news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Josh Brolin apologises for visiting father James and Barbra Streisand in lockdown

Actor Josh Brolin has apologised after visiting his father James and stepmother Barbra Streisand during lockdown in California .
The Hollywood star shared a video on his Instagram account to say sorry after coming under fire over a previous post showing the visit , which he has since deleted .
He faced criticism that he had not followed social distancing guidelines .
In the picture , the star could be seen wearing a mask next to a swimming pool , with his family also wearing masks in the background to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Brolin said his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` not to be near them and that plan was broken '' , and acknowledged this was `` irresponsible '' while restrictions are in place during the coronavirus pandemic .
He said he and his wife , Kathryn Boyd , and daughter Westlyn had gone to `` pick something up '' and use the pool .
He added : `` It 's hard to be honest sometimes , and say , 'maybe I screwed up ' .
And I knew that that was in the air , not because of the responses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own truth .
And it 's humbling as hell . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The actor , star of the Avengers films and No Country For Old Men , said he was `` happy to be reminded '' about the seriousness of the situation and that it is better to be over-cautious .
`` I 'm not an advocate of doing anything outside of taking care of each other and making sure that we get through this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we go overboard and are too protective , at least we 're doing it for a reason , because we 'll look back on this as being a very short time for a very long-term solution , and a long life to look back on this time .
`` I 'm very happy to be reminded as it is extremely important to me and I do care about my fellow man and I am human , unfortunately .
So thank you , guys , honestly .
Okay , everybody stay safe and well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Thanks for the reset .
# respectsocialdistancing . ''
Streisand , who has been married to actor James Brolin for more than 20 years , also shared a photograph .
However this showed Josh Brolin 's wife , Kathryn Boyd , looking in through a window .
The US is the nation hardest-hit by the pandemic , with more than 785,000 confirmed cases and more than 42,000 deaths .

Actor Josh Brolin has apologised after visiting his father James and stepmother Barbra Streisand during lockdown in California.
The Hollywood star shared a video on his Instagram account to say sorry after coming under fire over a previous post showing the visit, which he has since deleted.
He faced criticism that he had not followed social distancing guidelines.
In the picture, the star could be seen wearing a mask next to a swimming pool, with his family also wearing masks in the background to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Brolin said his father lived next door and he had intended "not to be near them and that plan was broken", and acknowledged this was "irresponsible" while restrictions are in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
He said he and his wife, Kathryn Boyd, and daughter Westlyn had gone to "pick something up" and use the pool.
He added: "It's hard to be honest sometimes, and say, 'maybe I screwed up'. And I knew that that was in the air, not because of the responses, but the responses brought me back to my own truth. And it's humbling as hell."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The actor, star of the Avengers films and No Country For Old Men, said he was "happy to be reminded" about the seriousness of the situation and that it is better to be over-cautious.
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"I'm not an advocate of doing anything outside of taking care of each other and making sure that we get through this," he said.
"Even if we go overboard and are too protective, at least we're doing it for a reason, because we'll look back on this as being a very short time for a very long-term solution, and a long life to look back on this time.
"I'm very happy to be reminded as it is extremely important to me and I do care about my fellow man and I am human, unfortunately. So thank you, guys, honestly. Okay, everybody stay safe and well."
Brolin captioned the clip: "Thanks for the reset. #respectsocialdistancing."
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Streisand, who has been married to actor James Brolin for more than 20 years, also shared a photograph.
However this showed Josh Brolin's wife, Kathryn Boyd, looking in through a window.
The US is the nation hardest-hit by the pandemic, with more than 785,000 confirmed cases and more than 42,000 deaths.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Wave of US anti-lockdown protests call for lifting of restrictions

A wave of low-key but politically-motivated anti-lockdown protests in the US have called for the lifting of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Dozens of protesters - some wearing masks , some social distancing - rallied outside the governor 's mansion in Austin , Texas , on Thursday , chanting `` Free Texas '' and `` Make America Free Again '' .
State governor Greg Abbott is expected to announce a plan to reopen the economy on Friday .
Small-government groups , supporters of president Donald Trump , anti-vaccine advocates , gun rights backers and supporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country to pressure state governors to ease restrictions .
More than 660,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the US while at least 28,900 people have died after catching it , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the pandemic .
Other states , including Michigan , Ohio , Oklahoma , Texas and Virginia , also saw dissent outside governors ' mansions and state parliament buildings .
The largest one so far , in Michigan , saw several thousand demonstrators descend on the state capital , Lansing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most ignored social distancing and few , if any , wore masks as they chanted and held up signs , including several calling governor Gretchen Whitmer a `` Nazi '' .
There were even chants of `` lock her up '' , echoing a rallying cry aimed at Democrat Hillary Clinton during Mr Trump 's 2016 election campaign events .
The Ohio rally brought together a collection of anti-vaccine advocates , Second Amendment supporters , tea party activists and other anti-government activists .
The Austin event was broadcast live by InfoWars TV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theorist and radio host Alex Jones .
But the protests cut across party lines , for while Ms Whitmer is a Democrat , the governors of Ohio , Texas and Oklahoma are all Republicans .
Oklahoma City was one of the cities where protesters ' cars caused traffic jams on roads around their destination , drawing criticism that emergency vehicles might not be able to pass .
Protesters wrote messages on vehicles ' windows or on signs saying `` stop killing our economy , '' `` we need our church '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lansing rally resembled one of the president 's rallies - complete with MAGA ( Make America Great Again ) hats or Trump flags .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The protesters ' demands are in line with those of Mr Trump , who on Thursday pushed for easing stay-at-home orders and tried to look ahead to restarting the economy by announcing a framework for governors to follow .
Health experts have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could result in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Mr Trump , who has made great political capital of America 's previously booming economy , wants to return to normal as soon as possible before the slowdown damages his re-election chances .
Twenty million jobs have been lost in the US since the start of the pandemic .
Asked about the protesters , Mr Trump sympathised with their frustration , saying : `` They 're suffering ... they want to get back . ''
He also dismissed concerns about the health risks of ignoring state orders and potentially exposing themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're listening .
I think they listen to me .
They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion , and my opinion 's the same as just about all of the governors .
Nobody wants to stay shut , '' he said .

A wave of low-key but politically-motivated anti-lockdown protests in the US have called for the lifting of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Dozens of protesters - some wearing masks, some social distancing - rallied outside the governor's mansion in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, chanting "Free Texas" and "Make America Free Again".
State governor Greg Abbott is expected to announce a plan to reopen the economy on Friday.
Image: Two heavily-armed protesters in the Michigan capital, Lansing
Small-government groups, supporters of president Donald Trump, anti-vaccine advocates, gun rights backers and supporters of other right-wing causes combined at the events across the country to pressure state governors to ease restrictions.
More than 660,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the US while at least 28,900 people have died after catching it, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the pandemic.
Other states, including Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, also saw dissent outside governors' mansions and state parliament buildings.
The largest one so far, in Michigan, saw several thousand demonstrators descend on the state capital, Lansing.
Some of those involved brought weapons, most ignored social distancing and few, if any, wore masks as they chanted and held up signs, including several calling governor Gretchen Whitmer a "Nazi" .
There were even chants of "lock her up", echoing a rallying cry aimed at Democrat Hillary Clinton during Mr Trump's 2016 election campaign events.
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The Ohio rally brought together a collection of anti-vaccine advocates, Second Amendment supporters, tea party activists and other anti-government activists.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
The Austin event was broadcast live by InfoWars TV, part of a company owned by conspiracy theorist and radio host Alex Jones.
But the protests cut across party lines, for while Ms Whitmer is a Democrat, the governors of Ohio, Texas and Oklahoma are all Republicans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 El Chapo's daughter hands out coronavirus aid
Oklahoma City was one of the cities where protesters' cars caused traffic jams on roads around their destination, drawing criticism that emergency vehicles might not be able to pass.
Protesters wrote messages on vehicles' windows or on signs saying "stop killing our economy," "we need our church" and "time 2 work".
Wednesday's Lansing rally resembled one of the president's rallies - complete with MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats or Trump flags.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The protesters' demands are in line with those of Mr Trump, who on Thursday pushed for easing stay-at-home orders and tried to look ahead to restarting the economy by announcing a framework for governors to follow.
Health experts have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could result in a surge of new cases of the virus.
But Mr Trump, who has made great political capital of America's previously booming economy, wants to return to normal as soon as possible before the slowdown damages his re-election chances.
Twenty million jobs have been lost in the US since the start of the pandemic.
Asked about the protesters, Mr Trump sympathised with their frustration, saying: "They're suffering ... they want to get back."
He also dismissed concerns about the health risks of ignoring state orders and potentially exposing themselves to the virus.
"I think they're listening. I think they listen to me. They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion's the same as just about all of the governors. Nobody wants to stay shut," he said.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Sunbathing in perspex boxes? EU looking at 'smart solutions' for holidaymakers

An EU chief has suggested that people may be able to travel around the continent in the near future , but on the condition that countries find ways to enforce social distancing - even if that means sunbathing in perspex boxes .
President of the EU Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen has offered hope to those wanting to get a trip away this year , by saying countries must consider `` smart solutions '' , once the coronavirus pandemic begins to slow down .
She said : `` Maybe a little different , with other hygiene measures , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is impressive to see that we have found solutions .
`` It is difficult to predict what the next months will be like but what I see is that we are beginning to learn to live with the virus . ''
Countries like Austria are considering opening their borders for the summer - but only for those nations which have COVID-19 under control , while Greece has been encouraging the EU to work out a plan over the next few weeks .
It comes as a firm in Italy has come up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the beaches once more , despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Italian manufacturing firm Nuova Neon Group 2 revealed its design for plexiglass boxes that can be used on the beach for those worried about COVID-19 - but still wanting to catch some rays .
The 4.5 metre square clear boxes , which stand at 2 metres high have been touted as the answer to safe sunbathing at seaside resorts .
Inside , they have enough space for two sunbeds and a beach umbrella , as well as enough space for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of their own booth .
Explaining the design , company owner Claudio Ferrari told la Repubblica : `` We tried to imagine the return to the beach .
`` The idea was born with the dual purpose of protecting , but also of restarting the activities .
`` In short , guaranteeing safety but starting to circulate people again .
We are already working to create screens for banks , pharmacies and so we have thought of extending the work to commercial activities '' .
Italy has been one of the countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people dying with the disease standing at more than 24,000. : : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker On Tuesday , Italian leader Giuseppe Conte announced that from 4 May , some of the country 's restrictions can start being lifted , in an effort to restart the nation 's economy .
However , the country 's health minister said that people should get used to the idea that they will probably be spending their summer in hot cities , rather than @ @ @ @ @

An EU chief has suggested that people may be able to travel around the continent in the near future, but on the condition that countries find ways to enforce social distancing - even if that means sunbathing in perspex boxes.
President of the EU Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen has offered hope to those wanting to get a trip away this year, by saying countries must consider "smart solutions", once the coronavirus pandemic begins to slow down.
She said: "Maybe a little different, with other hygiene measures, with a little more social distance, but it is impressive to see that we have found solutions.
Image: Ursula Von der Leyen wants countries to enforce social distancing should they open for tourism
"It is difficult to predict what the next months will be like but what I see is that we are beginning to learn to live with the virus."
Countries like Austria are considering opening their borders for the summer - but only for those nations which have COVID-19 under control, while Greece has been encouraging the EU to work out a plan over the next few weeks.
It comes as a firm in Italy has come up with a novel idea to encourage people to hit the beaches once more, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Italian manufacturing firm Nuova Neon Group 2 revealed its design for plexiglass boxes that can be used on the beach for those worried about COVID-19 - but still wanting to catch some rays.
The 4.5 metre square clear boxes, which stand at 2 metres high have been touted as the answer to safe sunbathing at seaside resorts.
Inside, they have enough space for two sunbeds and a beach umbrella, as well as enough space for any youngsters to play - all in the safety of their own booth.
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Image: The boxes could fit families inside. Pic: Nuova Neon Group 2
Image: The boxes are designed to enforce social distancing. Pic: Nuova Neon Group 2
Explaining the design, company owner Claudio Ferrari told la Repubblica: "We tried to imagine the return to the beach.
"The idea was born with the dual purpose of protecting, but also of restarting the activities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Coronavirus: Lockdown lessons from Italy
"In short, guaranteeing safety but starting to circulate people again. We are already working to create screens for banks, pharmacies and so we have thought of extending the work to commercial activities".
Italy has been one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, with the number of people dying with the disease standing at more than 24,000.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
On Tuesday, Italian leader Giuseppe Conte announced that from 4 May, some of the country's restrictions can start being lifted, in an effort to restart the nation's economy.
However, the country's health minister said that people should get used to the idea that they will probably be spending their summer in hot cities, rather than laying on the beaches.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: 'Overloaded ventilator' kills five COVID-19 patients in Russia

A fire which is thought to have been started by an overloaded ventilator has killed five patients being treated for @ @ @ @ @ in Russia According to Russian emergency officials , the blaze at St George Hospital broke @ @ @ @ @ unit on the sixth floor on Tuesday morning , where patients are being treated for @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus .
All the victims are said to be on ventilators at the @ @ @ @ @ Saint Petersburg .
Citing anonymous sources , the Interfax news agency said the fire , @ @ @ @ @ ventilator , was put out within 30 minutes of it starting , while AFP reports @ @ @ @ @ out of the site for safety .
Russia 's Investigative Committee , which examines serious @ @ @ @ @ criminal investigation .
Another hospital fire took place on Saturday in Russia , with the @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow killing on patient .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia rose @ @ @ @ @ well over 220,000 , while only reporting just over 2,000 COVID-19 related deaths .

A fire which is thought to have been started by an overloaded ventilator has killed five patients being treated for the coronavirus at a hospital in Russia
According to Russian emergency officials, the blaze at St George Hospital broke out in the intensive care unit on the sixth floor on Tuesday morning, where patients are being treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
All the victims are said to be on ventilators at the time of the fire in Saint Petersburg.
Image: A medic wearing protective gear looks out from a window of the hospital
Citing anonymous sources, the Interfax news agency said the fire, potentially caused by a faulty ventilator, was put out within 30 minutes of it starting, while AFP reports that 150 patients were moved out of the site for safety.
Russia's Investigative Committee, which examines serious crimes, has launched a criminal investigation.
Another hospital fire took place on Saturday in Russia, with the blaze at the Spasokukotsky Hospital in Moscow killing on patient.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 10,899 on Tuesday to well over 220,000, while only reporting just over 2,000 COVID-19 related deaths.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: 'I woke from my COVID-19 coma and found out it had killed my mother'

As he slowly opened his eyes , Sohail Anjum sensed something was deeply wrong .
He was still lying in a hospital bed .
All he vaguely remembered was being told by the doctor that he was going to be put into a coma .
But when was that ?
How long had he been asleep ?
He had no idea .
`` I had a high temperature , fever , I was coughing and short of breath .
When I went to the A & E registration desk , they took all my details and took my oxygen levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says .
`` They put me in a room and then a few hours later they shifted me onto a ward .
Then put me on an oxygen mask to feed oxygen into my body .
The next evening I had a visit from the ITU surgeon who came up with a whole team and said we need to put you into induced sleep .
`` At the time I did n't know that induced sleep meant a coma and I was so ill I was like , 'Fine , do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was putting my faith in them . ''
Sohail was so sick with COVID-19 that he needed to be intubated soon after he was admitted to Croydon University Hospital .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They had put me on a ventilator , but I do n't know how many days I was on the ventilator for .
I do n't know if it was from the beginning or halfway through . ''
While he was asleep the doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they make a small hole and they insert a tube into your lungs to ensure your body is getting the oxygen required . ''
The odds of survival after being intubated are not high .
`` I woke up and they told me it was touch and go because during my coma my temperature was n't coming down and they were pumping me with medication , antibiotics and stuff , so they said , 'Look it could have gone either way . '
It was 50-50 whether or not I survived . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ round were of his mother .
He does not know why but says he just had a `` feeling '' .
He asked the doctors and nurses but nobody would answer his questions .
It was not until a consultant , who was also a family friend , broke some devastating news to Sohail .
`` It was about my mother who was admitted into the same hospital just a few days after I had been intubated .
She went into hospital I think on a Monday and passed away two days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same hospital dying of COVID-19 just a few wards away from her son .
Sohail , of course , did not know because he was comatose .
But still , he says , he knew something had happened to her .
`` It was n't actually broken to me , I just had this feeling .
It just came into my thoughts and stuff .
I do n't know if I overheard someone talking during my coma .
Because when you 're in a coma they say your conscience is still alive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I woke up the first thing I was asking for was my mobile phone so I could phone up my brother and confirm the news .
`` One of the nurses who knew my brother phoned him and said , 'Your brother is awake and he 's been asking about your mother . '
I think at the time my brother was a bit shocked , like , 'How did he find out , who told him ? '
`` The doctors and nurses knew , but no one wanted to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been through .
I mean when I woke up , I was in CCU at the time , and then one of my brother 's friends who is a consultant came down and he kind of confirmed and gently broke the news . ''
Sohail was reeling in shock at the news of his mother 's death .
But there was another bombshell to come .
He was told he had been in a coma for nearly one month .
Sohail 's brother Aqeel had been given special permission to visit their mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sohail that she had prayed for his recovery until her last breath .
`` My mum was in a very poorly condition , my brother was allowed a special visitation under exceptional circumstances otherwise no visitation was allowed .
He visited her in the evening and one of the last things she prayed for was for my health to get better .
`` I was told that while I was in a coma , it was only when she passed away , it was only then that my vitals started improving , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was some hope for me .
It was definitely my mother 's prayers that saved me . ''
Sohail is 47 but looks much older .
His body is frail and he walks unsteadily with the aid of crutches .
The doctors have told him it will take at least six months again to rebuild his strength .
And that will be with the help of regular physiotherapy .
`` Because I was in a coma for a whole month , my body was decommissioned .
Basically , I had no muscle movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After CCU when they moved me into the general ward , for the first week or two I was totally immobile I could n't move or talk so the nurses had to bathe me .
`` I could n't lift up a spoon so they had to feed me breakfast , lunch and dinner .
At that time I had lost my taste as well so the only thing I was eating at the time was yoghurt .
Before I went in I was 67kg .
In hospital when they last weighed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I had lost a drastic amount of weight . ''
Sohail saw patients dying around him .
He knows he would not have survived had it not been for the speed and skill of the care he received in hospital .
`` I really have to commend the surgeons and the nurses who are on the front line , who risked their lives in order to ensure that the patients are well looked after and for their health and benefit .
`` When I was in the general ward , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
If I had n't gone to A & E when I did and if the doctors had n't put me into an induced coma at the time , it may have been a different story for me .
`` I may not have been sitting here today having this conversation , so I really have to thank them for all the hard work and effort they put into saving my life . ''

As he slowly opened his eyes, Sohail Anjum sensed something was deeply wrong.
He was still lying in a hospital bed. All he vaguely remembered was being told by the doctor that he was going to be put into a coma.
But when was that? How long had he been asleep? He had no idea.
Image: Sohail Anjum (left) with members of his family
"I had a high temperature, fever, I was coughing and short of breath. When I went to the A&E registration desk, they took all my details and took my oxygen levels and took me in straight away," he says.
"They put me in a room and then a few hours later they shifted me onto a ward. Then put me on an oxygen mask to feed oxygen into my body. The next evening I had a visit from the ITU surgeon who came up with a whole team and said we need to put you into induced sleep.
"At the time I didn't know that induced sleep meant a coma and I was so ill I was like, 'Fine, do what you have to do.' I was putting my faith in them."
Sohail was so sick with COVID-19 that he needed to be intubated soon after he was admitted to Croydon University Hospital.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"They had put me on a ventilator, but I don't know how many days I was on the ventilator for. I don't know if it was from the beginning or halfway through."
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While he was asleep the doctors gave him a tracheostomy. "Basically they make a small hole and they insert a tube into your lungs to ensure your body is getting the oxygen required."
The odds of survival after being intubated are not high.
"I woke up and they told me it was touch and go because during my coma my temperature wasn't coming down and they were pumping me with medication, antibiotics and stuff, so they said, 'Look it could have gone either way.' It was 50-50 whether or not I survived."
Sohail's first thoughts when he came round were of his mother. He does not know why but says he just had a "feeling".
He asked the doctors and nurses but nobody would answer his questions. It was not until a consultant, who was also a family friend, broke some devastating news to Sohail.
"It was about my mother who was admitted into the same hospital just a few days after I had been intubated. She went into hospital I think on a Monday and passed away two days later."
Image: Sohail believes his mother's prayers saved him
Rashida Begum Mohammad was in the same hospital dying of COVID-19 just a few wards away from her son. Sohail, of course, did not know because he was comatose. But still, he says, he knew something had happened to her.
"It wasn't actually broken to me, I just had this feeling. It just came into my thoughts and stuff. I don't know if I overheard someone talking during my coma. Because when you're in a coma they say your conscience is still alive and you tend to hallucinate.
"When I woke up the first thing I was asking for was my mobile phone so I could phone up my brother and confirm the news.
"One of the nurses who knew my brother phoned him and said, 'Your brother is awake and he's been asking about your mother.' I think at the time my brother was a bit shocked, like, 'How did he find out, who told him?'
"The doctors and nurses knew, but no one wanted to tell me because of the trauma I had been through. I mean when I woke up, I was in CCU at the time, and then one of my brother's friends who is a consultant came down and he kind of confirmed and gently broke the news."
Sohail was reeling in shock at the news of his mother's death. But there was another bombshell to come.
He was told he had been in a coma for nearly one month.
Image: Sohail being applauded by staff as he leaves hospital
Sohail's brother Aqeel had been given special permission to visit their mother just before she died. He told Sohail that she had prayed for his recovery until her last breath.
"My mum was in a very poorly condition, my brother was allowed a special visitation under exceptional circumstances otherwise no visitation was allowed. He visited her in the evening and one of the last things she prayed for was for my health to get better.
"I was told that while I was in a coma, it was only when she passed away, it was only then that my vitals started improving, so that's when the doctors realised there was some hope for me. It was definitely my mother's prayers that saved me."
Image: Sohail's COVID ordeal has aged him
Sohail is 47 but looks much older. His body is frail and he walks unsteadily with the aid of crutches. The doctors have told him it will take at least six months again to rebuild his strength. And that will be with the help of regular physiotherapy.
"Because I was in a coma for a whole month, my body was decommissioned. Basically, I had no muscle movement whatsoever. I felt a bit disorientated. After CCU when they moved me into the general ward, for the first week or two I was totally immobile I couldn't move or talk so the nurses had to bathe me.
"I couldn't lift up a spoon so they had to feed me breakfast, lunch and dinner. At that time I had lost my taste as well so the only thing I was eating at the time was yoghurt. Before I went in I was 67kg. In hospital when they last weighed me I had come down to 59kg, so I had lost a drastic amount of weight."
Sohail saw patients dying around him. He knows he would not have survived had it not been for the speed and skill of the care he received in hospital.
"I really have to commend the surgeons and the nurses who are on the front line, who risked their lives in order to ensure that the patients are well looked after and for their health and benefit.
"When I was in the general ward, the nurses there really, really looked after you. If I hadn't gone to A&E when I did and if the doctors hadn't put me into an induced coma at the time, it may have been a different story for me.
"I may not have been sitting here today having this conversation, so I really have to thank them for all the hard work and effort they put into saving my life."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: UK 'probably reaching' COVID-19 peak - but too soon to ease lockdown

The UK is `` probably reaching the peak '' of its coronavirus outbreak but thousands more people will die before attention turns to easing the lockdown , the chief medical officer has warned .
Professor Chris Whitty said that while a slowdown in the rate of new COVID-19 infections was a positive sign , there would still be increases in the number of deaths .
Another 761 patients with coronavirus were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals on Wednesday , but a lag in reporting due to the Easter weekend means the increases could be greater over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily news briefing in Downing Street , Professor Whitty said : `` Our view is that it is probably reaching the peak overall . ''
He added : `` We do all think that this has flattened out , but sadly we do think that high numbers of deaths will continue for a short while on from where we are at the moment .
`` At the moment we are not yet at the point where we can say confidently and safely this is now past the peak and we can start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The number of deaths reported by the Department of Health have been below 800 for four days running , but the government 's figures - which only account for deaths in hospitals - tend to spike towards the end of the week .
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics have also suggested that the UK 's true coronavirus death toll is much higher than the hospital figures indicate .
The latest update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities in England and Wales during the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital , with more than half of those happening in care homes .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made several commitments regarding care homes during Wednesday 's briefing , including that close relatives will be allowed to visit dying loved ones `` wherever possible '' .
But on the topic of the lockdown , he echoed Professor Whitty 's comments that it was too soon to consider changing restrictions and hinted that the measures would be officially extended on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original three-week timescale laid out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month ; however , Mr Hancock said lifting the measures too early risked wasting the public 's efforts .
He said : `` This shared sacrifice is starting to work but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for Mr Johnson , and fellow ministers are expected to sign off the extension after receiving advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the lockdown appeared to have been particularly effective in the capital , with the number of hospital cases in London seemingly falling faster than the rest of the UK .
`` We really expected everywhere to be the same - that is not really exactly what we are seeing , '' she said .
`` Maybe one of the reasons the number of people in hospital beds in London seems to be falling faster is , perhaps , because cases rose faster , people responded to the earlier bits of advice about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Experts outside Downing Street have also expressed some optimism about the latest figures , Professor James Naismith , from University of Oxford , said : `` Provided delays due to the Easter weekend have not distorted these figures , then today 's number of announced hospital deaths taken with the last week of data does indicate that this measure of the pandemic may indeed have peaked .
`` If true , any sense of relief must be tempered by the fact that we will see hundreds of hospital deaths announced each day @ @ @ @ @ @

The UK is "probably reaching the peak" of its coronavirus outbreak but thousands more people will die before attention turns to easing the lockdown, the chief medical officer has warned.
Professor Chris Whitty said that while a slowdown in the rate of new COVID-19 infections was a positive sign, there would still be increases in the number of deaths.
Another 761 patients with coronavirus were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals on Wednesday, but a lag in reporting due to the Easter weekend means the increases could be greater over the next few days.
Image: More than 12,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals
Speaking at the government's daily news briefing in Downing Street, Professor Whitty said: "Our view is that it is probably reaching the peak overall."
He added: "We do all think that this has flattened out, but sadly we do think that high numbers of deaths will continue for a short while on from where we are at the moment.
"At the moment we are not yet at the point where we can say confidently and safely this is now past the peak and we can start thinking very much about the next phases."
Image: Professor Chris Whitty expects a spike in deaths in the coming days
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The number of deaths reported by the Department of Health have been below 800 for four days running, but the government's figures - which only account for deaths in hospitals - tend to spike towards the end of the week.
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics have also suggested that the UK's true coronavirus death toll is much higher than the hospital figures indicate.
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The latest update on Tuesday showed 10% of coronavirus-related fatalities in England and Wales during the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital, with more than half of those happening in care homes.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock made several commitments regarding care homes during Wednesday's briefing, including that close relatives will be allowed to visit dying loved ones "wherever possible".
But on the topic of the lockdown, he echoed Professor Whitty's comments that it was too soon to consider changing restrictions and hinted that the measures would be officially extended on Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The do's and don'ts
The lockdown has surpassed the original three-week timescale laid out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month; however, Mr Hancock said lifting the measures too early risked wasting the public's efforts.
He said: "This shared sacrifice is starting to work but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Mr Johnson, and fellow ministers are expected to sign off the extension after receiving advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said the lockdown appeared to have been particularly effective in the capital, with the number of hospital cases in London seemingly falling faster than the rest of the UK.
"We really expected everywhere to be the same - that is not really exactly what we are seeing," she said.
"Maybe one of the reasons the number of people in hospital beds in London seems to be falling faster is, perhaps, because cases rose faster, people responded to the earlier bits of advice about staying away a little bit faster."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Social distancing explained
Experts outside Downing Street have also expressed some optimism about the latest figures,
Professor James Naismith, from University of Oxford, said: "Provided delays due to the Easter weekend have not distorted these figures, then today's number of announced hospital deaths taken with the last week of data does indicate that this measure of the pandemic may indeed have peaked.
"If true, any sense of relief must be tempered by the fact that we will see hundreds of hospital deaths announced each day for some time ahead."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Britain warned to prepare for up to six waves of COVID-19 in next year

Britain must be better prepared for `` further waves '' of coronavirus , with MPs told the government was `` too slow '' to respond to the current outbreak .
Parliament 's Health and Social Care Committee was told by leading physician Professor Anthony Costello that the country must face up to the `` harsh reality '' that it did not react quickly enough to warnings about COVID-19 .
The professor , from University College London 's Institute for Global Health , told MPs via video-link that the UK would likely end up with the highest coronavirus death rate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy .
In order to avoid another large spike in fatalities once the country begins to ease its lockdown measures , he said the government must up community testing capacity and embrace South Korea-style contact tracing .
`` We all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic ; however , we are going to face further waves , '' said Professor Costello .
`` We need to make sure we have a system in place that can not just do a certain number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We also need a system at district and community level to test people rapidly in the community , in care homes , and make sure the results get back to them very quickly .
`` We need to maintain social distancing of some kind when we lift the national lockdown , by focusing on the people we really want to lockdown , which are cases and contacts .
`` You need to find cases , test them if you can , trace their contacts , isolate them , do social distancing - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all at speed . ''
But Professor Costello , a former British director at the World Health Organisation , said it was likely that the most vulnerable people in the country would have to remain in some form of lockdown until there is a vaccine .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Few expect a vaccine to be available until the spring of 2021 at the earliest , and Professor Costello suggested the UK could face as many as six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to get the economy going and if it means locking down 10 % of our population , even giving them incentives to stay in quarantine and with digital apps to help monitor their symptoms and give them support , that 's the way to really keep this going until we get a vaccine and safe herd immunity , '' he added .
Among those questioning Professor Costello was former health secretary and committee chair Jeremy Hunt .
The committee is conducting an inquiry into the preparedness of the UK to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on measures to safeguard public health , how to contain the virus , and the ability of the NHS to cope .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave evidence to the committee 's inquiry , which is meeting via video-link , on Friday , following chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance last month .
Attention among committee members has begun to turn towards how the UK might be able to cope with the disease once lockdown measures start being lifted , although any such changes are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the high number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK , which is close to surpassing 14,000 , should serve as a grim reminder to the government that it needs to respond quicker to future outbreaks .
The physician said that while we `` should not have any blame at this stage '' , the government `` can make sure in the second wave we 're not too slow '' .
`` We will probably have the highest death rate in Europe , we have to face the reality of that , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total could eventually reach 40,000 .
`` We were too slow on a number of things , but we can make sure that in the second wave we 're not too slow . ''
The government has faced criticism for being slow to act on warnings from other countries , most notably Italy .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was initially reluctant to close social spaces like pubs and cinemas , and took longer still before ordering the nationwide lockdown last month .
Questions continue to be asked about testing capacity , especially in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK wants to be carrying out 100,000 tests per day by the end of April , but the number being done each day at the moment is still hovering just below 20,000 .

Britain must be better prepared for "further waves" of coronavirus, with MPs told the government was "too slow" to respond to the current outbreak.
Parliament's Health and Social Care Committee was told by leading physician Professor Anthony Costello that the country must face up to the "harsh reality" that it did not react quickly enough to warnings about COVID-19.
The professor, from University College London's Institute for Global Health, told MPs via video-link that the UK would likely end up with the highest coronavirus death rate in Europe - even greater than Spain and Italy.
In order to avoid another large spike in fatalities once the country begins to ease its lockdown measures, he said the government must up community testing capacity and embrace South Korea-style contact tracing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
"We all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic; however, we are going to face further waves," said Professor Costello.
"We need to make sure we have a system in place that can not just do a certain number of tests in the laboratory.
"We also need a system at district and community level to test people rapidly in the community, in care homes, and make sure the results get back to them very quickly.
"We need to maintain social distancing of some kind when we lift the national lockdown, by focusing on the people we really want to lockdown, which are cases and contacts.
"You need to find cases, test them if you can, trace their contacts, isolate them, do social distancing - but most importantly of all you do it all at speed."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
But Professor Costello, a former British director at the World Health Organisation, said it was likely that the most vulnerable people in the country would have to remain in some form of lockdown until there is a vaccine.
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Few expect a vaccine to be available until the spring of 2021 at the earliest, and Professor Costello suggested the UK could face as many as six waves of the coronavirus before then.
"We have to get the economy going and if it means locking down 10% of our population, even giving them incentives to stay in quarantine and with digital apps to help monitor their symptoms and give them support, that's the way to really keep this going until we get a vaccine and safe herd immunity," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
Among those questioning Professor Costello was former health secretary and committee chair Jeremy Hunt.
The committee is conducting an inquiry into the preparedness of the UK to deal with such an outbreak, focusing on measures to safeguard public health, how to contain the virus, and the ability of the NHS to cope.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave evidence to the committee's inquiry, which is meeting via video-link, on Friday, following chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance last month.
Attention among committee members has begun to turn towards how the UK might be able to cope with the disease once lockdown measures start being lifted, although any such changes are at least three weeks away.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
Professor Costello said the high number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, which is close to surpassing 14,000, should serve as a grim reminder to the government that it needs to respond quicker to future outbreaks.
The physician said that while we "should not have any blame at this stage", the government "can make sure in the second wave we're not too slow".
"We will probably have the highest death rate in Europe, we have to face the reality of that," he said, adding that the nationwide total could eventually reach 40,000.
"We were too slow on a number of things, but we can make sure that in the second wave we're not too slow."
The government has faced criticism for being slow to act on warnings from other countries, most notably Italy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was initially reluctant to close social spaces like pubs and cinemas, and took longer still before ordering the nationwide lockdown last month.
Questions continue to be asked about testing capacity, especially in care homes.
Mr Hancock has said the UK wants to be carrying out 100,000 tests per day by the end of April, but the number being done each day at the moment is still hovering just below 20,000.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended until end of June

The multi-billion-pound government scheme to try to protect millions of UK jobs has been extended by a month .
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme pays businesses grants covering up to 80 % of any employee 's wage ( with a £2,500 limit ) if they keep hold of staff during the lockdown .
It was originally open for three months and backdated to 1 March , but after social distancing measures were extended for another three weeks Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme would run until the end of June .
Mr Sunak said : `` We 've taken unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this period of uncertainty , including the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme .
`` With the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday , it is the right decision to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June to provide clarity .
`` It is vital for people 's livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so , and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery . ''
The programme has already seen massive take-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees .
Sky News reported earlier this week that ministers were under pressure to extend the scheme amid warnings that employers were on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs .
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation think tank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Sunak previously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a success '' - with the initial three-month cost forecast to be as high as £40bn .
But there have been concerns over how long it is taking for some firms - who urgently need to pay wages - to access the money .
The Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday : `` It 's vital that the Job Retention Scheme starts delivering cash to struggling companies next week , as HMRC is working hard to achieve . ''
The Treasury said decisions on the future of the scheme after June would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the spread of coronavirus '' as well as responsible management of public finances .

The multi-billion-pound government scheme to try to protect millions of UK jobs has been extended by a month.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme pays businesses grants covering up to 80% of any employee's wage (with a £2,500 limit) if they keep hold of staff during the lockdown.
It was originally open for three months and backdated to 1 March, but after social distancing measures were extended for another three weeks Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme would run until the end of June.
Mr Sunak said: "We've taken unprecedented action to support jobs and businesses through this period of uncertainty, including the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme.
"With the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday, it is the right decision to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June to provide clarity.
"It is vital for people's livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so, and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery."
The programme has already seen massive take-up, with British Airways recently announcing that it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees.
Sky News reported earlier this week that ministers were under pressure to extend the scheme amid warnings that employers were on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs.
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation think tank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough.
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Mr Sunak previously said he would view large-scale take-up as "a success" - with the initial three-month cost forecast to be as high as £40bn.
But there have been concerns over how long it is taking for some firms - who urgently need to pay wages - to access the money.
The Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday: "It's vital that the Job Retention Scheme starts delivering cash to struggling companies next week, as HMRC is working hard to achieve."
The Treasury said decisions on the future of the scheme after June would take into account "wider measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus" as well as responsible management of public finances.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Met Police criticised for allowing clapping crowds to break lockdown rules on Westminst

Coronavirus: Met Police criticised for allowing clapping crowds to break lockdown rules on Westminster Bridge

Metropolitan Police officers have been criticised for allowing people to breach social distancing rules on Westminster Bridge during the weekly round of applause for frontline workers .
Footage from Thursday night showed hundreds of people , including members of the emergency services , gathered closely together at 8pm for the Clap for Carers event to recognise NHS staff and other key workers .
The videos show police cars with their lights flashing and people lining the bridge near the Houses of Parliament .
Some people expressed shock that people were allowed to be in such close proximity , given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons for leaving the house .
Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick was also present but appeared to be more than two metres from other people .
Twitter user Damir Rafi , a doctor at St Thomas 's which is on the opposite side of the River Thames and where Boris Johnson was treated for coronavirus , said he was `` perplexed by the lack of social distancing '' .
Elaine Paterson wrote : `` I honestly ca n't get my head around this .
I 've been feeling bad about going out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets every few days - meanwhile the police appear to be endorsing a blooming festival on # westminsterbridge ! ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Metropolitan Police shared a video on its Twitter account showing people clapping at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital , again in close proximity .
One user 's comment was : `` I see social distancing does n't apply on Thursday evenings . ''
Officers across the country have been dispersing groups on beaches or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on benches or from going on unnecessary drives .
More than 3,200 fines were handed out by police in England between 27 March and 13 April to those who have flouted the rules .
Following the criticism , the Metropolitan Police released a statement which said : `` Officers , along with other emergency service workers , came together last night on Westminster Bridge to celebrate the work of all key workers .
`` A large number of members of the public also gathered to express their gratitude .
`` While many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears that some did not .
`` We regularly remind our officers of the importance of social distancing where practical , and will continue do so . ''
The prime minister 's official spokesperson said : `` We would ask that everyone takes responsibility and adheres to social distancing so we can safely show appreciation to those fighting coronavirus . ''

Metropolitan Police officers have been criticised for allowing people to breach social distancing rules on Westminster Bridge during the weekly round of applause for frontline workers.
Footage from Thursday night showed hundreds of people, including members of the emergency services, gathered closely together at 8pm for the Clap for Carers event to recognise NHS staff and other key workers.
The videos show police cars with their lights flashing and people lining the bridge near the Houses of Parliament.
Some people expressed shock that people were allowed to be in such close proximity, given the police guidelines for lockdown and the accepted reasons for leaving the house.
Image: People could be seen in very close proximity. Pic: @d_rafi1/Twitter
Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick was also present but appeared to be more than two metres from other people.
Twitter user Damir Rafi, a doctor at St Thomas's which is on the opposite side of the River Thames and where Boris Johnson was treated for coronavirus, said he was "perplexed by the lack of social distancing".
Elaine Paterson wrote: "I honestly can't get my head around this. I've been feeling bad about going out for a wee jog around the quiet back streets every few days - meanwhile the police appear to be endorsing a blooming festival on #westminsterbridge!"
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The Metropolitan Police shared a video on its Twitter account showing people clapping at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, again in close proximity.
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One user's comment was: "I see social distancing doesn't apply on Thursday evenings."
Image: The week before people appeared to be keeping their distance
Officers across the country have been dispersing groups on beaches or in parks, stopping people from sitting on benches or from going on unnecessary drives.
More than 3,200 fines were handed out by police in England between 27 March and 13 April to those who have flouted the rules.
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Following the criticism, the Metropolitan Police released a statement which said: "Officers, along with other emergency service workers, came together last night on Westminster Bridge to celebrate the work of all key workers.
"A large number of members of the public also gathered to express their gratitude.
"While many people adhered to social distancing guidance, it appears that some did not.
"We regularly remind our officers of the importance of social distancing where practical, and will continue do so."
The prime minister's official spokesperson said: "We would ask that everyone takes responsibility and adheres to social distancing so we can safely show appreciation to those fighting coronavirus."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Work has begun on plan to ease lockdown restrictions, No 10 says

Planning is underway on how to ease the coronavirus lockdown , Downing Street has announced .
The prime minister 's spokesman confirmed preparatory work is already happening on how the social distancing measures introduced at the end of March can eventually be eased .
Labour has supported an extension of the three-week emergency `` stay at home '' rules but called on the government to be `` transparent '' and publish its strategy for returning life as close to normal as possible .
Dominic Raab , who is filling in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from COVID-19 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the tunnel '' , scrapping restrictions too soon could risk a second peak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He outlined five tests that need to be met first : • Make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the UK • See a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates with confidence the UK is beyond the peak • Have reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment ( PPE ) to meet future demand • Make sure any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak The prime minister 's spokesman has now confirmed that `` work is taking place across Whitehall in readiness for the point where we are able to relax social distancing measures '' .
But they cautioned : `` For now , it 's important that the public remains focused on people staying at home . ''
It came as a leading physician cautioned the UK will face `` further waves '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest death rate in Europe - up to 40,000 - because the government was `` too slow '' to act initially .
Professor Anthony Costello , of University College London 's Institute for Global Health , told a committee of MPs that the `` harsh reality '' is that `` we were too slow with a number of things '' .
`` If we 're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but we 're going to face further waves , '' he said .
`` And so we need to make sure that we have a system in place that can not just do a certain number of tests in the laboratory , but has a system at district and community level . ''
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford spelt out more detail of what he wanted to do in the build up to any softening of restrictions .
He called for public health surveillance measures to be put in place during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear they can be contained quickly .
And he urged the UK government to learn from other countries already easing measures what is and is n't working , by being `` well-informed by what is happening elsewhere '' .
“ As we look beyond the next three weeks we look to the moment where the lockdown will begin to ease and eventually to end , '' he said at a news conference .
`` The way we want to do that in Wales is by working together towards that day . ''

Planning is underway on how to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Downing Street has announced.
The prime minister's spokesman confirmed preparatory work is already happening on how the social distancing measures introduced at the end of March can eventually be eased.
Labour has supported an extension of the three-week emergency "stay at home" rules but called on the government to be "transparent" and publish its strategy for returning life as close to normal as possible.
Image: The lockdown has been extended for another three weeks
Dominic Raab, who is filling in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from COVID-19, said on Thursday while there is "light at the end of the tunnel", scrapping restrictions too soon could risk a second peak.
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He outlined five tests that need to be met first:
Make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the UK
See a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates with confidence the UK is beyond the peak
Have reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable levels
Have enough testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet future demand
Make sure any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak
Image: For now people have been told to carry on staying at home
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Crowds ignore 2m rule during Clap for Carers
The prime minister's spokesman has now confirmed that "work is taking place across Whitehall in readiness for the point where we are able to relax social distancing measures".
But they cautioned: "For now, it's important that the public remains focused on people staying at home."
It came as a leading physician cautioned the UK will face "further waves" of coronavirus and will probably have the highest death rate in Europe - up to 40,000 - because the government was "too slow" to act initially.
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Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London's Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the "harsh reality" is that "we were too slow with a number of things".
Image: Prof Costello predicted there will be 'further waves' of the virus
"If we're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far - but we're going to face further waves," he said.
"And so we need to make sure that we have a system in place that cannot just do a certain number of tests in the laboratory, but has a system at district and community level."
Image: Mr Raab said he had to be sure the NHS could cope
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford spelt out more detail of what he wanted to do in the build up to any softening of restrictions.
He called for public health surveillance measures to be put in place during the current lockdown extension so if more outbreaks appear they can be contained quickly.
And he urged the UK government to learn from other countries already easing measures what is and isn't working, by being "well-informed by what is happening elsewhere".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Coronavirus: Lockdown lessons from Italy
“As we look beyond the next three weeks we look to the moment where the lockdown will begin to ease and eventually to end," he said at a news conference.
"The way we want to do that in Wales is by working together towards that day."


news--2020-01-23--14 people in UK tested for coronavirus amid warning of 'increased likelihood' of cases

Fourteen people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus with five confirmed negative and nine still waiting for results , Public Health England ( PHE ) has said .
Professor Paul Cosford , emeritus medical director at PHE , said it was `` highly likely '' that cases would be seen in the UK .
He said it was still `` early days '' in the course of the virus , but stressed that most of those affected abroad are making a good recovery .
The Scottish government had earlier confirmed that five people were undergoing tests for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness .
Two of those had been diagnosed with influenza after travelling to Wuhan , China - where the outbreak is thought to have originated - while the three others were `` undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis '' .
Downing Street said four suspected cases in Scotland were believed to involve Chinese nationals .
Sky News understands one person was being tested at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for symptoms associated with coronavirus .
The patient was being looked at as `` a precautionary measure '' .
PHE would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were tested and where the negative results were recorded .
Professor Cosford said anyone who has travelled to Wuhan in the last two weeks and returned to the UK , and who has symptoms , must get in touch with the NHS .
He told the BBC 's Radio 4 Today programme : `` We will not be surprised if people return from China to the UK with the infection , the important thing is that if you are one of those people and you develop symptoms you get in touch quickly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country have had a letter from the chief medical officer and the medical director at NHS England and us at Public Health England , so that if somebody does present and they are worried , if they do meet our criteria , that they will be put somewhere where they wo n't infect other people while they 're assessed and while we can get them tested . ''
Asked if face masks could provide protection , he said PHE was not advising people to use face masks at the moment , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has so far killed 26 people in China and infected more than 880 .
Professor Jurgen Haas , head of infection medicine at the University of Edinburgh , said he believes there will be many more potential cases in other cities in the UK .
He said : `` The situation will be pretty similar in pretty much all UK cities with a large number of Chinese students .
`` It 's not too surprising .
My suspicion is that there will probably be many more cases in many other cities in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only one laboratory testing for the virus , operated by PHE .
He added that the cases have been flagged through the PHE infection guidelines as they travelled to Wuhan within the last 14 days and are showing signs of respiratory symptoms .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the NHS is `` ready to respond appropriately '' to any cases of coronavirus that emerge in the UK .
He told the Commons on Thursday that while `` there is an increased likelihood that cases may arise in this country , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with them '' .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , is in contact with international experts and his counterparts to monitor the situation , Mr Hancock added .
The Chinese government has effectively locked down 10 cities in Hubei province , cancelling planes , trains , ferries , subway and bus services .
Overseas , four cases have been found in Thailand , three in Singapore , two in Hong Kong , Japan , South Korea , Vietnam and the autonomous region of Macau , and one each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The World Health Organisation said it is `` too early '' to declare an international public health emergency over the outbreak `` given its restrictive and binary nature '' .
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Wuhan .
Peter Piot , professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said there were still `` many missing pieces in the jigsaw puzzle '' , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks we will know much more , but there can not be any complacency as to the need for global action .
`` The good news is that the data to date suggest that this virus may have a lower mortality than Sars , we have a diagnostic test and there is greater transparency than decades gone by .
`` And that is essential because you can not deal with a potential pandemic in one country alone . ''

Fourteen people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus with five confirmed negative and nine still waiting for results, Public Health England (PHE) has said.
Professor Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director at PHE, said it was "highly likely" that cases would be seen in the UK.
He said it was still "early days" in the course of the virus, but stressed that most of those affected abroad are making a good recovery.
The Scottish government had earlier confirmed that five people were undergoing tests for the virus after presenting with symptoms of the illness.
Two of those had been diagnosed with influenza after travelling to Wuhan, China - where the outbreak is thought to have originated - while the three others were "undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis".
Downing Street said four suspected cases in Scotland were believed to involve Chinese nationals.
Sky News understands one person was being tested at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for symptoms associated with coronavirus.
The patient was being looked at as "a precautionary measure".
PHE would not give a breakdown of where the people were tested and where the negative results were recorded.
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Professor Cosford said anyone who has travelled to Wuhan in the last two weeks and returned to the UK, and who has symptoms, must get in touch with the NHS.
He told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme: "We will not be surprised if people return from China to the UK with the infection, the important thing is that if you are one of those people and you develop symptoms you get in touch quickly.
"All our GPs and hospitals across the country have had a letter from the chief medical officer and the medical director at NHS England and us at Public Health England, so that if somebody does present and they are worried, if they do meet our criteria, that they will be put somewhere where they won't infect other people while they're assessed and while we can get them tested."
Asked if face masks could provide protection, he said PHE was not advising people to use face masks at the moment, but is monitoring developments carefully.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How dangerous is the new 'mystery' coronavirus?
The outbreak has so far killed 26 people in China and infected more than 880.
Professor Jurgen Haas, head of infection medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said he believes there will be many more potential cases in other cities in the UK.
He said: "The situation will be pretty similar in pretty much all UK cities with a large number of Chinese students.
"It's not too surprising. My suspicion is that there will probably be many more cases in many other cities in the UK."
Professor Haas said there is only one laboratory testing for the virus, operated by PHE.
He added that the cases have been flagged through the PHE infection guidelines as they travelled to Wuhan within the last 14 days and are showing signs of respiratory symptoms.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the NHS is "ready to respond appropriately" to any cases of coronavirus that emerge in the UK.
He told the Commons on Thursday that while "there is an increased likelihood that cases may arise in this country, we are well prepared and well equipped to deal with them".
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, is in contact with international experts and his counterparts to monitor the situation, Mr Hancock added.
The Chinese government has effectively locked down 10 cities in Hubei province, cancelling planes, trains, ferries, subway and bus services.
Overseas, four cases have been found in Thailand, three in Singapore, two in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the autonomous region of Macau, and one each in the US and Taiwan.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The World Health Organisation said it is "too early" to declare an international public health emergency over the outbreak "given its restrictive and binary nature".
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Wuhan.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How dangerous is the new 'mystery' coronavirus?
Peter Piot, professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said there were still "many missing pieces in the jigsaw puzzle", adding: "Over the coming days and weeks we will know much more, but there cannot be any complacency as to the need for global action.
"The good news is that the data to date suggest that this virus may have a lower mortality than Sars, we have a diagnostic test and there is greater transparency than decades gone by.
"And that is essential because you cannot deal with a potential pandemic in one country alone."


news--2020-01-23--Coronavirus: How does the UK respond to an outbreak?

Several cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - so how does Britain respond to an outbreak on its own shores ?
Sky News looks at how an outbreak would be identified and what would be done to stop it .
How do we know how serious an outbreak might be ?
Public Health England responds to around 10,000 disease outbreaks and health emergencies every year , both at home and abroad .
They range from e-coli , legionnaires and TB through to emerging threats such as the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in China .
PHE has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should be about an outbreak .
They are : • Level 2 - The same as above , but may require greater management input • Level 4 - Severe public health impact requiring central direction and formal interaction with the government • Level 5 - Catastrophic public health impact with central direction and `` extensive commitment of resource '' needed Who is responsible for identifying an outbreak ?
PHE , NHS trusts and local authorities can all recognise outbreaks and each has its own procedures when it comes to surveillance , detection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make immediate contact as soon as an outbreak is apparent , with control measures to clarify the nature of the incident to begin within 24 hours .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker These include forming a tentative diagnosis and confirming the characteristics of suspected cases , interviews to gather information about common factors , and carrying out an initial risk assessment .
PHE also set out a new five-year infectious diseases strategy last November , and has a dedicated intelligence team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lookout for emerging infections abroad '' .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the national infection service , said infectious diseases were `` evolving '' and that the UK must be prepared for `` when an unknown disease strikes '' .
Risk assessments are agreed to by a dedicated outbreak control team .
They are dictated by where the outbreak is first identified and whether it crosses local authority boundaries , with good communication needed if it does .
If a national incident is on the cards , PHE co-ordinates a consistent response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report incidents of potential international significance to the WHO , and EU-level outbreaks to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
What does the outbreak control team do ?
The outbreak control team assesses the risk to public health and ensures the cause and source of the outbreak are investigated thoroughly and quickly .
They also agree to a case definition , which includes the time and place a suspected case was reported and details of whoever is carrying the infection .
Interviews are carried out with initial cases to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an early hypothesis and analytical study to project how the virus could potentially spread .
Relevant information to be considered about the host are their age , sex , ethnicity and recent travel .
How do we know when an outbreak is over ?
The outbreak control team is responsible for deciding when an outbreak is over and will make a statement .
It makes its assessment if there is no longer considered to be a risk to public health , the number of cases has declined , and the probable source has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PHE said about the coronavirus ?
PHE has said the risk of the new coronavirus to the UK is `` low '' - which has been raised from `` very low '' due to the virus 's ability to spread between people .
On 31 January , the first two cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK .
Dozens more had been tested , but the results prior to that date had come back negative , according to the Department of Health and Social Care .
Dr Nick Phin , deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily . ''
Is there a precedent for an outbreak like this in the UK ?
You might remember the swine flu outbreak of 2009 , when cases were first confirmed in passengers returning home from trips to Mexico in April .
The virus peaked in July , with the Health Protection Agency reporting more than 100,000 estimated cases .
While most suffered mild symptoms , the illness was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a government report , and prompted a nationwide immunisation programme .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002-03 outbreak that also started in China , made its way to the UK too .
There were four cases in the UK before that global pandemic was brought under control .
Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) , which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , was reported in the UK in the summer of 2018 .
There was no onward transmission in that instance .

Several cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - so how does Britain respond to an outbreak on its own shores?
Sky News looks at how an outbreak would be identified and what would be done to stop it.
How do we know how serious an outbreak might be?
Public Health England responds to around 10,000 disease outbreaks and health emergencies every year, both at home and abroad.
They range from e-coli, legionnaires and TB through to emerging threats such as the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in China.
PHE has five incident levels to convey how concerned we should be about an outbreak. They are:
Level 1 - Local with limited public health impact
Level 2 - The same as above, but may require greater management input
Level 3 - Public health impact spans multiple regional boundaries and may require national co-ordination
Level 4 - Severe public health impact requiring central direction and formal interaction with the government
Level 5 - Catastrophic public health impact with central direction and "extensive commitment of resource" needed
Image: A patient is treated in Hong Kong
Who is responsible for identifying an outbreak?
PHE, NHS trusts and local authorities can all recognise outbreaks and each has its own procedures when it comes to surveillance, detection and control.
They are required to make immediate contact as soon as an outbreak is apparent, with control measures to clarify the nature of the incident to begin within 24 hours.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
These include forming a tentative diagnosis and confirming the characteristics of suspected cases, interviews to gather information about common factors, and carrying out an initial risk assessment.
PHE also set out a new five-year infectious diseases strategy last November, and has a dedicated intelligence team described as being "constantly on the lookout for emerging infections abroad".
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the national infection service, said infectious diseases were "evolving" and that the UK must be prepared for "when an unknown disease strikes".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
What is a risk assessment?
Risk assessments are agreed to by a dedicated outbreak control team.
They are dictated by where the outbreak is first identified and whether it crosses local authority boundaries, with good communication needed if it does.
If a national incident is on the cards, PHE co-ordinates a consistent response across devolved administrations.
PHE also must report incidents of potential international significance to the WHO, and EU-level outbreaks to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Image: Police officers wear face masks in front of the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing
What does the outbreak control team do?
The outbreak control team assesses the risk to public health and ensures the cause and source of the outbreak are investigated thoroughly and quickly.
They also agree to a case definition, which includes the time and place a suspected case was reported and details of whoever is carrying the infection.
Interviews are carried out with initial cases to establish any common factors, helping to form an early hypothesis and analytical study to project how the virus could potentially spread.
Relevant information to be considered about the host are their age, sex, ethnicity and recent travel.
How do we know when an outbreak is over?
The outbreak control team is responsible for deciding when an outbreak is over and will make a statement.
It makes its assessment if there is no longer considered to be a risk to public health, the number of cases has declined, and the probable source has been identified and withdrawn.
What has PHE said about the coronavirus?
PHE has said the risk of the new coronavirus to the UK is "low" - which has been raised from "very low" due to the virus's ability to spread between people.
On 31 January, the first two cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK.
Dozens more had been tested, but the results prior to that date had come back negative, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Image: A Public Health England poster showing the symptoms of coronavirus at Heathrow
Dr Nick Phin, deputy director of PHE's national infection service, said: "This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily."
Is there a precedent for an outbreak like this in the UK?
You might remember the swine flu outbreak of 2009, when cases were first confirmed in passengers returning home from trips to Mexico in April.
The virus peaked in July, with the Health Protection Agency reporting more than 100,000 estimated cases.
While most suffered mild symptoms, the illness was linked to 457 deaths, according to a government report, and prompted a nationwide immunisation programme.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002-03 outbreak that also started in China, made its way to the UK too.
There were four cases in the UK before that global pandemic was brought under control.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since killed more than 800 people, was reported in the UK in the summer of 2018.
There was no onward transmission in that instance.