news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Government rhetoric on testing 'nowhere near matches the reality'

It was a couple of weeks ago the prime minister declared at his daily coronavirus news conference that he wanted to get to 250,000 tests a day .
This would be how Britain would beat the disease .
`` We 're massively increasing the testing to see whether you have it now and ramping up daily testing from 5,000 a day , to 10,000 a day , to 25,000 and then up to 250,000 , '' he said .
That quarter of a million figure related to two tests : the test to see if you have the disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you 've already had it .
Boris Johnson offered these figures up as he told the nation he believed we could `` turn the tide '' on the disease in 12 weeks if we all followed the rules on social distancing to help slow the spread .
That was our bit of the bargain .
His was to make sure the government was building testing capacity quickly enough to not just protect NHS staff and reduce unnecessary absenteeism , but to better manage the spread and get Britain back to work by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already .
`` The knowledge of where the virus is will make a huge difference to our management of the disease and our ability to reduce disruption and economic difficulty , '' the prime minister said as he talked of the possible rapid roll-out of an antibody test `` as simple as a pregnancy test '' which could determine if someone has had COVID-19 .
But nearly two weeks on and the rhetoric nowhere near matches the reality .
The number of cases and deaths are growing at a frightening rate and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight answers to straight questions when it comes to testing .
Alok Sharma , the business secretary , simply could n't give an answer when asked at the news conference on Wednesday exactly when the government might be able to start rolling out the antibody tests Mr Johnson was promising a couple of weeks ago .
Tests ordered by the government were being `` urgently evaluated '' but as to when they could be circulated to the wider population to get Britain back on its feet - still unknown .
And the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limited capacity it does have .
Of the 12,750 test capacity it had on Wednesday , 10,426 tests were carried out .
One clear factor has been the government 's edict - now lifted - that only up to 15 % of NHS staff could be tested for COVID-19 in order to ensure there was capacity for those taken to hospital to be tested .
Just over 2,000 NHS frontline staff have been tested - a drop in the ocean of the estimated 125,000 who are currently off work due to symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a terrible waste of resources at the most critical of times .
At the news conference on Wednesday , Public Health England 's Yvonne Doyle said the number of tests would be scaled up in the coming weeks with capacity now for almost 3,000 daily coronavirus tests for NHS , which will grow as the government moves to its 25,000 target .
Professor Doyle also said a `` second strand '' of testing was coming on stream in five drive-through centres , in which people could be tested in order of priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff to see if they have the virus , but could also be used for the simple antibody tests - which take only minutes to administer - once they come on stream .
`` Our intention is to get to thousands , to hundreds-of-thousands , in the coming weeks , '' she said .
But time is exactly what we do n't have as the UK approaches the peak of the coronavirus epidemic .
Hospitals are now admitting 1,000 new coronavirus patients a day ; the number of deaths are doubling every three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases across the country .
The prime minister is acutely aware that if he does n't deliver on this promise to ramp-up testing - particularly for NHS staff putting their lives on the line - then public support for him and his government 's handling of the crisis could begin to fall away .
That perhaps explains why Mr Johnson issued an impromptu video message from his No 11 bunker on Thursday night to reassure the public that he was still in the driving seat and would deliver on testing .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And I want to say a special word about testing because it is so important and I have said for weeks and weeks that this is the way through .
This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle .
This is how we will defeat it in the end . ''
Repeating his promises from two weeks ago again .
Now the clock is really ticking on the delivery .

The government said testing would help "turn the tide" against coronavirus but why have they been so slow to do it?
It was a couple of weeks ago the prime minister declared at his daily coronavirus news conference that he wanted to get to 250,000 tests a day. This would be how Britain would beat the disease.
"We're massively increasing the testing to see whether you have it now and ramping up daily testing from 5,000 a day, to 10,000 a day, to 25,000 and then up to 250,000," he said.
That quarter of a million figure related to two tests: the test to see if you have the disease, and an antibody test which tells you if you've already had it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM: We must stop NHS from getting overwhelmed
Boris Johnson offered these figures up as he told the nation he believed we could "turn the tide" on the disease in 12 weeks if we all followed the rules on social distancing to help slow the spread.
That was our bit of the bargain.
His was to make sure the government was building testing capacity quickly enough to not just protect NHS staff and reduce unnecessary absenteeism, but to better manage the spread and get Britain back to work by working out who'd had the virus already.
"The knowledge of where the virus is will make a huge difference to our management of the disease and our ability to reduce disruption and economic difficulty," the prime minister said as he talked of the possible rapid roll-out of an antibody test "as simple as a pregnancy test" which could determine if someone has had COVID-19.
But nearly two weeks on and the rhetoric nowhere near matches the reality.
The number of cases and deaths are growing at a frightening rate and the government is unable to give us many straight answers to straight questions when it comes to testing.
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Alok Sharma, the business secretary, simply couldn't give an answer when asked at the news conference on Wednesday exactly when the government might be able to start rolling out the antibody tests Mr Johnson was promising a couple of weeks ago.
Tests ordered by the government were being "urgently evaluated" but as to when they could be circulated to the wider population to get Britain back on its feet - still unknown.
And the government has even been struggling to use all the limited capacity it does have.
Of the 12,750 test capacity it had on Wednesday, 10,426 tests were carried out.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 UK can 'turn the tide within 12 weeks'
One clear factor has been the government's edict - now lifted - that only up to 15% of NHS staff could be tested for COVID-19 in order to ensure there was capacity for those taken to hospital to be tested.
Just over 2,000 NHS frontline staff have been tested - a drop in the ocean of the estimated 125,000 who are currently off work due to symptoms or because they are self-isolating.
This is a terrible waste of resources at the most critical of times.
At the news conference on Wednesday, Public Health England's Yvonne Doyle said the number of tests would be scaled up in the coming weeks with capacity now for almost 3,000 daily coronavirus tests for NHS, which will grow as the government moves to its 25,000 target.
Professor Doyle also said a "second strand" of testing was coming on stream in five drive-through centres, in which people could be tested in order of priority.
The centres are currently testing NHS staff to see if they have the virus, but could also be used for the simple antibody tests - which take only minutes to administer - once they come on stream.
"Our intention is to get to thousands, to hundreds-of-thousands, in the coming weeks," she said.
But time is exactly what we don't have as the UK approaches the peak of the coronavirus epidemic.
Hospitals are now admitting 1,000 new coronavirus patients a day; the number of deaths are doubling every three days; there are now over 25,000 cases across the country.
The prime minister is acutely aware that if he doesn't deliver on this promise to ramp-up testing - particularly for NHS staff putting their lives on the line - then public support for him and his government's handling of the crisis could begin to fall away.
That perhaps explains why Mr Johnson issued an impromptu video message from his No 11 bunker on Thursday night to reassure the public that he was still in the driving seat and would deliver on testing.
He said: "We are massively increasing testing. And I want to say a special word about testing because it is so important and I have said for weeks and weeks that this is the way through. This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle. This is how we will defeat it in the end."
Repeating his promises from two weeks ago again.
Now the clock is really ticking on the delivery.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: George Alagiah says cancer gives him 'an edge' as he reveals COVID-19 diagnosis

Newsreader George Alagiah has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus , but says living with cancer has helped him get through .
`` If I can live with cancer , I can certainly live with COVID-19 , '' the BBC presenter said .
Alagiah , 64 , was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014 and again in December 2017 .
He announced earlier this month that he would stop appearing on air from the studio following advice from doctors and colleagues , as cases of coronavirus started to dramatically increase in the UK .
He said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not want to risk it due to his underlying health issues .
Now , speaking about his coronavirus diagnosis , he told BBC News At Six 's Sophie Raworth : `` I do n't want to trivialise because I seem to have had a mild dose , but actually , the very fact that we ( cancer patients ) are living with cancer I think gives us an edge .
`` We 've confronted those difficult , dark moments in our life .
`` And in some ways , I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer , are stronger because we kind of know what it is like to go into something where the outcomes are uncertain .
`` And I certainly feel that having had that experience , in my case six years as a cancer patient , I went into this feeling actually quite strong , if I can live with cancer , I can certainly live with COVID-19 . ''
Alagiah 's wife Fran has also experienced coronavirus symptoms , he said .
`` She 's been through it a little bit and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There does n't seem to be any rhyme or reason for how this plays out in individuals .
`` I do n't want to make light of it , because right now , Sophie , you and I both know there are people out there who are really finding this tricky , families going through a very anxious time . ''
The number of coronavirus cases around the world continues to rise .
Many well known faces have tested positive for the disease , including Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Idris Elba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson .

Newsreader George Alagiah has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus, but says living with cancer has helped him get through.
"If I can live with cancer, I can certainly live with COVID-19," the BBC presenter said.
Alagiah, 64, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2014 and again in December 2017.
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He announced earlier this month that he would stop appearing on air from the studio following advice from doctors and colleagues, as cases of coronavirus started to dramatically increase in the UK.
He said he was "absolutely gutted" but that he did not want to risk it due to his underlying health issues.
Now, speaking about his coronavirus diagnosis, he told BBC News At Six's Sophie Raworth: "I don't want to trivialise because I seem to have had a mild dose, but actually, the very fact that we (cancer patients) are living with cancer I think gives us an edge.
"We've confronted those difficult, dark moments in our life.
"And in some ways, I think that we, those of us living with cancer, are stronger because we kind of know what it is like to go into something where the outcomes are uncertain.
"And I certainly feel that having had that experience, in my case six years as a cancer patient, I went into this feeling actually quite strong, if I can live with cancer, I can certainly live with COVID-19."
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Alagiah's wife Fran has also experienced coronavirus symptoms, he said.
"She's been through it a little bit and it's kind of lasted a bit longer.
"There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for how this plays out in individuals.
"I don't want to make light of it, because right now, Sophie, you and I both know there are people out there who are really finding this tricky, families going through a very anxious time."
The number of coronavirus cases around the world continues to rise.
Many well known faces have tested positive for the disease, including Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, and Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Top entrepreneur Luke Johnson says UK could face downturn similar to Great Depression

One of Britain 's leading entrepreneurs has issued a stark warning of tougher economic times ahead , suggesting the UK could face another `` Great Depression '' .
Luke Johnson , a former chairman of Pizza Express , urged the government to ramp up testing to work out those who may not have COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , in a bid to get the country to go back to normal .
Speaking on Sky News ' Ian King Live on Wednesday , he said : `` The longer this shutdown continues , the more industry will generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think there is a terrible trade-off the country will have to make at some point in the very near future about the damage to our whole standard of living and whether we are willing to accept the suicides and all the collateral damage of the shutdown , as opposed to protecting the NHS so it can keep people with the virus alive . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` I think we could well be facing a downturn that is n't just an average recession but is closer to something like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you look at the misery and ill health that caused and the damage to society as a whole there is a serious debate to be had to see if we are relentlessly pursuing the right course of action . ''
He revealed `` several hundred '' of his staff at Risk Capital Partners - which owns a stake in companies such as Gail 's Bakery , the Giraffe restaurant chain and Brighton Pier - were currently on the government 's furlough scheme but stressed his concerns about it meeting payroll deadlines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to get money is later on this month , it may not be until May , '' he added .
`` For some businesses that will be too late because the companies will not be able to pay their colleagues for even the March payroll , let alone the April one . ''
The Great Depression was the longest , deepest , and most widespread depression of the 20th century .
It started in the United States after a major fall in stock prices that began around 4 September 1929 and saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) fall by an estimated 15 % between 1929 to 1932 .
Mr Johnson is credited with turning Pizza Express into one of the nation 's favourite Italian chains before selling it in 1999 .
Mr Johnson was also previously chairman of crisis-hit French cafe chain Patisserie Valerie , which collapsed into administration last year after allegations of fraud .
He previously described the revelation of alleged accounting fraud at the high street cake chain as a `` nightmare parallel universe '' .

One of Britain's leading entrepreneurs has issued a stark warning of tougher economic times ahead, suggesting the UK could face another "Great Depression".
Luke Johnson, a former chairman of Pizza Express, urged the government to ramp up testing to work out those who may not have COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, in a bid to get the country to go back to normal.
Speaking on Sky News' Ian King Live on Wednesday, he said: "The longer this shutdown continues, the more industry will generally shut down and become insolvent.
"I think there is a terrible trade-off the country will have to make at some point in the very near future about the damage to our whole standard of living and whether we are willing to accept the suicides and all the collateral damage of the shutdown, as opposed to protecting the NHS so it can keep people with the virus alive."
Image: Luke Johnson is a British entrepreneur best known for his involvement with Pizza Express. Pic: Lucy Young/Shutterstock
Mr Johnson added: "I think we could well be facing a downturn that isn't just an average recession but is closer to something like the Great Depression from the 1930s.
"If you look at the misery and ill health that caused and the damage to society as a whole there is a serious debate to be had to see if we are relentlessly pursuing the right course of action."
He revealed "several hundred" of his staff at Risk Capital Partners - which owns a stake in companies such as Gail's Bakery, the Giraffe restaurant chain and Brighton Pier - were currently on the government's furlough scheme but stressed his concerns about it meeting payroll deadlines.
"I think the earliest we're hoping to get money is later on this month, it may not be until May," he added.
"For some businesses that will be too late because the companies will not be able to pay their colleagues for even the March payroll, let alone the April one."
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The Great Depression was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century.
It started in the United States after a major fall in stock prices that began around 4 September 1929 and saw the worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) fall by an estimated 15% between 1929 to 1932.
Mr Johnson is credited with turning Pizza Express into one of the nation's favourite Italian chains before selling it in 1999.
Mr Johnson was also previously chairman of crisis-hit French cafe chain Patisserie Valerie, which collapsed into administration last year after allegations of fraud.
He previously described the revelation of alleged accounting fraud at the high street cake chain as a "nightmare parallel universe".


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Elderly British couple beg to be allowed off cruise ship after fellow Brit dies

An elderly British couple aboard a coronavirus-infected ship bound for Florida has issued a desperate plea to the United States to allow the vessel to dock .
Tony and Jennie Wills from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire spoke out after the state governor signalled he did not want the Zaandam 's passengers and crew dumped on his doorstep .
Four guests on the cruise ship have died , including a British man .
There are nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 among almost 200 sick passengers and crew .
`` This is a real humanitarian crisis and we appeal , we pray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments around the world , please America , please let us land somewhere , '' Mrs Wills , 74 , said in a video message shared with Sky News .
`` Please , please , we just so all want to come home .
This is on behalf of absolutely everybody on board the two ships . ''
Her husband , 80 , said information from the captain and the cruise operator , Holland America Line , had been poor .
`` We are obviously realising there is a hell of a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever realised and we are getting very , very worried , '' Mr Wills said .
`` We need to get off . ''
Disaster struck the Zaandam , which was carrying more than 1,200 passengers , including some 225 Britons , last month as it was cruising around the coast of South America .
Countries began shutting their borders as fear about the coronavirus pandemic grew around the world .
On 22 March , a number of passengers and crew on board the ship started to display flu-like symptoms .
Some became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cruise operator , said that repeated requests were made to South American countries to help take the most in-need patients off the Zaandam and transported to suitable hospital facilities .
But they were ignored .
Four people died including the British national .
Two of the people who died were confirmed to have had coronavirus .
With no international assistance , Holland America Line used a second ship , the Rotterdam , to take onboard hundreds of apparently healthy passengers from the Zaandam .
Mr and Mrs Wills had thought they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place off the Pacific coast of Panama at the weekend .
However , Mrs Wills had suffered minor cold symptoms ten days earlier , which appears to have meant they were left behind .
Even for those on the Rotterdam , however , the situation is tense and uncertain .
Cheryl Deeks , 66 , from Mendlesham in Suffolk , appealed for help .
`` I am disappointed to hear that America are even debating whether we should land or not , '' Mrs Deeks said in a video message , her voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't understand that .
It 's a humanitarian rescue .
We need to get to our homes .
There are lots of Americans on board .
It is America 's own port .
I can not understand why there is any debate whatsoever .
We just want to get home . ''
She and her husband , like the all the passengers in both ships , are confined to their cabin .
`` We are all getting a bit fed up now , '' Mrs Deeks said .
`` We are pleased with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit more coffee or some sort of hot drink , we would be grateful for that but , hey ho , that 's the way it is .
`` Plenty of alcohol , do n't feel like drinking , no ice but never mind .
We are grateful for what we have got .
At least we are healthy .
I am pleased about that . ''
A spokesman for Holland America confirmed that a British national was among the four passengers who died .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time , '' it said .
The Zaandam and the Rotterdam passed through the Panama Canal on Monday after initially being refused entry .
Both ships are seeking to dock in Florida later this week .
The state 's governor , Ron DeSantis , is reluctant to allow the more than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard the Zaandam to disembark .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , Mr Trump appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a news conference on Tuesday that Florida 's health care resources were already stretched too thin by the coronavirus outbreak to take on the Zaandam 's caseload .
The US coastguard has said if local authorities can not agree on a docking plan , the matter will go to the federal government for decision .
Mr DeSantis said he had been in contact with the White House about ferrying medical supplies to the ships .
He told a news conference : `` Just to drop people off at the place where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now just does n't make a whole lot of sense . ''
However , US President Donald Trump said at the White House 's daily coronavirus briefing that he would ask Mr DeSantis to allow the ships to dock in Florida .
Mr Trump said : `` They 're dying on the ship .
`` I 'm going to do what 's right .
Not only for us , but for humanity .
`` Holland America said 73 guests and 116 crew members on the Zaandam had reported influenza-like illness symptoms .

An elderly British couple aboard a coronavirus-infected ship bound for Florida has issued a desperate plea to the United States to allow the vessel to dock.
Tony and Jennie Wills from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire spoke out after the state governor signalled he did not want the Zaandam's passengers and crew dumped on his doorstep.
Four guests on the cruise ship have died, including a British man. There are nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 among almost 200 sick passengers and crew.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Elderly couple locked down on cruise
"This is a real humanitarian crisis and we appeal, we pray, we implore America, all the governments around the world, please America, please let us land somewhere," Mrs Wills, 74, said in a video message shared with Sky News.
"Please, please, we just so all want to come home. This is on behalf of absolutely everybody on board the two ships."
Her husband, 80, said information from the captain and the cruise operator, Holland America Line, had been poor.
"We are obviously realising there is a hell of a lot more illness on this boat than we ever realised and we are getting very, very worried," Mr Wills said.
"We need to get off."
Disaster struck the Zaandam, which was carrying more than 1,200 passengers, including some 225 Britons, last month as it was cruising around the coast of South America.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Trump warns of 'painful' weeks ahead
Countries began shutting their borders as fear about the coronavirus pandemic grew around the world.
On 22 March, a number of passengers and crew on board the ship started to display flu-like symptoms. Some became critically ill.
Orlando Ashford, president of the cruise operator, said that repeated requests were made to South American countries to help take the most in-need patients off the Zaandam and transported to suitable hospital facilities. But they were ignored.
Four people died including the British national. Two of the people who died were confirmed to have had coronavirus.
With no international assistance, Holland America Line used a second ship, the Rotterdam, to take onboard hundreds of apparently healthy passengers from the Zaandam.
Mr and Mrs Wills had thought they would be included in the transfer that took place off the Pacific coast of Panama at the weekend.
However, Mrs Wills had suffered minor cold symptoms ten days earlier, which appears to have meant they were left behind.
Even for those on the Rotterdam, however, the situation is tense and uncertain.
Image: Cheryl and David Deeks are among more than 200 passengers from the UK on board the Zaandam
Cheryl Deeks, 66, from Mendlesham in Suffolk, appealed for help.
"I am disappointed to hear that America are even debating whether we should land or not," Mrs Deeks said in a video message, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I can't understand that. It's a humanitarian rescue. We need to get to our homes. There are lots of Americans on board. It is America's own port. I cannot understand why there is any debate whatsoever. We just want to get home."
She and her husband, like the all the passengers in both ships, are confined to their cabin.
"We are all getting a bit fed up now," Mrs Deeks said.
"We are pleased with the food. We could do with a bit more coffee or some sort of hot drink, we would be grateful for that but, hey ho, that's the way it is.
"Plenty of alcohol, don't feel like drinking, no ice but never mind. We are grateful for what we have got. At least we are healthy. I am pleased about that."
Image: Four people have died on the Zaandam cruise ship
A spokesman for Holland America confirmed that a British national was among the four passengers who died.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing support to the family.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," it said.
The Zaandam and the Rotterdam passed through the Panama Canal on Monday after initially being refused entry.
Both ships are seeking to dock in Florida later this week.
The state's governor, Ron DeSantis, is reluctant to allow the more than 1,000 passengers and crew aboard the Zaandam to disembark.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, Mr Trump appears set to overrule him.
Mr DeSantis told a news conference on Tuesday that Florida's health care resources were already stretched too thin by the coronavirus outbreak to take on the Zaandam's caseload.
The US coastguard has said if local authorities cannot agree on a docking plan, the matter will go to the federal government for decision.
Mr DeSantis said he had been in contact with the White House about ferrying medical supplies to the ships.
He told a news conference: "Just to drop people off at the place where we're having the highest number of cases right now just doesn't make a whole lot of sense."
However, US President Donald Trump said at the White House's daily coronavirus briefing that he would ask Mr DeSantis to allow the ships to dock in Florida.
Mr Trump said: "They're dying on the ship.
"I'm going to do what's right. Not only for us, but for humanity."Holland America said 73 guests and 116 crew members on the Zaandam had reported influenza-like illness symptoms.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Second nurse, Aimee O'Rourke, 39, dies with coronavirus

A second nurse , aged 39 , has died after testing positive for coronavirus .
Aimee O'Rourke , believed to be a mother of three , was treated for COVID-19 at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital ( QEQM ) in Margate , Kent , where she worked .
It was unclear whether she had any underlying health conditions before contracting coronavirus .
One of her daughters , Megan Murphy , said in a post on Facebook : `` It was us 4 against the world !
Now us 3 will pull together more than ever !
!
!
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked after and all the families you comforted when patients passed away .
You are an angel and you will wear your NHS crown forever more because you earned that crown the very first day you started !
!
!
`` Your meggy misses you beyond belief .
One day when I have children of my own I will tell your grandchildren about there GG ( glamorous gran ) which you wanted to be called , every single day !
`` I ca n't believe one day I will have to go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could go on all day long and have so many things to say but I have to be strong !
!
Night night mummy . ''
Ward manager at the hospital , Julie Gammon , said the whole team was devastated by her death .
`` She was such a kind and caring nurse , and she had a really special relationship with her patients and colleagues , '' she said .
`` Nursing was something she had always wanted to do , although she came to it relatively late after raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time out to care for her mum after she was diagnosed with cancer and she was determined to return and to make her mum proud .
`` Aimee was a really valuable part of our work family and would always offer to help if she could .
She was really growing and developing in her skills and confidence and I know she would have gone on to have a great career . ''
Amanda Hallums , chief nurse at East Kent Hospitals , said everyone who worked alongside Aimee was heartbroken at her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a work family and it is devastating to lose one of our own .
`` Aimee was determined to provide the best possible care to all of her patients and continued to come to work at a time when others were staying at home and inside .
`` We will forever remember her smile , her concern for her patients and her colleagues , and her willingness to always go above and beyond . ''
News of her death came hours after it emerged an apparently healthy 36-year-old nurse at Walsall Manor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital where she qualified as a staff nurse in January last year after starting as a housekeeper there 16 years ago .
While it is not known where Ms O'Rourke contracted the disease , NHS staff have condemned the shortage of protective equipment and lack of testing among health workers

A second nurse, aged 39, has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Aimee O'Rourke, believed to be a mother of three, was treated for COVID-19 at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, Kent, where she worked.
It was unclear whether she had any underlying health conditions before contracting coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Britons salute NHS heroes
One of her daughters, Megan Murphy, said in a post on Facebook: "It was us 4 against the world! Now us 3 will pull together more than ever!!!
"Look at all the lives you looked after and all the families you comforted when patients passed away. You are an angel and you will wear your NHS crown forever more because you earned that crown the very first day you started!!!
"Your meggy misses you beyond belief. One day when I have children of my own I will tell your grandchildren about there GG (glamorous gran) which you wanted to be called, every single day!
"I can't believe one day I will have to go through labour without my mummy!!! I could go on all day long and have so many things to say but I have to be strong!! Night night mummy."
Ward manager at the hospital, Julie Gammon, said the whole team was devastated by her death.
"She was such a kind and caring nurse, and she had a really special relationship with her patients and colleagues," she said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Charles: NHS Nightingale is 'shining light'
"Nursing was something she had always wanted to do, although she came to it relatively late after raising her girls.
"She took some time out to care for her mum after she was diagnosed with cancer and she was determined to return and to make her mum proud.
"Aimee was a really valuable part of our work family and would always offer to help if she could. She was really growing and developing in her skills and confidence and I know she would have gone on to have a great career."
Amanda Hallums, chief nurse at East Kent Hospitals, said everyone who worked alongside Aimee was heartbroken at her death.
She said: "We are a work family and it is devastating to lose one of our own.
"Aimee was determined to provide the best possible care to all of her patients and continued to come to work at a time when others were staying at home and inside.
"We will forever remember her smile, her concern for her patients and her colleagues, and her willingness to always go above and beyond."
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News of her death came hours after it emerged an apparently healthy 36-year-old nurse at Walsall Manor Hospital had died.
Areema Nasreen died at the hospital where she qualified as a staff nurse in January last year after starting as a housekeeper there 16 years ago.
While it is not known where Ms O'Rourke contracted the disease, NHS staff have condemned the shortage of protective equipment and lack of testing among health workers


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Ladbrokes and Coral withhold rent payments

The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral has dealt a fresh blow to beleaguered high street landlords by refusing to pay rent on more than 3,000 shops .
Sky News has learnt that the two bookmakers , which are part of GVC Holdings , withheld rent payments last week - although it insisted that it would make up the deficit when `` normal '' trading conditions resume .
The move makes the gambling group the latest in a string of big high street tenants to cut costs with their store estates closed during the coronavirus pandemic .
Betfred , another bookmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
GVC , which announced last year that it would close 900 of its UK betting shops , has furloughed 14,000 staff under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
The company , which has a large online presence , may offset part of the decline in revenues at its shops through increased online activity .
However , the absence of live sport during a usually frenetic period is likely to result in a large shortfall in profits .
In a statement , a GVC spokeswoman said : `` In view of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coral betting shops in line with government guidelines , GVC has taken the difficult decision to temporary place on hold rental payments to its landlords .
The decision has been taken in order to ensure as many shops are in a position to reopen once the current crisis abates .
`` The group fully intends to make-up the shortfall once normal trading conditions resume .
`` We have written to our landlords to inform them and request their understanding of the decision , which will not only help to secure the long-term future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs of over 15,000 retail colleagues . ''

The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral has dealt a fresh blow to beleaguered high street landlords by refusing to pay rent on more than 3,000 shops.
Sky News has learnt that the two bookmakers, which are part of GVC Holdings, withheld rent payments last week - although it insisted that it would make up the deficit when "normal" trading conditions resume.
The move makes the gambling group the latest in a string of big high street tenants to cut costs with their store estates closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Betfred, another bookmaker, asked landlords for a rent holiday last month.
GVC, which announced last year that it would close 900 of its UK betting shops, has furloughed 14,000 staff under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The company, which has a large online presence, may offset part of the decline in revenues at its shops through increased online activity.
However, the absence of live sport during a usually frenetic period is likely to result in a large shortfall in profits.
In a statement, a GVC spokeswoman said: "In view of the enforced closure of all Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops in line with government guidelines, GVC has taken the difficult decision to temporary place on hold rental payments to its landlords.
The decision has been taken in order to ensure as many shops are in a position to reopen once the current crisis abates.
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"The group fully intends to make-up the shortfall once normal trading conditions resume.
"We have written to our landlords to inform them and request their understanding of the decision, which will not only help to secure the long-term future of their rental incomes but also the jobs of over 15,000 retail colleagues."


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Queen records special broadcast to air on Sunday

The Queen will address the nation about the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday , marking just the fourth time that she has recorded a special message .
Her Majesty , who has previously pledged that she and her family are `` ready to play our part '' in seeing the country through the COVID-19 crisis , will attempt to boost morale in a televised broadcast at 8pm .
The address has been recorded at Windsor Castle , where the Queen is staying with the Duke of Edinburgh .
Expectation had been growing that the monarch would make a public statement about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country enter an unprecedented lockdown .
While the Queen regularly speaks to the nation in her Christmas Day messages , the speech about the coronavirus marks just the fourth time in history she has given an off-calendar address about current affairs .
She previously gave a televised address ahead of her mother 's funeral in 2002 , following the death of Diana in 1997 , and during the Gulf War in 1991 .
In the speech about her mother , the Queen appeared dressed in black to thank the public for their support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zest for living '' that she had enjoyed .
The address about Diana , Princess of Wales , came after her sudden death in a car crash in Paris , with the monarch criticised by sections of the media for remaining at Balmoral in the aftermath .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She was due to deliver an address in a pre-recorded message , but it was then decided to broadcast the speech live as mourners gathered outside Buckingham Palace .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` an exceptional and gifted human being '' , and added : `` In good times and bad , she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh , nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness . ''
The speech about the Gulf War came as the allied land offensive began against Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait .
She called on people to unite and pray that the Armed Forces ' success would be as `` swift as it is certain '' , and that it would be `` achieved with as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering as possible '' .
Cases of coronavirus have continued to soar across the UK , with 3,605 people having died after contracting the disease as of the latest government update on Friday .
Among those to have been infected is heir to the throne Prince Charles , who has recovered after spending a week in isolation and this morning opened the new 4,000-bed NHS Nightingale hospital .
The Prince of Wales commended the temporary facility at the ExCel Centre in London 's Docklands via video link .
With 80 wards , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - is now the largest critical care unit in the world .
Speaking from his Scottish estate of Birkhall , Prince Charles said : `` It is without doubt a spectacular and unbelievable feat of work in every sense . ''
The Prince of Wales also offered a message to the nation upon coming out of isolation earlier this week .
He said : `` As a nation , we are faced by a profoundly challenging situation , which we are only too aware threatens the livelihoods , businesses and welfare of millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us can say when this will end , but end it will .
Until it does , let us all try and live with hope and , with faith in ourselves and each other , look forward to better times to come . ''
His mother is likely to praise the efforts of health workers and all those who have been helping in the fight against coronavirus in her speech , and seek to reassure the public as the pandemic continues .

The Queen will address the nation about the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday, marking just the fourth time that she has recorded a special message.
Her Majesty, who has previously pledged that she and her family are "ready to play our part" in seeing the country through the COVID-19 crisis, will attempt to boost morale in a televised broadcast at 8pm.
The address has been recorded at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is staying with the Duke of Edinburgh.
Image: The address has been recorded at Windsor Castle
Expectation had been growing that the monarch would make a public statement about a situation that has seen the entire country enter an unprecedented lockdown.
While the Queen regularly speaks to the nation in her Christmas Day messages, the speech about the coronavirus marks just the fourth time in history she has given an off-calendar address about current affairs.
She previously gave a televised address ahead of her mother's funeral in 2002, following the death of Diana in 1997, and during the Gulf War in 1991.
Image: The Queen has addressed the nation for Christmas each year since 1957 but special broadcasts are rare
In the speech about her mother, the Queen appeared dressed in black to thank the public for their support and pay tribute to the "infectious zest for living" that she had enjoyed.
The address about Diana, Princess of Wales, came after her sudden death in a car crash in Paris, with the monarch criticised by sections of the media for remaining at Balmoral in the aftermath.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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She was due to deliver an address in a pre-recorded message, but it was then decided to broadcast the speech live as mourners gathered outside Buckingham Palace.
The Queen paid tribute to Diana as "an exceptional and gifted human being", and added: "In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness."
The speech about the Gulf War came as the allied land offensive began against Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait.
She called on people to unite and pray that the Armed Forces' success would be as "swift as it is certain", and that it would be "achieved with as small a cost in human life and suffering as possible".
Cases of coronavirus have continued to soar across the UK, with 3,605 people having died after contracting the disease as of the latest government update on Friday.
Among those to have been infected is heir to the throne Prince Charles, who has recovered after spending a week in isolation and this morning opened the new 4,000-bed NHS Nightingale hospital.
The Prince of Wales commended the temporary facility at the ExCel Centre in London's Docklands via video link.
With 80 wards, the hospital - built in just two weeks - is now the largest critical care unit in the world.
Speaking from his Scottish estate of Birkhall, Prince Charles said: "It is without doubt a spectacular and unbelievable feat of work in every sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Charles: NHS Nightingale is 'shining light'
The Prince of Wales also offered a message to the nation upon coming out of isolation earlier this week.
He said: "As a nation, we are faced by a profoundly challenging situation, which we are only too aware threatens the livelihoods, businesses and welfare of millions of our fellow citizens.
"None of us can say when this will end, but end it will. Until it does, let us all try and live with hope and, with faith in ourselves and each other, look forward to better times to come."
His mother is likely to praise the efforts of health workers and all those who have been helping in the fight against coronavirus in her speech, and seek to reassure the public as the pandemic continues.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus will be devastating for poorest nations - World Bank

The managing director of the World Bank has told Sky News that the coronavirus could wreak devastation on populations in the developing world .
Axel van Trotsenberg says poorer countries urgently need financial support to fight the pandemic - and that the job losses crippling the US economy will be felt across the globe .
More than one million cases of coronavirus have been reported around the world , but the figure is likely to be much higher .
Over 10 million people in the US have already applied for unemployment benefits .
Mr van Trotsenberg told Sky News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning part is in the poorest countries where health systems are very weak .
`` In fragile states they are even weaker so this coronavirus can have a devastating effect on populations .
`` They will be affected by the economic turndown but what you are going to see with the very poor is that they need food . ''
Nearly 51,500 people have died from after testing positive for Covid-19 .
The US accounts for about 236,000 of the confirmed cases - more than any other country , according to the tally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prepared to spend $ 160bn ( £129bn ) in emergency aid to help developing nations cope with the challenges they face as COVID-19 spreads further .
India , the third largest economy in Asia , will receive the largest share of the initial funding - $ 1bn ( £800m ) - to support better screening for the virus , contact tracing and laboratory diagnostics ; pay for personal protective equipment ; and set up new isolation wards for those infected , the bank said .
`` There are huge challenges for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs after all , the poorest countries they represent a quarter of the world - 2.5 billion people , '' said Mr van Trotsenberg .
The UN General Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution recognising `` the unprecedented effects '' of the coronavirus pandemic and calling for `` intensified international cooperation to contain , mitigate and defeat '' COVID-19 .
The resolution also recognises COVID-19 's `` severe disruption to societies and economies , as well as to global travel and commerce , and the devastating impact on the livelihood of people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vulnerable are the hardest hit '' .
Mr van Trotsenberg said everywhere will be affected : `` In general the US is one of the biggest economies , representing 70 % of the overall wealth economy , so clearly this will have a major impact but so is the European economy .
`` All of these economies are going to see a recession this year . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he added that he believes the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm an eternal optimist .
I think with our force and our working together , yes I believe we can recover and we will recover stronger .
`` I think this is unprecedented .
It is more severe than the financial crisis 11 years ago . ''

The managing director of the World Bank has told Sky News that the coronavirus could wreak devastation on populations in the developing world.
Axel van Trotsenberg says poorer countries urgently need financial support to fight the pandemic - and that the job losses crippling the US economy will be felt across the globe.
More than one million cases of coronavirus have been reported around the world, but the figure is likely to be much higher.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Warning for developing nations
Over 10 million people in the US have already applied for unemployment benefits.
Mr van Trotsenberg told Sky News' US correspondent Amanda Walker: "The concerning part is in the poorest countries where health systems are very weak.
"In fragile states they are even weaker so this coronavirus can have a devastating effect on populations.
"They will be affected by the economic turndown but what you are going to see with the very poor is that they need food."
Nearly 51,500 people have died from after testing positive for Covid-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 44:03 Special report: Into the Red Zone
The US accounts for about 236,000 of the confirmed cases - more than any other country, according to the tally.
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The World Bank has said it is prepared to spend $160bn (£129bn) in emergency aid to help developing nations cope with the challenges they face as COVID-19 spreads further.
India, the third largest economy in Asia, will receive the largest share of the initial funding - $1bn (£800m) - to support better screening for the virus, contact tracing and laboratory diagnostics; pay for personal protective equipment; and set up new isolation wards for those infected, the bank said.
"There are huge challenges for the very poor to get even the basic needs after all, the poorest countries they represent a quarter of the world - 2.5 billion people," said Mr van Trotsenberg.
The UN General Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution recognising "the unprecedented effects" of the coronavirus pandemic and calling for "intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat" COVID-19.
The resolution also recognises COVID-19's "severe disruption to societies and economies, as well as to global travel and commerce, and the devastating impact on the livelihood of people," and that "the poorest and most vulnerable are the hardest hit".
Mr van Trotsenberg said everywhere will be affected: "In general the US is one of the biggest economies, representing 70% of the overall wealth economy, so clearly this will have a major impact but so is the European economy.
"All of these economies are going to see a recession this year."
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But he added that he believes the world can recover from this: "I'm an eternal optimist. I think with our force and our working together, yes I believe we can recover and we will recover stronger.
"I think this is unprecedented. It is more severe than the financial crisis 11 years ago."


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Services sector sees its steepest downturn since 1996

Britain 's services and manufacturing firms are falling deeper into an economic slump , according to a closely-watched survey .
The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers ' index ( PMI ) for March shows that both sectors shrank as the worsening coronavirus pandemic brought restrictions to the UK .
The services sector saw its steepest downturn in activity since records began in July 1996 , almost entirely due to the closure of non-essential businesses and the cancellation of orders .
The index posted 34.5 in March , down from 53.2 in February .
A number below 50 indicates a contraction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 and 27 March , covering the period after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the shutdown .
People were told to stay home unless they were exercising , shopping for essentials or doing essential work that could not be done from home .
Non-essential businesses , including bars , restaurants and gyms were told to close .
The services sector - which covers a range of businesses from law firms and accountants to travel agents and restaurants - represents 80 % of UK economic output .
• New business from abroad fell sharply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and widespread business closures across Europe • Employment numbers fell for the first time in five months and at the fastest rate since June 2009 • Average cost burdens increased at the slowest pace for just over four years , helped by falling fuel prices and efforts to reduce non-essential expenditure • Business expectations for the next 12 months dropped to the lowest in more than 20 years of data collection • The data was worse than the 'flash ' data , which was published by IHS Markit on 24 March , based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responses The final composite Purchasing Managers ' Index covering services and manufacturing fell to 36.0 , down from 53.0 in February .
Tim Moore , economics director at IHS Markit , said : `` There were numerous reports from survey respondents that placing staff on furlough had helped to mitigate more widespread job losses in March .
`` However , employment levels across the service sector still dropped at the fastest pace for more than a decade , reflecting some forced redundancies and the non-replacement of departing staff amid widespread hiring freezes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would pay 80 % of the wages of workers who were temporarily laid off by companies during the pandemic .
The only bright side of the data was a rise in business activity from technology services , possibly due to the increase in the number of people working from home .
• Italy 's service sector shrank at the fastest rate in more than 22 years in March - diving to 17.4 compared with 52.1 in February • Germany 's services PMI fell to 31.7 in March , from 52.5 in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 27.4 from February 's 52.5 , the fastest rate on record Economists expect Britain 's GDP to plunge by 10 % in the second financial quarter but there is hope that the economy will recover quickly once the coronavirus outbreak begins to fade .

Britain's services and manufacturing firms are falling deeper into an economic slump, according to a closely-watched survey.
The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) for March shows that both sectors shrank as the worsening coronavirus pandemic brought restrictions to the UK.
The services sector saw its steepest downturn in activity since records began in July 1996, almost entirely due to the closure of non-essential businesses and the cancellation of orders.
The index posted 34.5 in March, down from 53.2 in February. A number below 50 indicates a contraction.
Data for the survey was taken between 12 and 27 March, covering the period after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the shutdown.
People were told to stay home unless they were exercising, shopping for essentials or doing essential work that could not be done from home.
Non-essential businesses, including bars, restaurants and gyms were told to close.
The services sector - which covers a range of businesses from law firms and accountants to travel agents and restaurants - represents 80% of UK economic output.
The data also showed:
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New business from abroad fell sharply during March, reflecting international travel restrictions and widespread business closures across Europe
Employment numbers fell for the first time in five months and at the fastest rate since June 2009
Average cost burdens increased at the slowest pace for just over four years, helped by falling fuel prices and efforts to reduce non-essential expenditure
Business expectations for the next 12 months dropped to the lowest in more than 20 years of data collection
The data was worse than the 'flash' data, which was published by IHS Markit on 24 March, based on around three-quarters to four-fifths of monthly responses
The final composite Purchasing Managers' Index covering services and manufacturing fell to 36.0, down from 53.0 in February.
Tim Moore, economics director at IHS Markit, said: "There were numerous reports from survey respondents that placing staff on furlough had helped to mitigate more widespread job losses in March.
"However, employment levels across the service sector still dropped at the fastest pace for more than a decade, reflecting some forced redundancies and the non-replacement of departing staff amid widespread hiring freezes."
The government announced last month that it would pay 80% of the wages of workers who were temporarily laid off by companies during the pandemic.
The only bright side of the data was a rise in business activity from technology services, possibly due to the increase in the number of people working from home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:12 Economics editor Ed Conway looks at the data behind the death rates of the UK and Italy
Elsewhere in Europe
Italy's service sector shrank at the fastest rate in more than 22 years in March - diving to 17.4 compared with 52.1 in February
Germany's services PMI fell to 31.7 in March, from 52.5 in February
France's service sector activity was at 27.4 from February's 52.5, the fastest rate on record
Euro zone business activity hit a record low of 29.7 from February's 51.6
Economists expect Britain's GDP to plunge by 10% in the second financial quarter but there is hope that the economy will recover quickly once the coronavirus outbreak begins to fade.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: 'Healthy' NHS nurse, 36, dies after contracting COVID-19

A 36-year-old NHS nurse , who was believed to have no underlying health issues , has died after contracting coronavirus .
Areema Nasreen died shortly after midnight in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands , where she had worked for 16 years .
The mother-of-three developed symptoms of coronavirus on March 13 , including body aches , a high temperature and then a cough .
She had tested positive for COVID-19 a week later and a doctor at the hospital previously told Sky News her condition `` deteriorated very quickly '' .
But it is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst of the illness and was on course to make a recovery .
In a tribute to her posted on Facebook , her friend Rubi Aktar said : `` My beautiful best friend Areema Nasreen has just passed away .
My heart is broken .
She fought and fought but Allah decided to take her .
`` She was the most loveliest , genuine person you could ever meet , she went above and beyond for everyone she met .
`` I 'm so grateful that I had the honour to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me at my best and my worst and accepted my every flaw .
I am so broken that words ca n't explain .
`` I ca n't believe I will not see your smile again .
You made me the nurse that I am today , with your support , motivation and inspiration I am the nurse that I am today and I hope I can do you proud Areema .
`` I love you so much and I will never forget you .
You had so much to live for , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see your kids grow up and I 'm sorry that you did n't get to complete your career . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Her death came as officials announced 569 more people had died in the UK after contracting the disease - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921 .
Her sister Kazeema Nasreen , who works as a healthcare assistant at the same hospital , had told Sky News that family members think she could have picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 22-year-old said her sibling was on annual leave when she first started showing symptoms and that she did not believe she contracted it at work .
Ms Nasreen began working at Walsall Manor Hospital as a housekeeper , but qualified as a staff nurse in January last year .
In words of encouragement for anyone considering going into nursing - especially those from Muslim backgrounds - she said at the time : `` I would like to think that I can inspire others .
`` I cry every morning because I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dream of becoming a nurse .
I would urge anyone reading this to not give up . ''
Commenting on Ms Nasreen 's death , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` I pay tribute to the NHS staff who 've died serving the NHS , serving the nation .
`` It shows the incredible bravery of every member of the NHS who goes into work knowing that these dangers are there .
`` I think it is a testament to every doctor and nurse and paramedic and other health professional who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult times .
`` And I think the whole nation is grateful . ''
While Ms Nasreen is not thought to have contracted the disease while at work , huge numbers of NHS staff have spoken out about the shortage of protective equipment and lack of testing among health workers .
A series of drive-through facilities have now been set up across the UK in an effort to test as many frontline medical staff as possible .

A 36-year-old NHS nurse, who was believed to have no underlying health issues, has died after contracting coronavirus.
Areema Nasreen died shortly after midnight in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands, where she had worked for 16 years.
The mother-of-three developed symptoms of coronavirus on March 13, including body aches, a high temperature and then a cough.
She had tested positive for COVID-19 a week later and a doctor at the hospital previously told Sky News her condition "deteriorated very quickly".
But it is understood her family believed she had pulled through the worst of the illness and was on course to make a recovery.
In a tribute to her posted on Facebook, her friend Rubi Aktar said: "My beautiful best friend Areema Nasreen has just passed away. My heart is broken. She fought and fought but Allah decided to take her.
"She was the most loveliest, genuine person you could ever meet, she went above and beyond for everyone she met.
"I'm so grateful that I had the honour to call her my best friend, she saw me at my best and my worst and accepted my every flaw. I am so broken that words can't explain.
"I can't believe I will not see your smile again. You made me the nurse that I am today, with your support, motivation and inspiration I am the nurse that I am today and I hope I can do you proud Areema.
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"I love you so much and I will never forget you. You had so much to live for, I am sorry you didn't get to see your kids grow up and I'm sorry that you didn't get to complete your career."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Her death came as officials announced 569 more people had died in the UK after contracting the disease - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921.
Her sister Kazeema Nasreen, who works as a healthcare assistant at the same hospital, had told Sky News that family members think she could have picked it up "virtually anywhere".
Image: Pic: Areema Nasreen
The 22-year-old said her sibling was on annual leave when she first started showing symptoms and that she did not believe she contracted it at work.
Ms Nasreen began working at Walsall Manor Hospital as a housekeeper, but qualified as a staff nurse in January last year.
In words of encouragement for anyone considering going into nursing - especially those from Muslim backgrounds - she said at the time: "I would like to think that I can inspire others.
"I cry every morning because I am so happy that I have finally realised my dream of becoming a nurse. I would urge anyone reading this to not give up."
Commenting on Ms Nasreen's death, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I pay tribute to the NHS staff who've died serving the NHS, serving the nation.
"It shows the incredible bravery of every member of the NHS who goes into work knowing that these dangers are there.
"I think it is a testament to every doctor and nurse and paramedic and other health professional who is working in the NHS in these difficult times.
"And I think the whole nation is grateful."
While Ms Nasreen is not thought to have contracted the disease while at work, huge numbers of NHS staff have spoken out about the shortage of protective equipment and lack of testing among health workers.
A series of drive-through facilities have now been set up across the UK in an effort to test as many frontline medical staff as possible.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day would be a 'herculean task'

Carrying out 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April would be a `` herculean task '' , the government has been warned .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled a five-pillar coronavirus action plan to achieve a `` significant '' increase in testing for the disease .
It comes as new figures from NHS England showed the first death of someone diagnosed with the virus actually happened in February - one week before previously thought .
The statistics also revealed more insight into the age profile of the patients with 52 % of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921 .
Testing is seen as vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown , but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail .
Keith Plumb , a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers , told Sky News : `` Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't really seem to be that practical .
`` I 'm not saying we ca n't do it , but it does seem to be quite difficult .
`` I would n't say it was a completely empty promise but the task is very great - the proverbial 'herculean task ' .
`` As the secretary of state said , we do n't really have a diagnostics industry in this country… and that in itself is not going to be straightforward . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker .
• Using commercial partners , including universities and private businesses , to establish more swab testing • Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19 • Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country • Building an `` at-scale '' diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and NHS staff .
And it would be a combination of antigen tests ( which shows whether somebody currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which shows if someone has had COVID-19 ) .
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day , something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past .
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test , while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able to resume their normal activities .
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the month '' .
The ambitious pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries .
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference blaming the UK 's lack of a large diagnostics industry .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was `` welcome '' , but added : `` NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [ tests ] a day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday , with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories .
Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities , although `` significant numbers '' had also been tested at NHS and PHE labs .
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating , because they or their family members have shown symptoms , to return to work once they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock said the latest figures showed that 5.7 % of doctors were currently absent because of COVID-19 .

Carrying out 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April would be a "herculean task", the government has been warned.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled a five-pillar coronavirus action plan to achieve a "significant" increase in testing for the disease.
It comes as new figures from NHS England showed the first death of someone diagnosed with the virus actually happened in February - one week before previously thought.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'Footballers should take a pay cut'
The statistics also revealed more insight into the age profile of the patients with 52% of those who have died were aged over 80.
Meanwhile, another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921.
Testing is seen as vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown, but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Keith Plumb, a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers, told Sky News: "Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK in such a short amount of time doesn't really seem to be that practical.
"I'm not saying we can't do it, but it does seem to be quite difficult.
"I wouldn't say it was a completely empty promise but the task is very great - the proverbial 'herculean task'.
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"As the secretary of state said, we don't really have a diagnostics industry in this country… and that in itself is not going to be straightforward."
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock's "five-pillar" plan involves:
Swab testing at Public Health England and NHS laboratories
Using commercial partners, including universities and private businesses, to establish more swab testing
Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19
Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country
Building an "at-scale" diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April
Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and NHS staff.
And it would be a combination of antigen tests (which shows whether somebody currently has the virus) and antibody tests (which shows if someone has had COVID-19).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day, something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past.
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test, while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able to resume their normal activities.
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to get tested for coronavirus "absolutely before the end of the month".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 PM admits more coronavirus tests needed
The ambitious pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries.
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference blaming the UK's lack of a large diagnostics industry.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was "welcome", but added: "NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [tests] a day."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Corbyn criticises COVID-19 testing
Downing Street said earlier that it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday, with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories.
Mr Johnson's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities, although "significant numbers" had also been tested at NHS and PHE labs.
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating, because they or their family members have shown symptoms, to return to work once they know they are clear of the disease.
Mr Hancock said the latest figures showed that 5.7% of doctors were currently absent because of COVID-19.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: 684 more COVID-19 deaths in UK - bringing total to 3,605

Another 684 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 3,605 .
The number of deaths , tallied in the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday , marks the largest increase so far , with the previous day recording 569 people .
The Department of Health said as of 9am on Friday , 38,168 people had tested positive for coronavirus across the UK .
Number of deaths in each country , as reported by each home nation : Northern Ireland : 12 more deaths ( doubled in a day ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health compiles its figures from data supplied by the four countries ' health agencies , who then release their own figures , often recording more deaths and figures .
NHS England said the newly confirmed deaths were patients aged between 24 and 100-years-old , with 34 of the patients - aged between 27 and 92 - having no known underlying health conditions .
London has seen many more deaths than anywhere else but the Midlands is now catching up , with 150 deaths recorded in the new figures , while 161 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northwest , with 88 deaths , followed by the east of England with 66 and the northeast and Yorkshire with 62 .
The southeast of England had 41 and the southwest 36 .
There have been concerns of an outbreak in prisons , with 88 prisoners now testing positive across 29 prisons in England and Wales , the Ministry of Justice said .
A total of 15 prison officers and four prison escort staff have also tested positive .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Friday the peak of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Easter Sunday , with as many as 1,000 deaths a day leading up to it .
As the number of deaths and cases increased , Boris Johnson announced he would not be coming out of self-isolation on Friday as he still has a temperature .
The prime minister had been self-isolating in his Downing Street flat after testing positive for coronavirus last Friday .
Mr Hancock returned to work on Thursday evening after recovering from coronavirus for the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital in east London the following morning .
Prince Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his home in Scotland , thanking all those who have transformed the ExCeL Centre into a 4,000 bed hospital in just nine days .
Mr Hancock announced on Thursday evening testing will be ramped up to 100,000 by the end of April , for both patients and NHS staff .

Another 684 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 3,605.
The number of deaths, tallied in the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday, marks the largest increase so far, with the previous day recording 569 people.
The Department of Health said as of 9am on Friday, 38,168 people had tested positive for coronavirus across the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Charles: NHS Nightingale is 'shining light'
Number of deaths in each country, as reported by each home nation:
Scotland: 46 more deaths - a total of 172
Wales: 24 more deaths - a total of 141
England: 604 more deaths - a total of 3,302
Northern Ireland: 12 more deaths (doubled in a day) - a total of 48
Image: Aimee O'Rourke is the second NHS nurse to have died from coronavirus
The Department of Health compiles its figures from data supplied by the four countries' health agencies, who then release their own figures, often recording more deaths and figures.
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NHS England said the newly confirmed deaths were patients aged between 24 and 100-years-old, with 34 of the patients - aged between 27 and 92 - having no known underlying health conditions.
London has seen many more deaths than anywhere else but the Midlands is now catching up, with 150 deaths recorded in the new figures, while 161 were in London.
The next highest is the northwest, with 88 deaths, followed by the east of England with 66 and the northeast and Yorkshire with 62. The southeast of England had 41 and the southwest 36.
There have been concerns of an outbreak in prisons, with 88 prisoners now testing positive across 29 prisons in England and Wales, the Ministry of Justice said.
A total of 15 prison officers and four prison escort staff have also tested positive.
Image: Health secretary Matt Hancock at the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital on Friday
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Friday the peak of the UK's coronavirus outbreak may come on Easter Sunday, with as many as 1,000 deaths a day leading up to it.
As the number of deaths and cases increased, Boris Johnson announced he would not be coming out of self-isolation on Friday as he still has a temperature.
The prime minister had been self-isolating in his Downing Street flat after testing positive for coronavirus last Friday.
Mr Hancock returned to work on Thursday evening after recovering from coronavirus for the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital in east London the following morning.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'I must continue my self-isolation' - PM
Prince Charles officially opened the hospital via video link from his home in Scotland, thanking all those who have transformed the ExCeL Centre into a 4,000 bed hospital in just nine days.
Mr Hancock announced on Thursday evening testing will be ramped up to 100,000 by the end of April, for both patients and NHS staff.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Aircraft hangers could be used to store up to 1,480 victims

Footage shot inside a disused airbase shows how aircraft hangers are being prepared to store the bodies of up to 1,480 coronavirus victims .
The film shows racks of plastic sheeting supported by scaffolding poles surrounded by air conditioning units .
Three hangers have been designated for use during the pandemic .
Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement : `` In common with all other areas of the country , there are longstanding contingency plans to provide extra mortuary space during emergency situations .
`` Partners from organisations including the NHS , registration services , Coroner 's office and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider requirements that may be placed upon Oxfordshire during the Coronavirus outbreak .
`` This has led to a temporary facility being prepared at the former RAF base at Heyford Park , which will be used if required . ''
Two more large temporary morgues have just been erected in London , which has seen a third of all COVID-19-related deaths in the UK .
One in Ruislip , west London , has room for 1,200 bodies and accepted 100 on Wednesday , as hospitals try to keep their own mortuaries free for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the death rate increases , funerals are being fast-tracked and relatives of the dying face the prospect of not being able to attend if they themselves are ill or self-isolating .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Already under the new Coronavirus law , only close relatives are allowed to attend funerals .
Friends are barred , unless there are no relatives .
When her father David Briggs died recently , the writer Anne Atkins found a novel way to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends who could not join her .
She and her musician son Ben Atkins asked dozens of them to record themselves , isolated in their own homes , singing and playing a special anthem .
Ben , a bassist , then dubbed their individual performances together to create an orchestra and choir performance of the traditional tune he had arranged , and for which his mother wrote the words .
Only four of the family could attend the cremation , but they held a ceremony around his late wife Mary 's grave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be there - and uploaded `` Anthem for Mary and David ( He 'll Soon Come to Call Me ) : Music in a Time of Coronavirus '' on YouTube .
Mr Atkins said : `` The emotionality I experienced upon completing this project is exactly how I would have expected to feel after the funeral .
`` It was a testament to how much my grandfather meant to so many people and determination that we will not be beaten by this thing . ''
Anne Atkins said : `` What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envisaged .
`` My father had planned his funeral really meticulously and this was totally different , but it was everything we could do under the circumstances and that felt very fitting and very right and enough .
The Atkins family hope their anthem will be an inspiration to others , and want to encourage people to find their own ways around a lonely funeral .

Footage shot inside a disused airbase shows how aircraft hangers are being prepared to store the bodies of up to 1,480 coronavirus victims.
The film shows racks of plastic sheeting supported by scaffolding poles surrounded by air conditioning units.
Three hangers have been designated for use during the pandemic.
Image: Three hangers have been designated for use
Image: There are 10 hangers on the former US airbase at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement: "In common with all other areas of the country, there are longstanding contingency plans to provide extra mortuary space during emergency situations.
"Partners from organisations including the NHS, registration services, Coroner's office and local authorities have been meeting regularly to consider requirements that may be placed upon Oxfordshire during the Coronavirus outbreak.
"This has led to a temporary facility being prepared at the former RAF base at Heyford Park, which will be used if required."
Two more large temporary morgues have just been erected in London, which has seen a third of all COVID-19-related deaths in the UK.
One in Ruislip, west London, has room for 1,200 bodies and accepted 100 on Wednesday, as hospitals try to keep their own mortuaries free for those who die on their wards.
As the death rate increases, funerals are being fast-tracked and relatives of the dying face the prospect of not being able to attend if they themselves are ill or self-isolating.
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Already under the new Coronavirus law, only close relatives are allowed to attend funerals.
Friends are barred, unless there are no relatives.
When her father David Briggs died recently, the writer Anne Atkins found a novel way to celebrate his life with the many family and friends who could not join her.
Image: David Briggs, a headteacher and musician, died aged 102
She and her musician son Ben Atkins asked dozens of them to record themselves, isolated in their own homes, singing and playing a special anthem.
Ben, a bassist, then dubbed their individual performances together to create an orchestra and choir performance of the traditional tune he had arranged, and for which his mother wrote the words.
Image: A ceremony was held around David's late wife Mary's grave
Only four of the family could attend the cremation, but they held a ceremony around his late wife Mary's grave, and live-streamed it to those who could not be there - and uploaded "Anthem for Mary and David (He'll Soon Come to Call Me): Music in a Time of Coronavirus" on YouTube.
Mr Atkins said: "The emotionality I experienced upon completing this project is exactly how I would have expected to feel after the funeral.
Image: Ben Atkins, a bassist, dubbed the individual performances together
"It was a testament to how much my grandfather meant to so many people and determination that we will not be beaten by this thing."
Anne Atkins said: "What we did was completely different to what we envisaged.
Image: Anne Atkins wrote the words for the Anthem for Mary and David
"My father had planned his funeral really meticulously and this was totally different, but it was everything we could do under the circumstances and that felt very fitting and very right and enough.
"It felt really fulfilling."
The Atkins family hope their anthem will be an inspiration to others, and want to encourage people to find their own ways around a lonely funeral.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: First UK death was a week earlier than thought, NHS data reveals

The UK 's first death from coronavirus happened almost one week earlier than previously thought , newly released data has revealed .
Crucial details unveiled by NHS England for the first time indicate the earliest fatality of someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 was 28 February , nearly seven days before a death was announced .
This was among other inconsistencies now uncovered in official coronavirus figures previously published by UK-wide authorities .
They show the highest number of deaths in one day in England was 401 - last Sunday - even though the figure reported by the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 159 deaths .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But while the overall number of deaths on April 1 was announced as 563 , the NHS England data indicated just 84 people with COVID-19 died in its hospitals during that 24-hour period .
These discrepancies are understood to be the result of delays in reporting procedures .
The figures also reveal that 52 % of those who have died in hospital were aged over 80 - with a further 40 % between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % were under 40 .
Meanwhile , Scotland 's first minister , Nicola Sturgeon , said on Thursday that the nation 's death toll had been under-reported due to delays in notifying the government of fatalities that happened earlier this week .
Officials in Scotland said the number of COVID-19 deaths had soared by 66 % in one day after it emerged that central authorities had not been informed of 40 deaths from days earlier .
While the number of deaths across the UK yesterday was a high of 569 , NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied the `` green shoots '' of recovery had finished .
`` No , I still think there are reasons to be hopeful , as I said a couple of days ago , '' he said .
`` One of the very first reasons for that is because we do see , as I have shown you , that the public is complying with the measures that the government have laid out to reduce social contact and to stop the spread of the transmission .
`` If we did n't see that happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no but we do see that happening and it 's important we continue to see that happening .
`` Secondly , as Sir Patrick Vallance ( the UK 's chief scientific adviser ) said earlier in the week , we do see early academic evidence that the transmission rate in the community may have fallen below one and that 's important because if it 's the case that we are no longer passing the virus on to multiple people , so to less than one person for everybody that 's infected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to reduce . ''

The UK's first death from coronavirus happened almost one week earlier than previously thought, newly released data has revealed.
Crucial details unveiled by NHS England for the first time indicate the earliest fatality of someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 was 28 February, nearly seven days before a death was announced.
This was among other inconsistencies now uncovered in official coronavirus figures previously published by UK-wide authorities.
They show the highest number of deaths in one day in England was 401 - last Sunday - even though the figure reported by the Department of Health the following day was just 159 deaths.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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But while the overall number of deaths on April 1 was announced as 563, the NHS England data indicated just 84 people with COVID-19 died in its hospitals during that 24-hour period.
These discrepancies are understood to be the result of delays in reporting procedures.
The figures also reveal that 52% of those who have died in hospital were aged over 80 - with a further 40% between 60 and 79 years old. Just 1% were under 40.
Image: Sturgeon says Scottish death toll had been under-reported due to delays in notifying the government
Meanwhile, Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said on Thursday that the nation's death toll had been under-reported due to delays in notifying the government of fatalities that happened earlier this week.
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Officials in Scotland said the number of COVID-19 deaths had soared by 66% in one day after it emerged that central authorities had not been informed of 40 deaths from days earlier.
Image: Powis: 'There are reasons to be hopeful'
While the number of deaths across the UK yesterday was a high of 569, NHS England's medical director Professor Stephen Powis denied the "green shoots" of recovery had finished.
"No, I still think there are reasons to be hopeful, as I said a couple of days ago," he said.
"One of the very first reasons for that is because we do see, as I have shown you, that the public is complying with the measures that the government have laid out to reduce social contact and to stop the spread of the transmission.
"If we didn't see that happening, then I think the answer would be no but we do see that happening and it's important we continue to see that happening.
"Secondly, as Sir Patrick Vallance (the UK's chief scientific adviser) said earlier in the week, we do see early academic evidence that the transmission rate in the community may have fallen below one and that's important because if it's the case that we are no longer passing the virus on to multiple people, so to less than one person for everybody that's infected, then that is additional evidence that infections are going to reduce."