news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Blind people shouted at in the street for not social distancing

Blind people have been shouted at in the street for not properly social distancing by members of the public .
Partially sighted people have told Sky News that they have faced difficulties food shopping and during their daily exercise as they ca n't see if they are two metres apart from others during the coronavirus outbreak .
Julia Wensley , 58 , from west London , said she has been shouted at by others while going on her walks .
She said : `` People will shout at you - 'keep your distance , keep your distance ' - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be right near me .
`` You ca n't see the queue outside as it 's spread out , so they might be people just crowding round .
So you 'll walk over and people will shout 'get into the queue , get into the queue ' .
`` Even when you 're walking in the street , somebody says 'you 're walking too fast , wait till we 've got past ' .
I do n't know you 're there till you 're practically near me .
It 's frustrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided to stop leaving their homes as it proves to be too difficult .
Naomi Dainty , marketing manager at Deafblind UK , said the charity had received a 500 % increase in requests for volunteers who help with food shopping , running errands and also help with their social needs .
She added : `` A lot of our members have now been put in touch with local community groups to do their food shopping , which is good , and we 've communicated how to improve things with the supermarkets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing is a lot of people are feeling very lonely .
`` They ca n't go out , they ca n't socialise and some have requested not to have their carers come as they do n't want people in their homes , which is fair enough .
But many of our members are now extremely lonely . ''
She added members also often ring to find out what is going on and what they are allowed to do as the English government daily briefings do not include sign language interpreters , unlike the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sarah Lambert , head of social change at the Royal National Institute of Blind People , is also calling for the government to improve its communications to blind and partially sighted people .
She said information published online often does not contain audio descriptions , which means blind people do not know what 's being demonstrated , while letters do not contain Braille transcription .
`` We have had sort of good conversations with governments , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` There are various duties on government bodies who are putting out health information that it should be an alternative format .
So it 's quite disappointing that they 're not following their own guidance on that . ''
The charities have written to the UK government urging them to consider visually impaired and deaf people when communicating updates to the public .

Blind people have been shouted at in the street for not properly social distancing by members of the public.
Partially sighted people have told Sky News that they have faced difficulties food shopping and during their daily exercise as they can't see if they are two metres apart from others during the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: Queues outside supermarkets have ended up being difficult to navigate for blind and deaf people
Julia Wensley, 58, from west London, said she has been shouted at by others while going on her walks.
She said: "People will shout at you - 'keep your distance, keep your distance' - and I can't see them because they need to be right near me.
"You can't see the queue outside as it's spread out, so they might be people just crowding round. So you'll walk over and people will shout 'get into the queue, get into the queue'.
"Even when you're walking in the street, somebody says 'you're walking too fast, wait till we've got past'. I don't know you're there till you're practically near me. It's frustrating."
Deafblind UK said some members have decided to stop leaving their homes as it proves to be too difficult.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
Naomi Dainty, marketing manager at Deafblind UK, said the charity had received a 500% increase in requests for volunteers who help with food shopping, running errands and also help with their social needs.
She added: "A lot of our members have now been put in touch with local community groups to do their food shopping, which is good, and we've communicated how to improve things with the supermarkets. But now the issue we're facing is a lot of people are feeling very lonely.
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"They can't go out, they can't socialise and some have requested not to have their carers come as they don't want people in their homes, which is fair enough. But many of our members are now extremely lonely."
She added members also often ring to find out what is going on and what they are allowed to do as the English government daily briefings do not include sign language interpreters, unlike the Scottish briefings from Nicola Sturgeon.
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Sarah Lambert, head of social change at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, is also calling for the government to improve its communications to blind and partially sighted people.
She said information published online often does not contain audio descriptions, which means blind people do not know what's being demonstrated, while letters do not contain Braille transcription.
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"We have had sort of good conversations with governments, and then some things haven't changed," she said. "There are various duties on government bodies who are putting out health information that it should be an alternative format. So it's quite disappointing that they're not following their own guidance on that."
The charities have written to the UK government urging them to consider visually impaired and deaf people when communicating updates to the public.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus deaths: 412 more people die with COVID-19 in UK

Another 412 people have died with coronavirus in the UK , taking the total to 37,460 .
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related deaths in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community , reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Tuesday .
This is up from 37,048 the day before .
NHS England announced 183 new deaths of COVID-19 patients in England 's hospitals , taking the total to 26,049 .
A further 11 coronavirus deaths were confirmed in Wales , bring the country 's overall number to 1,293 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland rose to 516 after two more deaths were reported .
It comes after no COVID-19 deaths were announced in Northern Ireland on Tuesday .
Some 3,779 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as of 24 May , according to National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) .
Between 18 to 24 May , 230 deaths were registered - a decrease of 105 from the previous week - marking the fourth consecutive week the numbers have fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include suspected cases and are recorded differently from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish government .
The Department of Health said 117,013 coronavirus tests were carried out or sent out to be taken in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Wednesday .
Some 2,013 of the tests returned positive results .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The figure for the number of people tested during that same time was unavailable for the fifth day in a row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 3,798,490 tests have been carried out .
Of those , 267,240 cases have been confirmed positive .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Another 412 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, taking the total to 37,460.
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community, reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Tuesday.
This is up from 37,048 the day before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 PM sorry for 'pain, anguish and heartbreak'
NHS England announced 183 new deaths of COVID-19 patients in England's hospitals, taking the total to 26,049.
A further 11 coronavirus deaths were confirmed in Wales, bring the country's overall number to 1,293.
The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland rose to 516 after two more deaths were reported.
It comes after no COVID-19 deaths were announced in Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
Some 3,779 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as of 24 May, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Between 18 to 24 May, 230 deaths were registered - a decrease of 105 from the previous week - marking the fourth consecutive week the numbers have fallen in Scotland.
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The weekly NRS figures include suspected cases and are recorded differently from the lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths announced daily by the Scottish government.
The Department of Health said 117,013 coronavirus tests were carried out or sent out to be taken in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Wednesday. Some 2,013 of the tests returned positive results.
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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The figure for the number of people tested during that same time was unavailable for the fifth day in a row because of "technical difficulties".
A total of 3,798,490 tests have been carried out. Of those, 267,240 cases have been confirmed positive.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: How will England's test and trace system work?

The test and trace system which has launched in England is the key that will `` unlock the prison '' of lockdown , the prime minister has said .
Boris Johnson said the tool `` will allow us , gradually , to release 66 million people from the current situation '' , with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland running their own versions .
So , how will the NHS England test and trace programme work ?
If you suspect you have coronavirus , you can order a test by dialling 119 or visiting NHS.uk/coronavirus .
If your test comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give details of people you have been in `` close contact '' with .
That is defined as people you have been within two metres of for more than 15 minutes without protective equipment .
Those people who have been in close contact with you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to isolate for 14 days , even if they are asymptomatic .
This scheme differs from the contact tracing app currently being tested on the Isle of Wight , which also identifies people unknown to someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be told to isolate , existing rules will still apply , meaning anyone who develops symptoms should isolate for seven days and the remaining members of their household for 14 days .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker How many people are involved in running the system ?
About 50,000 - a mix of testing staff and contact tracers including roughly 7,000 clinicians .
They will get to start contacting people from 9am on Thursday , starting with people who received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long will people need to wait for the results of a test ?
The government has not given detail on this , but it does not expect all results will be confirmed within 24 hours .
Experts have raised concerns about this , saying people who unknowingly have coronavirus could go on to infect others before receiving their results .
Officials say they 're instead focused on the process from start to finish - from the test being ordered to contacts being traced .
If I 'm contacted by the NHS , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Wednesday 's coronavirus briefing that `` if you have been contacted by NHS and you are instructed to isolate , your household members do not need to isolate - they can carry on going on with their normal lives '' .
This differs from the government guidelines which state that if you are living with someone who displays coronavirus symptoms , you and everyone else in the house need to isolate for 14 days .
How will the system be enforced ?
Initially the system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance if they are told to isolate themselves .
But Mr Hancock said that if the voluntary system of compliance fails , the government can mandate it .
These tougher measures could result in spot checks and fines - though the extent of police powers is not yet clear .
Mr Hancock said it is each person 's civil duty to self-isolate if they 've been told to .
How do I know I will be contacted if I should be ?
Does the UK have enough capacity to track and trace everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put to the government , given the Office for National Statistics suggests there are more than 9,000 new daily cases of coronavirus in England alone .
Baroness Dido Harding , chairwoman of the coronavirus test and trace programme , said there was `` actually a really very large capacity [ of contact tracers ] today '' .
`` If anything , I worry tomorrow that many of our brilliant contact tracers will not be very busy , '' she said , adding they will scale up work as lockdown measures are gradually eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules and mingled with people I should not have - should I tell the NHS when I reveal my contacts ?
The call to NHS Test and Trace will be confidential , so you will not be followed up for breaking the rules .
It is aimed only at ensuring potential cases are tracked down .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The test and trace system which has launched in England is the key that will "unlock the prison" of lockdown, the prime minister has said.
Boris Johnson said the tool "will allow us, gradually, to release 66 million people from the current situation", with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland running their own versions.
So, how will the NHS England test and trace programme work?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Hancock explains 'detective' work used for track and trace
If you suspect you have coronavirus, you can order a test by dialling 119 or visiting NHS.uk/coronavirus.
If your test comes back positive, you will be asked to give details of people you have been in "close contact" with. That is defined as people you have been within two metres of for more than 15 minutes without protective equipment.
Those people who have been in close contact with you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to isolate for 14 days, even if they are asymptomatic.
This scheme differs from the contact tracing app currently being tested on the Isle of Wight, which also identifies people unknown to someone who tests positive.
While asymptomatic people will be told to isolate, existing rules will still apply, meaning anyone who develops symptoms should isolate for seven days and the remaining members of their household for 14 days.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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How many people are involved in running the system?
About 50,000 - a mix of testing staff and contact tracers including roughly 7,000 clinicians. They will get to start contacting people from 9am on Thursday, starting with people who received a positive test the day before.
How long will people need to wait for the results of a test?
The government has not given detail on this, but it does not expect all results will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Experts have raised concerns about this, saying people who unknowingly have coronavirus could go on to infect others before receiving their results.
Officials say they're instead focused on the process from start to finish - from the test being ordered to contacts being traced.
Image: The government says you must isolate if contacted by the NHS
If I'm contacted by the NHS, will my whole household need to isolate?
No. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Wednesday's coronavirus briefing that "if you have been contacted by NHS and you are instructed to isolate, your household members do not need to isolate - they can carry on going on with their normal lives".
This differs from the government guidelines which state that if you are living with someone who displays coronavirus symptoms, you and everyone else in the house need to isolate for 14 days.
How will the system be enforced?
Initially the system will rely on people choosing to follow the guidance if they are told to isolate themselves.
But Mr Hancock said that if the voluntary system of compliance fails, the government can mandate it. These tougher measures could result in spot checks and fines - though the extent of police powers is not yet clear.
Mr Hancock said it is each person's civil duty to self-isolate if they've been told to.
How do I know I will be contacted if I should be? Does the UK have enough capacity to track and trace everyone it needs to?
This question was put to the government, given the Office for National Statistics suggests there are more than 9,000 new daily cases of coronavirus in England alone.
Baroness Dido Harding, chairwoman of the coronavirus test and trace programme, said there was "actually a really very large capacity [of contact tracers] today".
"If anything, I worry tomorrow that many of our brilliant contact tracers will not be very busy," she said, adding they will scale up work as lockdown measures are gradually eased.
What if I've broken lockdown rules and mingled with people I should not have - should I tell the NHS when I reveal my contacts?
The call to NHS Test and Trace will be confidential, so you will not be followed up for breaking the rules. It is aimed only at ensuring potential cases are tracked down.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Thailand trialling COVID-19 vaccine on monkeys

Scientists in Thailand are testing a coronavirus vaccine on monkeys following successful trials of the formula on mice .
Sky News has been given exclusive access to the COVID-19 vaccine research programme at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok .
The so-called mRNA jab is a type of vaccination that has never been approved for public use before .
It uses molecules called messenger RNA ( mRNA ) that prompt the body to make its own defences .
Essentially , a snippet of coronavirus ' genetic code is injected into a human stimulating a process which sparks an immune response to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you inject humans , the vaccine will be taken up by the cell , the cell starts making protein which is a small piece of that virus .
That will start to induce your immune system to be ready to produce an immune response against a future infection of the virus , '' explained Professor Kiat Ruxrungtham , director of the COVID-19 vaccine research programme .
Researchers say it is quicker and cheaper to develop than traditional vaccines , potentially opening up new affordable options for some developing countries if the government-backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only broadcaster invited to witness scientists preparing the vaccine ahead of the trial .
The team at Thailand 's National Primate Research Center filled 13 syringes with three mixtures .
They were then put into a hatch where they were collected by a waiting vet .
Each Cynomolgus macaque will receive one dose once a month for the next three months .
Researchers will monitor the safety and immune response .
Trials have already been successfully completed in mice .
When COVID-19 attacks our bodies it binds to receptors in our lungs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on monkeys because they are genetically closest to humans .
`` Only monkeys have the ACE2 receptor that can bind with that virus so that 's why you need monkeys to test it before you go up to humans , '' said Professor Suchinda Malaivijitnond , director of the National Primate Research Center of Thailand , Chulalongkorn University .
Some of the monkeys at the research centre are housed in a breeding colony .
They are n't involved in the trial .
Inside the macaques generally live in groups as they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted with swings and baths of water which Professor Malaivijitnond explained were provided because macaques like to swim .
Vaccines usually take an average of 10 years to develop .
While COVID-19 has forced scientists to try to create one in 12 to 18 months , regulators still want proof the jabs are safe for widespread use in humans and that traditionally requires data from animal trials .
More than 150 COVID-19 candidate vaccines are in development worldwide , with around eight now conducting human tests .
Projects in the UK and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna , the developers of a different mRNA coronavirus vaccination in the US , fast-tracked their trial to test the experimental drug on humans but also reviewed studies on mice .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some international campaign groups question if animal testing is necessary or provides reliable results .
Scientists in Thailand said they limit the number involved .
`` I would say if it 's not necessary , do n't do it in monkeys , '' explained Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ) we have no choice that 's why we do it in monkeys because with the COVID-19 virus only monkeys respond in a similar way to humans and also you can see we use very few monkeys in each testing group . ''
If the trials are successful , researchers hope to start tests on humans next year , with plans to have a vaccine ready for release by the end of 2021 .
Thailand could also produce it for seven other countries in Southeast and South Asia , meaning nations which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own vaccination are able to protect their populations at a lower cost .
`` Our goal is that hopefully Thai people can get access to a vaccine as soon as most big countries get it , so that 's why we have to work hard , '' said Prof Ruxrungtham .

Scientists in Thailand are testing a coronavirus vaccine on monkeys following successful trials of the formula on mice.
Sky News has been given exclusive access to the COVID-19 vaccine research programme at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
The so-called mRNA jab is a type of vaccination that has never been approved for public use before.
It uses molecules called messenger RNA (mRNA) that prompt the body to make its own defences.
Image: These monkeys, which are not part of the vaccine programme, are part of the same breeding colony as those being tested on
Essentially, a snippet of coronavirus' genetic code is injected into a human stimulating a process which sparks an immune response to help it to fight the infection.
"When you inject humans, the vaccine will be taken up by the cell, the cell starts making protein which is a small piece of that virus. That will start to induce your immune system to be ready to produce an immune response against a future infection of the virus," explained Professor Kiat Ruxrungtham, director of the COVID-19 vaccine research programme.
Researchers say it is quicker and cheaper to develop than traditional vaccines, potentially opening up new affordable options for some developing countries if the government-backed programme is successful.
Sky News was the only broadcaster invited to witness scientists preparing the vaccine ahead of the trial.
The team at Thailand's National Primate Research Center filled 13 syringes with three mixtures.
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They were then put into a hatch where they were collected by a waiting vet.
Each Cynomolgus macaque will receive one dose once a month for the next three months.
Researchers will monitor the safety and immune response.
Trials have already been successfully completed in mice.
Image: The vaccination programme is taking place at Chulalongkorn University
When COVID-19 attacks our bodies it binds to receptors in our lungs.
Scientists said the tests are carried out on monkeys because they are genetically closest to humans.
"Only monkeys have the ACE2 receptor that can bind with that virus so that's why you need monkeys to test it before you go up to humans," said Professor Suchinda Malaivijitnond, director of the National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University.
Some of the monkeys at the research centre are housed in a breeding colony.
They aren't involved in the trial.
Inside the macaques generally live in groups as they are naturally sociable.
Image: The mRNA jab is a type of vaccination that has never been approved for public use before
The cages have been fitted with swings and baths of water which Professor Malaivijitnond explained were provided because macaques like to swim.
Vaccines usually take an average of 10 years to develop.
While COVID-19 has forced scientists to try to create one in 12 to 18 months, regulators still want proof the jabs are safe for widespread use in humans and that traditionally requires data from animal trials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 UK will have 30m vaccine doses by Sept - if it works
More than 150 COVID-19 candidate vaccines are in development worldwide, with around eight now conducting human tests.
Projects in the UK and China have already completed tests on monkeys.
Moderna, the developers of a different mRNA coronavirus vaccination in the US, fast-tracked their trial to test the experimental drug on humans but also reviewed studies on mice.
Image: Professor Suchinda Malaivijitnond has said monkeys are required for the test
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Some international campaign groups question if animal testing is necessary or provides reliable results.
Scientists in Thailand said they limit the number involved.
"I would say if it's not necessary, don't do it in monkeys," explained Professor Malaivijitnond.
"With this one (COVID-19) we have no choice that's why we do it in monkeys because with the COVID-19 virus only monkeys respond in a similar way to humans and also you can see we use very few monkeys in each testing group."
If the trials are successful, researchers hope to start tests on humans next year, with plans to have a vaccine ready for release by the end of 2021.
Thailand could also produce it for seven other countries in Southeast and South Asia, meaning nations which may not have the capabilities to develop their own vaccination are able to protect their populations at a lower cost.
"Our goal is that hopefully Thai people can get access to a vaccine as soon as most big countries get it, so that's why we have to work hard," said Prof Ruxrungtham.


news--2020-05-27--Boris Johnson picks ex-think tank chief to lead business liaison

A former adviser to David Cameron and proponent of EU reform is to become Boris Johnson 's key business liaison figure as Britain 's economy wrestles with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Alex Hickman , who has been a Downing Street adviser since March , will become head of the prime minister 's business team in July .
Mr Hickman 's at No 10 appointment follows a career in which he has consistently opposed closer integration between the UK and European Union .
His arrival as special adviser to the PM on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical time for Mr Johnson 's administration .
Downing Street has been working on an overhaul of its engagement with the private sector since December 's general election , with the PM deciding to abandon the network of business councils briefly adopted by his predecessor , Theresa May .
That rethink has been given added impetus by the COVID-19 pandemic , with business chiefs keen for Mr Johnson to establish a formal framework for future engagement with the government .
At the same time , business groups which have had an uneasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his under-fire special adviser , have been at pains to comment positively on the scale of the government 's response to the current economic crisis .
In particular , people close to the CBI , the UK 's biggest employers ' group , say relations have improved considerably since the crisis began .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has overseen the introduction of an unprecedented array of support schemes to try to smooth the flow of credit to struggling businesses , and pay the salaries of millions of workers .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With Britain on the brink of what some economists believe could be a deep recession , however , attention has turned to Mr Johnson 's plans to aid the private sector recovery .
It is unclear whether the new business chief at No 10 will consider establishing a new business council .
Mr Hickman 's appointment as the PM 's business liaison chief was confirmed by a Downing Street spokeswoman on Wednesday .
It brings into Mr Johnson 's team another of the senior figures who campaigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hickman effectively replaces Andrew Griffith , who was installed last summer as the PM 's chief business adviser but stepped down after winning a safe Tory seat at December 's election .
Since then , Katie Lam , another official , has been overseeing the business liaison brief on an interim basis .
He was chief executive of Business for Sterling , the organisation which lobbied against Britain joining the Euro , before co-founding the thinktank Open Europe .
A stint as Mr Cameron 's foreign policy adviser focusing on UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hickman then set up Chartwell Partners , a speaker bureau , before leaving in 2016 to spearhead a number of Brexit-related initiatives , including Prosperity UK .
He stepped down as a non-executive director of Northbank Talent Management shortly before he joined No 10 '' s team of SPADs , according to his LinkedIn profile .
Mr Hickman could not be reached for comment on Wednesday .

A former adviser to David Cameron and proponent of EU reform is to become Boris Johnson's key business liaison figure as Britain's economy wrestles with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Alex Hickman, who has been a Downing Street adviser since March, will become head of the prime minister's business team in July.
Mr Hickman's at No 10 appointment follows a career in which he has consistently opposed closer integration between the UK and European Union.
His arrival as special adviser to the PM on business, appointments and honours comes at a critical time for Mr Johnson's administration.
Image: Alex Hickman (right) with former then-Tory leader Michael Howard in 2005
Downing Street has been working on an overhaul of its engagement with the private sector since December's general election, with the PM deciding to abandon the network of business councils briefly adopted by his predecessor, Theresa May.
That rethink has been given added impetus by the COVID-19 pandemic, with business chiefs keen for Mr Johnson to establish a formal framework for future engagement with the government.
At the same time, business groups which have had an uneasy relationship with Mr Johnson and Dominic Cummings, his under-fire special adviser, have been at pains to comment positively on the scale of the government's response to the current economic crisis.
In particular, people close to the CBI, the UK's biggest employers' group, say relations have improved considerably since the crisis began.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has overseen the introduction of an unprecedented array of support schemes to try to smooth the flow of credit to struggling businesses, and pay the salaries of millions of workers.
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With Britain on the brink of what some economists believe could be a deep recession, however, attention has turned to Mr Johnson's plans to aid the private sector recovery.
It is unclear whether the new business chief at No 10 will consider establishing a new business council.
Mr Hickman's appointment as the PM's business liaison chief was confirmed by a Downing Street spokeswoman on Wednesday.
It brings into Mr Johnson's team another of the senior figures who campaigned for Brexit ahead of the 2016 referendum.
Mr Hickman effectively replaces Andrew Griffith, who was installed last summer as the PM's chief business adviser but stepped down after winning a safe Tory seat at December's election.
Since then, Katie Lam, another official, has been overseeing the business liaison brief on an interim basis.
He was chief executive of Business for Sterling, the organisation which lobbied against Britain joining the Euro, before co-founding the thinktank Open Europe.
A stint as Mr Cameron's foreign policy adviser focusing on UK policy towards the EU and India followed.
Mr Hickman then set up Chartwell Partners, a speaker bureau, before leaving in 2016 to spearhead a number of Brexit-related initiatives, including Prosperity UK.
He stepped down as a non-executive director of Northbank Talent Management shortly before he joined No 10''s team of SPADs, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Mr Hickman could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: John Lewis names first stores to reopen with new safety measures

John Lewis is set to reopen 13 stores next month with a host of strict safety measures in place to keep customers safe .
The department store chain said it then hopes to open more outlets during the summer months - depending on the response to its `` new ways of operating '' .
Earlier this week , the government gave non-essential retailers , such as fashion stores , the go-ahead to get back to business on 15 June .
John Lewis will open two branches that day , followed by another 11 three days later .
John Lewis said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their accessibility by car '' and will adopt social distancing measures already in place in the firm 's Waitrose supermarkets .
The company added : `` Depending on the response from customers and partners to our new ways of operating with respect to social distancing , more shops will open throughout the summer . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shoppers will face a series of restrictions and safety measures , as their experience of going into retailers will look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
John Lewis said fitting rooms and in-store cafes will be shut until further notice - and it will reduce the availability of customer services , such as at beauty counters .
There will also be a reduction in the number of entrances to each store , and only a certain amount of shoppers will be allowed inside at any one time .
Staff will be on hand to welcome the public , answer questions and manage queues .
John Lewis temporarily closed its 50 department stores on 23 March - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown - for the first time in its 155-year history .
In April , the company said online trading had increased since the lockdown - but warned annual sales could plunge by 35 % in a worst-case scenario as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak .

John Lewis is set to reopen 13 stores next month with a host of strict safety measures in place to keep customers safe.
The department store chain said it then hopes to open more outlets during the summer months - depending on the response to its "new ways of operating".
Earlier this week, the government gave non-essential retailers, such as fashion stores, the go-ahead to get back to business on 15 June.
John Lewis will open two branches that day, followed by another 11 three days later.
Image: Waitrose supermarkets have remained open
On 15 June:
Kingston
Poole
On 18 June:
Bluewater
Cambridge
Cheadle
Cheltenham
High Wycombe
Horsham
Ipswich
Norwich
Nottingham
Solihull
Welwyn
John Lewis said the branches were chosen "primarily because of their accessibility by car" and will adopt social distancing measures already in place in the firm's Waitrose supermarkets.
The company added: "Depending on the response from customers and partners to our new ways of operating with respect to social distancing, more shops will open throughout the summer."
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Shoppers will face a series of restrictions and safety measures, as their experience of going into retailers will look and feel very different to before the coronavirus outbreak.
John Lewis said fitting rooms and in-store cafes will be shut until further notice - and it will reduce the availability of customer services, such as at beauty counters.
There will also be a reduction in the number of entrances to each store, and only a certain amount of shoppers will be allowed inside at any one time.
Staff will be on hand to welcome the public, answer questions and manage queues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
John Lewis temporarily closed its 50 department stores on 23 March - the day the prime minister announced the lockdown - for the first time in its 155-year history.
In April, the company said online trading had increased since the lockdown - but warned annual sales could plunge by 35% in a worst-case scenario as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.


news--2020-05-27--Sizewell C nuclear plant will help kick-start post-pandemic economy, says EDF

A planned new nuclear power station will help kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis , energy giant EDF has said .
The power supplier has submitted an application to build the Sizewell C plant on the Suffolk coast , which it says will generate enough electricity to power six million homes and bolster the UK 's energy resilience by reducing the need for imports .
EDF also says it will create 25,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships during construction , as well as providing 900 skilled jobs over its lifetime .
The application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
But campaigners opposed to the project have criticised the move , arguing that coronavirus social distancing restrictions are likely to continue in the coming months and so limiting public participation in the planning process .
The 3.2-gigawatt Sizewell C will be a near replica of Hinkley Point C in Somerset , reducing construction costs and risks , according to EDF , which has partnered with China General Nuclear to build reactors in the UK .
Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson , managing director of the Sizewell C project , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis .
`` It will offer thousands of high-quality job opportunities and long-term employment for people living in Suffolk and it will strengthen the nuclear supply chain across the country .
`` The project will play a key role in lowering emissions while helping the UK keep control of its low carbon future . ''
He said the construction of Sizewell C will prevent nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere each year , compared to electricity generated by gas plants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take 18 months to complete and the government will make the final decision on whether to give the green light to the scheme .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Stop Sizewell C campaign group which opposes the scheme warns it is costly , diverts investment from other green energy sources such as renewables and would damage tourism and nature in the area .
Alison Downes , of Stop Sizewell C , also criticised the move to submit the application during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions set to last many months , there can not be full public participation in the planning process - even the Planning Inspectorate does not yet know how it could work .
`` Sizewell C would be an expensive bridge to nowhere : it will suck vital funds away from the technologies and projects that are more capable of truly transforming our energy landscape . ''

A planned new nuclear power station will help kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis, energy giant EDF has said.
The power supplier has submitted an application to build the Sizewell C plant on the Suffolk coast, which it says will generate enough electricity to power six million homes and bolster the UK's energy resilience by reducing the need for imports.
EDF also says it will create 25,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships during construction, as well as providing 900 skilled jobs over its lifetime.
The application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate was delayed for two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But campaigners opposed to the project have criticised the move, arguing that coronavirus social distancing restrictions are likely to continue in the coming months and so limiting public participation in the planning process.
The 3.2-gigawatt Sizewell C will be a near replica of Hinkley Point C in Somerset, reducing construction costs and risks, according to EDF, which has partnered with China General Nuclear to build reactors in the UK.
Image: The new power station will be a near replica of Hinkley Point C in Somerset
Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, managing director of the Sizewell C project, said: "Sizewell C is a net-zero infrastructure project ready to kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis.
"It will offer thousands of high-quality job opportunities and long-term employment for people living in Suffolk and it will strengthen the nuclear supply chain across the country.
"The project will play a key role in lowering emissions while helping the UK keep control of its low carbon future."
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He said the construction of Sizewell C will prevent nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere each year, compared to electricity generated by gas plants.
The planning process is likely to take 18 months to complete and the government will make the final decision on whether to give the green light to the scheme.
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The Stop Sizewell C campaign group which opposes the scheme warns it is costly, diverts investment from other green energy sources such as renewables and would damage tourism and nature in the area.
Alison Downes, of Stop Sizewell C, also criticised the move to submit the application during lockdown.
She said: "With restrictions set to last many months, there cannot be full public participation in the planning process - even the Planning Inspectorate does not yet know how it could work.
"Sizewell C would be an expensive bridge to nowhere: it will suck vital funds away from the technologies and projects that are more capable of truly transforming our energy landscape."


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: PM given explanation of how some migrants can't access government funds

Boris Johnson has promised to `` see what we can do to help '' after appearing to be surprised that some migrants in the UK are not able to access government support during the coronavirus crisis .
The prime minister stressed that those `` who live and work here should have support of one kind or another '' during the COVID-19 lockdown , after being told the immigration status of some people means they are not eligible for assistance .
Appearing before the House of Commons liaison committee of senior MPs , Mr Johnson was challenged about the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have permission to remain in the UK but are not able to access state support .
Labour MP Stephen Timms , the chair of the Commons work and pensions committee , explained how the couple - from his East Ham constituency in London - `` ca n't get any help at all '' because they have no recourse to public funds as a condition attached to their right to stay in the UK .
He told the prime minister : `` They both work , they have two children .
The husband 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job retention scheme , so he has zero income .
`` His wife is still working but her income is less than their household rent .
`` They have leave to remain in the UK but no recourse to public funds , so they ca n't get any help at all .
`` Is n't it wrong that a hard-working , law-abiding family like that is being forced by the current arrangements into destitution ? ''
Mr Johnson appeared surprised that the couple could not access welfare payments , asking : `` Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Employment Support Allowance ? ''
In response , Mr Timms explained that , for a ten-year period , they have no recourse to public funds and so `` at the moment they can get no help at all '' .
The prime minister vowed to look into the issue .
`` Clearly people who have worked hard for this country , who live and work here , should have support of one kind or another , '' he said .
`` You 've raised a very , very important point - if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain means they should have no recourse to public funds .
`` I will find out how many are in that position and we will see what we can do to help . ''
Last month , the Children 's Society warned there were thousands of children in the UK facing extreme poverty and hunger because immigration rules prevent their families from accessing support .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister `` apparently had no idea what 'no recourse to public funds ' was and meant for people '' .
`` We 've called for its suspension in this public health emergency and , with the prime minister promising to look at it , let 's hope that he can persuade the home secretary to think again , '' he added .
SNP MP Stuart McDonald , the party 's immigration spokesperson , said it was `` absolutely jaw-dropping '' that the prime minister `` appears totally unaware '' of the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the government 's policy on no recourse to public funds , a Home Office `` fact sheet '' published at the beginning of this month states : `` Those seeking to establish their family life in the UK must do so on a basis that prevents burdens on the state and the UK taxpayer .
`` It is right that those who benefit from the state contribute towards it . ''
The Home Office said protections for renters and mortgage holidays - introduced during the coronavirus crisis - are `` available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
It added local councils `` may provide basic safety net support regardless of immigration status '' in some cases .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson has promised to "see what we can do to help" after appearing to be surprised that some migrants in the UK are not able to access government support during the coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister stressed that those "who live and work here should have support of one kind or another" during the COVID-19 lockdown, after being told the immigration status of some people means they are not eligible for assistance.
Appearing before the House of Commons liaison committee of senior MPs, Mr Johnson was challenged about the case of one couple, from Pakistan, who have permission to remain in the UK but are not able to access state support.
Image: An example of a UK visa stating someone has 'no recourse to public funds'
Labour MP Stephen Timms, the chair of the Commons work and pensions committee, explained how the couple - from his East Ham constituency in London - "can't get any help at all" because they have no recourse to public funds as a condition attached to their right to stay in the UK.
He told the prime minister: "They both work, they have two children. The husband's employer did not put him on the job retention scheme, so he has zero income.
"His wife is still working but her income is less than their household rent.
"They have leave to remain in the UK but no recourse to public funds, so they can't get any help at all.
"Isn't it wrong that a hard-working, law-abiding family like that is being forced by the current arrangements into destitution?"
Mr Johnson appeared surprised that the couple could not access welfare payments, asking: "Why aren't they eligible for Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance?"
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In response, Mr Timms explained that, for a ten-year period, they have no recourse to public funds and so "at the moment they can get no help at all".
The prime minister vowed to look into the issue.
"Clearly people who have worked hard for this country, who live and work here, should have support of one kind or another," he said.
"You've raised a very, very important point - if people's condition of their leave to remain means they should have no recourse to public funds.
"I will find out how many are in that position and we will see what we can do to help."
Last month, the Children's Society warned there were thousands of children in the UK facing extreme poverty and hunger because immigration rules prevent their families from accessing support.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Labour's shadow home secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said it was "extraordinarily worrying" that the prime minister "apparently had no idea what 'no recourse to public funds' was and meant for people".
"We've called for its suspension in this public health emergency and, with the prime minister promising to look at it, let's hope that he can persuade the home secretary to think again," he added.
SNP MP Stuart McDonald, the party's immigration spokesperson, said it was "absolutely jaw-dropping" that the prime minister "appears totally unaware" of the issue.
In response to recent media reports about the government's policy on no recourse to public funds, a Home Office "fact sheet" published at the beginning of this month states: "Those seeking to establish their family life in the UK must do so on a basis that prevents burdens on the state and the UK taxpayer.
"It is right that those who benefit from the state contribute towards it."
The Home Office said protections for renters and mortgage holidays - introduced during the coronavirus crisis - are "available to migrants with no recourse to public funds".
It added local councils "may provide basic safety net support regardless of immigration status" in some cases.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: Kilt maker at virus-linked Nike conference fears she 'unwittingly spread COVID-19'

A woman who fitted kilts for delegates at a Nike conference struck by a coronavirus outbreak has told Sky News she 's angry and upset that the Scottish government kept it quiet .
Gillian Russell , 43 , says she and other colleagues developed flu-like symptoms after coming into close contact with 10 members of the Nike delegation .
The Nike conference , which took place before cases were confirmed north of the border , has been dubbed `` Scotland 's ground zero '' in the coronavirus spread .
In her first interview , Ms Russell told Sky News of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus as they were neither traced nor told of the Nike outbreak .
She said : `` I 'm quite angry and upset about it .
I do n't like the thought that I could have possibly infected someone without my knowledge .
We were never informed .
`` The worry is that somebody is actually infected and , possibly , died .
Maybe not directly through contact with me but directly through contact via me - that I 've spent time with someone who has then had a similar strain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that did n't make them ill , but then they 've been with somebody that 's been more vulnerable and it 's actually really done damage and they 've maybe died . ''
Ms Russell , a shop manager , helped to fit hire kilts for 10 Nike delegates , five men and five women on 24 February .
Soon afterwards , she and several colleagues began to feel unwell .
She said : `` I felt a bit fluey , a bit not right .
I 'm asthmatic , so I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhaler a lot more .
There had been quite a lot of people as well that had similar symptoms , to the stage where we had people off sick .
`` It was pretty much every day we had someone off sick with flu-like symptoms and , generally , just not feeling well .
But even at that point , none of us were putting two and two together and thinking 'this is the coronavirus ' .
We just thought that there was maybe a bug going around . ''
She continued : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to make sure everything sits right , so you 're completely up personal with someone , you 've got your arms round them , you 're fitting the kilt , you 're moving the straps and things with them , showing them how to lace their shoes .
So you are very close for a prolonged period of time . ''
Neither Ms Russell nor her colleagues were contact-traced following the kilt-fitting .
She has n't been tested for coronavirus and , therefore , ca n't be sure if that was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Nike conference took place at the end of February at the Hilton Carlton Hotel in North Bridge , Edinburgh .
It was attended by 70 Nike delegates from around the UK and abroad .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At least 25 people linked to the event subsequently tested positive for coronavirus .
Scotland 's first COVID-19 case was confirmed on 1 March .
The Scottish government made no announcement regarding the Nike outbreak at the time it learned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made public via the media six weeks later .
`` That was the first I 'd known anything about it , '' Ms Russell said .
`` It was quite a shock - I turned and said to my partner ' I was involved in that , I fitted kilts for these people .
I was up close and personal for about an hour with them ' '' .
Ms Russell says that , had she known of her possible exposure to coronavirus , she would not have risked exposing others .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly relatives , attended a retirement party , and flew on holiday to Portugal with her partner .
`` I would n't have spent time with my dad before I went on holiday , I would n't have spent time with my partner 's mother , I would n't have put them at risk .
I would never have got on the plane .
It was a full plane to Portugal , I would never have done that . ''
`` We met people on holiday , we sat at tables with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You 're getting close to people that maybe you should n't have .
The retirement do , I would n't have gone to .
I would never have put myself in that situation where we 're sitting close to people that were at risk .
I would have kept myself at home , I would have isolated and made sure that I was n't putting anybody else at risk . ''
She added : `` It 's very hard and that 's the main reason that I wanted to come forward .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd known , what would have been different , how would it have been different , how would cases have spread in Edinburgh , would it have been as bad , would our R number be lower ? '
`` Until we get those questions answered we 're never going to know . ''
Already , concern at the silence has been expressed by a number of people who came into contact with the Nike delegates .
Twenty employees of Lloyds Banking Group had a training day in the same hotel , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
Three tour guides took the Nike delegates on a walking tour of Edinburgh 's Old Town .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously said that no details of the outbreak were revealed on the grounds of patient confidentiality .
Ms Russell said : `` It 's wrong .
They 've kept things from us , they should have been a lot more upfront and honest .
They should have told us when the cases broke at the conference if they were unable to trace everybody that people had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's such a massive city , it 's a tourist city , there 's thousands of people flock daily that people will have been to - restaurants , bars - and these people have been in contact with them .
At least if people had known , to be able to come forward , then we could 've actually maybe held ( the number of infections ) back a bit . ''
A Scottish Government spokesperson said : `` The Scottish Government has been entirely consistent in its handling and publication of information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , and claims to the contrary in regard to the Nike issue are simply wrong .
`` All appropriate steps were taken to ensure public health was protected , with more than 60 contacts traced in Scotland , and around 50 others traced in England .
All of the cases linked to this event were assessed by their close contact , or contact with conference delegates who tested positive after the event so public health authorities were satisfied there was minimal infection risk and did not consider it necessary to issue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Labour MP for Edinburgh South , told Sky News : `` Gillian 's personal story exposes why the SNP government made a fundamental error by deciding not to tell the public about this outbreak .
`` Not only was Gillian ill after fitting delegates for kilts with no idea why , she was at risk of passing this on to relatives and people she was in contact with .
`` She deserves answers from Nicola Sturgeon .
Why did you cover-up this outbreak , why did you keep people like Gillian in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government not seek the help of the public so that all people potentially infected could have been contact traced ? ''
.
Meanwhile , the number of people who died with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in Scotland has fallen for a fourth consecutive week .
A total of 3,779 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded as of 24 May , according to National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) figures .

A woman who fitted kilts for delegates at a Nike conference struck by a coronavirus outbreak has told Sky News she's angry and upset that the Scottish government kept it quiet.
Gillian Russell, 43, says she and other colleagues developed flu-like symptoms after coming into close contact with 10 members of the Nike delegation.
The Nike conference, which took place before cases were confirmed north of the border, has been dubbed "Scotland's ground zero" in the coronavirus spread.
In her first interview, Ms Russell told Sky News of her fears they may have unknowingly spread the virus as they were neither traced nor told of the Nike outbreak.
She said: "I'm quite angry and upset about it. I don't like the thought that I could have possibly infected someone without my knowledge. We were never informed.
"The worry is that somebody is actually infected and, possibly, died. Maybe not directly through contact with me but directly through contact via me - that I've spent time with someone who has then had a similar strain the way that I feel I have, that didn't make them ill, but then they've been with somebody that's been more vulnerable and it's actually really done damage and they've maybe died."
Ms Russell, a shop manager, helped to fit hire kilts for 10 Nike delegates, five men and five women on 24 February. Soon afterwards, she and several colleagues began to feel unwell.
She said: "I felt a bit fluey, a bit not right. I'm asthmatic, so I'd been finding I'd been taking my inhaler a lot more. There had been quite a lot of people as well that had similar symptoms, to the stage where we had people off sick.
"It was pretty much every day we had someone off sick with flu-like symptoms and, generally, just not feeling well. But even at that point, none of us were putting two and two together and thinking 'this is the coronavirus'. We just thought that there was maybe a bug going around."
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Image: Gillian Russell developd flu-like systems after working at the conference
She continued: "These were hire kilts. You need to make sure everything sits right, so you're completely up personal with someone, you've got your arms round them, you're fitting the kilt, you're moving the straps and things with them, showing them how to lace their shoes. So you are very close for a prolonged period of time."
Neither Ms Russell nor her colleagues were contact-traced following the kilt-fitting. She hasn't been tested for coronavirus and, therefore, can't be sure if that was the source of illness in her workplace.
The Nike conference took place at the end of February at the Hilton Carlton Hotel in North Bridge, Edinburgh. It was attended by 70 Nike delegates from around the UK and abroad.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At least 25 people linked to the event subsequently tested positive for coronavirus. Scotland's first COVID-19 case was confirmed on 1 March.
The Scottish government made no announcement regarding the Nike outbreak at the time it learned of it, and the news was only made public via the media six weeks later.
"That was the first I'd known anything about it," Ms Russell said.
"It was quite a shock - I turned and said to my partner 'I was involved in that, I fitted kilts for these people. I was up close and personal for about an hour with them'".
Ms Russell says that, had she known of her possible exposure to coronavirus, she would not have risked exposing others. In subsequent weeks, she spent time with elderly relatives, attended a retirement party, and flew on holiday to Portugal with her partner.
"I wouldn't have spent time with my dad before I went on holiday, I wouldn't have spent time with my partner's mother, I wouldn't have put them at risk. I would never have got on the plane. It was a full plane to Portugal, I would never have done that."
"We met people on holiday, we sat at tables with people, we made friends on holiday. You're getting close to people that maybe you shouldn't have. The retirement do, I wouldn't have gone to. I would never have put myself in that situation where we're sitting close to people that were at risk. I would have kept myself at home, I would have isolated and made sure that I wasn't putting anybody else at risk."
She added: "It's very hard and that's the main reason that I wanted to come forward. You're constantly thinking about 'what if I'd known, what would have been different, how would it have been different, how would cases have spread in Edinburgh, would it have been as bad, would our R number be lower?'
"Until we get those questions answered we're never going to know."
Already, concern at the silence has been expressed by a number of people who came into contact with the Nike delegates.
Twenty employees of Lloyds Banking Group had a training day in the same hotel, at the same time, and shared communal facilities. Three tour guides took the Nike delegates on a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously said that no details of the outbreak were revealed on the grounds of patient confidentiality.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 Sturgeon hits back at 'cover up' claims
Ms Russell said: "It's wrong. They've kept things from us, they should have been a lot more upfront and honest. They should have told us when the cases broke at the conference if they were unable to trace everybody that people had been in contact within Edinburgh.
"Edinburgh's such a massive city, it's a tourist city, there's thousands of people flock daily that people will have been to - restaurants, bars - and these people have been in contact with them. At least if people had known, to be able to come forward, then we could've actually maybe held (the number of infections) back a bit."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government has been entirely consistent in its handling and publication of information relating to positive cases of COVID-19 in Scotland, and claims to the contrary in regard to the Nike issue are simply wrong.
"All appropriate steps were taken to ensure public health was protected, with more than 60 contacts traced in Scotland, and around 50 others traced in England. All of the cases linked to this event were assessed by their close contact, or contact with conference delegates who tested positive after the event so public health authorities were satisfied there was minimal infection risk and did not consider it necessary to issue a public health notice."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 How ‘test and trace’ is going to work
Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, told Sky News: "Gillian's personal story exposes why the SNP government made a fundamental error by deciding not to tell the public about this outbreak.
"Not only was Gillian ill after fitting delegates for kilts with no idea why, she was at risk of passing this on to relatives and people she was in contact with.
"She deserves answers from Nicola Sturgeon. Why did you cover-up this outbreak, why did you keep people like Gillian in the dark, and why did your government not seek the help of the public so that all people potentially infected could have been contact traced?".
Meanwhile, the number of people who died with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in Scotland has fallen for a fourth consecutive week.
A total of 3,779 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded as of 24 May, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures.


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: Nearly half of staff treating COVID-19 patients at Weston General Hospital test positiv

Coronavirus: Nearly half of staff treating COVID-19 patients at Weston General Hospital test positive

A Somerset hospital that has closed to new admissions due to a high number of coronavirus cases has said nearly half the staff treating these patients have tested positive themselves .
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust told Sky News on Wednesday that 40 % of a `` limited group of staff '' working with COVID-19 patients at the Weston General Hospital in Weston-super-Mare had been infected .
Responding to claims of a memo sent to NHS staff in the region , the spokesperson added that all staff at the facility were now being tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to stop admitting new patients - including to A & E - since 8am on Monday , which the trust 's medical director , Dr William Oldfield , said was due to `` a high number of patients with COVID-19 '' .
He said on Tuesday there was an `` emerging picture '' of asymptomatic staff also testing positive for the virus .
`` Any members of staff who have tested positive have self-isolated in line with national guidance , '' said Dr Oldfield .
`` We are also in the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital who may have had some patient contact . ''
The hospital also confirmed it had introduced measures to restrict staff movements .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Oldfield added : `` Appropriate levels of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) are available and this is being used in line with Public Health England guidance , and there have been significant efforts to minimise unnecessary staff movements across the hospital . ''
Patients needing care are currently being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A Somerset hospital that has closed to new admissions due to a high number of coronavirus cases has said nearly half the staff treating these patients have tested positive themselves.
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust told Sky News on Wednesday that 40% of a "limited group of staff" working with COVID-19 patients at the Weston General Hospital in Weston-super-Mare had been infected.
Responding to claims of a memo sent to NHS staff in the region, the spokesperson added that all staff at the facility were now being tested.
It comes after the hospital was forced to stop admitting new patients - including to A&E - since 8am on Monday, which the trust's medical director, Dr William Oldfield, said was due to "a high number of patients with COVID-19".
He said on Tuesday there was an "emerging picture" of asymptomatic staff also testing positive for the virus.
"Any members of staff who have tested positive have self-isolated in line with national guidance," said Dr Oldfield.
"We are also in the process of testing all staff in clinical areas at the hospital who may have had some patient contact."
The hospital also confirmed it had introduced measures to restrict staff movements.
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Dr Oldfield added: "Appropriate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available and this is being used in line with Public Health England guidance, and there have been significant efforts to minimise unnecessary staff movements across the hospital."
Patients needing care are currently being directed to other hospitals and facilities in the region.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-27--Trump administration 'looking at' $450-a-week bonus to lure people back to work during coronavirus p

Trump administration 'looking at' $450-a-week bonus to lure people back to work during coronavirus pandemic

The Trump administration is considering offering people a $ 450-a-week payment to persuade them to return to work amid the coronavirus pandemic , a White House adviser has said .
Plans to offer the payment for a limited time on top of wages is gathering steam among Republicans in the US Congress .
They want it to replace the $ 600 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit that expires on 31 July , which Democrats want to extend .
`` It 's something we 're looking at very carefully , '' said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow .
The director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he believed the policy , being pushed by Senator Rob Portman of Ohio , would remove a `` major disincentive '' to resume employment .
`` Senator Portman has a good idea , '' he said .
`` He understands incentives and disincentives .
The trouble with the $ 600 plus-up , and maybe we needed it in that emergency period , but frankly it 's a major disincentive to go back to work and we do n't want that .
`` We want people to go back to work .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 plus-up will survive the next round of talks , but I think we 'll have substitutes to deal with that issue . ''
It comes as Congress , which is deadlocked over the country 's next big coronavirus relief bill , shifts its attention to a more modest overhaul of small-business aid .
It is hoped the measures could help employers reopen shops and survive the COVID-19 pandemic .
It is expected bipartisan legislation that would give small employers more time to take advantage of federal subsidies for payroll and other costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as politicians return to Washington for an abbreviated two-day session , formal talks between congressional leaders on the next phase of the federal coronavirus response are conspicuous by their absence from the agenda .
Democrats have already pushed a $ 3trillion-plus measure through the House , but negotiations with the Republican-controlled Senate and White House have not yet begun .
In one of his first public appearances in his home state of Kentucky since mid-March because of the pandemic , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said : `` We ca n't keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ultimate solution is to begin to get back to normal .
There are three things that are essential to have full normalcy - testing , treatment and vaccine . ''
The US has had almost 1.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 98,000 deaths among people with the virus , with both figures higher than in any other country in the world .

The Trump administration is considering offering people a $450-a-week payment to persuade them to return to work amid the coronavirus pandemic, a White House adviser has said.
Plans to offer the payment for a limited time on top of wages is gathering steam among Republicans in the US Congress.
They want it to replace the $600 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit that expires on 31 July, which Democrats want to extend.
"It's something we're looking at very carefully," said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow.
The director of the National Economic Council told Fox News that he believed the policy, being pushed by Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, would remove a "major disincentive" to resume employment.
"Senator Portman has a good idea," he said.
"He understands incentives and disincentives. The trouble with the $600 plus-up, and maybe we needed it in that emergency period, but frankly it's a major disincentive to go back to work and we don't want that.
"We want people to go back to work.
"I frankly do not believe the $600 plus-up will survive the next round of talks, but I think we'll have substitutes to deal with that issue."
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Image: Larry Kudlow (L) speaks during a meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office during April
It comes as Congress, which is deadlocked over the country's next big coronavirus relief bill, shifts its attention to a more modest overhaul of small-business aid.
It is hoped the measures could help employers reopen shops and survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is expected bipartisan legislation that would give small employers more time to take advantage of federal subsidies for payroll and other costs will pass the House this week.
But as politicians return to Washington for an abbreviated two-day session, formal talks between congressional leaders on the next phase of the federal coronavirus response are conspicuous by their absence from the agenda.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Trump refuses to wear face mask
Democrats have already pushed a $3trillion-plus measure through the House, but negotiations with the Republican-controlled Senate and White House have not yet begun.
In one of his first public appearances in his home state of Kentucky since mid-March because of the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said: "We can't keep propping up the economy forever.
"The ultimate solution is to begin to get back to normal. There are three things that are essential to have full normalcy - testing, treatment and vaccine."
The US has had almost 1.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 98,000 deaths among people with the virus, with both figures higher than in any other country in the world.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Britons increase TV and cooking time in lockdown - but lowest earners spend even longer

Coronavirus: Britons increase TV and cooking time in lockdown - but lowest earners spend even longer at work

If you believed social media , most of us spent the first month of lockdown either baking sourdough or being outraged about the lack of toilet paper in supermarkets .
But according to an Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) report , the reality was even more sedentary than that - trapped at home because of COVID-19 , we travelled less , slept more and watched more TV .
The online study looks at exactly how people in England and Wales saw their day-to-day lives change between 28 March and 26 April during the coronavirus lockdown , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adult population , by far the most popular form of entertainment was watching TV or streaming videos , which on average took up two hours and 53 minutes a day .
Reading was far less popular ( 28 minutes a day ) , as was contacting friends and family ( 16 minutes a day ) .
There was a substantial reduction in the amount of time we spent travelling ( one hour and six minutes less a day ) and with little else to do , the time people spent gardening and doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to 39 minutes a day .
Most of us benefited from an extra 18 minutes sleeping or resting each day .
It was either that or turn to the fridge - we spent one hour and 23 minutes a day eating and drinking , including having takeaways and drinking alcohol , and just under an hour a day cooking or doing the washing up .
There were also differences in the amount of time we spent exercising both before and after the lockdown , with the average duration of an exercise session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on higher incomes exercised more frequently during the week .
Those with children spent 35 % longer on average providing childcare , including helping out with homework .
Men in particular increased their amount of childcare by 58 % , but they still undertook 15 minutes a day less than women .
Of course , not everyone was at home .
Those with the lowest household incomes actually increased their total time in paid work , which , according to the ONS , might indicate occupations that simply could n't be done at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomes made the greater switch towards homeworking .
Those living in households with middle incomes ( between £15,000 and £30,000 ) were most likely to have been furloughed .
The reduction in travel was not as significant for those with lower incomes , who only saw a small increase in time spent on leisure compared to households with higher incomes .
Those with a household income up to £1,700 a month increased their average time working from home by three hours and two minutes a week , while for those earning over £3,301 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes a week .
Almost a third ( 30.5 % ) of employees who earn up to £1,450 per month are considered as key workers , while only 26.4 % of those earning over £3,250 per month are considered key workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

If you believed social media, most of us spent the first month of lockdown either baking sourdough or being outraged about the lack of toilet paper in supermarkets.
But according to an Office of National Statistics (ONS) report, the reality was even more sedentary than that - trapped at home because of COVID-19, we travelled less, slept more and watched more TV.
The online study looks at exactly how people in England and Wales saw their day-to-day lives change between 28 March and 26 April during the coronavirus lockdown, compared with 2014 to 2015.
Across the general adult population, by far the most popular form of entertainment was watching TV or streaming videos, which on average took up two hours and 53 minutes a day.
Reading was far less popular (28 minutes a day), as was contacting friends and family (16 minutes a day).
There was a substantial reduction in the amount of time we spent travelling (one hour and six minutes less a day) and with little else to do, the time people spent gardening and doing DIY substantially increased (by 147%) to 39 minutes a day.
Most of us benefited from an extra 18 minutes sleeping or resting each day.
It was either that or turn to the fridge - we spent one hour and 23 minutes a day eating and drinking, including having takeaways and drinking alcohol, and just under an hour a day cooking or doing the washing up.
There were also differences in the amount of time we spent exercising both before and after the lockdown, with the average duration of an exercise session similar across income groups, but those on higher incomes exercised more frequently during the week.
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Those with children spent 35% longer on average providing childcare, including helping out with homework.
Men in particular increased their amount of childcare by 58%, but they still undertook 15 minutes a day less than women.
Of course, not everyone was at home.
Those with the lowest household incomes actually increased their total time in paid work, which, according to the ONS, might indicate occupations that simply couldn't be done at home.
People with the highest household incomes made the greater switch towards homeworking. Those living in households with middle incomes (between £15,000 and £30,000) were most likely to have been furloughed.
The reduction in travel was not as significant for those with lower incomes, who only saw a small increase in time spent on leisure compared to households with higher incomes.
Those with a household income up to £1,700 a month increased their average time working from home by three hours and two minutes a week, while for those earning over £3,301 it increased by seven hours and 37 minutes a week.
Almost a third (30.5%) of employees who earn up to £1,450 per month are considered as key workers, while only 26.4% of those earning over £3,250 per month are considered key workers.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-26--Doubt over Dominic Cummings's claim he warned of coronavirus threat last year

Dominic Cummings appears to have edited a year-old blog post to add a mention of coronavirus on his first day back at work after recovering from the disease last month .
The prime minister 's chief adviser , who is currently facing calls to resign after being accused of flouting lockdown rules , said this week he had warned of the dangers of pandemics `` for years '' .
`` Last year I wrote about the possible threat of coronaviruses and the urgent need for planning , '' Mr Cummings said at a news conference on Monday defending his 260-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doubt has been cast on that claim after a search of Mr Cummings 's blog revealed the only mention of `` coronavirus '' was added to a post in an edit on 14 April this year .
Cached versions of the blog post , originally written on 4 March 2019 , show there was no specific mention of `` coronavirus '' before April this year .
But the post now includes a paragraph which describes a `` well-publicised incident in China in which two researchers conducting virus research were exposed to severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ samples that were incompletely inactivated '' .
The sitemap of Mr Cummings 's blog shows an edit to that post on 14 April .
This was the day , according to Mr Cummings 's account of his movements during lockdown , that he returned to work in 10 Downing Street after spending two weeks at his parents ' farm in Durham - more than 260 miles away from his London home .
The section about coronavirus that was apparently added last month replaces the words `` an example '' in the previous cached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the post did not mention coronavirus specifically but did link to a 2019 article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists , which makes the same reference to coronavirus that appears to have been later added to Mr Cummings 's blog .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Cummings 's blog does include 14 specific mentions of `` pandemic '' in both the post on 4 March 2019 and another written three days earlier .
Boris Johnson 's senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role following the high-profile row over his lockdown trips .
More than 30 MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked , despite the prime minister 's support for his top adviser .
Downing Street did not respond to Sky News ' requests for comment .

Dominic Cummings appears to have edited a year-old blog post to add a mention of coronavirus on his first day back at work after recovering from the disease last month.
The prime minister's chief adviser, who is currently facing calls to resign after being accused of flouting lockdown rules, said this week he had warned of the dangers of pandemics "for years".
"Last year I wrote about the possible threat of coronaviruses and the urgent need for planning," Mr Cummings said at a news conference on Monday defending his 260-mile trip to Durham during lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
However, doubt has been cast on that claim after a search of Mr Cummings's blog revealed the only mention of "coronavirus" was added to a post in an edit on 14 April this year.
Cached versions of the blog post, originally written on 4 March 2019, show there was no specific mention of "coronavirus" before April this year.
But the post now includes a paragraph which describes a "well-publicised incident in China in which two researchers conducting virus research were exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus samples that were incompletely inactivated".
The sitemap of Mr Cummings's blog shows an edit to that post on 14 April.
This was the day, according to Mr Cummings's account of his movements during lockdown, that he returned to work in 10 Downing Street after spending two weeks at his parents' farm in Durham - more than 260 miles away from his London home.
The section about coronavirus that was apparently added last month replaces the words "an example" in the previous cached version of the post.
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The earlier version of the post did not mention coronavirus specifically but did link to a 2019 article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which makes the same reference to coronavirus that appears to have been later added to Mr Cummings's blog.
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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Mr Cummings's blog does include 14 specific mentions of "pandemic" in both the post on 4 March 2019 and another written three days earlier.
Boris Johnson's senior aide is under pressure to quit his role following the high-profile row over his lockdown trips.
More than 30 MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings to resign or be sacked, despite the prime minister's support for his top adviser.
Downing Street did not respond to Sky News' requests for comment.