news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus test applications closed after 5,000 home kits ordered in two minutes

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests temporarily closed following huge demand .
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications .
Within hours of the new website going live this morning , those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to `` check back later '' , after being told : `` You ca n't currently register for a COVID-19 test . ''
Earlier , the website had also displayed the message that Friday 's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached .
Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the total available capacity for the day , had been ordered within two minutes of the online portal opening .
These are posted out for next-day delivery , with results expected within 72 hours .
The number of home-testing kits available each day will increase to 18,000 by the end of next week , Number 10 added .
They also said 15,000 drive-through tests were expected to be carried out today .
Sharon Tyrrell , a teacher from Poole , has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ round trip , so this morning she initially tried to apply for a home-test .
When that did n't work , she applied for a drive-through test but received a message saying that applications had closed .
`` It 's just infuriating really , '' she told Sky News .
`` I 'm due to go into work on Monday and there is a lot of vulnerable people there , let alone my own family .
`` While I appreciate that there 's got to be priority for NHS workers , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to work during this crisis and that are putting themselves - and their families - at risk .
`` And it would really good to be able to just know for sure that we 're not doing that . ''
The prime minister 's official spokesman confirmed that those applying for tests are being trusted to be key workers , with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings .
He said : `` As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response , we would expect the public to respond in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have done with other aspects of the scheme , I think we 'd expect it to be the same here . ''
Soon after 11am , the Department of Health and Social Care had posted on Twitter : `` There has been significant demand for booking tests today .
`` We apologise for any inconvenience .
We are continuing to rapidly increase availability .
`` More tests will be available tomorrow . ''
A government source said the website had n't crashed and the temporary closure was `` a positive '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 tests .
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled .
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who show COVID-19 symptoms .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government is aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests per day by the end of this month .
On Wednesday , 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests .
At that point , a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests .
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to travel where there is significant demand , including care homes , police stations and prisons .

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests temporarily closed following huge demand.
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications.
Within hours of the new website going live this morning, those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to "check back later", after being told: "You can't currently register for a COVID-19 test."
Earlier, the website had also displayed the message that Friday's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached.
Image: Essential workers were met with this message on Friday morning
Downing Street later revealed that 5,000 home-testing kits, the total available capacity for the day, had been ordered within two minutes of the online portal opening.
These are posted out for next-day delivery, with results expected within 72 hours.
The number of home-testing kits available each day will increase to 18,000 by the end of next week, Number 10 added.
They also said 15,000 drive-through tests were expected to be carried out today.
Image: Sharon Tyrrell has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms
Sharon Tyrrell, a teacher from Poole, has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms last week.
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Her nearest testing centre is a five-hour round trip, so this morning she initially tried to apply for a home-test.
When that didn't work, she applied for a drive-through test but received a message saying that applications had closed.
"It's just infuriating really," she told Sky News. "I'm due to go into work on Monday and there is a lot of vulnerable people there, let alone my own family.
"While I appreciate that there's got to be priority for NHS workers, there are a lot of other people who are continuing to work during this crisis and that are putting themselves - and their families - at risk.
"And it would really good to be able to just know for sure that we're not doing that."
The prime minister's official spokesman confirmed that those applying for tests are being trusted to be key workers, with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings.
He said: "As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response, we would expect the public to respond in good faith.
"That is what they have done with other aspects of the scheme, I think we'd expect it to be the same here."
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Soon after 11am, the Department of Health and Social Care had posted on Twitter: "There has been significant demand for booking tests today.
"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are continuing to rapidly increase availability.
"More tests will be available tomorrow."
A government source said the website hadn't crashed and the temporary closure was "a positive" as it showed that there was huge demand for COVID-19 tests.
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled.
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who show COVID-19 symptoms.
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The government is aiming to meet a target of conducting 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month.
On Wednesday, 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests.
At that point, a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to travel where there is significant demand, including care homes, police stations and prisons.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: NHS fears people are not seeking urgent care as A&E visits fall by 50%

The NHS is launching a campaign to make sure people seek urgent care during medical emergencies after visits to A & E fell by nearly 50 % this month .
Health officials are worried many people are not seeking treatment because they fear contracting COVID-19 , thereby jeopardising their survival and potentially becoming collateral damage to the virus .
Recent research found four in 10 people are too worried about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP .
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens stressed the health service is still there for non-coronavirus patients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart attack , and other potentially fatal conditions .
It is predicted there will be one million fewer visits to A & E this April compared to 2.1 million visits recorded over the same period last year .
Senior clinicians from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and medical health charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association are also concerned .
The new public health campaign will be rolled out from next week reminding people to contact their GP or call 111 if they need urgent care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to do so .
Those in an emergency must still call 999 .
It also calls upon Britons to use other vital services such as cancer screening and treatment , maternity appointments and mental health support as normal .
Sir Simon said : `` While NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to deal with coronavirus , they have also worked hard to ensure that patients who do n't have COVID-19 can safely access essential services .
`` Ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now or in the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity in the face of the coronavirus threat , the NHS now has 33,000 urgent care beds at its disposal in traditional hospitals .
The NHS has also overseen the construction of seven new Nightingale field hospitals around the country .
The campaign will include information from doctors , nurses and patient groups to highlight how the health service has adapted to the pandemic to ensure safe access to all types of urgent care .
Professor Carrie MacEwen , chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges , said : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessing the NHS for care because they either do n't want to be a burden or because they are fearful about catching the virus .
`` Everyone should know that the NHS is still open for business and it is vitally important that if people have serious conditions or concerns they seek help . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The British Heart Foundation has reported a 50 % fall in the number of people attending A & E with heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cancer Research UK warned earlier this week 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week - partly down to patients ' reluctance to go and see their GP .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also voiced his concern .
He said in the House of Commons on Wednesday : `` If you are told to go to hospital , the place you need to be is in hospital .
`` The NHS is there for you and can provide the very best care if you need it . ''

The NHS is launching a campaign to make sure people seek urgent care during medical emergencies after visits to A&E fell by nearly 50% this month.
Health officials are worried many people are not seeking treatment because they fear contracting COVID-19, thereby jeopardising their survival and potentially becoming collateral damage to the virus.
Recent research found four in 10 people are too worried about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens stressed the health service is still there for non-coronavirus patients who might be suffering from a stroke, heart attack, and other potentially fatal conditions.
It is predicted there will be one million fewer visits to A&E this April compared to 2.1 million visits recorded over the same period last year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 'I miss my wife but I have to be in hospital'
Senior clinicians from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and medical health charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association are also concerned.
The new public health campaign will be rolled out from next week reminding people to contact their GP or call 111 if they need urgent care, and attend a hospital if they are told to do so.
Those in an emergency must still call 999.
It also calls upon Britons to use other vital services such as cancer screening and treatment, maternity appointments and mental health support as normal.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Drones to be trialled for medical delivery
Sir Simon said: "While NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to deal with coronavirus, they have also worked hard to ensure that patients who don't have COVID-19 can safely access essential services.
"Ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now or in the future."
Due to efforts to ramp up capacity in the face of the coronavirus threat, the NHS now has 33,000 urgent care beds at its disposal in traditional hospitals.
The NHS has also overseen the construction of seven new Nightingale field hospitals around the country.
The campaign will include information from doctors, nurses and patient groups to highlight how the health service has adapted to the pandemic to ensure safe access to all types of urgent care.
Professor Carrie MacEwen, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: "We are very concerned that patients may not be accessing the NHS for care because they either don't want to be a burden or because they are fearful about catching the virus.
"Everyone should know that the NHS is still open for business and it is vitally important that if people have serious conditions or concerns they seek help."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The British Heart Foundation has reported a 50% fall in the number of people attending A&E with heart attacks, thereby risking their survival.
Cancer Research UK warned earlier this week 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week - partly down to patients' reluctance to go and see their GP.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also voiced his concern.
He said in the House of Commons on Wednesday: "If you are told to go to hospital, the place you need to be is in hospital.
"The NHS is there for you and can provide the very best care if you need it."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Belgium unveils step-by-step plan to lift lockdown restrictions from 4 May

Belgium has unveiled a step-by-step plan to lift lockdown restrictions in just over a week 's time , as several other countries prepare to ease their isolation measures .
The country has implemented similar restrictions to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic , with just food shops , home improvement shops , garden centres and pharmacies allowed to open .
However from 4 May more businesses will be allowed to open and people will be able to meet up with a maximum of two others who do not live with them , but they must also keep a distance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 or above will have to wear masks on public transport and to help produce the masks , shops selling fabric or sewing supplies will reopen .
There have been more than 200,000 confirmed deaths from coronavirus worldwide , John Hopkins University researchers say .
All shops in Belgium will be allowed to reopen from 11 May , under strict social distancing conditions , and schools will welcome back some pupils from 18 May , but classes will be kept to a maximum size of 10 .
People will be able to host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as visit a museum and go to a hairdressers .
From 8 June , cafes , restaurants and some tourist attractions will start to reopen and trips abroad of more than one day will also begin to be permitted .
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes said : `` It is now time to look to the future .
`` But COVID-19 has not disappeared , the virus is still with us and it is dangerous for the population .
It is absolutely essential that the safety measures are respected during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Belgium would need to carry out 25,000 to 30,000 tests per day to withdraw from lockdown .
Belgium has more than 44,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 6,700 fatalities .
More than half of the deaths have occurred in care homes .
Belgium 's slow retreat from lockdown comes as other European countries are also undertaking changes to their isolation measures .
Italy has also earmarked 4 May as the day when lockdown restrictions will be eased , with millions of Italians being able to return to work .
Around 26,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy .
Germany , which has the fifth highest number of cases in the world but fewer than 6,000 deaths , has already allowed smaller shops to open .
Schools are due to restart from 4 May .
France , where more than 22,000 people have died , and the Netherlands , where fewer than 4,500 people have died , have both earmarked 11 May as the day when their restrictions will be eased .
Spain - which declared a state of emergency on March 14 and has reported more than 22,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the age of 14 will be able to socialise outside for up to one hour .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , India , which is due to end its lockdown on 3 May , announced late on Friday that neighbourhood and standalone shops were now allowed to reopen .
But the relaxation would not be applicable in hundreds of hotspots and containment zones across the country or shopping centres .
Last week , the Indian government allowed resumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas after millions of daily wage-earners were left without work .
India has reported nearly 25,000 cases of COVID-19 but fewer than 800 deaths .

Belgium has unveiled a step-by-step plan to lift lockdown restrictions in just over a week's time, as several other countries prepare to ease their isolation measures.
The country has implemented similar restrictions to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, with just food shops, home improvement shops, garden centres and pharmacies allowed to open.
However from 4 May more businesses will be allowed to open and people will be able to meet up with a maximum of two others who do not live with them, but they must also keep a distance and remain outside.
Image: People in Belgium will be able to host small gatherings at home from 18 May
Adults and children aged 12 or above will have to wear masks on public transport and to help produce the masks, shops selling fabric or sewing supplies will reopen.
There have been more than 200,000 confirmed deaths from coronavirus worldwide, John Hopkins University researchers say.
All shops in Belgium will be allowed to reopen from 11 May, under strict social distancing conditions, and schools will welcome back some pupils from 18 May, but classes will be kept to a maximum size of 10.
People will be able to host small gatherings at home from 18 May, as well as visit a museum and go to a hairdressers.
From 8 June, cafes, restaurants and some tourist attractions will start to reopen and trips abroad of more than one day will also begin to be permitted.
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes said: "It is now time to look to the future.
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"But COVID-19 has not disappeared, the virus is still with us and it is dangerous for the population. It is absolutely essential that the safety measures are respected during the phase-out period."
Image: Belgian PM Sophie Wilmes warned COVID-19 'has not disappeared'
Ms Wilmes said Belgium would need to carry out 25,000 to 30,000 tests per day to withdraw from lockdown.
Belgium has more than 44,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 6,700 fatalities. More than half of the deaths have occurred in care homes.
Belgium's slow retreat from lockdown comes as other European countries are also undertaking changes to their isolation measures.
Italy has also earmarked 4 May as the day when lockdown restrictions will be eased, with millions of Italians being able to return to work. Around 26,000 people are reported to have died with COVID-19 in Italy.
Germany, which has the fifth highest number of cases in the world but fewer than 6,000 deaths, has already allowed smaller shops to open. Schools are due to restart from 4 May.
France, where more than 22,000 people have died, and the Netherlands, where fewer than 4,500 people have died, have both earmarked 11 May as the day when their restrictions will be eased.
Spain - which declared a state of emergency on March 14 and has reported more than 22,500 deaths - said that from Sunday children under the age of 14 will be able to socialise outside for up to one hour.
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Meanwhile, India, which is due to end its lockdown on 3 May, announced late on Friday that neighbourhood and standalone shops were now allowed to reopen.
But the relaxation would not be applicable in hundreds of hotspots and containment zones across the country or shopping centres.
Last week, the Indian government allowed resumption of manufacturing and farming activities in rural areas after millions of daily wage-earners were left without work.
India has reported nearly 25,000 cases of COVID-19 but fewer than 800 deaths.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Experts once said 20,000 deaths was a 'good outcome' - so where is the UK headed now?

More than 20,000 people have now died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - a level that had previously been earmarked as a significant milestone by science and medical chiefs .
On 17 March , Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a `` good result '' from the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` If we can get this down to 20,000 and below , that is a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get to with this outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Professor Stephen Powis , the medical director of NHS England , later repeated the assertion that keeping below 20,000 deaths would be a `` good outcome '' at one of the first daily Downing Street briefings .
Sir Patrick and Prof Powis ' comments came either side of the UK entering its coronavirus lockdown , which was at least in part prompted by modelling from a team at London 's Imperial College .
The university 's team predicted that , without the stringent social distancing measures now in place to `` suppress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK could have been on course for around 250,000 deaths .
So , with the UK still in lockdown , but having passed the level that the government and NHS England previously considered a `` good result '' - how many deaths could there be ?
In reality , the UK probably passed the 20,000 deaths mark a long time ago .
The daily death figures released by the Department for Health and Social care only report the deaths of patients with coronavirus in UK hospitals .
By contrast , figures now released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONS ) reveal a wider picture of the impact of COVID-19 .
The ONS figures include deaths outside hospitals , such as in care homes or at home , where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate .
According to these figures , of all deaths registered by 10 April , 10,350 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate .
They also show that the total current number of deaths in 2020 is 184,950 , which is 10,232 more than the five-year average .
In the week up to 10 April , the ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was the highest weekly total since the first week of 2000 - a year when the UK suffered a major flu outbreak .
Of those deaths registered in the week to 10 April , 6,213 ( 33 % ) mentioned coronavirus , which was almost double the number from the week before .
The ONS figures also showed that , of deaths between the week starting on 9 March , when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered , and 10 April , the number of deaths in care homes has doubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital deaths and a 51 % increase in deaths in private homes .
It has been suggested an overall rise in the number of deaths in 2020 , compared to previous years , may also reveal the UK lockdown is having an indirect impact on health .
Indeed , the government has said one of its key considerations when reviewing the lockdown measures is the impact on people 's long-term health from the socio-economic effects of the lockdown , as well as the effect of the continued postponement of other healthcare .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how many deaths there might be in the UK due to coronavirus .
Professor Anthony Costello of University College London 's Institute for Global Health has previously suggested the UK `` could see 40,000 deaths '' in the current wave of coronavirus cases .
However , he also warned the country was going to face more waves of infections .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Financial Times , according to their analysis of ONS figures , have said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 41,000 deaths in the UK .
Meanwhile , the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , based at the University of Washington in the US , once predicted deaths from COVID-19 in the UK would be the highest in Europe at 66,000 .
However , they later revised down their forecast to 37,494 deaths , based on new data .
Will the UK be the worst affected in Europe ?
According to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US , the UK is the fourth worst affected country in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spain and France .
The government has previously said the UK is further behind other European countries in terms of the progress of the coronavirus outbreak .
And this means , whether the UK is ultimately the worst affected country in Europe will depend upon the RO value in the coming weeks .
This measures the reproductive value of a virus , with an RO of three meaning every individual infected will pass the disease onto three other people if no containment measures are introduced .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current RO value in the UK is between 0.5 and 1 .
However , the government will fear the RO value rising again should they ease lockdown measures .
Will we ever know the true impact of COVID-19 ?
Modelling the true or total impact of coronavirus in terms of UK deaths at this stage is problematic as it will continue to be based on incomplete or , perhaps , non-current data .
There is also no way of knowing how many people have actually contracted coronavirus as the vast majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means the full impact of coronavirus in the UK - in terms of direct deaths and indirect deaths - is unlikely to be known until after the pandemic has passed .
At that point , the `` excess deaths '' for the period of the pandemic can be compared to previous years .

More than 20,000 people have now died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - a level that had previously been earmarked as a significant milestone by science and medical chiefs.
A "good outcome"
On 17 March, Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a "good result" from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If we can get this down to 20,000 and below, that is a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get to with this outbreak," he told a committee of MPs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 '20,000 virus deaths would be good outcome'
Professor Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, later repeated the assertion that keeping below 20,000 deaths would be a "good outcome" at one of the first daily Downing Street briefings.
Sir Patrick and Prof Powis' comments came either side of the UK entering its coronavirus lockdown, which was at least in part prompted by modelling from a team at London's Imperial College.
The university's team predicted that, without the stringent social distancing measures now in place to "suppress" the spread of COVID-19, the UK could have been on course for around 250,000 deaths.
So, with the UK still in lockdown, but having passed the level that the government and NHS England previously considered a "good result" - how many deaths could there be?
The UK probably passed 20,000 deaths a long time ago
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In reality, the UK probably passed the 20,000 deaths mark a long time ago.
The daily death figures released by the Department for Health and Social care only report the deaths of patients with coronavirus in UK hospitals.
By contrast, figures now released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a wider picture of the impact of COVID-19.
The ONS figures include deaths outside hospitals, such as in care homes or at home, where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate.
According to these figures, of all deaths registered by 10 April, 10,350 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate.
They also show that the total current number of deaths in 2020 is 184,950, which is 10,232 more than the five-year average.
In the week up to 10 April, the ONS said the number of deaths was 18,526, which was the highest weekly total since the first week of 2000 - a year when the UK suffered a major flu outbreak.
Of those deaths registered in the week to 10 April, 6,213 (33%) mentioned coronavirus, which was almost double the number from the week before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:40 Coronavirus: The hidden health crisis
The ONS figures also showed that, of deaths between the week starting on 9 March, when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered, and 10 April, the number of deaths in care homes has doubled, with a 72% increase in hospital deaths and a 51% increase in deaths in private homes.
It has been suggested an overall rise in the number of deaths in 2020, compared to previous years, may also reveal the UK lockdown is having an indirect impact on health.
Indeed, the government has said one of its key considerations when reviewing the lockdown measures is the impact on people's long-term health from the socio-economic effects of the lockdown, as well as the effect of the continued postponement of other healthcare.
Up to 66,000 deaths?
Others have tried to make their own estimations of how many deaths there might be in the UK due to coronavirus.
Professor Anthony Costello of University College London's Institute for Global Health has previously suggested the UK "could see 40,000 deaths" in the current wave of coronavirus cases.
However, he also warned the country was going to face more waves of infections.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Financial Times, according to their analysis of ONS figures, have said the coronavirus pandemic has already caused as many as 41,000 deaths in the UK.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, based at the University of Washington in the US, once predicted deaths from COVID-19 in the UK would be the highest in Europe at 66,000.
However, they later revised down their forecast to 37,494 deaths, based on new data.
Will the UK be the worst affected in Europe?
According to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US, the UK is the fourth worst affected country in Europe in terms of deaths, behind Italy, Spain and France.
The government has previously said the UK is further behind other European countries in terms of the progress of the coronavirus outbreak.
And this means, whether the UK is ultimately the worst affected country in Europe will depend upon the RO value in the coming weeks.
This measures the reproductive value of a virus, with an RO of three meaning every individual infected will pass the disease onto three other people if no containment measures are introduced.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, has estimated the current RO value in the UK is between 0.5 and 1.
However, the government will fear the RO value rising again should they ease lockdown measures.
Will we ever know the true impact of COVID-19?
Modelling the true or total impact of coronavirus in terms of UK deaths at this stage is problematic as it will continue to be based on incomplete or, perhaps, non-current data.
There is also no way of knowing how many people have actually contracted coronavirus as the vast majority of the UK population has not been tested.
It means the full impact of coronavirus in the UK - in terms of direct deaths and indirect deaths - is unlikely to be known until after the pandemic has passed.
At that point, the "excess deaths" for the period of the pandemic can be compared to previous years.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Cancer patients 'helpless' amid fears more will die from delayed treatment than COVID-1

Coronavirus: Cancer patients 'helpless' amid fears more will die from delayed treatment than COVID-19

As experts warn tens of thousands of cancers are going untreated and undetected due to coronavirus , Sky News speaks to some of the patients who fear they are losing precious time .
Lesley Stephen , 54 , from Edinburgh was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer six years ago and given just months to live .
She made memory boxes for her four children , now aged 11 to 20 , but her situation was transformed by taking part in a successful clinical trial .
In recent months , however , the cancer has started to spread to her lungs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her options .
`` I 've already been told that if I need surgery on my lung that 's likely to be delayed by a couple of months because of resources being diverted to the COVID virus , '' she said .
If she has to come off her current clinical trial , recruitment to new trials has stalled .
`` There 's constant anxiety at the back of my mind anyway .
Will this be my last summer , will this be my last Christmas ?
`` I know at some point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively and it would be awful if the virus and the lack of treatments hastened that , '' she said .
When the lockdown began , hospital trusts were told to halt non-urgent surgery for three months to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed .
Professor Pat Price , a clinical oncologist and professor at Imperial College London , told Sky News : `` We are most certainly going to lose more patients to cancer than to COVID-19 .
`` From patients that are not feeling like they can present to their GPs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those that are in treatment having those treatments called or delayed or compromised , this is happening now .
`` We have a backlog of patients that will overwhelm the service . ''
Analysis by Cancer Research UK this week found referrals of suspected cancer by GPs have plummeted by 75 % as patients stay at home .
Combined with screening programmes being cancelled , they estimate 2,700 new cases of cancer are going undetected each week .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , Simon Stevens , has urged people with concerns to go to their GP or A & E departments - where attendance has halved as people fear being a burden or picking up the virus .
But cancer treatment of all kinds is being cancelled , either because the patient would be at too high a risk from COVID , or to free up bed space .
Martin Ducksbury , 64 , a salesman from Sheffield , was diagnosed with a small kidney tumour in November after going to his GP with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have an operation on 25 March , but was told the morning before it had been cancelled - just as the UK lockdown began .
Martin , who has an underlying lung disease , said : `` They said it would be a disaster for me , if I caught the virus .
`` I 'd have to go to high dependency after the operation and that was full of COVID patients . ''
He has been told he faces a wait of up to four months .
`` You just feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife Jackie added : `` Our fear obviously is it could spread .
`` They say it 's slow-growing but they do n't really know how aggressive it is . ''
NHS England says urgent and essential treatment should still be delivered .
Mr Stevens said in the coming weeks more services could be delivered in wards or hospitals without COVID patients .
But consultants have privately told Sky News there is a postcode lottery , with some trusts cancelling more cancer treatments than others .
A patient from the North West , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said a consultant told her he felt as if he was having to `` play God '' .
Bradley Jones , a 22-year-old accountancy student from Surrey , was diagnosed with a rare testicular cancer two years ago , and he needs further treatment .
After being told he may face delays of several weeks due to the virus , he has started chemotherapy at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London .
It is a cancer `` hub '' which has no coronavirus patients .
But these do not exist across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be treated at private hospitals where the NHS has bought up capacity for treatment .
Rachel Kirby-Rider of the charity Clic Sargent said many young patients had seen treatments delayed , and those receiving end of life care `` are not able to make the memories they so desperately want with their loved ones '' .
Many patients recognise the pressures of tackling the virus , but this does n't stop them worrying about whether they can receive the treatment they need .
`` If you delay , you risk letting it spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually control , '' Mr Jones said .
`` Cancer does n't wait around . ''

As experts warn tens of thousands of cancers are going untreated and undetected due to coronavirus, Sky News speaks to some of the patients who fear they are losing precious time.
Lesley Stephen, 54, from Edinburgh was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer six years ago and given just months to live.
She made memory boxes for her four children, now aged 11 to 20, but her situation was transformed by taking part in a successful clinical trial.
Image: Lesley Stephen, 54, has advanced stage breast cancer
In recent months, however, the cancer has started to spread to her lungs and liver, and COVID-19 has limited her options.
"I've already been told that if I need surgery on my lung that's likely to be delayed by a couple of months because of resources being diverted to the COVID virus," she said.
If she has to come off her current clinical trial, recruitment to new trials has stalled.
"There's constant anxiety at the back of my mind anyway. Will this be my last summer, will this be my last Christmas?
"I know at some point the cancer is going to get me effectively and it would be awful if the virus and the lack of treatments hastened that," she said.
When the lockdown began, hospital trusts were told to halt non-urgent surgery for three months to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed.
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Professor Pat Price, a clinical oncologist and professor at Imperial College London, told Sky News: "We are most certainly going to lose more patients to cancer than to COVID-19.
Image: Professor Pat Price says a backlog of cancer patients could 'overwhelm the service'
"From patients that are not feeling like they can present to their GPs for good reasons, screening appointments cancelled and those that are in treatment having those treatments called or delayed or compromised, this is happening now.
"We have a backlog of patients that will overwhelm the service."
Analysis by Cancer Research UK this week found referrals of suspected cancer by GPs have plummeted by 75% as patients stay at home.
Combined with screening programmes being cancelled, they estimate 2,700 new cases of cancer are going undetected each week.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The chief executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens, has urged people with concerns to go to their GP or A&E departments - where attendance has halved as people fear being a burden or picking up the virus.
But cancer treatment of all kinds is being cancelled, either because the patient would be at too high a risk from COVID, or to free up bed space.
Martin Ducksbury, 64, a salesman from Sheffield, was diagnosed with a small kidney tumour in November after going to his GP with a swollen stomach.
Image: Martin and Jackie Ducksbury fear Martin's cancer could spread
He was due to have an operation on 25 March, but was told the morning before it had been cancelled - just as the UK lockdown began.
Martin, who has an underlying lung disease, said: "They said it would be a disaster for me, if I caught the virus.
"I'd have to go to high dependency after the operation and that was full of COVID patients."
He has been told he faces a wait of up to four months. "You just feel helpless," he said.
His wife Jackie added: "Our fear obviously is it could spread.
"They say it's slow-growing but they don't really know how aggressive it is."
Image: GP referrals of suspected cancer cases have plummeted
NHS England says urgent and essential treatment should still be delivered. Mr Stevens said in the coming weeks more services could be delivered in wards or hospitals without COVID patients.
But consultants have privately told Sky News there is a postcode lottery, with some trusts cancelling more cancer treatments than others.
A patient from the North West, who had chemotherapy for throat cancer delayed, said a consultant told her he felt as if he was having to "play God".
Bradley Jones, a 22-year-old accountancy student from Surrey, was diagnosed with a rare testicular cancer two years ago, and he needs further treatment.
Image: Bradley Jones, 22, is receiving chemotherapy treatment
After being told he may face delays of several weeks due to the virus, he has started chemotherapy at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
It is a cancer "hub" which has no coronavirus patients. But these do not exist across the country.
Some patients are able to be treated at private hospitals where the NHS has bought up capacity for treatment.
Rachel Kirby-Rider of the charity Clic Sargent said many young patients had seen treatments delayed, and those receiving end of life care "are not able to make the memories they so desperately want with their loved ones".
Many patients recognise the pressures of tackling the virus, but this doesn't stop them worrying about whether they can receive the treatment they need.
"If you delay, you risk letting it spread and making it something they can't actually control," Mr Jones said. "Cancer doesn't wait around."


news--2020-04-25--Two men charged after cocaine haul worth £3m found in lorry in Dover

Two men have been charged by police after cocaine worth £3m was found in a purpose-built hide in a lorry in Dover .
The National Crime Agency ( NCA ) said 50-year-old lorry driver Gary Sloan and Jason Bunce , 57 , have been charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs .
A 40-year-old man from Dover , who was detained at a haulage yard in the town , has been released under investigation .
Investigators found at least 36 kg of cocaine in the lorry that had come by ferry from France to Dover following an operation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night .
Sloan , from Magheralin in Northern Ireland , and Bunce , from Kingswood in Kent , were due to appear Canterbury Magistrates ' Court on Saturday .
The NCA said Sloan was arrested after the drugs were discovered , while Bunce was detained after being stopped near Dover .
Searches were also carried out by officers from the NCA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland at properties in County Londonderry and County Armagh .
NCA regional head of investigations Gerry McLean said : `` This was a significant seizure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generated a large amount of profit for criminals involved in drug supply .
`` Crime groups involved in drugs supply are also involved in violence and exploitation , so cutting off their profits reduces the harm they can cause for our communities .
`` Working with partners like Border Force and the PSNI we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle gangs involved in drug trafficking . ''
The NCA warned that criminals including drug traffickers were continuing their activities despite the coronavirus pandemic .
Cocaine worth more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protective face masks in a Polish-registered on its way to the UK through the Channel Tunnel last week .

Two men have been charged by police after cocaine worth £3m was found in a purpose-built hide in a lorry in Dover.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said 50-year-old lorry driver Gary Sloan and Jason Bunce, 57, have been charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs.
A 40-year-old man from Dover, who was detained at a haulage yard in the town, has been released under investigation.
Investigators found at least 36 kg of cocaine in the lorry that had come by ferry from France to Dover following an operation by the NCA and the Border Force on Thursday night.
Sloan, from Magheralin in Northern Ireland, and Bunce, from Kingswood in Kent, were due to appear Canterbury Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
The NCA said Sloan was arrested after the drugs were discovered, while Bunce was detained after being stopped near Dover.
Searches were also carried out by officers from the NCA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland at properties in County Londonderry and County Armagh.
NCA regional head of investigations Gerry McLean said: "This was a significant seizure of class A drugs which would have generated a large amount of profit for criminals involved in drug supply.
"Crime groups involved in drugs supply are also involved in violence and exploitation, so cutting off their profits reduces the harm they can cause for our communities.
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"Working with partners like Border Force and the PSNI we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle gangs involved in drug trafficking."
The NCA warned that criminals including drug traffickers were continuing their activities despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Cocaine worth more than £1m was found hidden in a consignment of protective face masks in a Polish-registered on its way to the UK through the Channel Tunnel last week.


news--2020-04-25--Rollerblading robber holds up Dunkin' Donuts in New York and escapes with cash

A surgical mask-wearing robber in the US fled on rollerblades after holding up a doughnut store with what appeared to @ @ @ @ @ clothing .
Nassau County Police said the suspect glided into the Dunkin ' Donuts shop @ @ @ @ @ , New York state , bought a cup of coffee and then demanded cash .
@ @ @ @ @ undetermined amount of money and was last seen heading in the direction of a Long @ @ @ @ @ few streets away .
A Dunkin ' Donuts worker who was in the shop at @ @ @ @ @ at around 7.50pm on Friday was not hurt , police said .
The suspect was @ @ @ @ @ Carhartt jacket , blue sweatpants , red beanie cap and to protect himself from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ mask and black rubber gloves .
The shop worker told police the man was 5ft @ @ @ @ @ .

A surgical mask-wearing robber in the US fled on rollerblades after holding up a doughnut store with what appeared to be a gun under his clothing.
Nassau County Police said the suspect glided into the Dunkin' Donuts shop in Hicksville, Long Island, New York state, bought a cup of coffee and then demanded cash.
The man escaped with an undetermined amount of money and was last seen heading in the direction of a Long Island Rail Road station a few streets away.
A Dunkin' Donuts worker who was in the shop at the time of the incident at around 7.50pm on Friday was not hurt, police said.
The suspect was described as wearing a brown Carhartt jacket, blue sweatpants, red beanie cap and to protect himself from coronavirus he also wore a surgical mask and black rubber gloves.
The shop worker told police the man was 5ft 10in with a thin build.
Police have made no arrests.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: The sewing machinists on a mission to make NHS heroes more comfortable

As NHS heroes treat patients on the coronavirus frontline , seamstresses and machinists up and down the country are doing their bit to make sure the healthcare workers are as comfortable as possible .
You might have seen them in social media appeals - reusable headbands which help reduce rubbing caused by wearing COVID-19 surgical face masks for long periods of time .
Hundreds are being made across the UK in response to photographs of doctors and nurses with sores on their faces , shared after long shifts at work caring for coronavirus patients .
Scores of people are creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local hospitals and healthcare workers .
The bands can be washed and reused every time a worker is on shift .
In Leicester , Caitlin McReynolds-White , a business and teacher training lecturer at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College , is co-ordinating an effort to send hundreds to the city 's hospitals .
After initially setting out to make 100 , she now has a group of about six people helping out , with more than 400 dispatched so far and another 100 in the pipeline .
`` Everybody that I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just working every hour possible and working so hard , '' she says .
`` I wanted to do anything I could to help .
`` The bands take the pressure off the masks behind the ears .
There are pictures everywhere , all over the internet , of people 's faces when they 've had the masks on for long shifts .
It 's horrendous .
So I wanted to do whatever I could . ''
Guidelines recommend that anyone working within 2m ( 6ft ) of a coronavirus patient should wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With doctors and nurses working long , busy shifts , the masks can take their toll .
As well as helping with comfort , the bands , which can be washed at 60C and then reused , also keep hair away from the face .
Mrs McReynolds-White , whose sister is an NHS worker in Leicester , is sticking to blue , grey and black fabric to keep them smart , but others are making brightly patterned bands where wards allow .
Her material was donated by Ash Fabrics , a trader at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker When she is n't teaching , which she is now doing online due to lockdown , Mrs McReynolds-White is spending much of her time sewing .
`` How hard our NHS is working for us , it 's just above and beyond , '' she says .
`` They 're putting themselves at risk for us so this is the least I can do . ''
Gareth Aston , head of fundraising for the Leicester Hospitals Charity , thanked everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This is a great example of the community supporting our frontline NHS staff and Caitlin 's kind gesture is very much appreciated . ''
In Oxfordshire , Banbury and Bicester College business teacher Catherine Daw has a similar set-up , and has made hundreds of bands that have been distributed to hospitals in the area and further afield .
`` I could n't make them quickly enough as more and more people wanted them , '' she said .
`` Lots of ladies from my village helped with making and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have kept up with the supply without their help . ''
Julie Tinsley , orthopaedic practitioner at North Bristol NHS Trust , said : `` By the end of the day you 're a bit frazzled and so it does help .
I 've worn mine all day and it 's stayed where it is , it 's brilliant and is definitely doing the job . ''

As NHS heroes treat patients on the coronavirus frontline, seamstresses and machinists up and down the country are doing their bit to make sure the healthcare workers are as comfortable as possible.
You might have seen them in social media appeals - reusable headbands which help reduce rubbing caused by wearing COVID-19 surgical face masks for long periods of time.
Hundreds are being made across the UK in response to photographs of doctors and nurses with sores on their faces, shared after long shifts at work caring for coronavirus patients.
Image: The bands help make masks more comfortable
Scores of people are creating their own versions to send to their local hospitals and healthcare workers. The bands can be washed and reused every time a worker is on shift.
In Leicester, Caitlin McReynolds-White, a business and teacher training lecturer at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, is co-ordinating an effort to send hundreds to the city's hospitals.
After initially setting out to make 100, she now has a group of about six people helping out, with more than 400 dispatched so far and another 100 in the pipeline.
"Everybody that I knew who was working for the NHS was just working every hour possible and working so hard," she says. "I wanted to do anything I could to help.
"The bands take the pressure off the masks behind the ears. There are pictures everywhere, all over the internet, of people's faces when they've had the masks on for long shifts. It's horrendous. So I wanted to do whatever I could."
Image: Italian nurse Alessia Bonari shared an image of her bruised face after using a face mask. Pic: Instagram
Guidelines recommend that anyone working within 2m (6ft) of a coronavirus patient should wear protective clothing, including a mask.
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With doctors and nurses working long, busy shifts, the masks can take their toll. As well as helping with comfort, the bands, which can be washed at 60C and then reused, also keep hair away from the face.
Mrs McReynolds-White, whose sister is an NHS worker in Leicester, is sticking to blue, grey and black fabric to keep them smart, but others are making brightly patterned bands where wards allow.
Her material was donated by Ash Fabrics, a trader at Leicester Market.
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
When she isn't teaching, which she is now doing online due to lockdown, Mrs McReynolds-White is spending much of her time sewing.
"How hard our NHS is working for us, it's just above and beyond," she says. "They're putting themselves at risk for us so this is the least I can do."
Gareth Aston, head of fundraising for the Leicester Hospitals Charity, thanked everyone sewing headbands for their efforts, and said: "This is a great example of the community supporting our frontline NHS staff and Caitlin's kind gesture is very much appreciated."
Image: Catherine Daw has been making headbands for NHS workers in Oxfordshire
In Oxfordshire, Banbury and Bicester College business teacher Catherine Daw has a similar set-up, and has made hundreds of bands that have been distributed to hospitals in the area and further afield.
"I couldn't make them quickly enough as more and more people wanted them," she said.
"Lots of ladies from my village helped with making and providing buttons and material and I wouldn't have kept up with the supply without their help."
Julie Tinsley, orthopaedic practitioner at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: "By the end of the day you're a bit frazzled and so it does help. I've worn mine all day and it's stayed where it is, it's brilliant and is definitely doing the job."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Cancer patient, 87, not frightened of having chemotherapy despite COVID-19 pandemic

Everyone in the ward was in tears listening to Ernie .
You would have to be pretty hard not to well-up hearing the 87-year-old describe how coronavirus has changed his life , more than most of us can imagine .
For Ernie Burns , it has meant going through his cancer therapy without his wife , Barbara , who has been by his side for more than 60 years .
`` I miss her when I 'm here , '' he tells everyone in the nearby hospital beds , most of whom are also linked up to medical drips and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - hours of life-saving transfusions can be .
`` I would n't be here without her , '' he continues , sobbing .
Through huge gulps of emotion and apologising continually for his tears , Mr Burns told us how the `` co-virus '' ( sic ) meant he had not been able to hug his grandchildren for a `` long , long time '' .
He yearned for that physical contact with his younger relatives so terribly .
`` They 're still young you see , '' he said , wiping at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ward held its collective breath , waiting for him to deliver what everyone could only imagine were more terribly tragic words .
`` Because my wife and I took a while to work out where we were going wrong , '' he glanced up with a cheeky expression on his face as the rest of the patients realised he was explaining why he and Barbara had only had a daughter late in life .
He smiled , and we laughed .
It was a little bit of joy in an otherwise desperately sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - of being in your eighth decade of life , and suddenly being cut off from all you love during a nationwide lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Burns spoke for a nation when he said `` it 's so unfair '' that coronavirus has ripped through bodies and torn through lives in so many ways .
It is still ending hundreds of lives in Britain on a daily basis , but doctors are worried it is also claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands who are too scared to go to hospital for help with longstanding illnesses like cancer , or who ignore symptoms , and delay going because they fear they will catch COVID-19 .
`` I 've had people tell me , they 're not coming in for their chemo and they 'll take their chances with the cancer because they 're so scared of coronavirus , '' clinical nurse specialist , Lorraine Derbyshire tells us at the Programmed Investigation Unit ( PIU ) at Halton General Hospital .
Ernie Burns is not one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If you had to come to any hospital , you 're lucky to come to this one , '' he said - again melting into tears .
`` They 're so wonderful here .
There 's nothing they wo n't do for you '' , he added .
But plenty of others are staying away , with admissions to accident and emergency across the nation dropping by more than 40 % , which is very concerning for most working in hospitals and clinics .
And during our time with the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Hospital , they were at pains to point out the extreme precautions they have introduced to encourage those who need medical help to get it .
Hospitals have had to change almost everything they had in place before as part of their infection control measures .
At the hospitals in Warrington and Halton , most areas are segregated into COVID and non-COVID areas or `` hot '' and `` cold '' units .
Those patients who have any symptoms are treated in areas segregated from all others .
The medical staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE ) , of visors , long-sleeved gowns , gloves and masks , and communicate with their colleagues on phones , iPads or through windows .
Those patients who potentially have the virus are transported through the hospital past corridors , which have been sealed off and then on to segregated wards .
Whilst we are in Warrington Hospital 's emergency department , the casualty area is mostly empty of non-coronavirus patients while there are groups of medics on standby .
`` It is very concerning , '' says Dr Anna Vondy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're worried that patients may be putting off treatment until it 's too late because they 're scared of catching COVID , or they think they 're burdening the NHS . ''
She believes there is an unknown number of people dying at home rather than coming into hospital for help .
The chief medical officer , Chris Whitty is alarmed too .
So much so , that the NHS has launched a campaign insisting it is `` open for business '' to encourage people to seek help if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 88 , is the perfect poster boy for the campaign .
`` I ca n't thank the nurses enough , '' he said .
`` My wife and I are doing everything we can to do our bit to stop the spread of the co-virus ( sic ) , but we ca n't wait for it all to be over . ''

Everyone in the ward was in tears listening to Ernie.
You would have to be pretty hard not to well-up hearing the 87-year-old describe how coronavirus has changed his life, more than most of us can imagine.
For Ernie Burns, it has meant going through his cancer therapy without his wife, Barbara, who has been by his side for more than 60 years.
Image: Ernie Burns, 87, says he has to go through cancer treatment without his wife of 60 years
"I miss her when I'm here," he tells everyone in the nearby hospital beds, most of whom are also linked up to medical drips and appreciate just how frightening - and dull - hours of life-saving transfusions can be.
"I wouldn't be here without her," he continues, sobbing.
"She's a lovely, lovely woman."
Through huge gulps of emotion and apologising continually for his tears, Mr Burns told us how the "co-virus" (sic) meant he had not been able to hug his grandchildren for a "long, long time".
He yearned for that physical contact with his younger relatives so terribly.
"They're still young you see," he said, wiping at his eyes.
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"They're only teenagers," he paused.
The rest of the ward held its collective breath, waiting for him to deliver what everyone could only imagine were more terribly tragic words.
Image: Mr Burns says the NHS staff treating him are 'wonderful'
"Because my wife and I took a while to work out where we were going wrong," he glanced up with a cheeky expression on his face as the rest of the patients realised he was explaining why he and Barbara had only had a daughter late in life.
He smiled, and we laughed.
It was a little bit of joy in an otherwise desperately sad story of loneliness, fear, desperation - of being in your eighth decade of life, and suddenly being cut off from all you love during a nationwide lockdown.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Mr Burns spoke for a nation when he said "it's so unfair" that coronavirus has ripped through bodies and torn through lives in so many ways.
It is still ending hundreds of lives in Britain on a daily basis, but doctors are worried it is also claiming a hidden number of victims - maybe thousands who are too scared to go to hospital for help with longstanding illnesses like cancer, or who ignore symptoms, and delay going because they fear they will catch COVID-19.
"I've had people tell me, they're not coming in for their chemo and they'll take their chances with the cancer because they're so scared of coronavirus," clinical nurse specialist, Lorraine Derbyshire tells us at the Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU) at Halton General Hospital.
Image: Lorraine Derbyshire says some people are too scared of the virus to have their chemotherapy for cancer
Ernie Burns is not one to be frightened of his treatment though.
"If you had to come to any hospital, you're lucky to come to this one," he said - again melting into tears.
"They're so wonderful here. There's nothing they won't do for you", he added.
But plenty of others are staying away, with admissions to accident and emergency across the nation dropping by more than 40%, which is very concerning for most working in hospitals and clinics.
And during our time with the medical teams at the Warrington Hospital and Halton General Hospital, they were at pains to point out the extreme precautions they have introduced to encourage those who need medical help to get it.
Image: Health officials fear many people are not seeking treatment over concerns they will catch COVID-19
Hospitals have had to change almost everything they had in place before as part of their infection control measures.
At the hospitals in Warrington and Halton, most areas are segregated into COVID and non-COVID areas or "hot" and "cold" units.
Those patients who have any symptoms are treated in areas segregated from all others.
The medical staff are dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), of visors, long-sleeved gowns, gloves and masks, and communicate with their colleagues on phones, iPads or through windows.
Those patients who potentially have the virus are transported through the hospital past corridors, which have been sealed off and then on to segregated wards.
Whilst we are in Warrington Hospital's emergency department, the casualty area is mostly empty of non-coronavirus patients while there are groups of medics on standby.
Image: Mr Burns says he has not been able to hug his grandchildren for a 'long, long time'
"It is very concerning," says Dr Anna Vondy, consultant in emergency medicine at Warrington Hospital.
"We're worried that patients may be putting off treatment until it's too late because they're scared of catching COVID, or they think they're burdening the NHS."
She believes there is an unknown number of people dying at home rather than coming into hospital for help.
The chief medical officer, Chris Whitty is alarmed too.
Image: Dr Anna Vondy is a consultant in emergency medicine at Warrington Hospital
So much so, that the NHS has launched a campaign insisting it is "open for business" to encourage people to seek help if they need it.
Ernie Burns, at nearly 88, is the perfect poster boy for the campaign.
"I can't thank the nurses enough," he said.
"They're wonderful here.
"My wife and I are doing everything we can to do our bit to stop the spread of the co-virus (sic), but we can't wait for it all to be over."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: UK could see biggest single-year deficit since WWII

Britain 's economy could shrink by 35 % in the second quarter and see unemployment jump by two million , according to a scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) .
The UK fiscal watchdog published an estimate of the potential impact of the pandemic based on a three-month lockdown followed by a three-month period when restrictions are only partially lifted .
It sees GDP bouncing back quickly after its sharp contraction in the April-June period but estimates that the jobs market will take longer to recover .
The big increase in joblessness would take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a level not seen since the early 1990s .
The rate currently stands at 3.9 % .
The OBR scenario sees government borrowing for 2020-21 climbing by £218bn to £273bn , or 14 % of GDP - the largest single year deficit since the Second World War .
That is based on an assessment of the devastating economic impact of the lockdown on tax receipts as well as the additional spending by the government to try to address the crisis .
Those interventions will support individuals and businesses through the period and boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` They should also help to limit any long-term economic 'scarring ' - for example , due to cancelled business investment , widespread business failures and the unemployed losing contact with the labour market , '' it added .
`` Such scarring would both harm future living standards and increase the structural budget deficit . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The OBR stressed that its figures represented a `` scenario rather than a forecast '' based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` heavily restricted for three months and would get back to normal over the subsequent three months '' .
They illustrate the likely scale of the challenge facing Chancellor Rishi Sunak , who has pledged to do `` whatever it takes '' to see UK households and businesses through the crisis .
The OBR scenario sees GDP recovering sharply in the third and fourth quarters of the year - though overall there would be a decline of 13 % for 2020 .
That outlook would `` comfortably exceed any of the annual falls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in the financial crisis '' , the watchdog said .
The OBR suggested that it was the response to the pandemic rather than the effects of the disease itself that represented the main threat to the economy and the public finances .
`` Evidence from past pandemics suggests that the economic impact of the coronavirus will arise much less from people falling ill or dying than from the public health restrictions and social distancing required to limit its spread .
`` This will reduce demand for goods and services and the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply them .
`` That means lower incomes , less spending and weaker asset prices , all of which reduce tax revenues , while job losses will raise public spending . ''
Responding to the OBR , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` Firstly , it 's clear this will have a very significant impact on our economy - as it will for economies around the world .
It 's important that we 're honest about that .
`` People should know that there is hardship ahead and we wo n't be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as I 've said .
`` Second , the report makes clear that the unprecedented actions we 've taken will help to mitigate the impact of the virus on our economy and that if we had n't done these thing it would mean that things were a lot worse , for example the impact on unemployment . ''
Paul Johnson , director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , said of the outlook : `` We will need a complete reappraisal of economic policy once the current economic dislocation is behind us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made which are likely to involve tax rises and higher debt for some time to come .
The only other alternative would be another period of austerity on the spending side .
That looks unlikely '' The grim outlook is likely to be repeated across many world economies - amid predictions of the worst global slump since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
European countries have already begun counting the cost with France 's central bank estimating that it is already in recession and grim forecasts also outlined for Germany .

Britain's economy could shrink by 35% in the second quarter and see unemployment jump by two million, according to a scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
The UK fiscal watchdog published an estimate of the potential impact of the pandemic based on a three-month lockdown followed by a three-month period when restrictions are only partially lifted.
It sees GDP bouncing back quickly after its sharp contraction in the April-June period but estimates that the jobs market will take longer to recover.
The big increase in joblessness would take the unemployment rate up to 10%, a level not seen since the early 1990s. The rate currently stands at 3.9%.
The OBR scenario sees government borrowing for 2020-21 climbing by £218bn to £273bn, or 14% of GDP - the largest single year deficit since the Second World War.
That is based on an assessment of the devastating economic impact of the lockdown on tax receipts as well as the additional spending by the government to try to address the crisis.
Image: The figures estimate the extent of the challenge facing chancellor Rishi Sunak
Those interventions will support individuals and businesses through the period and boost the availability of finance, the OBR said.
"They should also help to limit any long-term economic 'scarring' - for example, due to cancelled business investment, widespread business failures and the unemployed losing contact with the labour market," it added.
"Such scarring would both harm future living standards and increase the structural budget deficit."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The OBR stressed that its figures represented a "scenario rather than a forecast" based on the assumption that people's movements would be "heavily restricted for three months and would get back to normal over the subsequent three months".
They illustrate the likely scale of the challenge facing Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who has pledged to do "whatever it takes" to see UK households and businesses through the crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Coronavirus devastates UK tourist spots
The OBR scenario sees GDP recovering sharply in the third and fourth quarters of the year - though overall there would be a decline of 13% for 2020.
That outlook would "comfortably exceed any of the annual falls around the end of each world war or in the financial crisis", the watchdog said.
The OBR suggested that it was the response to the pandemic rather than the effects of the disease itself that represented the main threat to the economy and the public finances.
"Evidence from past pandemics suggests that the economic impact of the coronavirus will arise much less from people falling ill or dying than from the public health restrictions and social distancing required to limit its spread.
"This will reduce demand for goods and services and the ability of businesses and public sector institutions to supply them.
"That means lower incomes, less spending and weaker asset prices, all of which reduce tax revenues, while job losses will raise public spending."
Responding to the OBR, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "Firstly, it's clear this will have a very significant impact on our economy - as it will for economies around the world. It's important that we're honest about that.
"People should know that there is hardship ahead and we won't be able to protect every job or every business, as I've said.
"Second, the report makes clear that the unprecedented actions we've taken will help to mitigate the impact of the virus on our economy and that if we hadn't done these thing it would mean that things were a lot worse, for example the impact on unemployment."
Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said of the outlook: "We will need a complete reappraisal of economic policy once the current economic dislocation is behind us.
"Tough decisions will have to be made which are likely to involve tax rises and higher debt for some time to come. The only other alternative would be another period of austerity on the spending side. That looks unlikely"
The grim outlook is likely to be repeated across many world economies - amid predictions of the worst global slump since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
European countries have already begun counting the cost with France's central bank estimating that it is already in recession and grim forecasts also outlined for Germany.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Another 778 deaths in UK hospitals takes total past 12,000

Another 778 patients with coronavirus have died in hospitals across the UK , taking the nationwide total to 12,107 .
The number of tests for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , has also risen by 14,982 to 382,650 , although this figure includes some patients being tested more than once .
According to the Department of Health , 93,873 people have now tested positive in the UK .
Once again , figures were also provided by health authorities in each of the home nations , which collate their stats at different times throughout the day and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's overall total .
NHS England announced another 744 coronavirus patients had died in hospitals in England , taking the total in the country to 11,005 .
Those latest fatalities were aged between 34 and 102 - and 58 of those ( aged between 38 and 96 ) had no known underlying health conditions .
London recorded the most new deaths with 206 , followed by the North West with 143 and the Midlands with 109 .
There were 95 in East England , 93 in the North East & Yorkshire , 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South West .
Earlier , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that there had been another 40 deaths in hospitals in Scotland .
Public Health Wales confirmed another 19 deaths , while Northern Ireland announced another 10 .
According to the regional statistics , the number of deaths of COVID-19 hospital patients stands at : : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics released earlier on Tuesday suggested the UK 's true coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's tally .
The numbers showed that 10 % of coronavirus-related fatalities in the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital , with more than half of those happening in care homes .
It came after news at Monday 's government coronavirus briefing that 92 care homes had reported outbreaks of the disease in the 24 hours before the conference .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said 13.5 % of care homes have been affected by the virus , admitting that he would like to see testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from some European countries , about half of COVID-19 deaths are happening in care homes .
With the death toll continuing to climb , the UK lockdown is set to be officially extended when the unprecedented measures are formally reviewed on Thursday .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the prime minister as he recovers from COVID-19 , said social distancing was having an impact but that the UK had still not reached the peak of the outbreak .
Speaking at the same Downing Street news briefing on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vallance predicted that this would be a `` difficult week '' for the UK in terms of deaths .
He said once the UK reaches the peak of its outbreak , the number of cases and deaths will plateau for a few weeks before starting to head downwards .

Another 778 patients with coronavirus have died in hospitals across the UK, taking the nationwide total to 12,107.
The number of tests for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has also risen by 14,982 to 382,650, although this figure includes some patients being tested more than once.
According to the Department of Health, 93,873 people have now tested positive in the UK.
Once again, figures were also provided by health authorities in each of the home nations, which collate their stats at different times throughout the day and so may not tally up to the government's overall total.
Image: A deserted Liverpool Street station in London as the UK lockdown continues
NHS England announced another 744 coronavirus patients had died in hospitals in England, taking the total in the country to 11,005.
Those latest fatalities were aged between 34 and 102 - and 58 of those (aged between 38 and 96) had no known underlying health conditions.
London recorded the most new deaths with 206, followed by the North West with 143 and the Midlands with 109.
There were 95 in East England, 93 in the North East & Yorkshire, 73 in the South East and 25 in the South West.
Earlier, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that there had been another 40 deaths in hospitals in Scotland.
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Public Health Wales confirmed another 19 deaths, while Northern Ireland announced another 10.
According to the regional statistics, the number of deaths of COVID-19 hospital patients stands at:
England - 11,005
Scotland - 615
Wales - 403
Northern Ireland - 134
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics released earlier on Tuesday suggested the UK's true coronavirus death toll is far higher than the government's tally.
The numbers showed that 10% of coronavirus-related fatalities in the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital, with more than half of those happening in care homes.
It came after news at Monday's government coronavirus briefing that 92 care homes had reported outbreaks of the disease in the 24 hours before the conference.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said 13.5% of care homes have been affected by the virus, admitting that he would like to see testing increased at care homes.
According to data from some European countries, about half of COVID-19 deaths are happening in care homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'We’ve still got a long way to go'
With the death toll continuing to climb, the UK lockdown is set to be officially extended when the unprecedented measures are formally reviewed on Thursday.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the prime minister as he recovers from COVID-19, said social distancing was having an impact but that the UK had still not reached the peak of the outbreak.
Speaking at the same Downing Street news briefing on Monday evening, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance predicted that this would be a "difficult week" for the UK in terms of deaths.
He said once the UK reaches the peak of its outbreak, the number of cases and deaths will plateau for a few weeks before starting to head downwards.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: New Washington Nightingale hospital may never open, says NHS chief

A new Nightingale Hospital being built in Tyne and Wear may never need to open , an NHS boss has said .
The 460-bed site in Washington could be ready to take patients at the end of the month , but only if hospitals in the North East are unable to cope during the coronavirus pandemic .
Martin Wilson , chief operating officer for Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , which is overseeing the project , said he hoped that the makeshift hospital would not be needed .
`` I do n't think we will need to open , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all play their part in social distancing , if a vaccine comes along , my hope is that we do n't need to open .
`` If we do , we will be ready . ''
The trust has stressed that it has enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , that its `` number one priority '' is protecting staff , and that the brand new unit has designated `` donning and doffing '' ( putting on and removing ) areas .
The facility - which has been transformed from an empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - is owned by Sunderland Council .
It was intended to be used by Newcastle and Sunderland Universities as an innovation centre , focusing on the future of manufacturing , including electric cars .
If it does open , it will be staffed by employees of local health trusts , as well as returning medics and volunteers .
It has good access to the rest of the region , being just off the A19 and not far from the A1 , and the main hall where the beds will be located measures more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a football pitch .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Visitors will not be allowed to see patients , but the trust is looking to set up a 24-hour phone number for relatives to call for updates , and tablets could be used to help keep families in touch .
Six other NHS Nightingale Hospitals have been announced so far - in London , Birmingham , Manchester , Bristol , Harrogate and Exeter .

A new Nightingale Hospital being built in Tyne and Wear may never need to open, an NHS boss has said.
The 460-bed site in Washington could be ready to take patients at the end of the month, but only if hospitals in the North East are unable to cope during the coronavirus pandemic.
Martin Wilson, chief operating officer for Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is overseeing the project, said he hoped that the makeshift hospital would not be needed.
Image: The facility will provide an extra 460-beds
"I don't think we will need to open," he said.
"If people can all play their part in social distancing, if a vaccine comes along, my hope is that we don't need to open.
"If we do, we will be ready."
The trust has stressed that it has enough personal protective equipment (PPE), that its "number one priority" is protecting staff, and that the brand new unit has designated "donning and doffing" (putting on and removing) areas.
Image: The new site in Washington could open to patients at the end of April
The facility - which has been transformed from an empty unit close to the Nissan car plant - is owned by Sunderland Council.
It was intended to be used by Newcastle and Sunderland Universities as an innovation centre, focusing on the future of manufacturing, including electric cars.
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If it does open, it will be staffed by employees of local health trusts, as well as returning medics and volunteers.
It has good access to the rest of the region, being just off the A19 and not far from the A1, and the main hall where the beds will be located measures more than 9,000 square metres - bigger than a football pitch.
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Visitors will not be allowed to see patients, but the trust is looking to set up a 24-hour phone number for relatives to call for updates, and tablets could be used to help keep families in touch.
Six other NHS Nightingale Hospitals have been announced so far - in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Harrogate and Exeter.