news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Prince Charles thanks British Asians for 'vital role' in tackling coronavirus

Prince Charles has thanked British Asians for playing a `` vital role '' in responding to the coronavirus crisis .
The Duke of Cornwall , who tested positive for COVID-19 himself in March , paid tribute to the community in a message recorded for the British Asian Trust .
The Prince of Wales is the royal founding patron of the trust , which supports British Asians and the poorest people in the South Asian region .
He said : `` The current public health crisis is a challenge which confronts us all .
In every community and in every part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom , I know that the British Asian community is playing a vital role in response to this crisis .
`` Whether in the NHS or as key workers in other roles , or through the wonderful work done by volunteers and local initiatives in temples , mosques and gurdwaras to support all members of all communities . ''
British Asians make up around 10 % of the whole NHS workforce , with many frontline staff having died after testing positive for coronavirus .
Prince Charles also launched the British Asian Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message .
The fundraiser aims to support those suffering from the virus in India , Pakistan , Sri Lanka and Bangladesh .
Scientists believe the coronavirus crisis in South Asia is set to worsen over the next few weeks .
Hospital beds have reached capacity in Pakistan and with the country 's decision to allow mass prayers during Ramadan , there are fears the death tally could rise drastically .
Prince Charles said : `` I wanted to lend my support to the launch of an emergency appeal to help those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bangladesh and Sri Lanka .
`` To play its part in responding to this pandemic , the British Asian Trust , in partnership with local organisations and government , is ramping up its work to support the daily basic needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable . ''
He added : `` Across the region an estimated 40 million children are in need .
Over 400 million daily workers have seen their livelihoods disappear with no form of income and no savings .
They and their families now face a fight for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mohammad Nafees Zakaria , the high commissioner for Pakistan to the UK , said in response to the prince 's message : `` We are very grateful for this message and appeal from His Royal Highness .
`` There are hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in Pakistan .
During this crisis , if they do n't die of COVID-19 , they 'll die of starvation and hunger .
These are people that rely on their daily wages . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the appeal .
Richard Hawkes , chief executive of the British Asian Trust , told Sky News : `` [ Prince Charles ] has always been really passionate about the region , about South Asia , as he is about the whole of the Commonwealth .
`` Because he had his own experience of coronavirus , it is very personal to him .
`` He is very aware of the tremendous work so many British Asians have been doing in the UK at the forefront of the fight against the virus .
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Prince Charles has thanked British Asians for playing a "vital role" in responding to the coronavirus crisis.
The Duke of Cornwall, who tested positive for COVID-19 himself in March, paid tribute to the community in a message recorded for the British Asian Trust.
The Prince of Wales is the royal founding patron of the trust, which supports British Asians and the poorest people in the South Asian region.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Are ethnic minorities worst-hit by COVID-19?
He said: "The current public health crisis is a challenge which confronts us all. In every community and in every part of the world.
"In the United Kingdom, I know that the British Asian community is playing a vital role in response to this crisis.
"Whether in the NHS or as key workers in other roles, or through the wonderful work done by volunteers and local initiatives in temples, mosques and gurdwaras to support all members of all communities."
British Asians make up around 10% of the whole NHS workforce, with many frontline staff having died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Prince Charles also launched the British Asian Trust's COVID-19 emergency appeal in his video message.
The fundraiser aims to support those suffering from the virus in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
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Scientists believe the coronavirus crisis in South Asia is set to worsen over the next few weeks.
Hospital beds have reached capacity in Pakistan and with the country's decision to allow mass prayers during Ramadan, there are fears the death tally could rise drastically.
Prince Charles said: "I wanted to lend my support to the launch of an emergency appeal to help those who are suffering most across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
"To play its part in responding to this pandemic, the British Asian Trust, in partnership with local organisations and government, is ramping up its work to support the daily basic needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable."
He added: "Across the region an estimated 40 million children are in need. Over 400 million daily workers have seen their livelihoods disappear with no form of income and no savings. They and their families now face a fight for survival."
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Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, the high commissioner for Pakistan to the UK, said in response to the prince's message: "We are very grateful for this message and appeal from His Royal Highness.
"There are hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in Pakistan. During this crisis, if they don't die of COVID-19, they'll die of starvation and hunger. These are people that rely on their daily wages."
He also urged British Asians to donate to the appeal.
Image: Prince Charles pictured during a speech at a British Asian Trust event in February
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of the British Asian Trust, told Sky News: "[Prince Charles] has always been really passionate about the region, about South Asia, as he is about the whole of the Commonwealth.
"Because he had his own experience of coronavirus, it is very personal to him.
"He is very aware of the tremendous work so many British Asians have been doing in the UK at the forefront of the fight against the virus."


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Airbus supplier Gardner Aerospace hunts new backers

A Chinese-owned British aerospace firm which has been at the centre of a national security investigation is trying to raise tens of millions of pounds in new funding to help it through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Gardner Aerospace , which is based in Derby and supplies components to manufacturers including Airbus and Rolls-Royce Holdings , is seeking to secure the additional financing in the coming weeks .
The hunt for new money comes during a torrid period for the aerospace industry , with both Airbus and Rolls-Royce in the process of preparing thousands of permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for new aircraft have created overcapacity at companies in aviation supply chains .
Since the coronavirus outbreak , British airlines alone have announced close to 20,000 job cuts , with more expected if a quarantine for passengers entering the UK is introduced and maintained for a lengthy period .
Gardner , which was bought by Ligeance Aerospace Technologies , almost three years ago , is also a big player in the automotive parts sector .
The company 's Chinese ownership has triggered concerns over its plans to buy Impcross , a Gloucester-based manufacturer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December , the then business secretary , Andrea Leadsom , said she had referred the Impcross deal to competition regulators on national security grounds .
The Competition and Markets Authority passed its report on the takeover to Alok Sharma , Ms Leadsom 's successor , in March .
Its contents , and a decision by Mr Sharma , have yet to be made public .
Gardner employs more than 2,200 people around the world , including in the UK , China , France and India .
The company recorded revenues last year of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ligeance - which was previously known as Shaanxi Ligeance Mineral Resources - from Better Capital , the private equity group founded by Jon Moulton , the veteran financier .
The search for new investment is being handled by PricewaterhouseCoopers , the professional services firm .
A string of prospective backers are understood to have been approached .
Gardner could not be reached for comment on Thursday .

A Chinese-owned British aerospace firm which has been at the centre of a national security investigation is trying to raise tens of millions of pounds in new funding to help it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Gardner Aerospace, which is based in Derby and supplies components to manufacturers including Airbus and Rolls-Royce Holdings, is seeking to secure the additional financing in the coming weeks.
The hunt for new money comes during a torrid period for the aerospace industry, with both Airbus and Rolls-Royce in the process of preparing thousands of permanent job losses.
Steep cuts in orders for new aircraft have created overcapacity at companies in aviation supply chains.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, British airlines alone have announced close to 20,000 job cuts, with more expected if a quarantine for passengers entering the UK is introduced and maintained for a lengthy period.
Gardner, which was bought by Ligeance Aerospace Technologies, almost three years ago, is also a big player in the automotive parts sector.
The company's Chinese ownership has triggered concerns over its plans to buy Impcross, a Gloucester-based manufacturer of parts for military aircraft.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Tough time for business under lockdown rules
In December, the then business secretary, Andrea Leadsom, said she had referred the Impcross deal to competition regulators on national security grounds.
The Competition and Markets Authority passed its report on the takeover to Alok Sharma, Ms Leadsom's successor, in March.
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Its contents, and a decision by Mr Sharma, have yet to be made public.
Gardner employs more than 2,200 people around the world, including in the UK, China, France and India.
The company recorded revenues last year of approximately £230m.
It was bought by Ligeance - which was previously known as Shaanxi Ligeance Mineral Resources - from Better Capital, the private equity group founded by Jon Moulton, the veteran financier.
The search for new investment is being handled by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the professional services firm.
A string of prospective backers are understood to have been approached.
Gardner could not be reached for comment on Thursday.


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Consumer group warns of rip-off prices for essentials

A consumer group is urging online shoppers to be vigilant , accusing third-party sellers on platforms such as Amazon and eBay of exploiting the coronavirus crisis .
Which ?
said it had found thousands of examples of premium hygiene items , such as toilet roll and cleaning products , still being sold on online marketplaces at more than double the amount charged by supermarkets .
In the worst case one third-party seller , it said , was demanding up to 12 times the average retail price for anti-bacterial gel .
The start of the COVID-19 outbreak saw a rush for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages nationwide ahead of the 23 March lockdown being implemented .
Which ?
said it was clear sellers were still able to exploit the crisis , despite promises of tough action from regulators .
It said it was aware that Amazon and eBay were taking action against so-called price-gougers - through blocking and removing large quantities of listings or offers and suspending accounts of rogue third-party sellers .
The group urged consumers to alert the platforms to those who were clearly exploiting the pandemic .
Its findings included Carex hand wash and hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at up to ten times the price expected .
It was the same story for Dettol goods on eBay .
Which ?
quoted one 59-year old woman said to have a chronic lung condition who reported a seller on Amazon Marketplace flogging a 1 litre of Dettol cleaning spray for £29.99 .
She told Which ?
: `` It 's disgusting .
I have had to use these products for years now for hygiene reasons for managing serious health conditions and the current shortages mean I have to try to look elsewhere if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I can not afford to pay the prices . ''
Ebay responded : `` eBay gives people a great way to access the items they need - especially during lockdown - and we invest heavily in measures to ensure they can do so safely .
`` While a small minority of unscrupulous sellers do attempt to take advantage of other users , effective safeguards have been in place for weeks to prevent this . ''
Amazon said : `` There is no place for price gouging on Amazon .
`` When a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on basic need products during a global health crisis , it 's bad for customers and the hundreds of thousands of honest businesses selling in our store .
`` In line with our long-standing policy , we have recently blocked or removed hundreds of thousands of offers and pursued legal action against bad actors . ''
Sue Davies , head of consumer protection at Which ?
, said : `` It can not be right that potentially thousands of people have paid unjustifiably high prices to buy essential items during this COVID-19 crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that measures being put in place by online marketplaces are not enough to stop coronavirus profiteering by those seeking to exploit the current situation .
`` The government , working with the CMA ( Competition and Markets Authority ) , needs to step in with emergency legislation to enable swift action to crack down on price-gouging and keep the price of essential items reasonable during crises both now and in the future . ''

A consumer group is urging online shoppers to be vigilant, accusing third-party sellers on platforms such as Amazon and eBay of exploiting the coronavirus crisis.
Which? said it had found thousands of examples of premium hygiene items, such as toilet roll and cleaning products, still being sold on online marketplaces at more than double the amount charged by supermarkets.
In the worst case one third-party seller, it said, was demanding up to 12 times the average retail price for anti-bacterial gel.
Image: Third-party sellers, Which? said, were seeking rip-off rates for hygiene products from top brands including Dettol and Carex
The start of the COVID-19 outbreak saw a rush for household staples, with stockpiling leading to shortages nationwide ahead of the 23 March lockdown being implemented.
Which? said it was clear sellers were still able to exploit the crisis, despite promises of tough action from regulators.
It said it was aware that Amazon and eBay were taking action against so-called price-gougers - through blocking and removing large quantities of listings or offers and suspending accounts of rogue third-party sellers.
The group urged consumers to alert the platforms to those who were clearly exploiting the pandemic.
Its findings included Carex hand wash and hand sanitiser products on Amazon Marketplace being sold at up to ten times the price expected.
It was the same story for Dettol goods on eBay.
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Which? quoted one 59-year old woman said to have a chronic lung condition who reported a seller on Amazon Marketplace flogging a 1 litre of Dettol cleaning spray for £29.99.
She told Which?: "It's disgusting. I have had to use these products for years now for hygiene reasons for managing serious health conditions and the current shortages mean I have to try to look elsewhere if not available for my Tesco delivery, but I cannot afford to pay the prices."
Ebay responded: "eBay gives people a great way to access the items they need - especially during lockdown - and we invest heavily in measures to ensure they can do so safely.
"While a small minority of unscrupulous sellers do attempt to take advantage of other users, effective safeguards have been in place for weeks to prevent this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Some furloughed workers are still working
Amazon said: "There is no place for price gouging on Amazon.
"When a bad actor attempts to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis, it's bad for customers and the hundreds of thousands of honest businesses selling in our store.
"In line with our long-standing policy, we have recently blocked or removed hundreds of thousands of offers and pursued legal action against bad actors."
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection at Which?, said: "It cannot be right that potentially thousands of people have paid unjustifiably high prices to buy essential items during this COVID-19 crisis.
"While welcome, it's clear that measures being put in place by online marketplaces are not enough to stop coronavirus profiteering by those seeking to exploit the current situation.
"The government, working with the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority), needs to step in with emergency legislation to enable swift action to crack down on price-gouging and keep the price of essential items reasonable during crises both now and in the future."


news--2020-05-14--Policeman jumps into canal to save drowning man in Ashton-under-Lyne

A policeman risked his own safety to jump into a canal and save a man from drowning in Greater Manchester during the coronavirus lockdown .
Bodycam footage shows GMP officer PC Briggs plunge into the Ashton Canal in Ashton-under-Lyne just before 5pm on 6 May after spotting a man in distress .
His colleagues were heard shouting `` come here '' , but the man failed to respond to their calls for him to grab onto a rope so he could be pulled to safety .
PC Briggs decided to jump in the water when he saw him float towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
The pair were then dragged out of the water by a rope and the man was treated by paramedics before being transferred to hospital .
PC Briggs and his colleagues were wearing protective gloves to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 , but he decided to risk his own safety and grab hold of the man so he would not drown .
Chief Superintendent Chris Allsop for GMP 's Oldham , Rochdale and Tameside districts said : `` As with any incident we respond to , the safety of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means putting them first , ahead of your own safety .
`` Every day our officers and staff go above and beyond to protect the communities we serve and this is certainly a great act of heroism .
`` PC Briggs put himself in danger to rescue the man and thanks to his brave and selfless actions , as well as the help of other officers , the man survived and is receiving the support he needs .
`` In this current climate , it can be even more difficult to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to personally commend PC Briggs 's actions which were a prime example of why people join the force - to protect our communities and make sure they are safe from harm . ''

A policeman risked his own safety to jump into a canal and save a man from drowning in Greater Manchester during the coronavirus lockdown.
Bodycam footage shows GMP officer PC Briggs plunge into the Ashton Canal in Ashton-under-Lyne just before 5pm on 6 May after spotting a man in distress.
His colleagues were heard shouting "come here", but the man failed to respond to their calls for him to grab onto a rope so he could be pulled to safety.
Image: PC Briggs' colleagues pulled him and the man to safety with a rope
PC Briggs decided to jump in the water when he saw him float towards an unlit tunnel and immediately swam towards him.
The pair were then dragged out of the water by a rope and the man was treated by paramedics before being transferred to hospital.
PC Briggs and his colleagues were wearing protective gloves to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, but he decided to risk his own safety and grab hold of the man so he would not drown.
Chief Superintendent Chris Allsop for GMP's Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside districts said: "As with any incident we respond to, the safety of the public is our number one priority and sometimes that means putting them first, ahead of your own safety.
"Every day our officers and staff go above and beyond to protect the communities we serve and this is certainly a great act of heroism.
"PC Briggs put himself in danger to rescue the man and thanks to his brave and selfless actions, as well as the help of other officers, the man survived and is receiving the support he needs.
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"In this current climate, it can be even more difficult to do our jobs safely and I would like to personally commend PC Briggs's actions which were a prime example of why people join the force - to protect our communities and make sure they are safe from harm."


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: WH Smith takes 'significant' hit - but book sales rocket

WH Smith said revenues plunged by 85 % last month as the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a `` significant hit '' to trading .
The retailer has closed the majority of its stores due to the pandemic resulting in sales slumping by 91 % across its travel arm - with outlets in railway stations , airports and motorway services - and by 74 % in its high street division .
But WH Smith said it had performed strongly online - particularly in books , where sales rocketed by 400 % in April .
Chief executive Carl Cowling said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant impact on our business as a result of COVID-19 , with the majority of our stores closed around the world . ''
WH Smith 's 1,194-strong travel division includes its stores based in hospitals - where it has kept 130 open to serve NHS staff , and extended grocery ranges available during the crisis .
Of its 575 high street stores , 203 with Post Offices have been kept open during the lockdown .
WH Smith said it was working on plans for a phased reopening of stores , while in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual improvement in passenger numbers from this autumn .
It has furloughed a `` significant '' number of staff and is axing a half-year dividend as part of cost-cutting efforts .
The figures from the retailer came as it reported a 3 % fall in pre-tax profits to £63m for the six months to 29 February .
Mr Cowling said : `` There was very little impact of COVID-19 on our first-half results , however inevitably the performance in the second half will be very different . ''
Shares lost more than 4.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 % lower in the year to date .
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said : `` To get back on its feet WH Smith needs airports and train stations to be busy and global travel to be whirring back into action .
`` It suggests that could start to happen in the autumn but this could prove to be over-optimistic .
`` For now , it must simply rely on people buying books through its website , steady sales through its hospital stores and Post Office concessions luring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they also pick up a few more products . ''

WH Smith said revenues plunged by 85% last month as the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a "significant hit" to trading.
The retailer has closed the majority of its stores due to the pandemic resulting in sales slumping by 91% across its travel arm - with outlets in railway stations, airports and motorway services - and by 74% in its high street division.
But WH Smith said it had performed strongly online - particularly in books, where sales rocketed by 400% in April.
Chief executive Carl Cowling said: "Since March, we have seen a significant impact on our business as a result of COVID-19, with the majority of our stores closed around the world."
WH Smith's 1,194-strong travel division includes its stores based in hospitals - where it has kept 130 open to serve NHS staff, and extended grocery ranges available during the crisis.
Of its 575 high street stores, 203 with Post Offices have been kept open during the lockdown.
WH Smith said it was working on plans for a phased reopening of stores, while in its airports network it expects to see a gradual improvement in passenger numbers from this autumn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Tough time for business under lockdown rules
It has furloughed a "significant" number of staff and is axing a half-year dividend as part of cost-cutting efforts.
The figures from the retailer came as it reported a 3% fall in pre-tax profits to £63m for the six months to 29 February.
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Mr Cowling said: "There was very little impact of COVID-19 on our first-half results, however inevitably the performance in the second half will be very different."
Shares lost more than 4.5% on the day to leave them 66% lower in the year to date.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "To get back on its feet WH Smith needs airports and train stations to be busy and global travel to be whirring back into action.
"It suggests that could start to happen in the autumn but this could prove to be over-optimistic.
"For now, it must simply rely on people buying books through its website, steady sales through its hospital stores and Post Office concessions luring people into its stores in the hope they also pick up a few more products."


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: House prices may not recover from lockdown slump for 11 months

House prices will take nearly a year to recover from a slide caused by the coronavirus lockdown , according to an industry poll .
Surveyors expect that prices will fall as the market slowly begins to reopen following restrictions imposed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
They are not expected to return to pre-lockdown levels for 11 months , according to the report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS ) .
That is slower than the expected rebound in sales levels , which surveyors expect to recover in around nine months .
The monthly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of surveyors had reported buyers and sellers pulling out of transactions during April as the lockdown effectively closed the housing market .
RICS chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said : `` Not surprisingly , the latest survey shows that housing activity indicators collapsed in April reflecting the impact of the lockdown .
`` Looking further out , there is a little more optimism but the numbers still suggest that it will be a struggle to get confidence back to where it was as recently as February .
`` Moreover , whether this can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic pans out and what this means for the macroeconomic environment . ''
The RICS poll 's headline house price balance fell to -21 in April from +9 in March .
It found that three quarters of surveyors expected prices to fall when the market reopened , with 40 % predicting a drop of more than 4 % .
A measure of new instructions to sell a property slumped by the most since the survey began in 1999 .
Restrictions on the property market and construction sector , designed to combat the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
New guidance for England includes the green light for property viewings in person and visits to agents for both sales and rentals .
Estate agent Savills has said it expects to see house prices fall by 5 % to 10 % in the shorter term before recovering .

House prices will take nearly a year to recover from a slide caused by the coronavirus lockdown, according to an industry poll.
Surveyors expect that prices will fall as the market slowly begins to reopen following restrictions imposed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19.
They are not expected to return to pre-lockdown levels for 11 months, according to the report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 'Pent-up demand' in housing market
That is slower than the expected rebound in sales levels, which surveyors expect to recover in around nine months.
The monthly update from RICS also said 80% of surveyors had reported buyers and sellers pulling out of transactions during April as the lockdown effectively closed the housing market.
RICS chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said: "Not surprisingly, the latest survey shows that housing activity indicators collapsed in April reflecting the impact of the lockdown.
"Looking further out, there is a little more optimism but the numbers still suggest that it will be a struggle to get confidence back to where it was as recently as February.
"Moreover, whether this can be realised will largely depend on how the pandemic pans out and what this means for the macroeconomic environment."
The RICS poll's headline house price balance fell to -21 in April from +9 in March.
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It found that three quarters of surveyors expected prices to fall when the market reopened, with 40% predicting a drop of more than 4%.
A measure of new instructions to sell a property slumped by the most since the survey began in 1999.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 Chancellor warns of a 'significant recession'
Restrictions on the property market and construction sector, designed to combat the spread of coronavirus, began to be relaxed this week.
New guidance for England includes the green light for property viewings in person and visits to agents for both sales and rentals.
Estate agent Savills has said it expects to see house prices fall by 5% to 10% in the shorter term before recovering.


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: New Zealand eases lockdown restrictions and moves into level two

New Zealand has entered level two of lockdown easing - and the country is open for business .
Shopping centres , retail stores and restaurants reopened as of midnight with many people returning their workplaces during the coronavirus pandemic .
But most gatherings will be limited to 10 people and social distancing guidelines will remain in place under the level two restrictions .
During the pandemic , New Zealand has created a numerical system which details the specific measures that are being taken to protect people and prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
It is known as the `` Alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to four , with four being the most restrictive .
Level two allows for businesses to reopen safely , travel between regions and socialise with friends and family in groups of up to 10 .
In addition , weddings , religious ceremonies and recreation activities can have up to 10 people .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a similar alert system for the UK last week .
New Zealand reported no new cases of the virus on Tuesday and Wednesday .
More than 1,400 of the nearly 1,500 people who contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , while 21 have died .
Most New Zealand schools will reopen on 18 May but bars will not reopen until 21 May , a decision that was prompted in part by the experience in South Korea , which has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul .
Barbers and hairdressers have also reopened as part of the easing of restrictions .
Conrad Fitz-Gerald said he received about 50 inquiries for midnight haircuts , but limited the initial customers to a dozen , starting with his 18-year-old son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbers in Christchurch added : `` People are saying their hair is out of control , they ca n't handle it anymore .
`` Lots of parents of teenage kids have been calling up , too , thinking a haircut at midnight would be a great novelty .
Unfortunately , we are full up . ''
Mr Fitz-Gerald said he was trying to make sure the virus could not spread in his shop , adding he made his own `` supercharged '' hand sanitiser from isopropyl alcohol and also had masks available for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The nation 's reopening coincides with the release of the government 's annual budget on Thursday afternoon .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nation faces the most challenging economic conditions since the Great Depression .
`` New Zealand is about to enter a very tough winter , '' she said .
`` But every winter eventually is followed by spring , and if we make the right choices we can get New Zealanders back to work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

New Zealand has entered level two of lockdown easing - and the country is open for business.
Shopping centres, retail stores and restaurants reopened as of midnight with many people returning their workplaces during the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: A family reunites with each other for the first time in New Zealand after the lockdown restrictions are eased
But most gatherings will be limited to 10 people and social distancing guidelines will remain in place under the level two restrictions.
During the pandemic, New Zealand has created a numerical system which details the specific measures that are being taken to protect people and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It is known as the "Alert System" and ranges from levels one to four, with four being the most restrictive.
Level two allows for businesses to reopen safely, travel between regions and socialise with friends and family in groups of up to 10.
In addition, weddings, religious ceremonies and recreation activities can have up to 10 people. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a similar alert system for the UK last week.
New Zealand reported no new cases of the virus on Tuesday and Wednesday. More than 1,400 of the nearly 1,500 people who contracted the virus that causes COVID-19 have recovered in the country, while 21 have died.
Most New Zealand schools will reopen on 18 May but bars will not reopen until 21 May, a decision that was prompted in part by the experience in South Korea, which has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul.
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Barbers and hairdressers have also reopened as part of the easing of restrictions.
Image: People surfing at Houghton Bay in Wellington, New Zealand as lockdown restrictions. Pic: Dave Lintott/Shutterstock
Conrad Fitz-Gerald said he received about 50 inquiries for midnight haircuts, but limited the initial customers to a dozen, starting with his 18-year-old son Heathcliff.
The owner of Cathedral Junction Barbers in Christchurch added: "People are saying their hair is out of control, they can't handle it anymore.
"Lots of parents of teenage kids have been calling up, too, thinking a haircut at midnight would be a great novelty. Unfortunately, we are full up."
Mr Fitz-Gerald said he was trying to make sure the virus could not spread in his shop, adding he made his own "supercharged" hand sanitiser from isopropyl alcohol and also had masks available for his customers on request.
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The nation's reopening coincides with the release of the government's annual budget on Thursday afternoon.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nation faces the most challenging economic conditions since the Great Depression.
"New Zealand is about to enter a very tough winter," she said.
"But every winter eventually is followed by spring, and if we make the right choices we can get New Zealanders back to work and our economy moving quickly again."


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: People flying from France to the UK will not have to be quarantined

Travellers coming to the UK from France will not have to be quarantined after the two countries agreed a reciprocal arrangement .
Boris Johnson had announced on Sunday evening that `` it will soon be the time to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air '' .
However , Downing Street later added : `` No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage . ''
Mr Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the COVID-19 measures today during a phone call .
In a joint statement , they said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner . ''
A working group made up of both French and British officials would be set up to ensure the consultation happened in the coming weeks , they said .
Earlier this week , France said new quarantine and isolation measures could be introduced for all travellers into the country .
However , these would not apply to European Union countries or Britain , for now .
Mr Johnson did not give a timeline of when incoming traveller quarantines could be introduced , having largely resisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from Wuhan then the whole of China in the earlier days of the pandemic .
On Sunday , the prime minister announced some lockdown measures would be eased , with those who can not work from home encouraged to go in .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker From Wednesday , people living in England will be allowed to sit in parks , exercise as much as they want , drive to other destinations and play sport .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules , and said the UK is aiming to reopen schools and shops in phases from 1 June at the earliest .
By July , he is hoping to reopen some of the hospitality industry and other public places .

Travellers coming to the UK from France will not have to be quarantined after the two countries agreed a reciprocal arrangement.
Boris Johnson had announced on Sunday evening that "it will soon be the time to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air".
However, Downing Street later added: "No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Coronavirus: PM announces new lockdown rules
Mr Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the COVID-19 measures today during a phone call.
In a joint statement, they said: "Any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner."
A working group made up of both French and British officials would be set up to ensure the consultation happened in the coming weeks, they said.
Earlier this week, France said new quarantine and isolation measures could be introduced for all travellers into the country.
However, these would not apply to European Union countries or Britain, for now.
Mr Johnson did not give a timeline of when incoming traveller quarantines could be introduced, having largely resisted it so far, apart from those coming from Wuhan then the whole of China in the earlier days of the pandemic.
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On Sunday, the prime minister announced some lockdown measures would be eased, with those who cannot work from home encouraged to go in.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
From Wednesday, people living in England will be allowed to sit in parks, exercise as much as they want, drive to other destinations and play sport.
Mr Johnson announced increased fines for those who break the rules, and said the UK is aiming to reopen schools and shops in phases from 1 June at the earliest.
By July, he is hoping to reopen some of the hospitality industry and other public places.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Old smartphones used to connect those digitally isolated by lockdown

An environment charity is joining forces with a major mobile network to try to supply old or unused mobile phones to people who are digitally unconnected during lockdown .
Hubbub Foundation UK suggests that for each smartphone currently in use , four phones lie unused and it is teaming up with O2 to put them in the hands of those who are digitally excluded .
The scheme , called Community Calling , has been launched in Southwark , London , but with as many as 1.9 million people lacking internet access , if it proves effective it could be rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gavin Ellis , director and co-founder at Hubbub , said : `` Community Calling offers a simple way to get unused smartphones to people who need them most during the current pandemic , allowing them to access essential services , to educate their kids or to stay in touch with loved ones .
`` Plus it has the bonus environmental benefit of avoiding electrical waste going to landfill or incineration . ''
Schemes like this ca n't come soon enough for Matt Twynam .
Until the coronavirus crisis he was being supported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which works with people who are , or were , homeless in London , Brighton , Liverpool and Birmingham .
Choir members may also have a learning disability , mental health issue or addiction , or they may simply be older or live in poverty .
Before lockdown , rehearsals with the choir provided Matt with his only social contact in any given week .
Now , those rehearsals have gone online , and Matt - who used to be homeless - has no smartphone and no access to the internet .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a long time to be cut off from something like the choir and all your mates , '' he explains .
`` A lot of people tell you they feel like they 're lost without their smartphone .
Well , for me , when you lose the choir , it feels like my right arm has been cut off .
`` It 's something I look forward to every week - to sing for two hours , have a meal together prepared by the volunteers for us , having a chit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rehearsals again next week . ''
He added : `` In terms of the choir , yes they can try to have Zoom sessions , but loads of us do n't have the internet , so it does n't really work . ''
The feeling of isolation experienced by people like Matt is reflected in a new report by the All Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG ) on social integration .
`` Social Connection in the COVID-19 Crisis '' says many efforts to reach isolated groups during the lockdown have successfully moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most isolated individuals even further excluded - because they do not own or can not afford devices , wifi or data to get online , or lack the skills or English fluency to manage online communication .
It calls for an expansion of `` digital champion '' schemes , where volunteers support those who lack digital skills and confidence - and recommends deploying some of those who have offered themselves as NHS volunteers .
When the current crisis period ends , the APPG urges a long-term commitment from the government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce digital exclusion .
For people like Matt , such support is desperately needed .

An environment charity is joining forces with a major mobile network to try to supply old or unused mobile phones to people who are digitally unconnected during lockdown.
Hubbub Foundation UK suggests that for each smartphone currently in use, four phones lie unused and it is teaming up with O2 to put them in the hands of those who are digitally excluded.
The scheme, called Community Calling, has been launched in Southwark, London, but with as many as 1.9 million people lacking internet access, if it proves effective it could be rolled out to elsewhere in the UK.
Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder at Hubbub, said: "Community Calling offers a simple way to get unused smartphones to people who need them most during the current pandemic, allowing them to access essential services, to educate their kids or to stay in touch with loved ones.
"Plus it has the bonus environmental benefit of avoiding electrical waste going to landfill or incineration."
Schemes like this can't come soon enough for Matt Twynam. Until the coronavirus crisis he was being supported by the Choir With No Name charity, which works with people who are, or were, homeless in London, Brighton, Liverpool and Birmingham.
Choir members may also have a learning disability, mental health issue or addiction, or they may simply be older or live in poverty.
Before lockdown, rehearsals with the choir provided Matt with his only social contact in any given week.
Now, those rehearsals have gone online, and Matt - who used to be homeless - has no smartphone and no access to the internet.
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"It's eight weeks now, and it's a long time to be cut off from something like the choir and all your mates," he explains.
"A lot of people tell you they feel like they're lost without their smartphone. Well, for me, when you lose the choir, it feels like my right arm has been cut off.
"It's something I look forward to every week - to sing for two hours, have a meal together prepared by the volunteers for us, having a chit chat, and then instantly looking forward to rehearsals again next week."
He added: "In terms of the choir, yes they can try to have Zoom sessions, but loads of us don't have the internet, so it doesn't really work."
Image: Matt Twynam has become isolated form his friends
The feeling of isolation experienced by people like Matt is reflected in a new report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on social integration.
"Social Connection in the COVID-19 Crisis" says many efforts to reach isolated groups during the lockdown have successfully moved online, but that can leave some of the most isolated individuals even further excluded - because they do not own or cannot afford devices, wifi or data to get online, or lack the skills or English fluency to manage online communication.
It calls for an expansion of "digital champion" schemes, where volunteers support those who lack digital skills and confidence - and recommends deploying some of those who have offered themselves as NHS volunteers.
When the current crisis period ends, the APPG urges a long-term commitment from the government, educational institutions, employers and civil society to reduce digital exclusion.
For people like Matt, such support is desperately needed.


news--2020-05-14--UK weather: Coldest ever May day for parts of UK - but it's looking up (for some)

Northern Ireland measured sub-zero temperatures overnight and broke its record for the coldest May day ever .
The Met Office said Katesbridge measured its lowest May temperature on record on Thursday morning at -6.1C ( 21F ) , breaking the previous one from 1995 , which came in at -5.2C ( 22.6F ) .
Today 's temperatures are almost as cold as Northern Ireland 's overall record low of -6.5C ( 20.3F ) , recorded in Moydamlaght , Londonderry , in 1982 .
Other parts of the UK also suffered freezing conditions , with -4.6C ( 23.7F ) seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24.8F ) in North Yorkshire .
It comes after last weekend 's hot weather saw Britons flock to parks and beaches in spite of coronavirus lockdown measures , with highs of 26C ( 78.8F ) in some places .
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said the cold snap had been caused by a high-pressure system bringing cold air from the north , but next week would see air from the south warming things up .
She said : `` We are slowly seeing day-on-day warming and we are seeing temperatures pick up ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll see temperatures of 20 or 21C ( 69.8F ) . ''
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 18C ( 64.4F ) in London on Friday , with highs above 14C ( 57.2F ) in other parts of the country .
But while those in the South and east of the country will be able to make the most of unlimited exercise , northwest Scotland , Northern Ireland and the North West could face a wet weekend , with a weather front bringing heavy rain on Saturday , Sunday and Monday .

Northern Ireland measured sub-zero temperatures overnight and broke its record for the coldest May day ever.
The Met Office said Katesbridge measured its lowest May temperature on record on Thursday morning at -6.1C (21F), breaking the previous one from 1995, which came in at -5.2C (22.6F).
Today's temperatures are almost as cold as Northern Ireland's overall record low of -6.5C (20.3F), recorded in Moydamlaght, Londonderry, in 1982.
Other parts of the UK also suffered freezing conditions, with -4.6C (23.7F) seen in Shap, Cumbria, and -4C (24.8F) in North Yorkshire.
It comes after last weekend's hot weather saw Britons flock to parks and beaches in spite of coronavirus lockdown measures, with highs of 26C (78.8F) in some places.
Image: Katesbridge got down to -6.1C (21F) on Thursday morning
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said the cold snap had been caused by a high-pressure system bringing cold air from the north, but next week would see air from the south warming things up.
She said: "We are slowly seeing day-on-day warming and we are seeing temperatures pick up... certainly by Sunday in London when we'll see temperatures of 20 or 21C (69.8F)."
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 18C (64.4F) in London on Friday, with highs above 14C (57.2F) in other parts of the country.
But while those in the South and east of the country will be able to make the most of unlimited exercise, northwest Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North West could face a wet weekend, with a weather front bringing heavy rain on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Man starts 'tactical beer response unit' for lockdown. People love him

If you 're missing a pint at your local during lockdown , help is at hand .
One east London brewer has taken the idea of serving pints to a whole new level by bringing them to his customers stuck at home because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Each day , Peter Brown , director of Forest Road Brewing Co. , packs his kegs into a van with the slogan `` tactical beer response unit '' on the side , and heads out to Hackney to pull pints on people 's doorsteps .
`` It does n't fit as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a normal Friday or Saturday , but what we do get is the pure joy on the customers ' faces when they see a cold glass of beer for the first time in six weeks .
`` The look on their faces is just irreplaceable . ''
It 's nearly two months since the government ordered Britain 's pubs and bars to close to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
Under lockdown rules , food and drink suppliers can still offer delivery services , but though many firms have started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge hit .
Last month the Society of Independent Brewers said many breweries were facing closure as sales had fallen 82 % .
But for Mr Brown , who is booked up until the end of May , business is booming and he is looking into the possibility of getting another van to serve different postcodes .
Customers are big fans of the service , and one suggested that Brown , who already delivers while wearing gloves and a bandana over his mouth , should add to his outfit to reflect his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hero , simple as that .
Not all heroes wear capes , but this guy should , '' said Nick Bateson , a customer who is a festival organiser from the city .

If you're missing a pint at your local during lockdown, help is at hand.
One east London brewer has taken the idea of serving pints to a whole new level by bringing them to his customers stuck at home because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Each day, Peter Brown, director of Forest Road Brewing Co., packs his kegs into a van with the slogan "tactical beer response unit" on the side, and heads out to Hackney to pull pints on people's doorsteps.
Image: The beer kegs are loaded into the back of the van
"It doesn't fit as much beer as our bar would do on a normal Friday or Saturday, but what we do get is the pure joy on the customers' faces when they see a cold glass of beer for the first time in six weeks.
"The look on their faces is just irreplaceable."
It's nearly two months since the government ordered Britain's pubs and bars to close to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under lockdown rules, food and drink suppliers can still offer delivery services, but though many firms have started delivering cans, the trade has taken a huge hit.
Last month the Society of Independent Brewers said many breweries were facing closure as sales had fallen 82%.
But for Mr Brown, who is booked up until the end of May, business is booming and he is looking into the possibility of getting another van to serve different postcodes.
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Image: One customer said: 'The man's a hero, simple as that. Not all heroes wear capes, but this guy should'
Image: The east London brewer has been pulling pints on people's doorsteps
Customers are big fans of the service, and one suggested that Brown, who already delivers while wearing gloves and a bandana over his mouth, should add to his outfit to reflect his superman efforts.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Lockdown Road: Losing patience
"The man's a hero, simple as that. Not all heroes wear capes, but this guy should," said Nick Bateson, a customer who is a festival organiser from the city.
"Amazing beer, quick delivery, love it."


news--2020-05-14--Survey shows average garden size where you live - and reveals huge racial disparity

Black Britons are nearly four times less likely than white people to have outdoor space at home during the coronavirus lockdown , a new survey has found .
One in eight households in Great Britain has no access to a private or shared garden , according to analysis of Ordnance Survey map data by Natural England .
In London , this rises to one in five households , with the next highest in Scotland at 13 % .
Percentage of people with access to a private garden , by ethnic group , in England 2014-19 The survey found only 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to outdoor space , whether it is a private or shared garden , a patio or a balcony .
Some 90 % of white people have access , the survey data found .
The survey categorises people as white , black , Asian , mixed race and other ethnic minority .
The `` other '' category is second last when it comes to access to green space , then Asian people , then mixed-race people .
When it comes to what kind of work people do , those in `` semi-skilled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployed '' are almost three times as likely as managerial , administrative , professional occupations to be without a garden .
However , older people - who have been advised to stay at home as they are at a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 - are most likely to have access to a garden .
A total of 92 % have access to private space .
Access to gardens , and their typical size , in your neighbourhood The research found those who are least likely to have a private garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public park .
Nearly three quarters ( 72 % ) of Britons live less than a 15-minute walk from a public park , while 28 % live within a five-minute walk .
Those living in the poorest areas in England are twice as likely to be within a five-minute walk of a park compared to people in the wealthiest neighbourhoods .
The situation is similar in Wales and Scotland .
Despite people living in London being least likely to have access to a private garden , they are more likely to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 44 % of Londoners live within a five-minute walk of a park , the highest of any region or country in Great Britain .
However , during the lockdown , as people failed to maintain social distancing rules in parks , many were closed down , leaving those without gardens no green space .
The average park in Great Britain serves just under 2,000 people .
But some parks serve many more , with about 46,000 counting south London 's Clapham Common - more than 20 times the average .
A government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending time in green spaces can support health and wellbeing .
`` Our updated guidance means that people can now spend more time outdoors in parks and open spaces and enjoy a wider range of outdoor activities for any length of time , subject to social distancing . ''

Black Britons are nearly four times less likely than white people to have outdoor space at home during the coronavirus lockdown, a new survey has found.
One in eight households in Great Britain has no access to a private or shared garden, according to analysis of Ordnance Survey map data by Natural England.
In London, this rises to one in five households, with the next highest in Scotland at 13%.
Percentage of people with access to a private garden, by ethnic group, in England 2014-19
The survey found only 63% of black people in England have access to outdoor space, whether it is a private or shared garden, a patio or a balcony.
Some 90% of white people have access, the survey data found.
The survey categorises people as white, black, Asian, mixed race and other ethnic minority.
The "other" category is second last when it comes to access to green space, then Asian people, then mixed-race people.
When it comes to what kind of work people do, those in "semi-skilled and unskilled manual occupations, casual workers and unemployed" are almost three times as likely as managerial, administrative, professional occupations to be without a garden.
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However, older people - who have been advised to stay at home as they are at a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 - are most likely to have access to a garden.
A total of 92% have access to private space.
Access to gardens, and their typical size, in your neighbourhood
PARKS
The research found those who are least likely to have a private garden are most likely to live close to a public park.
Nearly three quarters (72%) of Britons live less than a 15-minute walk from a public park, while 28% live within a five-minute walk.
Those living in the poorest areas in England are twice as likely to be within a five-minute walk of a park compared to people in the wealthiest neighbourhoods.
The situation is similar in Wales and Scotland.
Image: More than a quarter of Britons live within a five-minute walk of a park, rising to 44% in London. Data: Ordnance Survey
Despite people living in London being least likely to have access to a private garden, they are more likely to have a park nearby.
The data shows that 44% of Londoners live within a five-minute walk of a park, the highest of any region or country in Great Britain.
However, during the lockdown, as people failed to maintain social distancing rules in parks, many were closed down, leaving those without gardens no green space.
Image: Victoria Park in Hackney was shut after people disobeyed social distancing rules
The average park in Great Britain serves just under 2,000 people.
But some parks serve many more, with about 46,000 counting south London's Clapham Common - more than 20 times the average.
A government spokesperson said: "We know that spending time in green spaces can support health and wellbeing.
"Our updated guidance means that people can now spend more time outdoors in parks and open spaces and enjoy a wider range of outdoor activities for any length of time, subject to social distancing."


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: 13-day-old baby becomes one of UK's youngest victims

A 13-day-old baby has become one of the youngest people to die with coronavirus in the UK .
The child had no underlying health conditions .
The youngster 's death comes as it was announced a further 135 people who tested positive for COVID-19 had lost their lives .
It brings the total fatalities in all settings in the UK , including hospitals , care homes and the wider community , to 42,288 .
And the number of people who have been infected with coronavirus has passed 300,000 for the first time .
A total of 300,469 in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after 1,218 more tested positive .
There have been 62 further COVID-19 related deaths in hospitals in England , while Wales has reported five new fatalities and Scotland two .
But there are thought to be thousands more people who died with coronavirus but who had not been tested .
Children seem to be much less likely to suffer the most severe effects of the disease .
But it has still claimed the lives of at least 20 people under the age of 20 .
In March , 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , died with COVID-19 in hospital .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In May , an inquest heard a three-day-old baby died in hospital after his mother contracted the virus .
Coolio Carl Justin Morgan was thought to be the youngest victim of COVID-19 .
His mother tested positive for the disease before giving birth .
The inquest in Pontypridd heard Coolio 's death was partly blamed on `` maternal COVID-19 '' .
The primary cause of death was listed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain is starved of blood and oxygen .
Maternal COVID-19 was listed as a secondary cause .

A 13-day-old baby has become one of the youngest people to die with coronavirus in the UK.
The child had no underlying health conditions.
The youngster's death comes as it was announced a further 135 people who tested positive for COVID-19 had lost their lives.
It brings the total fatalities in all settings in the UK, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community, to 42,288.
And the number of people who have been infected with coronavirus has passed 300,000 for the first time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Steroid dexamethasone a 'major breakthrough'
A total of 300,469 in the UK have now been diagnosed with the virus, after 1,218 more tested positive.
There have been 62 further COVID-19 related deaths in hospitals in England, while Wales has reported five new fatalities and Scotland two.
But there are thought to be thousands more people who died with coronavirus but who had not been tested.
Children seem to be much less likely to suffer the most severe effects of the disease.
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But it has still claimed the lives of at least 20 people under the age of 20.
In March, 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, who had no pre-existing health conditions, died with COVID-19 in hospital.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In May, an inquest heard a three-day-old baby died in hospital after his mother contracted the virus.
Coolio Carl Justin Morgan was thought to be the youngest victim of COVID-19.
His mother tested positive for the disease before giving birth.
The inquest in Pontypridd heard Coolio's death was partly blamed on "maternal COVID-19".
The primary cause of death was listed as severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, where the brain is starved of blood and oxygen.
Maternal COVID-19 was listed as a secondary cause.


news--2020-06-18--It's back, it's different, but it's better than no football at all

It 's back , it 's different , but it 's better than no football at all It 's back , it 's different , but it 's better than no football at all Football is back , in a different guise than before but , on balance , it 's far better than no football at all .
After waiting 100 days for a Premier League ball to be kicked , the first action was a rather turgid goalless draw between Aston Villa and Sheffield United .
But it still felt good to have something different to talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sometimes , irrationally angry about .
For the thousands whose jobs rely on Premier League clubs staying in business , it was far more important than that .
As recently as six weeks ago , the Premier League 's `` project restart '' faced serious opposition from some clubs and players who felt their health and that of their families was being put at risk by the resumption .
At a time when thousands of people were dying of COVID-19 it seemed insensitive and deeply unrealistic to prepare for football coming back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which eventually won them round and , from a project delivery standpoint , the Premier League 's return went as well as could have been hoped .
Stadiums were patrolled by security wearing masks , the perimeter limited to only around 300 people .
Inside they were divided into three zones , with the bio secure red zone accessible to only 110 people including players , coaches and the refereeing team .
Players are tested twice a week for COVID-19 so the results after the first round of games will be telling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with goal celebrations toned down and elbow bumps in place of handshakes .
Usually the residential streets around Villa Park would throng with supporters on a match days but aside from the occasional groups of teenagers on bikes , it was eerily empty , the order assisted perhaps by a biblical downpour an hour before kick off .
As the names on the team sheets were read out there was complete silence instead of the usual explosion of applause .
The atmosphere was plainly lacking , the intensity of the game and players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fans , but almost all of them would rather be playing than not .
The decision to play games at teams ' own stadiums rather than neutral grounds has proved the correct one on the basis of the first two games .
There were no issues with large groups of fans gathering outside Villa Park or the Etihad .
At Villa Park , a father and son - Glenn and Mark - from Sutton Coldfield set up on a park bench in the shadows of the famous old ground .
With a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a laptop streaming the match , they made the most of the situation .
`` It 's not the same , '' said Glenn .
`` Of course we want to be inside there but we 're just glad to have football back . ''
Without the crowds , Sky Sports improvised by offering artificial noise recorded for use in a video game .
Some preferred to watch without the track , listening to exchanges between coaches and players which were clearer than ever before .
There is still work to be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 games still to come over the next six weeks there is time for that .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As football has adapted to a world in crisis , the voices of its stars have grown louder .
They were heard in unison as the whistle blew to welcome back the national game .
For ten seconds they all took the knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and calling for racial equality .
It was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month which has seen two of England 's brightest footballing stars , Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling , lead the way in calling for political and societal change .
It may be a quieter era for football on the pitch but a new generation of players are louder , clearer and better advocates than ever before .

The Premier League resumed on Wednesday night, but with no crowds the games had a subdued atmosphere.
It's back, it's different, but it's better than no football at all
Football is back, in a different guise than before but, on balance, it's far better than no football at all.
After waiting 100 days for a Premier League ball to be kicked, the first action was a rather turgid goalless draw between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.
But it still felt good to have something different to talk about, something to get excited about and, sometimes, irrationally angry about.
Image: The stadiums may have been empty but there was still a competitive edge
For the thousands whose jobs rely on Premier League clubs staying in business, it was far more important than that.
As recently as six weeks ago, the Premier League's "project restart" faced serious opposition from some clubs and players who felt their health and that of their families was being put at risk by the resumption.
Image: Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang he takes a knee with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and referee Anthony Taylor
At a time when thousands of people were dying of COVID-19 it seemed insensitive and deeply unrealistic to prepare for football coming back. But it is that meticulous planning which eventually won them round and, from a project delivery standpoint, the Premier League's return went as well as could have been hoped.
Stadiums were patrolled by security wearing masks, the perimeter limited to only around 300 people.
Inside they were divided into three zones, with the bio secure red zone accessible to only 110 people including players, coaches and the refereeing team.
Image: Fist bumps replace handshakes in the COVID-era Premier League
Players are tested twice a week for COVID-19 so the results after the first round of games will be telling, but social distancing was mostly observed, with goal celebrations toned down and elbow bumps in place of handshakes.
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Usually the residential streets around Villa Park would throng with supporters on a match days but aside from the occasional groups of teenagers on bikes, it was eerily empty, the order assisted perhaps by a biblical downpour an hour before kick off.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Villa and Sheffield players take a knee
As the names on the team sheets were read out there was complete silence instead of the usual explosion of applause.
The atmosphere was plainly lacking, the intensity of the game and players' concentration negatively impacted by the absence of fans, but almost all of them would rather be playing than not.
The decision to play games at teams' own stadiums rather than neutral grounds has proved the correct one on the basis of the first two games.
Image: Glenn and Mark set up camp outside Villa Park
There were no issues with large groups of fans gathering outside Villa Park or the Etihad.
At Villa Park, a father and son - Glenn and Mark - from Sutton Coldfield set up on a park bench in the shadows of the famous old ground. With a gazebo protecting them from the rain and a laptop streaming the match, they made the most of the situation.
"It's not the same," said Glenn. "Of course we want to be inside there but we're just glad to have football back."
Image: Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring in front of the empty Etihad terraces
Without the crowds, Sky Sports improvised by offering artificial noise recorded for use in a video game. Some preferred to watch without the track, listening to exchanges between coaches and players which were clearer than ever before.
There is still work to be done on the new viewer experience but with 90 games still to come over the next six weeks there is time for that.
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As football has adapted to a world in crisis, the voices of its stars have grown louder. They were heard in unison as the whistle blew to welcome back the national game.
For ten seconds they all took the knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and calling for racial equality.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Sterling: 'Time to start implementing change'
It was an incredibly powerful, uniting moment after a month which has seen two of England's brightest footballing stars, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, lead the way in calling for political and societal change.
It may be a quieter era for football on the pitch but a new generation of players are louder, clearer and better advocates than ever before.


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Bank of England expands crisis QE programme to £300bn

The Bank of England has expanded its coronavirus crisis quantitative easing ( QE ) programme of bond-buying by £100bn - taking the total since March to £300bn .
The move , designed to oil the wheels of financial markets and maintain low borrowing costs , was announced following the latest meeting of the Bank 's rate-setting committee , which maintained interest rates at their record low of 0.1 % .
There had been speculation , which died away in recent days , that it could have opted for negative rates as a further tool to bolster activity in an economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be , the worst recession in living memory following a record collapse in output during April .
The minutes of the meeting showed one member of the monetary policy committee ( MPC ) , chief economist Andy Haldane , voted against the extension of the QE target .
They also highlighted downside risks of a deeper crisis for jobs through higher and more persistent unemployment as employment figures suggest job losses are on course to accelerate as the year progresses and government support for furloughed workers ' wages is scaled down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank 's earlier expectations on the extent of the economic shock during the second quarter , had been overplayed - chiming with recent remarks by its governor Andrew Bailey .
Referring to the GDP figures for April , the statement said : `` Evidence from more timely indicators suggests that GDP started to recover thereafter . ''
The extension of the Bank 's COVID-19 bond-buying scheme builds on a monetary policy response to the crisis that was first launched in March .
Then , Bank rate was cut to a record low of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
That was on top of its post-financial crisis QE which totalled £445bn .
The asset purchases , as QE is also known , sees the Bank create money to buy up government and corporate bonds in order to help keep wider borrowing costs down at a time when the Treasury is borrowing big to fund its support programmes for businesses and workers .
The rate of the Bank 's asset purchases since March was such that the programme would have been exhausted in July without the expansion .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Financial market participants had widely predicted the announcement as the Bank 's Monetary Policy Committee is not due to meet again until August .
The Bank said it would slow the pace of its QE so that the latest round would be completed by the end of the year .

The Bank of England has expanded its coronavirus crisis quantitative easing (QE) programme of bond-buying by £100bn - taking the total since March to £300bn.
The move, designed to oil the wheels of financial markets and maintain low borrowing costs, was announced following the latest meeting of the Bank's rate-setting committee, which maintained interest rates at their record low of 0.1%.
There had been speculation, which died away in recent days, that it could have opted for negative rates as a further tool to bolster activity in an economy currently enduring, what is widely tipped to be, the worst recession in living memory following a record collapse in output during April.
Image: Andrew Bailey succeeded Mark Carney as governor in mid-March
The minutes of the meeting showed one member of the monetary policy committee (MPC), chief economist Andy Haldane, voted against the extension of the QE target.
They also highlighted downside risks of a deeper crisis for jobs through higher and more persistent unemployment as employment figures suggest job losses are on course to accelerate as the year progresses and government support for furloughed workers' wages is scaled down.
But the minutes showed too that the Bank's earlier expectations on the extent of the economic shock during the second quarter, had been overplayed - chiming with recent remarks by its governor Andrew Bailey.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'We see signs of economy coming back to life'
Referring to the GDP figures for April, the statement said: "Evidence from more timely indicators suggests that GDP started to recover thereafter."
The extension of the Bank's COVID-19 bond-buying scheme builds on a monetary policy response to the crisis that was first launched in March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 Money printing: 'I don't think it's going to deliver'
Then, Bank rate was cut to a record low of 0.1% and a £200bn QE programme started. That was on top of its post-financial crisis QE which totalled £445bn.
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The asset purchases, as QE is also known, sees the Bank create money to buy up government and corporate bonds in order to help keep wider borrowing costs down at a time when the Treasury is borrowing big to fund its support programmes for businesses and workers.
The rate of the Bank's asset purchases since March was such that the programme would have been exhausted in July without the expansion.
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Financial market participants had widely predicted the announcement as the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee is not due to meet again until August.
The Bank said it would slow the pace of its QE so that the latest round would be completed by the end of the year.


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Parcel firm DPD to create 6,000 jobs as e-commerce booms

Parcel delivery firm DPD says it will create 6,000 jobs in the UK in response to the `` unprecedented boom '' in online shopping brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The company , which works with retailers including John Lewis , Marks & Spencer , Amazon and Morrisons , is recruiting 3,500 new drivers and 2,500 other positions including warehouse and management roles .
It said it was investing £200m this year to expand its capacity for next-day parcel delivery , including £60m on 15 new regional depots - 10 more than originally planned for 2020 .
The announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs at a time when the coronavirus-driven downturn afflicting the economy has resulted in big companies announcing plans to axe thousands of workers over recent weeks .
It also appears to illustrate how the lockdown has accelerated the shift in retail away from the high street towards online orders .
DPD chief executive Dwain McDonald said the company was preparing for a `` new normal '' in which there is a greater reliance on e-commerce .
The company said that even before the lockdown announced in March , demand had already risen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It said it expected growth to continue this year even though non-essential shops had now been allowed to reopen .
DPD said the new investments and recruitment would be in place before its Black Friday and Christmas shopping peak .
Mr McDonald said : `` We are experiencing the biggest boom in online retailing in the UK 's history and we are making this unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and people to ensure we can continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our services . ''
He said DPD had already seen rapid growth over the last decade .
`` But what we have seen in recent months is potentially a much more significant shift in behaviour , and we believe elements of it will be permanent , '' Mr McDonald added .
The announcement comes days after official figures suggesting more than 600,000 workers had lost their jobs during the lockdown .
Recent weeks have seen a slew of big companies including British Gas owner Centrica , oil giant BP , and airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryanair announcing thousands of job cuts .

Parcel delivery firm DPD says it will create 6,000 jobs in the UK in response to the "unprecedented boom" in online shopping brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company, which works with retailers including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Amazon and Morrisons, is recruiting 3,500 new drivers and 2,500 other positions including warehouse and management roles.
It said it was investing £200m this year to expand its capacity for next-day parcel delivery, including £60m on 15 new regional depots - 10 more than originally planned for 2020.
The announcement is a rare bright spot for UK jobs at a time when the coronavirus-driven downturn afflicting the economy has resulted in big companies announcing plans to axe thousands of workers over recent weeks.
It also appears to illustrate how the lockdown has accelerated the shift in retail away from the high street towards online orders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Huge queues as England's shops reopen
DPD chief executive Dwain McDonald said the company was preparing for a "new normal" in which there is a greater reliance on e-commerce.
The company said that even before the lockdown announced in March, demand had already risen as consumers become increasingly reliant on online deliveries.
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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It said it expected growth to continue this year even though non-essential shops had now been allowed to reopen.
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DPD said the new investments and recruitment would be in place before its Black Friday and Christmas shopping peak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:49 Painful decisions for employers to come
Mr McDonald said: "We are experiencing the biggest boom in online retailing in the UK's history and we are making this unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and people to ensure we can continue to meet the high levels of demand for our services."
He said DPD had already seen rapid growth over the last decade.
"But what we have seen in recent months is potentially a much more significant shift in behaviour, and we believe elements of it will be permanent," Mr McDonald added.
The announcement comes days after official figures suggesting more than 600,000 workers had lost their jobs during the lockdown.
Recent weeks have seen a slew of big companies including British Gas owner Centrica, oil giant BP, and airlines such as British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair announcing thousands of job cuts.


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Lockdown easing and face mask rules announced in Scotland

Lockdown restrictions in Scotland will be eased further on Friday , Nicola Sturgeon announced as the country moves to the next phase of its coronavirus response .
The first minister said people who live on their own or only with children under 18 are able to form an `` extended household group '' from Friday .
This means they can meet indoors without social distancing and can stay overnight as part of transition to phase two of the Scottish government 's four-step plan to gradually lift restrictions .
• Scots can meet two other households at the same time while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight people from Friday • They will also be able to go inside to use the toilet when meeting in someone else 's garden • Anyone leaving home should stay within a roughly five-mile radius of their home for recreational purposes • Anyone shielding can go outside for exercise from Friday • They can also meet people from one other household - maintaining social distancing • Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday Announcing the changes in a statement at the Scottish parliament , Ms Sturgeon said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress in tackling the virus .
`` Though we are moving to phase two today , we are still being cautious and we are not going to do everything at once , '' she said .
`` We will take a staged approach to avoid bearing all of the risk at the same time . ''
Ms Sturgeon added that from Monday the Scottish construction sector will move to the next phase of its restart plan .
Dentists will also be able to open , professional sport can resume and places of worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only for individual prayer and not services .
From 29 June , outdoor markets , playgrounds and sports facilities will reopen in Scotland , along with attractions such as zoos , although visitors should not travel more than five miles from their homes and tickets should be bought in advance .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Non-essential shops will also be able to open from this date if they have outdoor entrances and exits .
Restrictions on moving house will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead but only if they are outdoors and with `` limited numbers '' .
Ms Sturgeon said there is `` no date '' for reopening beer gardens and outdoors spaces at restaurants .

Lockdown restrictions in Scotland will be eased further on Friday, Nicola Sturgeon announced as the country moves to the next phase of its coronavirus response.
The first minister said people who live on their own or only with children under 18 are able to form an "extended household group" from Friday.
This means they can meet indoors without social distancing and can stay overnight as part of transition to phase two of the Scottish government's four-step plan to gradually lift restrictions.
Image: Scotland is moving to phase two of the four-step plan
Other new measures include:
Scots can meet two other households at the same time while outside - up to a maximum of eight people from Friday
They will also be able to go inside to use the toilet when meeting in someone else's garden
Anyone leaving home should stay within a roughly five-mile radius of their home for recreational purposes
Anyone shielding can go outside for exercise from Friday
They can also meet people from one other household - maintaining social distancing
Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday
Image: 'We are still being cautious,' said Nicola Sturgeon
Announcing the changes in a statement at the Scottish parliament, Ms Sturgeon said there has been "clear and sustained" progress in tackling the virus.
"Though we are moving to phase two today, we are still being cautious and we are not going to do everything at once," she said.
"We will take a staged approach to avoid bearing all of the risk at the same time."
Ms Sturgeon added that from Monday the Scottish construction sector will move to the next phase of its restart plan.
Dentists will also be able to open, professional sport can resume and places of worship will be able to reopen - although only for individual prayer and not services.
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From 29 June, outdoor markets, playgrounds and sports facilities will reopen in Scotland, along with attractions such as zoos, although visitors should not travel more than five miles from their homes and tickets should be bought in advance.
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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Non-essential shops will also be able to open from this date if they have outdoor entrances and exits.
Restrictions on moving house will also be dropped and weddings will be allowed to go ahead but only if they are outdoors and with "limited numbers".
Ms Sturgeon said there is "no date" for reopening beer gardens and outdoors spaces at restaurants.