news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: House sales slowly recovering from COVID-19 lockdown - HMRC

House sales were up 16 % in May compared with April , but they were still at only half the level seen a year earlier .
The figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that an estimated 48,450 residential property transactions took place across the UK during May .
This was 49.6 % lower than the number seen in May 2019 , when there were 96,050 sales recorded .
England 's property market was closed for weeks as a result of the lockdown , which was imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
The market in England reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures are mainly due to sales that were on hold during the lockdown .
HMRC said the figures should be taken with caution , as they were `` provisional '' and - due to the lockdown - based on incomplete data .
Transaction numbers in the second quarter of this year have fallen to levels similar to those seen in late 2008 and in early 2009 , following the financial crisis .
Andrew Southern , chairman of property developer Southern Grove , said : `` The level of transactions still looks decidedly muted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually relatively good .
`` The vast majority of these transactions will represent sales put on hold by the coronavirus shutdown so , at this point , HMRC 's figures are not an indicator of how buyers and sellers are flooding back to the market . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Southern continued : `` House builders should be confident that this is , in fact , happening , with data from property portals suggesting high levels of listings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are coming remarkably close to those valuations .
`` The HMRC figures to watch will come much later in the autumn when they will reflect the post-lockdown activity of May and June . ''
Jeremy Leaf , a north London estate agent and a former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors added : `` Looking forward , listings are increasing which is encouraging and likely to bring more balance .
`` But on the other hand , we have concerns that most of the demand is for smaller family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspiring first-time buyers remain concerned over future employment prospects post-furlough . ''

House sales were up 16% in May compared with April, but they were still at only half the level seen a year earlier.
The figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that an estimated 48,450 residential property transactions took place across the UK during May.
This was 49.6% lower than the number seen in May 2019, when there were 96,050 sales recorded.
Image: Housing developments were put on hold in the early weeks of the lockdown
England's property market was closed for weeks as a result of the lockdown, which was imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The market in England reopened gradually from 13 May, so the figures are mainly due to sales that were on hold during the lockdown.
HMRC said the figures should be taken with caution, as they were "provisional" and - due to the lockdown - based on incomplete data.
Transaction numbers in the second quarter of this year have fallen to levels similar to those seen in late 2008 and in early 2009, following the financial crisis.
Andrew Southern, chairman of property developer Southern Grove, said: "The level of transactions still looks decidedly muted but a 16% monthly increase is actually relatively good.
"The vast majority of these transactions will represent sales put on hold by the coronavirus shutdown so, at this point, HMRC's figures are not an indicator of how buyers and sellers are flooding back to the market."
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Mr Southern continued: "House builders should be confident that this is, in fact, happening, with data from property portals suggesting high levels of listings, strong asking prices and agreed sales that are coming remarkably close to those valuations.
"The HMRC figures to watch will come much later in the autumn when they will reflect the post-lockdown activity of May and June."
Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent and a former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors added: "Looking forward, listings are increasing which is encouraging and likely to bring more balance.
"But on the other hand, we have concerns that most of the demand is for smaller family houses rather than smaller flats, as aspiring first-time buyers remain concerned over future employment prospects post-furlough."


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: 90 attacks on phone masts reported during UK's lockdown

Around 90 attacks targeting the UK 's telecommunications infrastructure have been reported during the coronavirus lockdown .
The incidents , which surged over the Easter weekend , are believed to be motivated by conspiracy theories linking COVID-19 to the deployment of 5G masts .
Derbyshire Police has called for witnesses to come forward over the most recent suspected arson attack , which targeted a mobile mast near Breadsall Hilltop at 2am on Sunday .
`` We believe the fire was started deliberately and we are investigating , '' the force stated .
There have now been around 90 similar arson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown , according to MobileUK , the trade association for mobile network operators ( MNOs ) .
It told Sky News that this number does not include incidents which took place over the current bank holiday weekend .
Representatives from the MNOs said there have been hundreds of incidents of violent and intimidating behaviour towards their staff and subcontractors .
A range of conspiracy theories about mobile communications appear to be encouraging these attacks , including a scientifically impossible theory that the antennas are actually causing the symptoms of COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hoax fabricated to give either the government - or various forms of secret powers controlling the government - greater control of the population using mobile phone technology .
Sky News found groups on Facebook calling for the harassment of 5G engineers , celebrating criminal damage to mobile phone masts , and sharing information on how to cause that damage .
Although that group was taken down following Sky News ' report , many groups remain on the website denouncing what they falsely claim is a fake virus and equating social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously told Sky News : `` Theories being spread about 5G are baseless and are not grounded in credible scientific theory .
`` Mobile operators are dedicated to keeping the UK connected , and careless talk could cause untold damage .
`` Continuing attacks on mobile infrastructure risks lives and at this challenging time the UK 's critical sectors must be able to focus all their efforts fighting this pandemic . ''
More than 36,700 people in the UK have died after testing positive for the coronavirus , out of more than 260,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of 14.1 % is one of the highest in the world - behind only Belgium , France and Italy .

Around 90 attacks targeting the UK's telecommunications infrastructure have been reported during the coronavirus lockdown.
The incidents, which surged over the Easter weekend, are believed to be motivated by conspiracy theories linking COVID-19 to the deployment of 5G masts.
Derbyshire Police has called for witnesses to come forward over the most recent suspected arson attack, which targeted a mobile mast near Breadsall Hilltop at 2am on Sunday.
"We believe the fire was started deliberately and we are investigating," the force stated.
There have now been around 90 similar arson and sabotage attacks since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, according to MobileUK, the trade association for mobile network operators (MNOs).
It told Sky News that this number does not include incidents which took place over the current bank holiday weekend.
Representatives from the MNOs said there have been hundreds of incidents of violent and intimidating behaviour towards their staff and subcontractors.
A range of conspiracy theories about mobile communications appear to be encouraging these attacks, including a scientifically impossible theory that the antennas are actually causing the symptoms of COVID-19.
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Another false theory suggests the pandemic is a hoax fabricated to give either the government - or various forms of secret powers controlling the government - greater control of the population using mobile phone technology.
Image: Sky News found groups on Facebook celebrating criminal damage to mobile phone masts
Sky News found groups on Facebook calling for the harassment of 5G engineers, celebrating criminal damage to mobile phone masts, and sharing information on how to cause that damage.
Although that group was taken down following Sky News' report, many groups remain on the website denouncing what they falsely claim is a fake virus and equating social distancing measures with tyranny.
A spokesperson for MobileUK previously told Sky News: "Theories being spread about 5G are baseless and are not grounded in credible scientific theory.
Image: Messages appeared on Facebook encouraging people to set fire to 5G masts
"Mobile operators are dedicated to keeping the UK connected, and careless talk could cause untold damage.
"Continuing attacks on mobile infrastructure risks lives and at this challenging time the UK's critical sectors must be able to focus all their efforts fighting this pandemic."
More than 36,700 people in the UK have died after testing positive for the coronavirus, out of more than 260,000 confirmed cases.
The UK's fatality rate of 14.1% is one of the highest in the world - behind only Belgium, France and Italy.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Blow for Brazil's Bolsonaro as US imposes new travel ban

The US is restricting travel from Brazil after the South American nation became the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world .
The restrictions are a blow to Brazil 's right-wing president , Jair Bolsonaro , who like Donald Trump has promoted unproven medicines and resisted calls for greater social distancing measures .
The US Embassy in Brasilia said the new restrictions will come into force on 28 May .
Under the restrictions , most non-American citizens will be prohibited from travelling to the US if they have been in Brazil in the last two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are close relatives of US citizens and flight crew members are among a select few who would be exempt .
The embassy said : `` The US maintains a strong partnership with Brazil and we work closely to mitigate the socioeconomic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Brazil . ''
Brazil 's foreign ministry said the decision should be seen in the context of `` important bilateral collaboration '' to fight the coronavirus outbreak , and highlighted the fact that the US had donated $ 6.5m and promised 1,000 respirators .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of his administration have played down the move .
Kayleigh McEnany , the White House 's press secretary , said the new restrictions would help ensure foreign nationals do not bring additional infections to the US , but would not impact the flow of commerce between the two countries .
National security adviser Robert O'Brien told CBS ' Face the Nation : `` We hope that 'll be temporary , but because of the situation in Brazil , we 're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It comes as the row over Mr Trump 's support for an anti-malarial drug with unproven ability to treat COVID-19 continues .
An adviser to Brazil 's president , Filipe Martins , wrote that Mr Trump had `` opened a direct line for the exchange of information about the protocol for using hydroxychloroquine and other treatments for the virus '' .
The US Food and Drug Administration warned last month about using the drug to treat coronavirus , citing `` reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who use the medicine .
Mr Bolsonaro has been insisting the drug has potential and defying of state isolation orders .
It has led to two health ministers quitting in a month , both of whom were trained doctors .
The acting head of the health ministry , an army general , issued advice this week that use of hydroxychloroquine in coronavirus cases should be expanded .
The official tally of confirmed cases in Brazil on Sunday rose by 15,813 to 363,211 .
The US is still the country with the most at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have officially died in Brazil so far , and Sky News reported last month about hundreds of people being buried in graves outside the city of Manaus .

The US is restricting travel from Brazil after the South American nation became the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world.
The restrictions are a blow to Brazil's right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, who like Donald Trump has promoted unproven medicines and resisted calls for greater social distancing measures.
The US Embassy in Brasilia said the new restrictions will come into force on 28 May.
Image: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is leader of a country that now has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world
Under the restrictions, most non-American citizens will be prohibited from travelling to the US if they have been in Brazil in the last two weeks.
Those holding green cards, those who are close relatives of US citizens and flight crew members are among a select few who would be exempt.
The embassy said: "The US maintains a strong partnership with Brazil and we work closely to mitigate the socioeconomic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Brazil."
Brazil's foreign ministry said the decision should be seen in the context of "important bilateral collaboration" to fight the coronavirus outbreak, and highlighted the fact that the US had donated $6.5m and promised 1,000 respirators.
Mr Trump hasn't commented personally, but members of his administration have played down the move.
Kayleigh McEnany, the White House's press secretary, said the new restrictions would help ensure foreign nationals do not bring additional infections to the US, but would not impact the flow of commerce between the two countries.
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National security adviser Robert O'Brien told CBS' Face the Nation: "We hope that'll be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, we're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It comes as the row over Mr Trump's support for an anti-malarial drug with unproven ability to treat COVID-19 continues.
An adviser to Brazil's president, Filipe Martins, wrote that Mr Trump had "opened a direct line for the exchange of information about the protocol for using hydroxychloroquine and other treatments for the virus".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 'The worst is yet to come' in Brazil
The US Food and Drug Administration warned last month about using the drug to treat coronavirus, citing "reports of serious heart rhythm problems" in patients who use the medicine.
Mr Bolsonaro has been insisting the drug has potential and defying of state isolation orders.
It has led to two health ministers quitting in a month, both of whom were trained doctors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:17 Grave diggers in Brazil struggle to keep up
The acting head of the health ministry, an army general, issued advice this week that use of hydroxychloroquine in coronavirus cases should be expanded.
The official tally of confirmed cases in Brazil on Sunday rose by 15,813 to 363,211. The US is still the country with the most at 1.6 million.
More than 22,000 people have officially died in Brazil so far, and Sky News reported last month about hundreds of people being buried in graves outside the city of Manaus.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus couldn't have come at a worse time for Japan's yakuza gangs

Yakuza gangs are carrying out coronavirus-related fraud and have increased the price of street drugs as they struggle to make money during the pandemic , experts on Japanese organised crime have told Sky News .
COVID-19 has affected the operations of the centuries-old criminal network at a time when it was already fighting for its survival .
The yakuza , a collection of separate gangs much like the Italian-American mafia , has reportedly carried out humanitarian work during the crisis in an effort to improve its public image .
Japan 's government has not imposed a nationwide lockdown but large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , have opted to stay indoors .
Members of the organised crime syndicate make their money through `` shinogi '' - a Japanese term which roughly translates as `` hustle '' - and includes illegal activities such as drug-dealing , prostitution , blackmail and protection rackets .
Jake Adelstein , a Tokyo-based investigative reporter who has been covering the yakuza for more than 25 years , told Sky News that younger members are having to find new ways to make enough money to pay up to their bosses each month .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else , have decided to stay home .
`` This means they ca n't collect their usual protection money from clubs , bars and dens of ill repute .
`` One of the things they have been doing is selling high volumes of masks at high prices to small retail businesses .
`` But it has n't been very profitable for the gangs . ''
Mr Adelstein , who faced death threats from a yakuza boss while working as a crime reporter in Tokyo , believes the gangs are set to target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to apply for 100,000 yen ( £757.20 ) to help them through the pandemic .
He continued : `` Companies are appearing online that say 'we will handle the complicated processing of these forms and compensate them for you if you just give us your personal information and bank account number ' .
`` And of course they 'll just drain your account and not do anything for you . ''
Mr Adelstein said yakuza bosses are even considering whether to `` suspend dues '' from young members struggling to generate an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gangs operate like franchises , where those lower down pay money up to more senior figures .
`` The leaders have been considering not asking the younger members to cough up money each month , but this has n't been decided yet . ''
Yakuza expert and author Tomohiko Suzuki told Sky News the gang members who have profited most during the coronavirus pandemic are drug dealers .
He said : `` The public has been following the call for people to stay at home .
The price of marijuana and stimulants have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then .
`` Drugs are ordered over the phone and delivered by car .
`` Illegal brothels have always been illegal brothels .
The gangs are still running those but no customers are coming . ''
Mr Adelstein said it is likely the yakuza will attempt to start loan sharking , where money is lent with unreasonably high rates of interest , but added most business owners will take advantage of a borrowing programme set up by the government instead .
The yakuza expert said many of the syndicate 's senior members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and cowering '' due to fears of catching the virus , which is more likely to be fatal in older patients or those with underlying health problems .
He added that some have been contacting each other using fax machines because the yakuza are `` actually very behind with technology '' .
Mr Adelstein continued : `` While they 'll hire people to do corporate fraud and can work with virtual currency , the people at the top are very old school . ''
He added that many of the members are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` felled by a tiny virus '' would be seen as a sign of weakness in the `` macho world of the yakuza '' .
Two of the network 's biggest gangs , the Yamaguchi-gumi and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi , have been engaged in a turf war in recent years .
Hospitals may therefore refuse to take in patients with the yakuza 's trademark garish tattoos for fear of being at the centre of an attack .
This has made gangsters even more keen to avoid catching the virus .
With yakuza gangs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some members have reportedly offered to help those affected by the coronavirus crisis in an effort to win public support .
One gang offered to send its members to clean the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship which was docked at Yokohama in February , the Japanese news site News Post Seven reports .
The country 's government is said to have refused the offer .
Gang members also distributed masks to kindergartens and pharmacies for free when they started disappearing from supermarket shelves , according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first on the ground and sent in truckloads of relief including food , water and blankets , after northeastern Japan was hit by the Tohuku earthquake and tsunami in 2011 .
Sky News contacted the yakuza through its official website to ask what humanitarian work it had carried but during the outbreak , but the organised crime syndicate did not respond .
Mr Adelstein said the yakuza , which started in the 17th century , is now in `` the worst position it has ever been in '' as the government brings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the amount of material the yakuza has to blackmail politicians is `` not what it used to be '' .
Mr Adelstein said in a few years he will be `` more of a historian '' than a yakuza expert .
There are 22 major gangs in the syndicate at the moment , but overall membership is now below 10,000 .
This is down from around 80,000 in 2010 .

Yakuza gangs are carrying out coronavirus-related fraud and have increased the price of street drugs as they struggle to make money during the pandemic, experts on Japanese organised crime have told Sky News.
COVID-19 has affected the operations of the centuries-old criminal network at a time when it was already fighting for its survival.
The yakuza, a collection of separate gangs much like the Italian-American mafia, has reportedly carried out humanitarian work during the crisis in an effort to improve its public image.
Image: Yakuza members carry out illegal activities in the Japanese capital Tokyo
Japan's government has not imposed a nationwide lockdown but large numbers of the population, including yakuza members, have opted to stay indoors.
Members of the organised crime syndicate make their money through "shinogi" - a Japanese term which roughly translates as "hustle" - and includes illegal activities such as drug-dealing, prostitution, blackmail and protection rackets.
Jake Adelstein, a Tokyo-based investigative reporter who has been covering the yakuza for more than 25 years, told Sky News that younger members are having to find new ways to make enough money to pay up to their bosses each month.
He said: "Yakuza members, like everyone else, have decided to stay home.
"This means they can't collect their usual protection money from clubs, bars and dens of ill repute.
"One of the things they have been doing is selling high volumes of masks at high prices to small retail businesses.
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"But it hasn't been very profitable for the gangs."
Mr Adelstein, who faced death threats from a yakuza boss while working as a crime reporter in Tokyo, believes the gangs are set to target members of the public, who are able to apply for 100,000 yen (£757.20) to help them through the pandemic.
He continued: "Companies are appearing online that say 'we will handle the complicated processing of these forms and compensate them for you if you just give us your personal information and bank account number'.
"And of course they'll just drain your account and not do anything for you."
Mr Adelstein said yakuza bosses are even considering whether to "suspend dues" from young members struggling to generate an income.
He said: "The gangs operate like franchises, where those lower down pay money up to more senior figures.
"The leaders have been considering not asking the younger members to cough up money each month, but this hasn't been decided yet."
Image: Yakuza boss Kenichi Shinoda, the head of the Yamaguchi-gumi gang, is seen after being released from prison in 2011
Yakuza expert and author Tomohiko Suzuki told Sky News the gang members who have profited most during the coronavirus pandemic are drug dealers.
He said: "The public has been following the call for people to stay at home. The price of marijuana and stimulants have risen to nearly double in some areas since then.
"Drugs are ordered over the phone and delivered by car.
"Illegal brothels have always been illegal brothels. The gangs are still running those but no customers are coming."
Mr Adelstein said it is likely the yakuza will attempt to start loan sharking, where money is lent with unreasonably high rates of interest, but added most business owners will take advantage of a borrowing programme set up by the government instead.
The yakuza expert said many of the syndicate's senior members are elderly and have been "staying home and cowering" due to fears of catching the virus, which is more likely to be fatal in older patients or those with underlying health problems.
He added that some have been contacting each other using fax machines because the yakuza are "actually very behind with technology".
Mr Adelstein continued: "While they'll hire people to do corporate fraud and can work with virtual currency, the people at the top are very old school."
He added that many of the members are scared of getting the disease because being "felled by a tiny virus" would be seen as a sign of weakness in the "macho world of the yakuza".
Image: Heavily tattooed Takahashi-gumi gang members are seen at a festival in Tokyo in 2012
Two of the network's biggest gangs, the Yamaguchi-gumi and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, have been engaged in a turf war in recent years.
Hospitals may therefore refuse to take in patients with the yakuza's trademark garish tattoos for fear of being at the centre of an attack.
This has made gangsters even more keen to avoid catching the virus.
With yakuza gangs having faced a government and police crackdown, some members have reportedly offered to help those affected by the coronavirus crisis in an effort to win public support.
Image: Yamaguchi-gumi members are seen gathering for the funeral of their boss in Kobe, western Japan, in 2002
One gang offered to send its members to clean the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship which was docked at Yokohama in February, the Japanese news site News Post Seven reports.
The country's government is said to have refused the offer.
Gang members also distributed masks to kindergartens and pharmacies for free when they started disappearing from supermarket shelves, according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Project.
Yakuza members were some of the first on the ground and sent in truckloads of relief including food, water and blankets, after northeastern Japan was hit by the Tohuku earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Sky News contacted the yakuza through its official website to ask what humanitarian work it had carried but during the outbreak, but the organised crime syndicate did not respond.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 February: Cruise ship 'was like prison'
Mr Adelstein said the yakuza, which started in the 17th century, is now in "the worst position it has ever been in" as the government brings in laws to limit its activities.
He added that the amount of material the yakuza has to blackmail politicians is "not what it used to be".
Mr Adelstein said in a few years he will be "more of a historian" than a yakuza expert.
There are 22 major gangs in the syndicate at the moment, but overall membership is now below 10,000.
This is down from around 80,000 in 2010.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: The robots trying to protect shoppers from COVID-19 in Thailand

Tapping his little metal feet on the spotless shining shopping centre floor , K9 the robot is ready for work .
Designed to look like a boxy , black machine dog , previously he had been used to provide entertainment at music concerts .
Now his job is far more serious .
He is one of a team of robots being used by a Thai high-end mall to help keep shoppers safe from COVID-19 .
After being closed for almost two months , shopping centres in Bangkok began to reopen last weekend as the country continued to slowly ease its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , daily confirmed coronavirus cases have mostly been in single figures , with a total of 56 deaths since the outbreak began .
Wary of a second wave , retail bosses have been instructed to ensure shopping can be safe and malls do not find themselves at the heart of a new cluster - cue the robots !
At Bangkok 's Central World , K9 patrols the ground floor with hand sanitiser strapped to his back , ready to dispense it to any passing shopper .
He is joined by LISA ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleek white machine of around 5ft ( 1.5m ) tall .
The majority of her front is filled with a huge screen with blinking eyes and a smile .
It is her role to travel around the mall helping to direct people to the nearest bathroom and to remind them to wear their mandatory face masks .
ROC ( Robot For Care ) uses a thermal scanner to take people 's temperatures .
Anyone with a reading higher than 37.5C ( 95F ) is advised to see a medic .
Finishing the pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a human face who displays public health messages on a small screen on his chest .
Before the coronavirus outbreak , Central World welcomed more than 100,000 visitors a day - since the reopening this week , that number has dropped by 90 % .
To reassure people that it is safe , every visitor has their temperature taken when they arrive , they also have to sign into the mall using an app which will contact them if there is an outbreak .
The process is repeated at individual stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they enter and leave .
Some also provide thin single-use face veils to people trying on clothes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Messages to remind everyone to social distance are posted at regular intervals , with stickers on the floors , and in front of some shops helping customers to stand two metres apart .
Not every mall in the country will have a pack of robots , but the social distancing , hand sanitiser and temperature checking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay .
As the shop assailant commented : `` Welcome to the new normal . ''

Tapping his little metal feet on the spotless shining shopping centre floor, K9 the robot is ready for work.
Designed to look like a boxy, black machine dog, previously he had been used to provide entertainment at music concerts.
Now his job is far more serious.
Image: K9 has been designed to look like a boxy, black machine dog
Image: Before COVID-19, Central World welcomed more than 100,000 visitors a day
He is one of a team of robots being used by a Thai high-end mall to help keep shoppers safe from COVID-19.
After being closed for almost two months, shopping centres in Bangkok began to reopen last weekend as the country continued to slowly ease its lockdown measures.
For the past two weeks, daily confirmed coronavirus cases have mostly been in single figures, with a total of 56 deaths since the outbreak began.
Wary of a second wave, retail bosses have been instructed to ensure shopping can be safe and malls do not find themselves at the heart of a new cluster - cue the robots!
Image: Shopping malls have reopened in Thailand with new safety measures
At Bangkok's Central World, K9 patrols the ground floor with hand sanitiser strapped to his back, ready to dispense it to any passing shopper.
He is joined by LISA (Live Intelligent Service Assistant), a sleek white machine of around 5ft (1.5m) tall.
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The majority of her front is filled with a huge screen with blinking eyes and a smile.
Image: LISA (Live Intelligent Service Assistant) has a huge screen with blinking eyes and a smile
It is her role to travel around the mall helping to direct people to the nearest bathroom and to remind them to wear their mandatory face masks.
ROC (Robot For Care) uses a thermal scanner to take people's temperatures.
Anyone with a reading higher than 37.5C (95F) is advised to see a medic.
Finishing the pack is Pepper, a little white robot with a human face who displays public health messages on a small screen on his chest.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Central World welcomed more than 100,000 visitors a day - since the reopening this week, that number has dropped by 90%.
Image: K9 patrols the ground floor with hand sanitiser strapped to his back
To reassure people that it is safe, every visitor has their temperature taken when they arrive, they also have to sign into the mall using an app which will contact them if there is an outbreak.
The process is repeated at individual stores, with shoppers having to scan QR codes as they enter and leave.
Some also provide thin single-use face veils to people trying on clothes.
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
Messages to remind everyone to social distance are posted at regular intervals, with stickers on the floors, and in front of some shops helping customers to stand two metres apart.
Not every mall in the country will have a pack of robots, but the social distancing, hand sanitiser and temperature checking, now come as standard and are expected to stay.
As the shop assailant commented: "Welcome to the new normal."


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Ireland records no new COVID-19 deaths as Varadkar hails 'day of hope'

Ireland has recorded no COVID-19 deaths for the first time since March .
The country 's leader , Leo Varadkar , said it was a `` day of hope '' as only 59 new coronavirus cases were detected and the death toll remained at 1,606 .
`` First day with no reported # CoVid19 deaths since March 21st .
This is a day of hope .
We will prevail . ''
Dr Tony Holohan , Ireland 's chief medical officer , said figures over the past week indicated `` we have suppressed COVID-19 as a country '' .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve this .
`` It will take another week to see any effect on disease incidence that might arise from the easing of measures in Phase 1 . ''
Workers such as hairdressers and restaurant owners have urged the two-metre rule be halved so they can reopen quicker .
Dr Holohan said he sympathised and the rules were always under review , but that for now the distancing guidelines would not change .
Ireland 's first stage in easing lockdown started last week .
Measures included reopening businesses such as garden centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops and some construction firms .
Outdoor meetings were also permitted again between people from different households .
The second of five phases , starting 8 June , will allow visits to households and see the reopening of libraries and small shops which can properly social distance .
The final phase is set to begin on 10 August .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Holohan said small clusters of cases could occur as restrictions are eased but that the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the things that 's going to happen as we ease restrictions and increase the amount of economic activity ... we are going to see more clusters of this , '' he said .
`` This is a highly transmissible virus .
The fact that more cases might occur is n't necessarily a sign that we have n't succeeded in terms of applying our measures .
`` I think we 'd be much better position to deal with that than we might have been in February had that occurred in that way . ''

Ireland has recorded no COVID-19 deaths for the first time since March.
The country's leader, Leo Varadkar, said it was a "day of hope" as only 59 new coronavirus cases were detected and the death toll remained at 1,606.
"Significant milestone today," he tweeted.
Image: Leo Varadkar said it was a 'significant milestone'
"First day with no reported #CoVid19 deaths since March 21st. This is a day of hope. We will prevail."
Dr Tony Holohan, Ireland's chief medical officer, said figures over the past week indicated "we have suppressed COVID-19 as a country".
He added: "It has taken strict measures to achieve this.
"It will take another week to see any effect on disease incidence that might arise from the easing of measures in Phase 1."
Workers such as hairdressers and restaurant owners have urged the two-metre rule be halved so they can reopen quicker.
Dr Holohan said he sympathised and the rules were always under review, but that for now the distancing guidelines would not change.
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Ireland's first stage in easing lockdown started last week.
Image: Many construction workers in Ireland went back to work last week
Measures included reopening businesses such as garden centres, hardware stores, opticians, phone shops and some construction firms.
Outdoor meetings were also permitted again between people from different households.
The second of five phases, starting 8 June, will allow visits to households and see the reopening of libraries and small shops which can properly social distance.
The final phase is set to begin on 10 August.
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Dr Holohan said small clusters of cases could occur as restrictions are eased but that the country would be prepared.
"One of the things that's going to happen as we ease restrictions and increase the amount of economic activity ... we are going to see more clusters of this," he said.
"This is a highly transmissible virus. The fact that more cases might occur isn't necessarily a sign that we haven't succeeded in terms of applying our measures.
"I think we'd be much better position to deal with that than we might have been in February had that occurred in that way."


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Austrian president 'sorry' for breaching his government's lockdown rules

Austria 's president has apologised for breaking his government 's own coronavirus lockdown rules by staying out at a restaurant long after its mandatory closing time .
Alexander Van der Bellen has offered to pay any fine issued to the restaurant owner after police discovered him at the venue in the capital Vienna almost an hour and a half after it should have shut .
Mr Van der Bellen wrote on Twitter ( translated ) : `` I went out to eat for the first time since the lockdown with two friends and my wife .
We then chatted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am truly sorry .
It was a mistake . ''
According to the Kronen Zeitung newspaper , Mr Van der Bellen and his wife were found with drinks on their table in the garden of the Italian restaurant at 18 minutes past midnight on Sunday morning .
Under Austria 's coronavirus restrictions , which were eased earlier this month , restaurants are only allowed to let customers on the premises between 6am and 11pm .
Any individual who is found to be in breach of the law can be fined up to €3,600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fined up to €30,000 ( £26,800 ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There was some debate among legal experts on Monday about whether he had actually broken the law , as he did not step on to the premises after the 11pm curfew started , but rather remained where he was after it had begun .
Austrian newspapers have suggested it is theoretically allowed for customers to remain in a restaurant after the curfew begins , so long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen and bar are locked , and no food and drink is served .
The Vienna city administration said on Monday that police were aware of all the relevant facts and a decision over whether to take action would follow after the responsible district offices had examined the details .
In order for Mr Van der Bellen to be sanctioned , any action against him would need to be approved by the Federal Assembly , according to Kronen Zeitung .
While Austria was quick to enforce a lockdown to combat COVID-19 , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries to begin loosening restrictions .
Gatherings of up to 10 people have been allowed since the start of May , while public parks , small shops and garden centres have been open since late April .
There have been just over 16,500 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Austria and 641 deaths , according official worldwide figures being tracked by Johns Hopkins University .

Austria's president has apologised for breaking his government's own coronavirus lockdown rules by staying out at a restaurant long after its mandatory closing time.
Alexander Van der Bellen has offered to pay any fine issued to the restaurant owner after police discovered him at the venue in the capital Vienna almost an hour and a half after it should have shut.
Mr Van der Bellen wrote on Twitter (translated): "I went out to eat for the first time since the lockdown with two friends and my wife. We then chatted and unfortunately missed the time.
"I am truly sorry. It was a mistake."
Image: Mr Van der Bellen with his wife, who he was out for dinner with alongside two friends
According to the Kronen Zeitung newspaper, Mr Van der Bellen and his wife were found with drinks on their table in the garden of the Italian restaurant at 18 minutes past midnight on Sunday morning.
Under Austria's coronavirus restrictions, which were eased earlier this month, restaurants are only allowed to let customers on the premises between 6am and 11pm.
Any individual who is found to be in breach of the law can be fined up to €3,600 (£3,200), while restaurateurs can be fined up to €30,000 (£26,800).
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There was some debate among legal experts on Monday about whether he had actually broken the law, as he did not step on to the premises after the 11pm curfew started, but rather remained where he was after it had begun.
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Austrian newspapers have suggested it is theoretically allowed for customers to remain in a restaurant after the curfew begins, so long as the venue is clearly closed, the kitchen and bar are locked, and no food and drink is served.
The Vienna city administration said on Monday that police were aware of all the relevant facts and a decision over whether to take action would follow after the responsible district offices had examined the details.
In order for Mr Van der Bellen to be sanctioned, any action against him would need to be approved by the Federal Assembly, according to Kronen Zeitung.
While Austria was quick to enforce a lockdown to combat COVID-19, it has also been among the first European countries to begin loosening restrictions.
Gatherings of up to 10 people have been allowed since the start of May, while public parks, small shops and garden centres have been open since late April.
There have been just over 16,500 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Austria and 641 deaths, according official worldwide figures being tracked by Johns Hopkins University.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: JK Rowling offers year's pay to Civil Service's 'truth twisters' tweeter

JK Rowling has offered to pay a year 's salary to the person responsible for a tweet from the Civil Service 's official account that appeared to accuse Boris Johnson of being an `` arrogant , offensive truth twister '' .
The tweet , which was retweeted more around 32,000 times before it was deleted , was posted shortly after the prime minister used his Downing Street press conference on Sunday to defend his chief adviser Dominic Cummings .
Mr Johnson took to the podium inside Number 10 to back Mr Cummings over several reported breaches of the nationwide coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also since sought to explain during an unprecedented press conference of his own on Bank Holiday Monday .
The post from the Civil Service account , which was up for about 12 minutes , said : `` Arrogant and offensive .
Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters ? ''
The Cabinet Office has said efforts were being made to find out who had posted the rogue message , which echoed anger displayed by many online over Mr Cummings ' trips between Durham and London .
Quoting the Cabinet Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When you find out who it was , let us know .
I want to give them a year 's salary . ''
The Harry Potter novelist , who has more than 14 million followers on Twitter , had vented her own frustration at the performance of the prime minister at his briefing on Sunday .
She said : `` I ca n't remember a clearer demonstration of contempt for the people from a sitting Prime Minister .
`` Johnson might as well have shambled into shot , given us all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She also said : `` Watching Johnson .
This is despicable .
Parents all over this country have abided by the lockdown rules , even while ill themselves .
`` Hundreds of thousands managed toddlers while shut up inside cramped accommodation , purely for the common good AS THE GOVERNMENT TOLD THEM TO DO . ''
Rowling also took aim at Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who had joined other senior ministers in tweeting their support of Mr Cummings .
The Vote Leave campaign strategist , who was appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister last year , argues that he was in `` exceptional circumstances '' for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated by their COVID-19 symptoms at the time of his alleged lockdown breaches .
Mr Sunak and Mr Raab said his actions were `` justifiable '' and said critics were `` seeking to politicise '' the issue .
In an earlier tweet , Ms Rowling said : `` This 'you can bend the rules if you have particular childcare issues ' defence : in Cummings ' case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his own kid .
`` Single parents have been on lockdown for weeks .
Nurses have isolated from their own families to protect them . ''
Despite calls for him to be sacked or resign , Mr Cummings appears set to stay in his post .
Regarding the Civil Service account 's `` truth twisters '' tweet , the Cabinet Office has said : `` An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening .
`` The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter . ''

JK Rowling has offered to pay a year's salary to the person responsible for a tweet from the Civil Service's official account that appeared to accuse Boris Johnson of being an "arrogant, offensive truth twister".
The tweet, which was retweeted more around 32,000 times before it was deleted, was posted shortly after the prime minister used his Downing Street press conference on Sunday to defend his chief adviser Dominic Cummings.
Mr Johnson took to the podium inside Number 10 to back Mr Cummings over several reported breaches of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, which his top aide has also since sought to explain during an unprecedented press conference of his own on Bank Holiday Monday.
The post from the Civil Service account, which was up for about 12 minutes, said: "Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?"
Image: The message which was posted on the Civil Service's official Twitter account
The Cabinet Office has said efforts were being made to find out who had posted the rogue message, which echoed anger displayed by many online over Mr Cummings' trips between Durham and London.
Quoting the Cabinet Office's response, author Rowling tweeted : "When you find out who it was, let us know. I want to give them a year's salary."
The Harry Potter novelist, who has more than 14 million followers on Twitter, had vented her own frustration at the performance of the prime minister at his briefing on Sunday.
She said: "I can't remember a clearer demonstration of contempt for the people from a sitting Prime Minister.
"Johnson might as well have shambled into shot, given us all the finger and walked off again."
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She also said: "Watching Johnson. This is despicable. Parents all over this country have abided by the lockdown rules, even while ill themselves.
"Hundreds of thousands managed toddlers while shut up inside cramped accommodation, purely for the common good AS THE GOVERNMENT TOLD THEM TO DO."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Rowling also took aim at Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who had joined other senior ministers in tweeting their support of Mr Cummings.
The Vote Leave campaign strategist, who was appointed by Mr Johnson when he became prime minister last year, argues that he was in "exceptional circumstances" for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated by their COVID-19 symptoms at the time of his alleged lockdown breaches.
Mr Sunak and Mr Raab said his actions were "justifiable" and said critics were "seeking to politicise" the issue.
In an earlier tweet, Ms Rowling said: "This 'you can bend the rules if you have particular childcare issues' defence: in Cummings' case, that was preferring not to look after his own kid.
"Single parents have been on lockdown for weeks. Nurses have isolated from their own families to protect them."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Despite calls for him to be sacked or resign, Mr Cummings appears set to stay in his post.
Regarding the Civil Service account's "truth twisters" tweet, the Cabinet Office has said: "An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening.
"The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter."


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings to make rare statement as resignation calls gr

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings to make rare statement as resignation calls grow over lockdown trip

Dominic Cummings will make a rare statement and take questions later today amid growing calls for his resignation .
The address due to be given by Boris Johnson 's most senior adviser at 4pm in the Downing Street rose garden is a virtually unprecedented move , given aides largely stay out of the limelight as ministers are responsible for their actions .
He is under fire for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham while Britons were being told to `` stay at home '' at the end of March .
Twenty Conservative MPs - as well as bishops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule and are calling for his resignation , but the prime minister has maintained that Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .
More Tory backbenchers have urged Mr Cummings to directly address unanswered questions about a witness who claimed to have spotted him visiting Barnard Castle on 12 April , a picturesque town 30 miles away from his parents ' farm where he self-isolated , and again in Durham a week later .
Confusion also remains after Durham Police said they contacted the Number 10 aide 's family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Cummings said he decamped from London when his wife developed COVID-19 symptoms in case he came down with the virus too so his family could look after the couple 's young child .
He is expected to make his statement later on Monday afternoon in the rose garden , memorable for being the setting where David Cameron and Nick Clegg announced they were forming a coalition government in 2010 .
But it will come despite the code of conduct for special advisers stating they `` must not take public part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement '' .
One insider said the guidance `` refers to what you do in a personal capacity '' and not what an adviser is asked to do by their boss .
Tory former ministers have called on Mr Cummings to quit or be sacked , with Paul Maynard saying : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up .
`` It seems to me to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Steve Baker also told Sky News on Sunday : `` We are now in a nonsense position , a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do , at least if you work in Number 10 . ''
Cabinet ministers have so far rallied round Mr Cummings , with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson telling Sky News on Monday : `` At no stage did he break the law or break the rules . ''
Labour has called for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's most senior civil servant - and the Scottish National Party has demanded the former Vote Leave boss lose his job .
Durham 's acting police and crime commissioner Steve White has also asked the force to `` establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Scientists from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours , who have been advising the government , said by backing Mr Cummings , Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to deal with the pandemic .
The Rt Revd Nick Baines , Bishop of Leeds , also tweeted : `` The question now is : do we accept being lied to , patronised and treated by a PM as mugs ? ''
And an NHS doctor has threatened to resign by the end of the week if Mr Cummings has not done so by then - and said he thinks many of his fellow NHS workers will happily do the same .

Dominic Cummings will make a rare statement and take questions later today amid growing calls for his resignation.
The address due to be given by Boris Johnson's most senior adviser at 4pm in the Downing Street rose garden is a virtually unprecedented move, given aides largely stay out of the limelight as ministers are responsible for their actions.
He is under fire for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham while Britons were being told to "stay at home" at the end of March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Twenty Conservative MPs - as well as bishops and NHS staff - claim he broke the rule and are calling for his resignation, but the prime minister has maintained that Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".
More Tory backbenchers have urged Mr Cummings to directly address unanswered questions about a witness who claimed to have spotted him visiting Barnard Castle on 12 April, a picturesque town 30 miles away from his parents' farm where he self-isolated, and again in Durham a week later.
Confusion also remains after Durham Police said they contacted the Number 10 aide's family - an account disputed by Downing Street.
Mr Cummings said he decamped from London when his wife developed COVID-19 symptoms in case he came down with the virus too so his family could look after the couple's young child.
He is expected to make his statement later on Monday afternoon in the rose garden, memorable for being the setting where David Cameron and Nick Clegg announced they were forming a coalition government in 2010.
Image: The news conference will be held in the rose garden, where the 2010 coalition was announced
But it will come despite the code of conduct for special advisers stating they "must not take public part in political controversy, through any form of statement".
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One insider said the guidance "refers to what you do in a personal capacity" and not what an adviser is asked to do by their boss.
Image: A witness says they saw the Downing Street aide in Barnard Castle
Tory former ministers have called on Mr Cummings to quit or be sacked, with Paul Maynard saying: "It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up.
"It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Tory MP and former minister: 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules'
Steve Baker also told Sky News on Sunday: "We are now in a nonsense position, a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do, at least if you work in Number 10."
Cabinet ministers have so far rallied round Mr Cummings, with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson telling Sky News on Monday: "At no stage did he break the law or break the rules."
Labour has called for an investigation by the cabinet secretary - the UK's most senior civil servant - and the Scottish National Party has demanded the former Vote Leave boss lose his job.
Durham's acting police and crime commissioner Steve White has also asked the force to "establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law".
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Scientists from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours, who have been advising the government, said by backing Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson had "trashed" their advice on how to deal with the pandemic.
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, also tweeted: "The question now is: do we accept being lied to, patronised and treated by a PM as mugs?"
And an NHS doctor has threatened to resign by the end of the week if Mr Cummings has not done so by then - and said he thinks many of his fellow NHS workers will happily do the same.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19

Clarence House confirmed that the 71-year-old heir to the throne was diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease in a statement released this morning .
The royal displayed `` mild symptoms '' on Sunday and was then tested on Monday , with the results coming through late on Tuesday night , the statement said .
Charles `` otherwise remains in good health '' and has been self-isolating in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall , who has tested negative for coronavirus .
`` The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus , '' the statement said .
`` He has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual .
`` The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus .
In accordance with government and medical advice , the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland .
`` The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing .
`` It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role during recent weeks . ''
Prince Charles ' last public event was a reception and dinner in aid of the Australian bushfire relief effort on 12 March , which took place at Mansion House in London .
Earlier that day the Prince of Wales had attended an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace , where he greeted recipients with a non-contact gesture due to concerns about the spread of the illness .
Sky News ' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said that since then Charles has a `` small number of meetings '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with have been tested .
Doctors ' most conservative estimate is that he would have been contagious since 13 March , she added .
He last met the Queen on the morning of 12 March and the 93-year-old monarch is said to be in `` good health '' and following all appropriate health and safety advice .
Following Prince Charles ' diagnosis , Buckingham Palace said : `` Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health .
`` The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly on 12 March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regard to her welfare .
We will not be commenting further . ''
On 11 March , Charles attended a Prince 's Trust event in London and greeted celebrity guests without a handshake .
Among those he was seen meeting were Ant and Dec , actor Pierce Brosnan and Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood .
On 10 March , Prince Charles hosted a WaterAid summit at Clarence House to discuss the impact of climate change on access to drinking water .
The event was also attended by Prince Albert of Monaco , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus .
His health was described as `` not worrying '' and he was being treated by doctors from the Princess Grace Hospital , named after his US actress mother .
Albert is continuing to work from his home office in the palace and is in contact with members of his government .
The announcement that Prince Charles has COVID-19 comes a week after the Queen and Prince Philip moved to Windsor Castle earlier than planned for the Easter period .
Following their arrival in Windsor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solidarity to Britons worried about the disease , saying families around the UK were entering `` a period of great concern and uncertainty '' .
`` We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and , in particular , to protect the most vulnerable within them , '' she said .
`` At times such as these , I am reminded that our nation 's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts with a focus on the common goal .
`` We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists , medical practitioners and emergency and public services ; but now more than any time in our recent past , we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days , weeks and months .
`` Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part . ''
The UK has seen 424 deaths from coronavirus so far , with more than 8,000 confirmed cases .
There were 89 deaths reported on Tuesday , which was the biggest daily nationwide increase to date .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced a lockdown to try to slow the spread the disease , with people urged not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Britons should stay indoors unless they are classed as key workers , such as the emergency services , to buy food and other vital supplies , and for exercise - but only once per day .
Some confusion remains over the measures , however , with Mr Johnson facing increasing calls to intervene and stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites during the pandemic .

Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus.
Clarence House confirmed that the 71-year-old heir to the throne was diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease in a statement released this morning.
The royal displayed "mild symptoms" on Sunday and was then tested on Monday, with the results coming through late on Tuesday night, the statement said.
Charles "otherwise remains in good health" and has been self-isolating in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall, who has tested negative for coronavirus.
Image: The Duchess of Cornwall has tested negative for the disease
"The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus," the statement said.
"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.
"The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.
"The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.
"It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks."
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Image: The Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 12 March
Prince Charles' last public event was a reception and dinner in aid of the Australian bushfire relief effort on 12 March, which took place at Mansion House in London.
Earlier that day the Prince of Wales had attended an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he greeted recipients with a non-contact gesture due to concerns about the spread of the illness.
Image: Prince Charles in London earlier this month. Pic: James Shaw/Shutterstock
Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said that since then Charles has a "small number of meetings", and that all people he has come into contact with have been tested.
Doctors' most conservative estimate is that he would have been contagious since 13 March, she added.
Image: The Queen holds her weekly audience with the prime minister by phone rather than face to face
He last met the Queen on the morning of 12 March and the 93-year-old monarch is said to be in "good health" and following all appropriate health and safety advice.
Following Prince Charles' diagnosis, Buckingham Palace said: "Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health.
"The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly on 12 March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare. We will not be commenting further."
Image: The Queen is said to be in good health and following all appropriate advice
On 11 March, Charles attended a Prince's Trust event in London and greeted celebrity guests without a handshake.
Among those he was seen meeting were Ant and Dec, actor Pierce Brosnan and Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood.
Image: Prince Charles and Ronnie Wood at Prince's Trust event earlier this month
Image: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly greet Charles
Image: Prince Charles and Pierce Brosnan
On 10 March, Prince Charles hosted a WaterAid summit at Clarence House to discuss the impact of climate change on access to drinking water.
The event was also attended by Prince Albert of Monaco, who last week became the first head of state confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus.
His health was described as "not worrying" and he was being treated by doctors from the Princess Grace Hospital, named after his US actress mother.
Albert is continuing to work from his home office in the palace and is in contact with members of his government.
Image: Charles sat across from Prince Albert at the WaterAid summit
Image: Prince Albert attended a WaterAid summit hosted by Prince Charles
The announcement that Prince Charles has COVID-19 comes a week after the Queen and Prince Philip moved to Windsor Castle earlier than planned for the Easter period.
Following their arrival in Windsor, the monarch issued a message of solidarity to Britons worried about the disease, saying families around the UK were entering "a period of great concern and uncertainty".
"We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them," she said.
"At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
"We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.
"Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part."
Image: The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself due to coronavirus
The UK has seen 424 deaths from coronavirus so far, with more than 8,000 confirmed cases.
There were 89 deaths reported on Tuesday, which was the biggest daily nationwide increase to date.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced a lockdown to try to slow the spread the disease, with people urged not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.
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Britons should stay indoors unless they are classed as key workers, such as the emergency services, to buy food and other vital supplies, and for exercise - but only once per day.
Some confusion remains over the measures, however, with Mr Johnson facing increasing calls to intervene and stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites during the pandemic.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Free COVID-19 advice rolled out on WhatsApp

A coronavirus advice campaign is being launched on WhatsApp as the government tries to battle misinformation about the pandemic .
Users will be able to sign up to receive free messages with the latest official guidance on COVID-19 from an automated chatbot and directly from Whitehall .
Symptoms of the virus , tips to prevent getting it , travel information and the latest number of cases in the UK are some of the information the public will be able to get messaged directly to their phone .
Advice on staying at home and mythbusters to counter fake or misleading guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
To receive the new updates , users need to add 07860 064422 to their phones and send a WhatsApp message to it saying `` hi '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Professor Yvonne Doyle , the medical director of Public Health England , said the service will `` help us ensure the public has a trusted source for the right information about coronavirus , updated with the latest public health guidance '' .
She added it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` not misled by any of the false information circulating '' .
Downing Street is already trying to work with tech giants to improve its communications strategy for tackling the coronavirus outbreak , which has at times been criticised as confusing .
Julian Knight , a Tory MP and head of parliament 's digital select committee , last week turned up the pressure on Downing Street over its response to disinformation about the new coronavirus .
`` We 've known since January about deliberate attempts to spread fear and falsehoods on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes , '' he wrote in a letter .
`` We support the government 's decision to tackle disinformation and misinformation about COVID-19 at this critical time but question why it has taken so long for ministers to set this up .
Earlier this week , Number 10 sent a text to every active UK phone number to encourage people to stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19 .
People are being told only to leave their home if they have to go into work , collect medicine and food , and get daily @ @

A coronavirus advice campaign is being launched on WhatsApp as the government tries to battle misinformation about the pandemic.
Users will be able to sign up to receive free messages with the latest official guidance on COVID-19 from an automated chatbot and directly from Whitehall.
Symptoms of the virus, tips to prevent getting it, travel information and the latest number of cases in the UK are some of the information the public will be able to get messaged directly to their phone.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 PM sets out when Britons can leave home
Advice on staying at home and mythbusters to counter fake or misleading guidance that has been flying around are also available.
To receive the new updates, users need to add 07860 064422 to their phones and send a WhatsApp message to it saying "hi".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Professor Yvonne Doyle, the medical director of Public Health England, said the service will "help us ensure the public has a trusted source for the right information about coronavirus, updated with the latest public health guidance".
She added it would "provide assurance" to people they are "not misled by any of the false information circulating".
Image: A text was sent from the government to every UK phone number
Downing Street is already trying to work with tech giants to improve its communications strategy for tackling the coronavirus outbreak, which has at times been criticised as confusing.
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Julian Knight, a Tory MP and head of parliament's digital select committee, last week turned up the pressure on Downing Street over its response to disinformation about the new coronavirus.
"We've known since January about deliberate attempts to spread fear and falsehoods on social media about coronavirus, with potentially serious outcomes," he wrote in a letter.
"We support the government's decision to tackle disinformation and misinformation about COVID-19 at this critical time but question why it has taken so long for ministers to set this up.
Earlier this week, Number 10 sent a text to every active UK phone number to encourage people to stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19.
People are being told only to leave their home if they have to go into work, collect medicine and food, and get daily exercise.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: How do you lock down India's 1.3 billion people?

India 's prime minister Narendra Modi has locked down the country for the next 21 days after invoking the National Disaster Management Act .
In his address to the nation , he said : `` To save India there will be a total ban on venturing outside of your homes .
`` As per the health experts , a minimum of 21 days is most crucial to break the cycle of infection .
If we do n't take care in these 21 days , then the country and your family will go back 21 years . ''
Only those involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of their homes for work .
Everyone else needs to stay indoors and only venture out to buy essentials like food , milk and medicines .
A lockdown was expected , but not for such a long duration .
After his address there was a spike in panic buying across cities .
Long lines at grocery stores and chemist shops were seen late into the night .
There were reports of police using batons to force people not to congregate at shops , and they even closed some of them .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large population ?
It has been a combination of punishment , legal threat , scaring and cajoling .
The prime minister was firm in his speech , but compassionate .
`` You must remember that a single step outside your home can bring a dangerous pandemic like corona inside , '' he said .
Some state governments have warned those violating the restrictions would be jailed for a year and their vehicles confiscated .
The chief minister of the southern state of Telangana , K.Chandrashekhar Rao , told the press : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will ask for army deployment and shoot-at-sight orders will be issued . ''
In Delhi , the national capital , there are police check posts across the metropolis .
The borders have been sealed and every arterial road has police barricades checking identity cards of people .
Those not in essential services who are caught are reprimanded - or worse - their vehicles seized .
Constable Vinod Kumar said that `` largely people have adhered to the restrictions , adding : `` We believe most whom we think have a genuine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are a few who lie and we do catch them . ''
Fears for the poor - less than 1 % GDP spent on health India comprises 36 states and union territories .
Its structure allows state governments to control their own law and order and health , among other administrative departments .
A number of states had already imposed a lockdown even before the prime minister 's announcement .
By Tuesday morning 32 states and union territories were in a complete lockdown , while the remaining had partial restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to outsiders .
A curfew pass was needed by those from other states to enter the capital .
Last week , the state of Rajasthan issued prohibitory orders that not more than four people were allowed to congregate anywhere .
On Sunday it locked and sealed the state with further stringent restrictions .
Likewise , the states of Maharashtra , Kerala , West Bengal , Tamil Nadu , Punjab , Kashmir and others had almost completely locked down .
International flights were shut last week , while domestic air travel stopped after midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Indian Railways , stopped running trains while the metro train services in cities have also closed .
The prime minister has appealed for people to stay put where ever they are and not to travel .
There 's growing alarm that the disease will spread into the poorest communities where public health sectors , starved of resources , would struggle to cope .
India spends less than then one percent of its GDP on health .
Almost 70 % of the population relies on private hospitals , clinics and doctors - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A pandemic in the country would have a detrimental effect on the prevailing health infrastructure and its doctors and nurses .
Health activists have criticised the government for not testing enough .
Just over 20,000 tests for COVID-19 have taken place .
That is about three in every million .
South Korea tests 4,000 people per million and has the capacity to test 20,000 per day .
Health experts warn that more than a million people in India could be infected with the coronavirus by mid-May .
The worst to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economically weaker sections .
With the lockdown , these millions of workers now have no where to go .
The central government has been criticised for not having planned enough for this section of society .
Some state governments are now providing free meals and shelters for the homeless .
The Delhi government has announced free meals for everyone at all its shelters .
The west Bengal government has said it will provide free food grains to approximately 75 million of its people for the next six months .
India 's economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few days have been a bloodbath on the national stock exchange with almost every sector in the red .
The uncertainty has alarmed everyone and no one really knows how long this will last .

India's prime minister Narendra Modi has locked down the country for the next 21 days after invoking the National Disaster Management Act.
In his address to the nation, he said: "To save India there will be a total ban on venturing outside of your homes.
"As per the health experts, a minimum of 21 days is most crucial to break the cycle of infection. If we don't take care in these 21 days, then the country and your family will go back 21 years."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Fifth of the world's population locked down in India
Only those involved with essential services are allowed to go out of their homes for work.
Everyone else needs to stay indoors and only venture out to buy essentials like food, milk and medicines.
A lockdown was expected, but not for such a long duration.
After his address there was a spike in panic buying across cities. Long lines at grocery stores and chemist shops were seen late into the night.
There were reports of police using batons to force people not to congregate at shops, and they even closed some of them.
How will the lockdown work for such a large population?
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It has been a combination of punishment, legal threat, scaring and cajoling.
The prime minister was firm in his speech, but compassionate.
"You must remember that a single step outside your home can bring a dangerous pandemic like corona inside," he said.
Some state governments have warned those violating the restrictions would be jailed for a year and their vehicles confiscated.
The chief minister of the southern state of Telangana, K.Chandrashekhar Rao, told the press: "If people will not listen to the police, I will ask for army deployment and shoot-at-sight orders will be issued."
In Delhi, the national capital, there are police check posts across the metropolis.
The borders have been sealed and every arterial road has police barricades checking identity cards of people.
Those not in essential services who are caught are reprimanded - or worse - their vehicles seized.
Constable Vinod Kumar said that "largely people have adhered to the restrictions, adding: "We believe most whom we think have a genuine problem to be out on the streets, there are a few who lie and we do catch them."
Fears for the poor - less than 1% GDP spent on health
India comprises 36 states and union territories. Its structure allows state governments to control their own law and order and health, among other administrative departments.
A number of states had already imposed a lockdown even before the prime minister's announcement.
By Tuesday morning 32 states and union territories were in a complete lockdown, while the remaining had partial restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Kerala police in hand-washing dance
On Monday, Delhi sealed its borders to outsiders. A curfew pass was needed by those from other states to enter the capital.
Last week, the state of Rajasthan issued prohibitory orders that not more than four people were allowed to congregate anywhere. On Sunday it locked and sealed the state with further stringent restrictions.
Likewise, the states of Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kashmir and others had almost completely locked down.
International flights were shut last week, while domestic air travel stopped after midnight yesterday.
The country's largest transporter, the Indian Railways, stopped running trains while the metro train services in cities have also closed.
Interstate bus travel has also ended.
The prime minister has appealed for people to stay put where ever they are and not to travel.
Image: Daily wage workers and homeless people wait for food outside a shelter in Delhi
There's growing alarm that the disease will spread into the poorest communities where public health sectors, starved of resources, would struggle to cope.
India spends less than then one percent of its GDP on health.
Almost 70% of the population relies on private hospitals, clinics and doctors - which is a drain on the poor.
Successive governments have vastly ignored health.
A pandemic in the country would have a detrimental effect on the prevailing health infrastructure and its doctors and nurses.
Health activists have criticised the government for not testing enough. Just over 20,000 tests for COVID-19 have taken place. That is about three in every million.
South Korea tests 4,000 people per million and has the capacity to test 20,000 per day.
Health experts warn that more than a million people in India could be infected with the coronavirus by mid-May.
The worst to have been affected are poor, daily wage earners and economically weaker sections.
With the lockdown, these millions of workers now have no where to go. The central government has been criticised for not having planned enough for this section of society.
Some state governments are now providing free meals and shelters for the homeless.
Image: A man feeds monkeys in Ode village, near Ahmedabad
The Delhi government has announced free meals for everyone at all its shelters.
The west Bengal government has said it will provide free food grains to approximately 75 million of its people for the next six months.
India's economy was slowing even before the pandemic and the last few days have been a bloodbath on the national stock exchange with almost every sector in the red.
The uncertainty has alarmed everyone and no one really knows how long this will last.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: First youth dies after contracting COVID-19 in US

A Los Angeles resident is believed to be the first youth under the age of 18 to die after testing positive for coronavirus in the US .
No other details were given about the youngster 's age or if they had any underlying conditions , but they were from the Lancaster area , according to LA Public Health .
They are among 11 deaths reported in Los Angeles County in total , and more than 660 deaths across the US .
`` Each loss we experience in LA County is tragic , and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to endure this tragedy , '' said LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer .
`` COVID-19 does not discriminate by age , race or income level , and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here . ''
Children are believed to be less at risk from COVID-19 than other age groups , although some health conditions can make patients more susceptible to becoming seriously ill. During a White House press briefing on Monday , coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data that has been provided to us , there has been no child under 15 that has succumbed to the virus in Europe .
`` There was the one 14-year-old in China .
So we still see that there is less severity in children , and so that should be reassuring to the mums and dads out there . ''
Studies published previously say a 10-month-old baby and a 14-year-old boy died after contracting COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intussusception , which is when the bowel walls press on one another , blocking the bowel .
The 10-month-old experienced multiple organ failure and died four weeks after being admitted to a hospital in Wuhan , China , according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week .
The vast majority of people in Britain who have died after contracting COVID-19 have been over 60 .
An 18-year-old is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have died from the virus .
The US child 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is hoping the States would be reopened by Easter .
`` I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter , '' Mr Trump told a Fox News virtual town hall .
The president said he was already looking at easing guidance which has left schools shut , residents on lockdown and shops closed .
On Monday , the US saw its biggest jump yet in the death toll from the virus , with numbers growing by more than 100 .

A Los Angeles resident is believed to be the first youth under the age of 18 to die after testing positive for coronavirus in the US.
No other details were given about the youngster's age or if they had any underlying conditions, but they were from the Lancaster area, according to LA Public Health.
They are among 11 deaths reported in Los Angeles County in total, and more than 660 deaths across the US.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'This week, it's going to get bad' - US health chief
"Each loss we experience in LA County is tragic, and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who've had to endure this tragedy," said LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer.
"COVID-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level, and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'Wise up!' Victim's daughter tells people to stick to rules
Children are believed to be less at risk from COVID-19 than other age groups, although some health conditions can make patients more susceptible to becoming seriously ill.
During a White House press briefing on Monday, coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah Birx said: "In the mortality data that has been provided to us, there has been no child under 15 that has succumbed to the virus in Europe.
"There was the one 14-year-old in China. So we still see that there is less severity in children, and so that should be reassuring to the mums and dads out there."
Studies published previously say a 10-month-old baby and a 14-year-old boy died after contracting COVID-19.
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The baby had a pre-existing condition called intussusception, which is when the bowel walls press on one another, blocking the bowel.
The 10-month-old experienced multiple organ failure and died four weeks after being admitted to a hospital in Wuhan, China, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week.
The vast majority of people in Britain who have died after contracting COVID-19 have been over 60.
An 18-year-old is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have died from the virus.
The US child's death comes as President Donald Trump said he is hoping the States would be reopened by Easter.
Image: President Donald Trump said he hopes the US will be reopened by Easter
"I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter," Mr Trump told a Fox News virtual town hall.
The president said he was already looking at easing guidance which has left schools shut, residents on lockdown and shops closed.
On Monday, the US saw its biggest jump yet in the death toll from the virus, with numbers growing by more than 100.