news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus deaths: 282 more COVID-19 fatalities take UK's total to 36,675

Another 282 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK , taking the total to 36,675 .
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 Friday .
Separately , each home nation has reported its own death figures , which may differ from the overall UK picture as reporting times vary .
In England , there have been 157 more fatalities , taking the total in the country to 32,666 .
Among the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12-year-old with underlying health conditions .
The 157 victims included patients aged between 12 and 100 .
Of these , seven - aged between 57 and 88 - had no known underlying health conditions .
There have also been 16 further deaths in Scotland , with the total number now 2,261 .
Another six people have died in Wales , where 1,260 have lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19 .
And there has been a further death in Northern Ireland , taking the total number of coronavirus-related fatalities to 505 .

Another 282 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK, taking the total to 36,675.
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 Friday.
Separately, each home nation has reported its own death figures, which may differ from the overall UK picture as reporting times vary.
In England, there have been 157 more fatalities, taking the total in the country to 32,666.
Among the latest deaths announced by NHS England was a 12-year-old with underlying health conditions.
The 157 victims included patients aged between 12 and 100.
Of these, seven - aged between 57 and 88 - had no known underlying health conditions.
There have also been 16 further deaths in Scotland, with the total number now 2,261.
Another six people have died in Wales, where 1,260 have lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19.
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And there has been a further death in Northern Ireland, taking the total number of coronavirus-related fatalities to 505.


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Car rental firm Hertz files for bankruptcy after pandemic losses

Car rental company Hertz has filed for bankruptcy after travel came to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic .
A Hertz spokesman told Sky News the bankruptcy claim only concerns its US and Canada operations .
Despite being allowed to stay open as an `` essential business '' , the firm was forced to close the majority of its branches when COVID-19 hit - including in the UK and Ireland .
The company lost all its revenue and plunged £15.3bn into debt by the end of March , court documents reveal .
It has also had to cut 12,000 jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough .
Hertz has filed for a Chapter 11 restructure , which means creditors will have to settle for less than full repayment of its crippling debts , but the business will still be able to operate .
It had already flagged major debt concerns in its first-quarter report released in May .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With only £820m cash available across the entire business , bosses feared they would not be able to keep operating .
The report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is substantial doubt regarding the company 's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the issuance date of this quarterly report . ''
It has also struggled with management issues after Katherine V Marinello was named its fourth chief executive in six years on 18 May .
The firm , which has more than 400 outlets across the UK and Ireland , has been offering discounts of up to 40 % to key workers in a bid to stay afloat .
But it was heavily hit when air and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , with many of its branches attached to airports and train stations .
They company said : `` Hertz 's Europe , Australia and New Zealand divisions are excluded from the S Chapter 11 filing , and Hertz UK and our operations are continuing as normal .
`` We are continuing to serve our customers with the same high levels of comfort including our new sanitisation protocols in response to COVID-19 . ''

Car rental company Hertz has filed for bankruptcy after travel came to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic.
A Hertz spokesman told Sky News the bankruptcy claim only concerns its US and Canada operations.
Despite being allowed to stay open as an "essential business", the firm was forced to close the majority of its branches when COVID-19 hit - including in the UK and Ireland.
The company lost all its revenue and plunged £15.3bn into debt by the end of March, court documents reveal.
It has also had to cut 12,000 jobs worldwide and put 4,000 more workers on furlough.
Hertz has filed for a Chapter 11 restructure, which means creditors will have to settle for less than full repayment of its crippling debts, but the business will still be able to operate.
It had already flagged major debt concerns in its first-quarter report released in May.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
With only £820m cash available across the entire business, bosses feared they would not be able to keep operating.
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The report read: "Management has concluded there is substantial doubt regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the issuance date of this quarterly report."
It has also struggled with management issues after Katherine V Marinello was named its fourth chief executive in six years on 18 May.
The firm, which has more than 400 outlets across the UK and Ireland, has been offering discounts of up to 40% to key workers in a bid to stay afloat.
But it was heavily hit when air and rail travel came to a near-standstill in March, with many of its branches attached to airports and train stations.
They company said: "Hertz's Europe, Australia and New Zealand divisions are excluded from the S Chapter 11 filing, and Hertz UK and our operations are continuing as normal.
"We are continuing to serve our customers with the same high levels of comfort including our new sanitisation protocols in response to COVID-19."


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: PM offers Cummings his 'full support' - as Labour calls for inquiry

Dominic Cummings has the `` full support '' of Boris Johnson after it emerged the prime minister 's top aide travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown .
The PM has come under pressure to sack him after it was revealed he drove his wife and child to a family property in the North East after his spouse developed coronavirus-related symptoms .
Mr Cummings is facing fresh questions after allegations he made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown .
The Sunday Mirror and the Observer reported he was spotted near the home on 19 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographed in Downing Street , having returned to London from Durham .
Earlier on Saturday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing , said : `` I can tell you the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support . ''
Number 10 had already offered Mr Cummings its support in a statement on Saturday , stating that the aide 's actions `` were in line with coronavirus guidelines '' .
But Mr Shapps ' latest comments are an indication that the PM is sticking by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with helping secure him his landslide election victory in December .
The SNP has been calling for the Conservative Party leader to sack Mr Cummings .
The party and Labour have written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened .
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said in a letter : `` The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort , including being away from family in times of need .
`` It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been adhering to the same rules as everyone else . ''
The SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said : `` Boris Johnson must answer serious questions about his role in this incident and the cover-up - including when he found out , when he heard about the police action , why Mr Cummings was n't sacked immediately , and why he kept the public in the dark for eight weeks until a newspaper broke the story .
Mr Cummings , speaking to reporters outside his London home on Saturday , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When a reporter suggested to him outside his London home that the trip to Durham did not look good , he replied : `` Who cares about good looks ?
`` It 's a question of doing the right thing .
It 's not about what you guys think . ''
Returning home later , Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied : `` Obviously not . ''
In a statement , a No 10 spokesman said : `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unwell , it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for .
`` His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed .
`` His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside .
`` At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter , as is being reported .
`` His actions were in line with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonably and legally . ''

Dominic Cummings has the "full support" of Boris Johnson after it emerged the prime minister's top aide travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown.
The PM has come under pressure to sack him after it was revealed he drove his wife and child to a family property in the North East after his spouse developed coronavirus-related symptoms.
Mr Cummings is facing fresh questions after allegations he made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown.
The Sunday Mirror and the Observer reported he was spotted near the home on 19 April - a few days after he was photographed in Downing Street, having returned to London from Durham.
Earlier on Saturday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, said: "I can tell you the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support."
Number 10 had already offered Mr Cummings its support in a statement on Saturday, stating that the aide's actions "were in line with coronavirus guidelines".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Cummings: 'I behaved reasonably and legally'
But Mr Shapps' latest comments are an indication that the PM is sticking by the controversial figure, who he credited with helping secure him his landslide election victory in December.
The SNP has been calling for the Conservative Party leader to sack Mr Cummings.
The party and Labour have written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened.
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Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said in a letter: "The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort, including being away from family in times of need.
"It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else."
The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: "Boris Johnson must answer serious questions about his role in this incident and the cover-up - including when he found out, when he heard about the police action, why Mr Cummings wasn't sacked immediately, and why he kept the public in the dark for eight weeks until a newspaper broke the story.
"Dominic Cummings' position is completely untenable."
Mr Cummings, speaking to reporters outside his London home on Saturday, said he had acted "reasonably and legally".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Shapps: Cummings needed 'necessary support'
When a reporter suggested to him outside his London home that the trip to Durham did not look good, he replied: "Who cares about good looks?
"It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys think."
Returning home later, Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied: "Obviously not."
In a statement, a No 10 spokesman said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Dr Jenny Harries: 'There is a safeguarding clause in the advice'
"His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.
"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.
"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: People urged to stay away from UK beaches over bank holiday weekend

With temperatures set to reach highs of 26C ( 79F ) over the bank holiday weekend , councils with responsibility for beaches and beauty spots are warning people to keep away .
Pictures of crowds flocking to beaches in Brighton and Southend in recent days have raised concerns over social distancing .
Following the easing of some lockdown measures last week , there are no restrictions on how far people can travel to get to the countryside , National Parks and beaches in England .
The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures could hit 26C ( 79F ) in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see highs of around 20C ( 68F ) .
Saturday is expected to be the coldest day , before the mercury climbs on Sunday and Monday , with wall-to-wall sunshine in the west and sunny spells in the east .
Councillor Carmen Appich , from Brighton & Hove City Council , urged anyone thinking of travelling to the city `` to consider very carefully how their journey will impact on others '' .
Hastings Borough Council said the area is `` closed to visitors from outside the town '' .
Holidaymakers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' from the Isle of Wight Council is they should stay away .
People are similarly being advised not to visit Blackpool and Morecambe Bay to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
After pictures showed crowds at Southend in Essex earlier this week , the council 's leader said the easing of lockdown restrictions has put the council in a `` very difficult position '' .
Councillor Ian Gilbert said on Friday : `` For many weeks we ran a successful Do n't Visit Southend campaign , but the government 's lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult position as day trips and sunbathing are allowed , and takeaways can be open for business . ''
`` Wish you were n't here ! ''
is Sefton Council in Merseyside 's take on the picture postcard message it is sending to people thinking of travelling to its beaches from across the North West .
In Cornwall , council leaders warned there is no lifeguard cover and a large coastal swell and spring tide will bring hazardous sea conditions over the weekend .
Rob Nolan , cabinet member for environment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should not be holidaying in Cornwall and must return to their `` principle residence '' each night .
Devon County Council asked people to `` think twice '' about visiting the coast and to consider if they could remain closer to home .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The National Trust is urging people across England to stay close to home and explore local green spaces and countryside this weekend , as part of the collective effort to make easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily Downing Street press conference , Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` It is inevitable that obviously the public will be out and about a lot more , but of course our message is clear to the public - yes , enjoy being outdoors , we have encouraged people to go out , but we have put a very clear caveat around that .
`` This is all conditional .
You can enjoy being outdoors in the sun providing you are following the advice and we continue to stop and contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said the different approaches taken by England and Wales would `` increase the likelihood '' of people breaking lockdown rules over the bank holiday weekend .
Asked if he thought people were likely to break the rules , Mr Hart said : `` Anything which suggests that there 's a different set of rules one side of the border to the other will increase the likelihood that that is possible , and there have been some examples of people being pulled in when coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a different regime . ''
But the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said he believed the `` vast majority '' of people were complying with the lockdown rules in place in Wales .

With temperatures set to reach highs of 26C (79F) over the bank holiday weekend, councils with responsibility for beaches and beauty spots are warning people to keep away.
Pictures of crowds flocking to beaches in Brighton and Southend in recent days have raised concerns over social distancing.
Following the easing of some lockdown measures last week, there are no restrictions on how far people can travel to get to the countryside, National Parks and beaches in England.
The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures could hit 26C (79F) in London on Monday, with coastal areas likely to see highs of around 20C (68F).
Saturday is expected to be the coldest day, before the mercury climbs on Sunday and Monday, with wall-to-wall sunshine in the west and sunny spells in the east.
Councillor Carmen Appich, from Brighton & Hove City Council, urged anyone thinking of travelling to the city "to consider very carefully how their journey will impact on others".
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Hastings Borough Council said the area is "closed to visitors from outside the town".
Holidaymakers are being told that the "clear advice" from the Isle of Wight Council is they should stay away.
People are similarly being advised not to visit Blackpool and Morecambe Bay to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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After pictures showed crowds at Southend in Essex earlier this week, the council's leader said the easing of lockdown restrictions has put the council in a "very difficult position".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 The latest from Sky's Lockdown Road
Councillor Ian Gilbert said on Friday: "For many weeks we ran a successful Don't Visit Southend campaign, but the government's lifting of restrictions have put us in a very difficult position as day trips and sunbathing are allowed, and takeaways can be open for business."
"Wish you weren't here!" is Sefton Council in Merseyside's take on the picture postcard message it is sending to people thinking of travelling to its beaches from across the North West.
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In Cornwall, council leaders warned there is no lifeguard cover and a large coastal swell and spring tide will bring hazardous sea conditions over the weekend.
Rob Nolan, cabinet member for environment and public protection at Cornwall Council, said people should not be holidaying in Cornwall and must return to their "principle residence" each night.
Devon County Council asked people to "think twice" about visiting the coast and to consider if they could remain closer to home.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The National Trust is urging people across England to stay close to home and explore local green spaces and countryside this weekend, as part of the collective effort to make easing of the lockdown work.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "It is inevitable that obviously the public will be out and about a lot more, but of course our message is clear to the public - yes, enjoy being outdoors, we have encouraged people to go out, but we have put a very clear caveat around that.
"This is all conditional. You can enjoy being outdoors in the sun providing you are following the advice and we continue to stop and contain the spread of the infection."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 Scotland lockdown to be eased next week
Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said the different approaches taken by England and Wales would "increase the likelihood" of people breaking lockdown rules over the bank holiday weekend.
Asked if he thought people were likely to break the rules, Mr Hart said: "Anything which suggests that there's a different set of rules one side of the border to the other will increase the likelihood that that is possible, and there have been some examples of people being pulled in when coming into Wales who didn't realise it was a different regime."
But the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said he believed the "vast majority" of people were complying with the lockdown rules in place in Wales.


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Dominic Cummings says 260-mile trip during lockdown was 'right thing'

Dominic Cummings has insisted `` I behaved reasonably and legally '' after it was revealed he travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during lockdown .
When asked by reporters if his trip looked good , he said : `` Who cares about good looks ?
It 's a question of doing the right thing .
It 's not about what you guys [ the media ] think . ''
The PM 's top aide , who emerged from his London home on Saturday holding a bicycle and ball , also told off reporters for not social distancing , telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more than two metres apart - move out of the way . ''
Returning home later , Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied : `` Obviously not . ''
The prime minister 's chief adviser is facing calls to resign after it emerged he left the capital with his wife and son to stay with his elderly parents in the North East - after developing coronavirus symptoms .
Durham Police confirmed they spoke to the owners of a property on 31 March - a week after the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call from someone reporting they had seen Mr Cummings in the area .
But Downing Street said nobody related to Mr Cummings was spoken to by police , and it was entirely right for him to seek childcare for his four-year-old son .
`` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell , it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for , '' Number 10 said in a statement earlier .
`` His sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed .
His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside .
At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter , as is being reported .
His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines .
Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps could not say at the daily briefing when Boris Johnson had known of the trip but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his `` full support '' .
Asked to clarify guidance about travelling during lockdown , deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said it was `` clear '' someone with symptoms should self-isolate along with their family .
Dr Harries said if there was a `` safeguarding issue '' where a child had `` no support '' , that was also an issue .
`` There 's always a safeguarding clause in all of the advice , '' she said , adding : `` The interpretation of that advice is probably for others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how Mr Cummings has complied with coronavirus guidelines when rule number one is to stay at home and self-isolate if anyone in your household has symptoms .
Families who have struggled with the virus may wonder why the top adviser was not able to get help with shopping from family and friends at his London home , rather than making the 260-mile trip to Durham .
Downing Street has also not addressed who cared for Mr Cummings 's young son after he had travelled to the North East .
Anonymous allies suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If true , that would be a further breach of lockdown rules , potentially exposing two vulnerable individuals to the virus .
Then there is the tacit accusation from Number 10 that Durham Constabulary lied to the press when it said officers had spoken to Mr Cummings 's family about the trip .
Durham Police said it was standing by its statement when contacted by Sky News for a response to Number 10 's version of events .
Officers were tipped off by a member of the public that Mr Cummings was staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with national policing guidance , officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel , '' the force said .
Opposition parties said Mr Cummings `` must go '' , and accused Downing Street of a `` cover-up '' .
Labour and the SNP have written to the civil service chief Sir Mark Sedwill to call for an inquiry into Mr Cummings ' actions .
Senior members of government voiced their support for Mr Cummings , including Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes you .
It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler , when both he and his wife were getting ill. '' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused opponents of Mr Cummings of `` seeking to politicise '' the issue , while his cabinet colleague Michael Gove added : `` Caring for your wife and child is not a crime . ''
At the daily briefing , Mr Shapps said : `` Mr Cummings is in the public eye , but the reality of the matter is that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing .
`` Parents ask themselves what they would do if they had if they no one else around and eventually you would have to turn to external support or try and be close enough to your family to provide that care , which is what happened in this case here . ''
A joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror revealed Mr Cummings left the capital at the same time as the PM was instructing people to stay at home and not travel to their second homes .
A Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Cummings was self-isolating after suffering COVID-19 symptoms .
Sources close to Mr Cummings earlier cited comments made by Dr Harries , who suggested in `` exceptional circumstances '' parents too ill to look after a child could rely on family support , among other options .
But Dr Harries made her remarks almost two weeks after Mr Cummings travelled north .
18 March : At his Downing Street briefing the PM said : `` Children should not be left with older grandparents , or older relatives , who may be particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable groups . ''
22 March : Government advice is that people must remain in their primary residence and not travel to their second homes : `` Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed . ''
23 March : Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel .
27 March : Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus .
Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Over this weekend , Mr Cummings developed coronavirus symptoms , Downing Street later confirmed .
31 March : Mr Cummings travelled to his family 's farm in Durham - and it was on this date that Mr Cummings 's family were spoken to by police .
10 April : Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said being too ill to look after a small child was an `` exceptional circumstance '' and she pointed to accessing family support , among other options .
14 April : Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing @ @ @ @ @ @

Dominic Cummings has insisted "I behaved reasonably and legally" after it was revealed he travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during lockdown.
When asked by reporters if his trip looked good, he said: "Who cares about good looks? It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys [the media] think."
The PM's top aide, who emerged from his London home on Saturday holding a bicycle and ball, also told off reporters for not social distancing, telling them: "You're supposed to be more than two metres apart - move out of the way."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 The PM should tell Cummings 'he has to go'
Returning home later, Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied: "Obviously not."
The prime minister's chief adviser is facing calls to resign after it emerged he left the capital with his wife and son to stay with his elderly parents in the North East - after developing coronavirus symptoms.
Durham Police confirmed they spoke to the owners of a property on 31 March - a week after the prime minister imposed the lockdown - after a call from someone reporting they had seen Mr Cummings in the area.
But Downing Street said nobody related to Mr Cummings was spoken to by police, and it was entirely right for him to seek childcare for his four-year-old son.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Cummings 'obviously not' going to resign
"Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," Number 10 said in a statement earlier.
"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside. At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Shapps: Cummings needed 'necessary support'
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps could not say at the daily briefing when Boris Johnson had known of the trip but said the prime minister was offering Mr Cummings his "full support".
Asked to clarify guidance about travelling during lockdown, deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said it was "clear" someone with symptoms should self-isolate along with their family.
Dr Harries said if there was a "safeguarding issue" where a child had "no support", that was also an issue.
"There's always a safeguarding clause in all of the advice," she said, adding: "The interpretation of that advice is probably for others."
Analysis: Number 10 statement raises more questions
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
It's very hard to see how Mr Cummings has complied with coronavirus guidelines when rule number one is to stay at home and self-isolate if anyone in your household has symptoms.
Families who have struggled with the virus may wonder why the top adviser was not able to get help with shopping from family and friends at his London home, rather than making the 260-mile trip to Durham.
Downing Street has also not addressed who cared for Mr Cummings's young son after he had travelled to the North East.
Anonymous allies suggested last night that grandparents had helped. If true, that would be a further breach of lockdown rules, potentially exposing two vulnerable individuals to the virus.
Then there is the tacit accusation from Number 10 that Durham Constabulary lied to the press when it said officers had spoken to Mr Cummings's family about the trip.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Dr Jenny Harries - 'There is a safeguarding clause in the advice'
Durham Police said it was standing by its statement when contacted by Sky News for a response to Number 10's version of events.
Officers were tipped off by a member of the public that Mr Cummings was staying with his parents.
"In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel," the force said.
Opposition parties said Mr Cummings "must go", and accused Downing Street of a "cover-up".
Labour and the SNP have written to the civil service chief Sir Mark Sedwill to call for an inquiry into Mr Cummings' actions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:00 Ed Davey says PM's top aide 'must go'
Senior members of government voiced their support for Mr Cummings, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who tweeted: "I know how ill coronavirus makes you. It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused opponents of Mr Cummings of "seeking to politicise" the issue, while his cabinet colleague Michael Gove added: "Caring for your wife and child is not a crime."
At the daily briefing, Mr Shapps said: "Mr Cummings is in the public eye, but the reality of the matter is that a four-year-old child's welfare was the important thing.
"Parents ask themselves what they would do if they had if they no one else around and eventually you would have to turn to external support or try and be close enough to your family to provide that care, which is what happened in this
case here."
A joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror revealed Mr Cummings left the capital at the same time as the PM was instructing people to stay at home and not travel to their second homes.
A Number 10 spokesperson had confirmed on 30 March that Mr Cummings was self-isolating after suffering COVID-19 symptoms.
Sources close to Mr Cummings earlier cited comments made by Dr Harries, who suggested in "exceptional circumstances" parents too ill to look after a child could rely on family support, among other options.
But Dr Harries made her remarks almost two weeks after Mr Cummings travelled north.
A timeline of Dominic Cummings during lockdown:
18 March: At his Downing Street briefing the PM said: "Children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups."
22 March: Government advice is that people must remain in their primary residence and not travel to their second homes: "Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed."
23 March: Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel.
27 March: Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus. Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing Street.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:15 PM's chief adviser seen running from Number 10
Weekend of 28 and 29 March: Over this weekend, Mr Cummings developed coronavirus symptoms, Downing Street later confirmed.
31 March: Mr Cummings travelled to his family's farm in Durham - and it was on this date that Mr Cummings's family were spoken to by police.
10 April: Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said being too ill to look after a small child was an "exceptional circumstance" and she pointed to accessing family support, among other options.
14 April: Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street after recovering from coronavirus.


news--2020-05-17--Yemen has seen many outbreaks in five years of war - but COVID-19 is uniquely scary

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic , ongoing conflict in Yemen meant the country was seen as suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world .
With the coronavirus taking hold , Médecins Sans Frontières ( MSF ) deputy operations manager for Yemen Marc Schakal says many locals have avoided seeking treatment out of heightened fears of the disease .
Here , he warns an increased international response is now necessary in the face of COVID-19 or an already dire situation could turn deadlier : MSF has long been used to treating outbreaks in Yemen .
Five years of war have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so diseases such as cholera , measles and diphtheria have ripped through the population since 2015 , causing misery and death .
The arrival of COVID-19 in the country has been uniquely scary for us because all the conditions for this deadly disease to take hold are present .
The hospitals have been bombed , or their staff receives little money .
The population has been weakened by the war .
It is a poor country where many people live crowded together in the cities - often in unhygienic settings - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like physical distancing and hand washing .
Others live in the remote countryside , where little healthcare exists .
On top of all this , fighting is still continuing on front lines across the country .
These are all things that make us fear the worst for Yemen .
Since we first learned about the pandemic , we have been working with the local authorities to help them prepare to respond .
That has been difficult , however , in a country that remains divided , and whose under-resourced healthcare system is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the capital , Sana ' a , we are supporting the Ministry of Health at one of their COVID-19 treatment centres , including looking after the sickest patients in the intensive care unit .
In Aden , we are also running a treatment centre , again with an intensive care unit , and again looking after very sick patients .
In Aden we see that people are really scared of the virus : other hospitals have closed because the staff are scared and can not protect themselves .
Many medical staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This means we have more patients coming to our trauma hospital for treatment , which remains open despite the pandemic .
We also see this fear in the COVID-19 centre , where patients with severe breathing difficulties are arriving very late , apparently having been too scared to come to hospital .
Our team of international and Yemeni staff work tirelessly around the clock to treat patients , but it makes it so much harder when they arrive long after they should .
The mortality rate is high .
The capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited in Yemen , meaning it 's not possible to know the true extent of its spread - but the World Health Organisation has said that it believes that `` full blown transmission is now occurring '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In order to head off this perfect storm , the United Nations and donor states must not wait any longer .
They need to step up their response to COVID-19 in Yemen by providing money to pay healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment ( PPE ) necessary to keep them safe .
The country also badly needs more oxygen concentrators to help sick patients breathe .
These should be offered to everyone equally across the country .
The local authorities need to do all they can to facilitate the work of international organisations like MSF who are working with them to respond to the virus , and facilitate the entry of medical supplies and international staff to reinforce teams on the ground .
The spread of COVID-19 in Yemen is already claiming lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will become deadlier still .

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflict in Yemen meant the country was seen as suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
With the coronavirus taking hold, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) deputy operations manager for Yemen Marc Schakal says many locals have avoided seeking treatment out of heightened fears of the disease.
Here, he warns an increased international response is now necessary in the face of COVID-19 or an already dire situation could turn deadlier:
MSF has long been used to treating outbreaks in Yemen. Five years of war have destroyed the country's healthcare system, and so diseases such as cholera, measles and diphtheria have ripped through the population since 2015, causing misery and death.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:08 War, famine and now coronavirus
The arrival of COVID-19 in the country has been uniquely scary for us because all the conditions for this deadly disease to take hold are present.
The hospitals have been bombed, or their staff receives little money. The population has been weakened by the war.
It is a poor country where many people live crowded together in the cities - often in unhygienic settings - which makes it difficult to enforce basic precautions like physical distancing and hand washing. Others live in the remote countryside, where little healthcare exists.
On top of all this, fighting is still continuing on front lines across the country. These are all things that make us fear the worst for Yemen.
Since we first learned about the pandemic, we have been working with the local authorities to help them prepare to respond. That has been difficult, however, in a country that remains divided, and whose under-resourced healthcare system is being further weakened by reductions in international funding.
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In the capital, Sana'a, we are supporting the Ministry of Health at one of their COVID-19 treatment centres, including looking after the sickest patients in the intensive care unit. In Aden, we are also running a treatment centre, again with an intensive care unit, and again looking after very sick patients.
Image: Five years of war have created conditions for the disease to spread
In Aden we see that people are really scared of the virus: other hospitals have closed because the staff are scared and cannot protect themselves. Many medical staff in the city have already become sick. This means we have more patients coming to our trauma hospital for treatment, which remains open despite the pandemic.
We also see this fear in the COVID-19 centre, where patients with severe breathing difficulties are arriving very late, apparently having been too scared to come to hospital. Our team of international and Yemeni staff work tirelessly around the clock to treat patients, but it makes it so much harder when they arrive long after they should. The mortality rate is high.
The capacity to test for COVID-19 remains very, very limited in Yemen, meaning it's not possible to know the true extent of its spread - but the World Health Organisation has said that it believes that "full blown transmission is now occurring".
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
In order to head off this perfect storm, the United Nations and donor states must not wait any longer. They need to step up their response to COVID-19 in Yemen by providing money to pay healthcare workers and organising the supply of the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to keep them safe.
The country also badly needs more oxygen concentrators to help sick patients breathe. These should be offered to everyone equally across the country.
The local authorities need to do all they can to facilitate the work of international organisations like MSF who are working with them to respond to the virus, and facilitate the entry of medical supplies and international staff to reinforce teams on the ground.
The spread of COVID-19 in Yemen is already claiming lives. Without drastic action and international support it will become deadlier still.


news--2020-05-23--Pakistan plane crash survivor tells of 'violent jolts' moments before flight went down

One of only two survivors of the Pakistan plane crash has described how he felt two `` violent jolts '' just moments before the flight went down .
Flight PK 8303 went down in the city of Karachi on Friday as the Airbus A320 plane , carrying 91 passengers and eight crew , was approaching Jinnah International Airport .
A total of 97 people were killed and only 19 bodies have been identified so far as most victims were badly burned , provincial health department spokeswoman Meeran Yousaf said .
Passenger Mohammed Zubair , a mechanical engineer , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karachi would be `` troublesome '' after the plane jolted violently twice , which he initially believed was turbulence .
In a telephone interview from his hopsital bed , Mr Zubair said the pilot 's words were the last thing he remembered until he woke up in a scene of chaos .
Mr Zubair recalled : `` I saw so much smoke and fire .
I heard people crying , children crying . ''
He crawled his way out of the smoke and rubble , and was eventually pulled from the ground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plane crashed into a crowded neighbourhood on the edge of the airport in the poor and densely populated area of the city known as Model Colony .
Three people on the ground were reportedly injured in the crash and at least five houses were destroyed , and rescue crews were still sifting through the rubble on Saturday .
The Pakistan International Airlines flight was carrying people , mostly families , returning home for Eid al-Fitr - a major holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic , and when flights resumed , every other seat was left empty to adhere to social distancing rules .
Science minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry said that between the coronavirus outbreak and the plane crash , this year had been a `` catastrophe '' .
`` What is most unfortunate and sad is whole families have died , whole families who were travelling together for the Eid holiday , '' he said .
Local news reports and social media said Zara Abid , a 28-year-old actress and award-winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A senior banker , his wife and three young children were also reportedly killed .
The only other survivor of the crash was Zafar Masood , a bank executive .
A transmission of the pilot 's final exchange with air traffic control indicated that he had failed to land and was circling to make another attempt .
`` We are proceeding direct , sir - we have lost engine , '' the pilot said .
`` Confirm your attempt on belly , '' the air traffic controller said , offering a runway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayday , mayday Pakistan 8303 , '' the pilot said before the transmission ended .
PIA chairman Arshad Malik said an independent inquiry would be held but that the aircraft was in good working order .
Documents showed the plane last received a government check in November 2019 .

One of only two survivors of the Pakistan plane crash has described how he felt two "violent jolts" just moments before the flight went down.
Flight PK 8303 went down in the city of Karachi on Friday as the Airbus A320 plane, carrying 91 passengers and eight crew, was approaching Jinnah International Airport.
A total of 97 people were killed and only 19 bodies have been identified so far as most victims were badly burned, provincial health department spokeswoman Meeran Yousaf said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Plane crash: Survivor pulled from wreckage
Passenger Mohammed Zubair, a mechanical engineer, said the pilot had warned that the landing in Karachi would be "troublesome" after the plane jolted violently twice, which he initially believed was turbulence.
In a telephone interview from his hopsital bed, Mr Zubair said the pilot's words were the last thing he remembered until he woke up in a scene of chaos.
Mr Zubair recalled: "I saw so much smoke and fire. I heard people crying, children crying."
He crawled his way out of the smoke and rubble, and was eventually pulled from the ground and rushed into an ambulance, he added.
Image: People carry the coffins of husband and wife who were killed in a plane crash, during a funeral in Karachi
The plane crashed into a crowded neighbourhood on the edge of the airport in the poor and densely populated area of the city known as Model Colony.
Three people on the ground were reportedly injured in the crash and at least five houses were destroyed, and rescue crews were still sifting through the rubble on Saturday.
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The Pakistan International Airlines flight was carrying people, mostly families, returning home for Eid al-Fitr - a major holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Image: Men walk on the debris at the site of the passenger plane crash
The country had been under a nationwide lockdown since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and when flights resumed, every other seat was left empty to adhere to social distancing rules.
Science minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry said that between the coronavirus outbreak and the plane crash, this year had been a "catastrophe".
Image: Rescue workers gather at the site of the crash on Friday
"What is most unfortunate and sad is whole families have died, whole families who were travelling together for the Eid holiday," he said.
Local news reports and social media said Zara Abid, a 28-year-old actress and award-winning model, was among those killed.
A senior banker, his wife and three young children were also reportedly killed.
The only other survivor of the crash was Zafar Masood, a bank executive.
Image: Zafar Masood was the only other survivor of the crash
A transmission of the pilot's final exchange with air traffic control indicated that he had failed to land and was circling to make another attempt.
"We are proceeding direct, sir - we have lost engine," the pilot said.
"Confirm your attempt on belly," the air traffic controller said, offering a runway.
Image: People stand next to the aircraft debris
"Sir, mayday, mayday, mayday, mayday Pakistan 8303," the pilot said before the transmission ended.
PIA chairman Arshad Malik said an independent inquiry would be held but that the aircraft was in good working order.
Documents showed the plane last received a government check in November 2019.


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al Fitr under shadow of COVID-19 pandemic

As Ramadan comes to an end , Britain 's 2.6 million Muslims are preparing to celebrate one of their biggest holidays known as Eid al Fitr under the shadow of a global pandemic .
While Ramadan is about fasting and giving , so much of the month is also about gathering to pray , to reflect and to give to those in need .
But COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the Islamic holy month .
Eid is celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and at a time when people should be revelling with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of loved ones .
Kefiat Ullah , 58 , died in hospital after contracting coronavirus .
Mr Ullah 's family was hoping he would survive but he did n't .
`` The things that I will probably miss the most about Eid with my dad is praying , being supported by him spiritually and walking to the mosque with him , '' his son , Areeb , said .
`` I 'll also miss his smile and presence the most .
He used to teach at the mosque and people loved him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hug after prayers and I am going to miss his hugs a lot .
`` But now we do n't even have the mosque where we can go , which makes it a lot harder - this crisis really does bring it home that he is not here anymore . ''
Mr Ullah , a father of three , was a regular at Masjid Ayesha , one of the oldest mosques in Tottenham , north London .
He is one of six worshippers from the mosque to die during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourners have not been able to pay their respects in the usual way .
Black and Asian people have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus , and this mosque is no different .
`` When someone dies people come to your house to support you , bring food and pay their respects but the fact we 've not been able to do any of that has had a huge impact on the process , '' said Areeb .
`` We have not been able to mourn properly and even seeing my mum having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or WhatsApp has been devastating . ''
For Muslims like Areeb , Ramadan is a time to practice their spirituality .
But many rituals and traditions have been upended .
He said : `` We are forcing ourselves to adjust to this new reality that we are living in now .
Eid is going to be different for us .
`` We wo n't be able to pray with him anymore .
Now we will have to just think of the memories .
One blessing in disguise though is this has brought me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this will draw our communities closer like never before . ''
Instead of mass gatherings for celebrations or late-night prayers , Imam Sheikh Khidir Hussain of Masjid Ayesha has found a way to offer a sense of hope to his community during these difficult times .
He said : `` A lot of people are feeling a spiritual disconnection .
This is challenging for people but we are trying to keep everyone engaged although they are at home .
`` While the mosque is closed we are still reaching out to the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayers , lectures and recitations from the Qur'an all online . ''
He said the changes are being felt throughout the community and this Ramadan and Eid is like no other he or many will ever have experienced .
`` Six of our regular members who would attend this congregation who I used to see on a regular basis are no longer here .
Unfortunately COVID won and they lost .
`` This is a tough time for us but we must remain optimistic .
There will be a light at the end @ @ @ @ @

As Ramadan comes to an end, Britain's 2.6 million Muslims are preparing to celebrate one of their biggest holidays known as Eid al Fitr under the shadow of a global pandemic.
While Ramadan is about fasting and giving, so much of the month is also about gathering to pray, to reflect and to give to those in need.
But COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the Islamic holy month.
Eid is celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and at a time when people should be revelling with their families, many are instead mourning the loss of loved ones.
Kefiat Ullah, 58, died in hospital after contracting coronavirus. Mr Ullah's family was hoping he would survive but he didn't.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 What will Ramadan in lockdown be like?
"The things that I will probably miss the most about Eid with my dad is praying, being supported by him spiritually and walking to the mosque with him," his son, Areeb, said.
"I'll also miss his smile and presence the most. He used to teach at the mosque and people loved him. One thing we do on Eid is hug after prayers and I am going to miss his hugs a lot.
"But now we don't even have the mosque where we can go, which makes it a lot harder - this crisis really does bring it home that he is not here anymore."
Mr Ullah, a father of three, was a regular at Masjid Ayesha, one of the oldest mosques in Tottenham, north London.
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He is one of six worshippers from the mosque to die during the pandemic.
Due to social distancing and lockdown guidelines mourners have not been able to pay their respects in the usual way.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:33 'COVID-19 is making Ramadan a real challenge'
Black and Asian people have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, and this mosque is no different.
"When someone dies people come to your house to support you, bring food and pay their respects but the fact we've not been able to do any of that has had a huge impact on the process," said Areeb.
"We have not been able to mourn properly and even seeing my mum having to mourn with her sisters through Zoom or WhatsApp has been devastating."
For Muslims like Areeb, Ramadan is a time to practice their spirituality. But many rituals and traditions have been upended.
He said: "We are forcing ourselves to adjust to this new reality that we are living in now. Eid is going to be different for us.
"We won't be able to pray with him anymore. Now we will have to just think of the memories. One blessing in disguise though is this has brought me and my brothers closer. I think this will draw our communities closer like never before."
Instead of mass gatherings for celebrations or late-night prayers, Imam Sheikh Khidir Hussain of Masjid Ayesha has found a way to offer a sense of hope to his community during these difficult times.
He said: "A lot of people are feeling a spiritual disconnection. This is challenging for people but we are trying to keep everyone engaged although they are at home.
"While the mosque is closed we are still reaching out to the community on social media. We are delivering prayers, lectures and recitations from the Qur'an all online."
He said the changes are being felt throughout the community and this Ramadan and Eid is like no other he or many will ever have experienced.
"Six of our regular members who would attend this congregation who I used to see on a regular basis are no longer here. Unfortunately COVID won and they lost.
"This is a tough time for us but we must remain optimistic. There will be a light at the end of the tunnel."


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Seriously ill children 'missing life-saving treatment' due to COVID-19 fears

Seriously ill children are missing out on life-saving treatment due to the fear surrounding coronavirus , doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital ( GOSH ) have warned .
Mette Jorgensen , a paediatric oncologist at GOSH , told Sky News that the fear around COVID-19 stopped parents bringing their children to hospital , as she warned of the `` collateral damage '' of the pandemic .
`` I think it 's important that we do n't have too much collateral damage , that children do n't die from their cancer when they 're treatable and could be cured , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see the children , they will come with much more advanced diseases .
They may have a poor prognosis .
I think we need to see them as soon as we can but they need to come to us . ''
Dr Jorgensen says parents are worried about seeking treatment for their children because of the coronavirus .
Some have waited a long time before even calling for an ambulance .
In-patient capacity at the hospital fell to 60 % during the peak of the UK 's outbreak .
The hospital normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one of the hospital 's medical directors .
Dr Sanjiv Sharma said the drastic drop in the number of patients attending or being referred to the hospital became apparent very early on in the outbreak , and this has been seen across the board .
He told Sky News : `` It was a real worry very early on , and something that we were afraid was going to be storing up problems for later on and [ for us ] to figure out .
`` I think we will begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm sure these problems are out there and we just have n't seen all of them yet . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker UNICEF recently warned that millions of children around the world would suffer from the secondary effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
That stark prediction applied not just to poorer countries , but ones with advanced health care systems like Britain .
Dr Sharma says paediatricians are `` very worried '' about this , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second peak in coronavirus cases , as well as a backlog of other hospital cases .
`` The planning that we 're doing at the moment , it is complicated by the uncertainty of whether or not there 's going to be another peak , '' Dr Sharma said .
`` And on top of that , on the horizon , we need to start planning for the winter peak that we usually see within paediatrics .
`` So it 's really complex jigsaw puzzle . ''
It has not been business as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been paused and capacity was not reduced .
The pandemic has required great flexibility `` to bring about change that would normally have taken months or years in a matter of weeks '' .
Dr Jorgensen want parents of sick children to look for treatment and not delay any longer .
She says she understands their concerns , but warns : `` It would be a disaster to let them die from their cancer and not treat them . ''
Families of children who have previously been treated by GOSH , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reluctant to come to the hospital for check-ups .
But Dr Jorgensen says she has not seen any evidence that these patients are more at risk .
`` We have patients that will not bring their child in for their surveillance scans , '' she said .
`` Do I really need to have that scan now or will I be more at risk of getting the infection ?
So it 's a difficult balance for families as well .
There 's lots of anxiety . ''

Seriously ill children are missing out on life-saving treatment due to the fear surrounding coronavirus, doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have warned.
Mette Jorgensen, a paediatric oncologist at GOSH, told Sky News that the fear around COVID-19 stopped parents bringing their children to hospital, as she warned of the "collateral damage" of the pandemic.
"I think it's important that we don't have too much collateral damage, that children don't die from their cancer when they're treatable and could be cured," she said.
"If we don't see the children, they will come with much more advanced diseases. They may have a poor prognosis. I think we need to see them as soon as we can but they need to come to us."
Image: Mette Jorgensen says it's important not to have 'collateral damage'
Dr Jorgensen says parents are worried about seeking treatment for their children because of the coronavirus. Some have waited a long time before even calling for an ambulance.
In-patient capacity at the hospital fell to 60% during the peak of the UK's outbreak.
The hospital normally operates at near full capacity, according to one of the hospital's medical directors.
Dr Sanjiv Sharma said the drastic drop in the number of patients attending or being referred to the hospital became apparent very early on in the outbreak, and this has been seen across the board.
He told Sky News: "It was a real worry very early on, and something that we were afraid was going to be storing up problems for later on and [for us] to figure out.
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"I think we will begin to see that as lockdown is lifted.
"I'm sure these problems are out there and we just haven't seen all of them yet."
Image: Dr Sanjiv Sharma says doctors are 'very worried' about the secondary effects
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
UNICEF recently warned that millions of children around the world would suffer from the secondary effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
That stark prediction applied not just to poorer countries, but ones with advanced health care systems like Britain.
Dr Sharma says paediatricians are "very worried" about this, with the issue being compounded by fears of a second peak in coronavirus cases, as well as a backlog of other hospital cases.
Image: There are fears children are missing out on life-saving treatment
"The planning that we're doing at the moment, it is complicated by the uncertainty of whether or not there's going to be another peak," Dr Sharma said.
"And on top of that, on the horizon, we need to start planning for the winter peak that we usually see within paediatrics.
"So it's really complex jigsaw puzzle."
Image: In-patient capacity at the hospital fell to 60% at the peak of the pandemic
It has not been business as normal at GOSH, but urgent treatment has not been paused and capacity was not reduced.
The pandemic has required great flexibility "to bring about change that would normally have taken months or years in a matter of weeks".
Dr Jorgensen want parents of sick children to look for treatment and not delay any longer.
She says she understands their concerns, but warns: "It would be a disaster to let them die from their cancer and not treat them."
Image: Doctors are 'very worried' about the situation
Families of children who have previously been treated by GOSH, including those with cancer, have also been reluctant to come to the hospital for check-ups.
But Dr Jorgensen says she has not seen any evidence that these patients are more at risk.
"We have patients that will not bring their child in for their surveillance scans," she said.
"Do I really need to have that scan now or will I be more at risk of getting the infection? So it's a difficult balance for families as well. There's lots of anxiety."


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Will PM's top aide resign? Number 10 appears determined to tough it out

As the prime minister 's right-hand man , Dominic Cummings has played a pivotal role in drawing up the lockdown rules and his decision to break them raises very awkward questions for him and Number 10 .
It emerged on Friday night - via the Daily Mirror and Guardian - that Mr Cummings 's family in Durham were spoken to by the police after their son broke lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to stay with them on their farm despite having coronavirus symptoms .
Others in senior positions who have broken the rules have resigned their posts .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after admitting an `` error in judgement '' after he broke the rules by allowing his lover to visit his home in lockdown .
Scotland 's deputy chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood was also forced to quit her job after making two trips to her second home during the lockdown .
But the prime minister 's chief adviser has no intention of following suit .
Instead , Number 10 moved into defence mode on Friday night as it was made clear Mr Cummings would not be standing down from his post .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Mr Cummings and his wife , Mary Wakefield , were too ill to care for their five-year-old son so travelled to Mr Cummings 's parents home in Durham for help with their son .
And allies sought to justify that decision by referencing remarks made by deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries on 10 April when she described being too ill to look after a small child was an `` exceptional circumstance '' and she pointed to accessing family support ( among other options ) .
On Saturday we got a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell , it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for .
`` His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed .
His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside .
At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines .
Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally . ''
But will this defence wash with a public that has been told for weeks not to visit elderly relatives under any circumstances , and especially if you have the virus ?
You are not supposed to leave your home if you have symptoms , let alone jump in your car and drive for 250 miles .
As the neighbour who spotted Mr Cummings in his parents ' garden put it : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule for Dominic Cummings and one rule for the rest of us . ''
Mr Cummings helped Mr Johnson win an election framed around a message of the `` elite versus the people '' .
But his actions will be read by many as a sign that he is part of an elite for whom the rules do n't apply .
Number 10 will face this down .
I 'm told there is `` literally zero chance '' Mr Cummings will resign .
But brace for the backlash , from the opposition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson as prime minister .

As the prime minister's right-hand man, Dominic Cummings has played a pivotal role in drawing up the lockdown rules and his decision to break them raises very awkward questions for him and Number 10.
It emerged on Friday night - via the Daily Mirror and Guardian - that Mr Cummings's family in Durham were spoken to by the police after their son broke lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to stay with them on their farm despite having coronavirus symptoms.
Others in senior positions who have broken the rules have resigned their posts.
Professor Neil Ferguson quit as a government adviser after admitting an "error in judgement" after he broke the rules by allowing his lover to visit his home in lockdown.
Scotland's deputy chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood was also forced to quit her job after making two trips to her second home during the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Cummings travelled with COVID-19 symptoms
But the prime minister's chief adviser has no intention of following suit. Instead, Number 10 moved into defence mode on Friday night as it was made clear Mr Cummings would not be standing down from his post.
Instead his colleagues began to mount his defence: Mr Cummings and his wife, Mary Wakefield, were too ill to care for their five-year-old son so travelled to Mr Cummings's parents home in Durham for help with their son.
And allies sought to justify that decision by referencing remarks made by deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries on 10 April when she described being too ill to look after a small child was an "exceptional circumstance" and she pointed to accessing family support (among other options).
On Saturday we got a statement from Number 10. It read: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
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"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside. At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
But will this defence wash with a public that has been told for weeks not to visit elderly relatives under any circumstances, and especially if you have the virus? You are not supposed to leave your home if you have symptoms, let alone jump in your car and drive for 250 miles.
As the neighbour who spotted Mr Cummings in his parents' garden put it: "I was really annoyed. It's one rule for Dominic Cummings and one rule for the rest of us."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Davey: 'If this is true, Cummings must resign or be sacked'
Mr Cummings helped Mr Johnson win an election framed around a message of the "elite versus the people". But his actions will be read by many as a sign that he is part of an elite for whom the rules don't apply.
Number 10 will face this down. I'm told there is "literally zero chance" Mr Cummings will resign. But brace for the backlash, from the opposition, restive Tories and the people who elected Mr Johnson as prime minister.


news--2020-05-23--Lockdown: They told us to stay home - then went out. The political figures who broke the rules

Boris Johnson 's top adviser Dominic Cummings is not the only high-profile figure to have been caught breaching the UK 's lockdown restrictions .
Mr Cummings was spotted in Durham in March , more than 260 miles from where he lives in London - and after the prime minister instructed people they must stay at home .
Here are some of the others who have been in the spotlight for flouting the rules .
Professor Neil Ferguson resigned from the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) earlier this month after he broke coronavirus lockdown rules .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an `` error of judgement '' .
It followed claims in The Daily Telegraph that he allowed a friend , reported to be his lover , Antonia Staats , to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising .
Scotland 's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood resigned after breaching the UK lockdown by visiting her second home .
Dr Calderwood - who has been a leading voice in urging the public to obey the restrictions - was photographed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home on the east coast of the country , in early April .
She admitted it was the second time she had done so during the lockdown .
Downing Street last month backed Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick , who travelled 150 miles from London to a property he owns in rural Herefordshire .
Days after chairing a government news conference in Westminster to reinforce the `` stay at home '' message , Mr Jenrick appeared on Sky News via video link from the seventeenth century manor house he owns in the hamlet of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP 's website stating his family live 120 miles away in his constituency of Newark , as well as in London .
But the PM 's official spokesman said the minister had set out his reasons for the journey and `` we 're confident he complied with the social distancing rules '' , adding Mr Jenrick , his wife and children consider their Herefordshire residence to be their family home .
Stephen Kinnock , MP for Aberavon in South Wales , was shamed by police on social media .
He posted a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit his father on his birthday on 28 March - five days after the lockdown came into force .
They were social distancing , but South Wales Police responded : `` We know celebrating your Dad 's birthday is a lovely thing to do , however this is not essential travel .
We all have our part to play in this , we urge you to comply with ( lockdown ) restrictions , they are in place to keep us all safe .
Thank you . ''
Nigel Farage claimed he was visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned against breaching lockdown rules after he travelled to the English coast to report on the migrant crisis .
The Brexit Party leader said officers had knocked on his door following complaints that he had defied stay-at-home orders by visiting Dover , and Pett Level Beach in East Sussex .
He condemned the police visit to his home on 4 May as `` lockdown lunacy '' and days later hand-delivered a letter of complaint to Kent Police .
It is not just politicians who have found themselves in hot water over social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reportedly told off by police when he was spotted enjoying an early evening stroll in Cheshire with his neighbour , Manchester City and England full-back Kyle Walker , in early April .
The Sun reported the pair were out with their families when they bumped into each other at Prestbury golf course .
It came after Walker , only days earlier , was forced to apologise for hosting a gathering at his home .
He admitted breaking social distancing rules again weeks later after he visited his home city of Sheffield to @ @ @

Boris Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings is not the only high-profile figure to have been caught breaching the UK's lockdown restrictions.
Mr Cummings was spotted in Durham in March, more than 260 miles from where he lives in London - and after the prime minister instructed people they must stay at home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 The PM's adviser said he
Here are some of the others who have been in the spotlight for flouting the rules.
Professor Neil Ferguson
Image: Professor Neil Ferguson was one of SAGE's most prominent members. Pic: Marshaj2020
Professor Neil Ferguson resigned from the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) earlier this month after he broke coronavirus lockdown rules.
In a statement announcing his departure, the leading epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an "error of judgement".
It followed claims in The Daily Telegraph that he allowed a friend, reported to be his lover, Antonia Staats, to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising.
Catherine Calderwood
Image: Scotland's CMO Catherine Calderwood resigned after breaching the UK lockdown
Scotland's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood resigned after breaching the UK lockdown by visiting her second home.
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Dr Calderwood - who has been a leading voice in urging the public to obey the restrictions - was photographed by The Scottish Sun visiting her holiday home on the east coast of the country, in early April.
She admitted it was the second time she had done so during the lockdown.
Robert Jenrick
Image: Robert Jenrick has spoken at the daily government news conference to reinforce the 'stay at home' message
Downing Street last month backed Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, who travelled 150 miles from London to a property he owns in rural Herefordshire.
Days after chairing a government news conference in Westminster to reinforce the "stay at home" message, Mr Jenrick appeared on Sky News via video link from the seventeenth century manor house he owns in the hamlet of Eye.
This is despite the Nottinghamshire MP's website stating his family live 120 miles away in his constituency of Newark, as well as in London.
But the PM's official spokesman said the minister had set out his reasons for the journey and "we're confident he complied with the social distancing rules", adding Mr Jenrick, his wife and children consider their Herefordshire residence to be their family home.
Stephen Kinnock
Image: Labour's Stephen Kinnock travelled to London from South Wales to visit his father on his birthday
Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberavon in South Wales, was shamed by police on social media.
He posted a photo on Twitter after travelling to London to visit his father on his birthday on 28 March - five days after the lockdown came into force.
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They were social distancing, but South Wales Police responded: "We know celebrating your Dad's birthday is a lovely thing to do, however this is not essential travel. We all have our part to play in this, we urge you to comply with (lockdown) restrictions, they are in place to keep us all safe. Thank you."
Nigel Farage
Image: Nigel Farage said it was 'lockdown lunacy' when he was visited by police after complaints he breached the rules
Nigel Farage claimed he was visited by police earlier this month and was warned against breaching lockdown rules after he travelled to the English coast to report on the migrant crisis.
The Brexit Party leader said officers had knocked on his door following complaints that he had defied stay-at-home orders by visiting Dover, and Pett Level Beach in East Sussex.
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He condemned the police visit to his home on 4 May as "lockdown lunacy" and days later hand-delivered a letter of complaint to Kent Police.
Other high-profile figures
It is not just politicians who have found themselves in hot water over social distancing breaches.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney was reportedly told off by police when he was spotted enjoying an early evening stroll in Cheshire with his neighbour, Manchester City and England full-back Kyle Walker, in early April.
The Sun reported the pair were out with their families when they bumped into each other at Prestbury golf course.
It came after Walker, only days earlier, was forced to apologise for hosting a gathering at his home. He admitted breaking social distancing rules again weeks later after he visited his home city of Sheffield to see family.


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Trump refuses to wear face mask for the cameras - despite warning state will ban him

Donald Trump refused to wear a face mask for the cameras during a tour of the Ford factory - despite an official warning he could be banned from visiting Michigan if he did so .
During the visit to the Ford Motor Company , which has shifted its focus to manufacturing ventilators and personal protective equipment , the president had been told all visitors must wear a face mask at the car maker 's sites .
Surrounded by executives wearing masks , Mr Trump told reporters : `` I had one on before .
I wore one in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the press the pleasure of seeing it . ''
At one point , he took out a White House-branded mask from his pocket , and said he had worn it elsewhere on the tour while out of public view .
The 73-year-old has consistently disregarded guidance from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention , urging Americans to wear masks in close company to try and curb the spread of coronavirus .
Ford chairman Bill Ford said he `` encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's up to him . ''
The company later said in a statement that the president had worn a mask during a private viewing of three two-seater Ford GT sports cars .
Prior to the president 's visit , Michigan 's attorney general Dana Nessel had warned that wearing a face mask was the law in the state - and if Mr Trump failed to do so , he would be told not to return to enclosed facilities there .
Ms Nessel told CNN : `` If we know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know he 's not going to follow the law , I think we 're going to have to take action against any company or facility that allows him inside those facilities and puts our workers at risk .
`` We just simply ca n't afford it here in our state . ''
At least two people who work in the White House and had been physically close to Mr Trump have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
However , the president is tested daily , and said on Thursday that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tour of the car plant , the president also suggested that he will start staging campaign rallies at outdoor sites .
With little more than five months left until the presidential election , Mr Trump is behind his Democratic rival Joe Biden in national polls - as well as some battleground states such as Michigan , which he won four years ago .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker An official working for Mr Trump 's campaign said outdoor rallies could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of June , adding : `` It 's clear he 's chomping at the bit to resume the rallies . ''
But another adviser to the president suggested this timetable might be too optimistic , meaning such events might have to wait until after the 4 July holiday .
The president has been warned that the 2020 race is going to be much tougher than his surprise victory in 2016 .
More than 94,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the president claiming he views this as a `` badge of honour '' and a tribute to the volumes of testing taking place .
On Monday , Mr Trump revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus , despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment .

Donald Trump refused to wear a face mask for the cameras during a tour of the Ford factory - despite an official warning he could be banned from visiting Michigan if he did so.
During the visit to the Ford Motor Company, which has shifted its focus to manufacturing ventilators and personal protective equipment, the president had been told all visitors must wear a face mask at the car maker's sites.
Surrounded by executives wearing masks, Mr Trump told reporters: "I had one on before. I wore one in the back area. I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it."
Image: Donald Trump did pose with a transparent visor, but did not wear a mask
At one point, he took out a White House-branded mask from his pocket, and said he had worn it elsewhere on the tour while out of public view.
The 73-year-old has consistently disregarded guidance from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, urging Americans to wear masks in close company to try and curb the spread of coronavirus.
Ford chairman Bill Ford said he "encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived" at the plant in Ypsilanti, but added: "It's up to him."
The company later said in a statement that the president had worn a mask during a private viewing of three two-seater Ford GT sports cars.
Prior to the president's visit, Michigan's attorney general Dana Nessel had warned that wearing a face mask was the law in the state - and if Mr Trump failed to do so, he would be told not to return to enclosed facilities there.
Image: One official had warned Mr Trump could be banned from visiting Michigan in future if he did not comply with the law
Ms Nessel told CNN: "If we know that he's coming to our state and we know he's not going to follow the law, I think we're going to have to take action against any company or facility that allows him inside those facilities and puts our workers at risk.
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"We just simply can't afford it here in our state."
At least two people who work in the White House and had been physically close to Mr Trump have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.
However, the president is tested daily, and said on Thursday that he had tested negative.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:11 Great Depression memories return to haunt US
Speaking to reporters during the tour of the car plant, the president also suggested that he will start staging campaign rallies at outdoor sites.
With little more than five months left until the presidential election, Mr Trump is behind his Democratic rival Joe Biden in national polls - as well as some battleground states such as Michigan, which he won four years ago.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
An official working for Mr Trump's campaign said outdoor rallies could take place as early as the middle of June, adding: "It's clear he's chomping at the bit to resume the rallies."
But another adviser to the president suggested this timetable might be too optimistic, meaning such events might have to wait until after the 4 July holiday.
The president has been warned that the 2020 race is going to be much tougher than his surprise victory in 2016.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'Yeah I'm taking it, and I'm still here'
More than 94,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The country also has over 1.5 million confirmed cases, with the president claiming he views this as a "badge of honour" and a tribute to the volumes of testing taking place.
On Monday, Mr Trump revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus, despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment.


news--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine taken by Trump linked to higher death rate - glob

Coronavirus: Anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine taken by Trump linked to higher death rate - global study

The anti-malarial drug promoted by President Donald Trump as a COVID-19 treatment has been linked to higher death rates and heart rhythm problems among coronavirus patients , a global study suggests .
The report in the Lancet medical journal is not a rigorous test of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine but an observational one .
However , it is by far the largest look at their use in real-world settings , studying 96,000 patients at 671 hospitals on six continents .
One leader of the study , Dr Mandeep Mehra , a heart specialist at Brigham and Women 's Hospital in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only is there no benefit , but we saw a very consistent signal of harm . ''
Researchers estimate that the death rate attributable to use of the drugs , with or without an antibiotic such as azithromycin , is roughly 13 % versus 9 % for patients not taking them .
The risk of developing a serious heart rhythm problem is more than five times greater .
Even though it is only observational , the size and scope of the study gives it a lot of impact , said Dr David Aronoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Centre .
`` It really does give us some degree of confidence that we are unlikely to see major benefits from these drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 and possibly harm , '' said Dr Aronoff , who was not involved in the research .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker President Trump has repeatedly pushed the malaria drugs and has said he is taking hydroxychloroquine to try to prevent infection or minimise symptoms from the coronavirus .
The president - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as injecting disinfectant - cited `` calls '' and `` good stories '' as his evidence of hydroxychloroquine 's success .
The drugs are approved for treating lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and for preventing and treating malaria , but no large rigorous tests have found them safe or effective for preventing or treating COVID-19 .
The Food and Drug Administration has warned hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm problems and Anthony Fauci , director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said there was no evidence the drug could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported there may be more to Mr Trump 's determined promotion of the drug as certain pharmaceutical companies will profit if it is accepted as a COVID-19 treatment .

The anti-malarial drug promoted by President Donald Trump as a COVID-19 treatment has been linked to higher death rates and heart rhythm problems among coronavirus patients, a global study suggests.
The report in the Lancet medical journal is not a rigorous test of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine but an observational one.
However, it is by far the largest look at their use in real-world settings, studying 96,000 patients at 671 hospitals on six continents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'Yeah, I'm taking it'
One leader of the study, Dr Mandeep Mehra, a heart specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, said: "Not only is there no benefit, but we saw a very consistent signal of harm."
Researchers estimate that the death rate attributable to use of the drugs, with or without an antibiotic such as azithromycin, is roughly 13% versus 9% for patients not taking them.
The risk of developing a serious heart rhythm problem is more than five times greater.
Image: Tablets containing hydroxychloroquine
Even though it is only observational, the size and scope of the study gives it a lot of impact, said Dr David Aronoff, infectious diseases chief at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.
"It really does give us some degree of confidence that we are unlikely to see major benefits from these drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 and possibly harm," said Dr Aronoff, who was not involved in the research.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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President Trump has repeatedly pushed the malaria drugs and has said he is taking hydroxychloroquine to try to prevent infection or minimise symptoms from the coronavirus.
The president - who has previously suggested potential coronavirus cures such as injecting disinfectant - cited "calls" and "good stories" as his evidence of hydroxychloroquine's success.
The drugs are approved for treating lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and for preventing and treating malaria, but no large rigorous tests have found them safe or effective for preventing or treating COVID-19.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm problems and Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus.
The New York Times has reported there may be more to Mr Trump's determined promotion of the drug as certain pharmaceutical companies will profit if it is accepted as a COVID-19 treatment.