemas can reopen

Scotland has announced a further easing of its lockdown if coronavirus continues to decline - with pubs , hairdressers and cinemas set to open from 15 July .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions , including plans for people from different households to be able to meet indoors next month .
The announcement came as Scotland recorded its lowest weekly number of coronavirus deaths since the lockdown began in March , according to the National Records of Scotland .
These are the proposed dates for lockdown easing measures : • Most non-essential shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance restrictions will be relaxed , meaning people will no longer be forced to stay within five miles of their homes for recreation • Self-catering accommodation will be able to open • Scotland will enter phase three of lockdown if coronavirus cases continue to reduce • People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing • Households can meet indoors with a maximum of two other households , with physical distancing • Dentists can reopen for most routine care • The tourism sector and all holiday accommodation will reopen • Pubs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , subject to physical distancing measures along with `` a number of conditions '' being followed • Museums , cinemas , libraries and childcare will start up again Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish parliament that while the country 's lockdown easing has been `` slower than England 's '' , it is `` right for our circumstances and , I hope , more likely to be sustainable than if we went faster '' .
But she warned that if there is a resurgence in COVID-19 cases , the move out of lockdown `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even have to go backwards '' .
The first minister said the aim is to get as close as possible to eliminating the virus and controlling it through measures including testing and contact tracing .
`` If we can do that then the move from phase three to phase four will become possible , perhaps as we go into August , '' she said .
Ms Sturgeon also made clear that Scots should continue to follow the measures to allow further easing of the lockdown .
A total of 2,480 patients have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up by four from 2,476 on Tuesday , Ms Sturgeon said .

Scotland has announced a further easing of its lockdown if coronavirus continues to decline - with pubs, hairdressers and cinemas set to open from 15 July.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions, including plans for people from different households to be able to meet indoors next month.
The announcement came as Scotland recorded its lowest weekly number of coronavirus deaths since the lockdown began in March, according to the National Records of Scotland.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon announced the further easing
These are the proposed dates for lockdown easing measures:
29 June
Most non-essential shops and many indoor workplaces can reopen
Visitor attractions including zoos, outdoor sports courts and playgrounds can reopen
3 July
Travel distance restrictions will be relaxed, meaning people will no longer be forced to stay within five miles of their homes for recreation
Self-catering accommodation will be able to open
6 July
Outdoor hospitality areas, including beer gardens, can open
9 July
Scotland will enter phase three of lockdown if coronavirus cases continue to reduce
10 July
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People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing
Households can meet indoors with a maximum of two other households, with physical distancing
13 July
Organised outdoor sports for children can resume
Non-essential shops within indoor shopping centres can reopen
Dentists can reopen for most routine care
15 July
The tourism sector and all holiday accommodation will reopen
Pubs and restaurants will also be able to open, subject to physical distancing measures along with "a number of conditions" being followed
Barbers and hairdressers can reopen
Museums, cinemas, libraries and childcare will start up again
Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish parliament that while the country's lockdown easing has been "slower than England's", it is "right for our circumstances and, I hope, more likely to be sustainable than if we went faster".
But she warned that if there is a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the move out of lockdown "will be halted" and "may even have to go backwards".
Image: Two people wear face masks inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh
The first minister said the aim is to get as close as possible to eliminating the virus and controlling it through measures including testing and contact tracing.
"If we can do that then the move from phase three to phase four will become possible, perhaps as we go into August," she said.
Ms Sturgeon also made clear that Scots should continue to follow the measures to allow further easing of the lockdown.
A total of 2,480 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by four from 2,476 on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said.


news--2020-06-23--Mum whose autistic son has been held in solitary confinement for three years in desperate plea for h

Mum whose autistic son has been held in solitary confinement for three years in desperate plea for help

The mother of an autistic man detained in mental health services for 14 years has told Sky News she fears for her son 's safety because of the `` appalling '' care provided by the NHS .
Sharon Clarke is calling on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to follow through on promises he made last November to help those held in the most restrictive settings .
Her son Ryan , 31 , has spent the last three and a half years in segregation , a form of solitary confinement .
During this period , Ryan has been placed in seclusion : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His family argue this kind of care is not appropriate for his autism diagnosis , and has significantly worsened his mental health .
His mother wants him moved but is struggling with the system .
Ms Clarke told Sky News : `` All the doctors , psychologists agree that he should n't be there .
`` They say it is the wrong environment for him and he needs a bespoke package of care in the community and that is what I was hoping for . ''
Ms Clarke worries even his basic care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 14 teeth removed and was given dentures which he lost 18 months ago .
They have yet to be replaced .
Ms Clarke told Sky News : `` He does n't look good .
I can only guess how he eats .
It ca n't be easy . ''
Last November , Mr Hancock set up an independent panel to oversee a case review for all those in long-term segregation .
The reviews were supposed to help and support people with their discharge , by either setting out a hospital discharge date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explaining how providers are making a plan to move people towards discharge .
Ryan 's review flagged many urgent concerns , including a lack of family involvement and issues with his medication .
It set out several recommendations and provided a deadline for these to be carried out .
That deadline has already passed for many of the concerns , and nothing has happened .
Ms Clarke says she wants Ryan moved .
`` I 'd like to see Ryan and people like him get a bespoke package of care in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right people who do the right job for Ryan .
`` And I definitely think Matt Hancock needs to get his act together on sorting this .
Definitely .
Because it 's not damn fair . ''
COVID-19 is making things even more difficult .
Family visits are now restricted to weekly Skype calls .
She said : `` He is deteriorating , he is getting worse .
He self-harms .
Recently , since COVID-19 , he has started hitting and punching himself in the face and tummy , and that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see him .
`` So I think he will go downhill unless he is moved to a more caring facility . ''
Ms Clarke feels let down by the NHS and is disappointed Mr Hancock has failed to deliver the change he promised .
She is also worried nothing will happen to help her son .
`` They 're just forgotten .
They are just non-entities , nobody cares about him .
`` I respect people have got to be careful because COVID-19 is predominant and we are in a pandemic but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most vulnerable in our society - get thrown on the scrapheap . ''
The NHS Trust in charge of Ryan 's care told Sky News they `` are unable to comment on individual cases '' .
`` To support our patients , we work closely with a wide multidisciplinary team including doctors , nurses , psychologists and other experts to ensure that we provide the best possible care and support for that individual .
`` The physical health needs of our patients are regularly reviewed and our patients are under the care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care team .
`` The recommendations of all Independent Care and Treatment Reviews are implemented as appropriate and changes required are made in a timely way to address any issues raised .
`` In line with NHS England and Public Health national guidelines , we temporarily suspended visiting to protect our patients , staff and their families during COVID-19 .
`` We have stayed in close contact with families and carers throughout to ensure they were aware of any changes and have supported patients to stay in touch by telephone and video call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with autism and learning disabilities are being held in mental health hospitals .
This is a rise from the previous month .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We are committed to ensuring people with a learning disability and autistic people are supported to have the best possible quality of life in their community .
`` We are determined to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities and autism in mental health hospitals and significant government investment in community support has led to a 29 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights must be protected .
`` Baroness Hollins has been appointed to oversee the independent case reviews for people in the most restrictive settings to ensure they are supported towards discharge .
She will be making recommendations in due course . ''

The mother of an autistic man detained in mental health services for 14 years has told Sky News she fears for her son's safety because of the "appalling" care provided by the NHS.
Sharon Clarke is calling on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to follow through on promises he made last November to help those held in the most restrictive settings.
Her son Ryan, 31, has spent the last three and a half years in segregation, a form of solitary confinement.
Image: Ryan has spent the last three and a half years in segregation
During this period, Ryan has been placed in seclusion: a bare room isolated from others.
His family argue this kind of care is not appropriate for his autism diagnosis, and has significantly worsened his mental health.
His mother wants him moved but is struggling with the system.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:19 'I always wanted Ryan just to be happy'
Ms Clarke told Sky News: "All the doctors, psychologists agree that he shouldn't be there.
"They say it is the wrong environment for him and he needs a bespoke package of care in the community and that is what I was hoping for."
Ms Clarke worries even his basic care needs are not being met.
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Ryan had 14 teeth removed and was given dentures which he lost 18 months ago. They have yet to be replaced.
Ms Clarke told Sky News: "He doesn't look good. I can only guess how he eats. It can't be easy."
Last November, Mr Hancock set up an independent panel to oversee a case review for all those in long-term segregation.
The reviews were supposed to help and support people with their discharge, by either setting out a hospital discharge date, or at the very least, explaining how providers are making a plan to move people towards discharge.
Ryan's review flagged many urgent concerns, including a lack of family involvement and issues with his medication.
It set out several recommendations and provided a deadline for these to be carried out. That deadline has already passed for many of the concerns, and nothing has happened.
Ms Clarke says she wants Ryan moved. "I'd like to see Ryan and people like him get a bespoke package of care in the community where he is supported 24/7 with the right people who do the right job for Ryan.
"And I definitely think Matt Hancock needs to get his act together on sorting this. Definitely. Because it's not damn fair."
COVID-19 is making things even more difficult. Family visits are now restricted to weekly Skype calls.
She said: "He is deteriorating, he is getting worse. He self-harms. Recently, since COVID-19, he has started hitting and punching himself in the face and tummy, and that has been since I haven't been able to see him.
"So I think he will go downhill unless he is moved to a more caring facility."
Image: Ms Clarke wants her son moved but is struggling with the system
Ms Clarke feels let down by the NHS and is disappointed Mr Hancock has failed to deliver the change he promised.
She is also worried nothing will happen to help her son. "They're just forgotten. They are just non-entities, nobody cares about him.
"I respect people have got to be careful because COVID-19 is predominant and we are in a pandemic but not at the expense that everybody else - the most vulnerable in our society - get thrown on the scrapheap."
The NHS Trust in charge of Ryan's care told Sky News they "are unable to comment on individual cases".
"To support our patients, we work closely with a wide multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, psychologists and other experts to ensure that we provide the best possible care and support for that individual.
"The physical health needs of our patients are regularly reviewed and our patients are under the care of an onsite GP and a primary care team.
"The recommendations of all Independent Care and Treatment Reviews are implemented as appropriate and changes required are made in a timely way to address any issues raised.
"In line with NHS England and Public Health national guidelines, we temporarily suspended visiting to protect our patients, staff and their families during COVID-19.
"We have stayed in close contact with families and carers throughout to ensure they were aware of any changes and have supported patients to stay in touch by telephone and video call."
Image: Ms Clarke worries even his basic care needs are not being met
The latest figures show 2,060 people with autism and learning disabilities are being held in mental health hospitals. This is a rise from the previous month.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are committed to ensuring people with a learning disability and autistic people are supported to have the best possible quality of life in their community.
"We are determined to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities and autism in mental health hospitals and significant government investment in community support has led to a 29% reduction in inpatients. Above all, human rights must be protected.
"Baroness Hollins has been appointed to oversee the independent case reviews for people in the most restrictive settings to ensure they are supported towards discharge. She will be making recommendations in due course."


news--2020-06-24--North Korea suspends military retaliation against South Korea in surprise for Seoul

North Korea has suspended a planned military retaliation against South Korea after weeks of rising tensions .
Leader Kim Jong Un decided to postpone the plans during a video conference meeting of the ruling Workers ' Party 's Central Military Commission , the North 's state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Wednesday .
It did not specify why the decision was made but added other discussions included bolstering North Korea 's `` war deterrent '' .
Mr Kim 's decision came as a surprise as he had widely been expected to give the go-ahead to the military action during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North declared relations with the South were over , destroyed an inter-Korean liaison office meant for peace talks in its territory and threatened military action over Seoul 's lack of progress in bilateral co-operation .
It also hit out against activists floating anti-Kim leaflets across the border by putting up speakers pumping out anti-Seoul propaganda on the border .
Half of the 20 speakers were seen being removed on Wednesday , military sources told South Korea 's Yonhap News Agency .
Analysts say North Korea , after weeks of raising tensions , may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for South Korean concessions .
If Mr Kim does eventually carry out military action , artillery drills and other exercises by the demilitarised zone could take place , as well as sending boats deliberately across the disputed western maritime border between the Koreas .
Any action is unlikely to go too far to prevent full-scale retaliation from South Korea and its US ally .
Yoh Sang-key , spokesman for South Korea 's unification ministry , said Seoul was `` closely reviewing '' the report from the North , but gave no further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first report of Mr Kim holding a video conferencing meeting , but did not say whether it was because of coronavirus - which the North claims it has not had one case of .
Kim Dong-yub , an analyst from Seoul 's Institute for Far Eastern Studies , said it is likely the North is waiting for further action from the South to salvage ties from what it sees as a position of strength .
`` What 's clear is that the North said [ the military action ] was postponed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former South Korean military official who participated in inter-Korean military negotiations .
Other experts said the North will now ask for something major from the South , possibly a commitment to resume operations at a joint factory park in Kaesong , where the liaison office it blew up was , or to restart tours from the South at the North 's Diamond Mountain Resort .
Both steps are prohibited by international sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme .
Leif-Eric Easley , a professor at Ewha University in Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for anyone in Seoul or Washington to be self-congratulatory about deterring North Korea .
`` There may be a pause in provocations or Pyongyang might temporarily de-escalate in search of external concessions .
`` But North Korea will almost certainly continue to bolster its so-called 'deterrent ' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' As long as the Kim regime refuses to denuclearise , it is likely to use Seoul as a scapegoat for its military modernisation and domestic politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions relief . ''
The North has a history of increasing pressure on the South when it fails to get what it wants from the United States .
Its recent steps came after months of frustration over Seoul 's unwillingness to defy US-led sanctions and restart the inter-Korean projects it needs to kick-start its flailing economy .

North Korea has suspended a planned military retaliation against South Korea after weeks of rising tensions.
Leader Kim Jong Un decided to postpone the plans during a video conference meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Wednesday.
It did not specify why the decision was made but added other discussions included bolstering North Korea's "war deterrent".
Image: Kim Jong Un threatened military action after North Korean defectors floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets over the border
Mr Kim's decision came as a surprise as he had widely been expected to give the go-ahead to the military action during the meeting.
Last week, the North declared relations with the South were over, destroyed an inter-Korean liaison office meant for peace talks in its territory and threatened military action over Seoul's lack of progress in bilateral co-operation.
It also hit out against activists floating anti-Kim leaflets across the border by putting up speakers pumping out anti-Seoul propaganda on the border.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Moment N Korea blew up building in row with South
Half of the 20 speakers were seen being removed on Wednesday, military sources told South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.
Analysts say North Korea, after weeks of raising tensions, may be pulling away just enough to make room for South Korean concessions.
If Mr Kim does eventually carry out military action, artillery drills and other exercises by the demilitarised zone could take place, as well as sending boats deliberately across the disputed western maritime border between the Koreas.
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Image: Loudspeakers pumping out anti-Seoul rhetoric were placed by the North near the border with the South
Any action is unlikely to go too far to prevent full-scale retaliation from South Korea and its US ally.
Yoh Sang-key, spokesman for South Korea's unification ministry, said Seoul was "closely reviewing" the report from the North, but gave no further details.
He also said it was the first report of Mr Kim holding a video conferencing meeting, but did not say whether it was because of coronavirus - which the North claims it has not had one case of.
Kim Dong-yub, an analyst from Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said it is likely the North is waiting for further action from the South to salvage ties from what it sees as a position of strength.
Image: South Korean soldiers were deployed to a military base near the border with the North last week
"What's clear is that the North said [the military action] was postponed, not cancelled," said Kim, a former South Korean military official who participated in inter-Korean military negotiations.
Other experts said the North will now ask for something major from the South, possibly a commitment to resume operations at a joint factory park in Kaesong, where the liaison office it blew up was, or to restart tours from the South at the North's Diamond Mountain Resort .
Both steps are prohibited by international sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme.
Image: Students and young people attended a mass gathering denouncing 'defectors from the north' in Pyongyang in early June
Image: Donald Trump rejected Kim Jong Un's call for major sanction reliefs in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, warned: "Now isn't the time for anyone in Seoul or Washington to be self-congratulatory about deterring North Korea.
"There may be a pause in provocations or Pyongyang might temporarily de-escalate in search of external concessions.
"But North Korea will almost certainly continue to bolster its so-called 'deterrent'.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"As long as the Kim regime refuses to denuclearise, it is likely to use Seoul as a scapegoat for its military modernisation and domestic politics of economic struggle after failing to win sanctions relief."
The North has a history of increasing pressure on the South when it fails to get what it wants from the United States.
Its recent steps came after months of frustration over Seoul's unwillingness to defy US-led sanctions and restart the inter-Korean projects it needs to kick-start its flailing economy.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: How the pandemic is helping Putin steer Russia down a more ideological path

Coronavirus : How the pandemic is helping Putin steer Russia down a more ideological path Coronavirus : How the pandemic is helping Putin steer Russia down a more ideological path This is not the 75th anniversary Victory Day parade that President Vladimir Putin had hoped for .
Delayed six weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and held despite Russia still being the third most infected country in the world with 600,000 cases , most world leaders declined the invitation .
In the stands , veterans - elderly pensioners - who have spent the last two weeks in self-isolation in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend safely .
More than a dozen other cities across Russia have postponed their parades because of fears of COVID-19 's spread .
It feels rushed .
Yes , this is the actual day in 1945 that the first Victory Day parade was held .
But the pandemic continues to batter both the economy and Mr Putin 's own approval ratings and that trend only looks set to worsen .
That is why Russia 's president has chosen to celebrate now rather than later .
The parade provides a patriotic boost which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they head to the polls over the next seven days .
This , and the unexpected decision to ease lockdown restrictions in Moscow two weeks ago , are transparently populist ploys .
Lift the people 's spirits , get them on side .
Then ask them to make their decision on amendments to the constitution which profess to address a range of social issues but in fact set Russia on a more reactionary , ideological path and pave the way for this president to stay in power beyond the expiration of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no picking and choosing of which amendments make sense .
It 's a yes or no vote .
The amended constitution is already available in print , although the president insists that he will only make the changes if the people say yes .
The parliament and the constitutional court already have .
This is a foregone conclusion , the people 's approval a way of making them feel on board with changes the Kremlin could and most probably would have pushed through anyway .
When the results are out , President Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people 's choice that he stay on .
If there was a mood to protest , there is not a vehicle for doing so .
Coronavirus stops the opposition from calling for it when even single picketers , the only form of protest allowed , are being hauled in by law enforcement .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker If these heady few post-lockdown weeks of sunshine do lead to a second wave , which they very likely could , a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissent .
As he so often does , despite this pandemic , President Putin seems to have the people exactly where he wants them .

Russians attend a Victory Parade as the pandemic continues to batter both the economy and Vladimir Putin's own approval ratings.
Coronavirus: How the pandemic is helping Putin steer Russia down a more ideological path
This is not the 75th anniversary Victory Day parade that President Vladimir Putin had hoped for.
Delayed six weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and held despite Russia still being the third most infected country in the world with 600,000 cases, most world leaders declined the invitation.
In the stands, veterans - elderly pensioners - who have spent the last two weeks in self-isolation in a sanatorium outside of Moscow so they can attend safely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Russia's Victory Day parade
More than a dozen other cities across Russia have postponed their parades because of fears of COVID-19's spread. It feels rushed.
Yes, this is the actual day in 1945 that the first Victory Day parade was held. But the pandemic continues to batter both the economy and Mr Putin's own approval ratings and that trend only looks set to worsen.
That is why Russia's president has chosen to celebrate now rather than later. The parade provides a patriotic boost which he hopes will colour people's voting choices as they head to the polls over the next seven days.
This, and the unexpected decision to ease lockdown restrictions in Moscow two weeks ago, are transparently populist ploys. Lift the people's spirits, get them on side.
Then ask them to make their decision on amendments to the constitution which profess to address a range of social issues but in fact set Russia on a more reactionary, ideological path and pave the way for this president to stay in power beyond the expiration of his current term in 2024.
Image: The parade marks the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II
There's no picking and choosing of which amendments make sense. It's a yes or no vote. The amended constitution is already available in print, although the president insists that he will only make the changes if the people say yes.
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The parliament and the constitutional court already have. This is a foregone conclusion, the people's approval a way of making them feel on board with changes the Kremlin could and most probably would have pushed through anyway.
When the results are out, President Putin can always say that it was the people's choice that he stay on.
Image: Military police armored vehicles during the parade
If there was a mood to protest, there is not a vehicle for doing so.
Coronavirus stops the opposition from calling for it when even single picketers, the only form of protest allowed, are being hauled in by law enforcement.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
If these heady few post-lockdown weeks of sunshine do lead to a second wave, which they very likely could, a second lockdown would crush any possible whisperings of dissent.
As he so often does, despite this pandemic, President Putin seems to have the people exactly where he wants them.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson under fire for 'dodgy' claim about other countries' tracking apps

Boris Johnson has been accused of making `` dodgy '' claims after he insisted no country had developed a functioning coronavirus tracking app .
The prime minister hit back after concerns raised in parliament that two-thirds of people with COVID-19 were not being picked up by the human workforce trying to contain new cases .
Labour 's Sir Keir Starmer called it a `` big problem '' and said an `` effective '' app was essential to easing lockdown .
Such an app was initially promised by the start of June but is now not expected to arrive until winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only effective when people know the contact details of those they have been near - not others who they might sit next to in a park or on a beach .
But Mr Johnson asked if he could `` name a single country in the world that has a functioning contact-tracing app because there is n't one '' .
He insisted there was already `` a very successful test and trace operation '' in the UK .
The prime minister accused opposition MPs of supporting it yesterday but `` yo-yoing back again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Sir Keir shot back that Germany had a contact-tracing coronavirus app that has had more than 12 million downloads .
His spokesperson later said it was `` another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who was n't across the detail '' .
They continued : `` There are other countries who are far ahead of us .
Singapore has got an app , South Korea has an app .
`` We have spent £12m on an app that has n't been launched .
The point is , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in terms of an app being rolled out nationwide . ''
Mr Johnson 's spokesman then clarified his comments , saying : `` A number of countries in the world do have apps , but not ones that fully and reliably record everybody 's contacts in a way that allows for comprehensive test and trace , and not in a way that we would reliably be able to take decision on telling people to self-isolate or not . ''
Earlier this week the government admitted it had spent £11.8m on the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wight but not yet rolled out across the UK .
Other countries with contact tracing apps include France , Australia , Singapore and Latvia .
Sam Coates , Sky News ' deputy political editor , said : `` There is a legitimate question about the scale of downloads that have been done in each of those countries to mean that it has blanket coverage and therefore reasonable effectiveness in terms of its coverage of the population ... '' The claim that there are n't any apps functioning will come under some scrutiny @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has been accused of making "dodgy" claims after he insisted no country had developed a functioning coronavirus tracking app.
The prime minister hit back after concerns raised in parliament that two-thirds of people with COVID-19 were not being picked up by the human workforce trying to contain new cases.
Labour's Sir Keir Starmer called it a "big problem" and said an "effective" app was essential to easing lockdown.
Image: The virus tracking app has only been rolled out on the Isle of Wight
Such an app was initially promised by the start of June but is now not expected to arrive until winter.
Sir Keir said the current system was only effective when people know the contact details of those they have been near - not others who they might sit next to in a park or on a beach.
But Mr Johnson asked if he could "name a single country in the world that has a functioning contact-tracing app because there isn't one".
He insisted there was already "a very successful test and trace operation" in the UK.
The prime minister accused opposition MPs of supporting it yesterday but "yo-yoing back again and saying it's not good enough".
Image: Keir Starmer's spokesman accused the PM of giving 'dodgy' answers
Sir Keir shot back that Germany had a contact-tracing coronavirus app that has had more than 12 million downloads.
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His spokesperson later said it was "another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who wasn't across the detail".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 BMA: 'Virus is far from having gone away'
They continued: "There are other countries who are far ahead of us. Singapore has got an app, South Korea has an app.
"We have spent £12m on an app that hasn't been launched. The point is, those countries are far, far ahead of us in terms of an app being rolled out nationwide."
Mr Johnson's spokesman then clarified his comments, saying: "A number of countries in the world do have apps, but not ones that fully and reliably record everybody's contacts in a way that allows for comprehensive test and trace, and not in a way that we would reliably be able to take decision on telling people to self-isolate or not."
Image: Lockdown is being eased in most parts of the UK
Earlier this week the government admitted it had spent £11.8m on the app that has been trialled on the Isle of Wight but not yet rolled out across the UK.
Other countries with contact tracing apps include France, Australia, Singapore and Latvia.
Sam Coates, Sky News' deputy political editor, said: "There is a legitimate question about the scale of downloads that have been done in each of those countries to mean that it has blanket coverage and therefore reasonable effectiveness in terms of its coverage of the population...
"The claim that there aren't any apps functioning will come under some scrutiny for the prime minister."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Thailand sterilises 500 monkeys to protect locals because there are no tourists to feed

Coronavirus: Thailand sterilises 500 monkeys to protect locals because there are no tourists to feed them

Thailand is sterilising hundreds of monkeys who are forcing locals out of their homes as there are no tourists to feed them due to the coronavirus pandemic .
About 2,000 long-tailed macaques usually draw tourists from around the world to the small city of Lopburi , about 93 miles ( 150km ) northeast of Bangkok .
But since Thailand closed its borders on 4 April to control COVID-19 infections , the monkeys have not adapted well to the lack of people .
The city monkeys , known for their aggression , are fed by tourists and do not usually need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more time and energy to reproduce and cause trouble , government veterinarian Supakarn Kaewchot said .
With more monkeys and less food they are terrorising the city 's 760,000 residents so vets are now trying to sterilise 500 of the macaques over two months .
`` They 're so used to having tourists feed them and the city provides no space for them to fend for themselves , '' said Ms Kaewchot .
`` With the tourists gone , they 've been more aggressive , fighting humans for food to survive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ locals to flee their homes . ''
Authorities this week placed big cages around the city containing tasty fruit to lure the monkeys in .
Once captured , vets are then transferring them to an operating table where they are sedated , their underarm shaved and tattooed with a unique reference number .
Placed on their backs under a green cloth , the vets perform a vasectomy or a tubal ligation operation .
The monkeys are kept in for one night to recover and then taken back to their respective tribes .
Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sterilise 500 of the monkeys .
Ms Kaewchot said the procedure would not harm the monkey population and the aim is simply to slow down the rate of its urban growth .
`` We 're not doing this in the wild , only in the city areas , '' she added .
The coronavirus pandemic has hit Thailand 's tourism industry hard , with nearly 18 % of its GDP coming from tourism .
Thailand has 3,156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 58 people have died with the virus , according to @ @ @ @ @

Thailand is sterilising hundreds of monkeys who are forcing locals out of their homes as there are no tourists to feed them due to the coronavirus pandemic.
About 2,000 long-tailed macaques usually draw tourists from around the world to the small city of Lopburi, about 93 miles (150km) northeast of Bangkok.
But since Thailand closed its borders on 4 April to control COVID-19 infections, the monkeys have not adapted well to the lack of people.
Image: Vets will sterilise 500 monkeys in Lopburi
The city monkeys, known for their aggression, are fed by tourists and do not usually need to hunt for food.
They now have more time and energy to reproduce and cause trouble, government veterinarian Supakarn Kaewchot said.
With more monkeys and less food they are terrorising the city's 760,000 residents so vets are now trying to sterilise 500 of the macaques over two months.
Image: There are about 2,000 macaques in the small city of Lopburi
"They're so used to having tourists feed them and the city provides no space for them to fend for themselves," said Ms Kaewchot.
"With the tourists gone, they've been more aggressive, fighting humans for food to survive.
"They're invading buildings and forcing locals to flee their homes."
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Authorities this week placed big cages around the city containing tasty fruit to lure the monkeys in.
Once captured, vets are then transferring them to an operating table where they are sedated, their underarm shaved and tattooed with a unique reference number.
Placed on their backs under a green cloth, the vets perform a vasectomy or a tubal ligation operation.
The monkeys are kept in for one night to recover and then taken back to their respective tribes.
Image: The monkeys have been stealing from shops and homes due to the lack of food from tourists
Image: A Monkey Festival celebrating Lopburi's macaques is held every year in November
Over the next two months the government aims to sterilise 500 of the monkeys.
Ms Kaewchot said the procedure would not harm the monkey population and the aim is simply to slow down the rate of its urban growth.
"We're not doing this in the wild, only in the city areas," she added.
The coronavirus pandemic has hit Thailand's tourism industry hard, with nearly 18% of its GDP coming from tourism.
Thailand has 3,156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 58 people have died with the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics.