news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Anti-lockdown protest broken up by police in London

Police made a number of arrests and issued fines as they broke up a small anti-lockdown protest in central London .
Officers were pictured dispersing a group of between 40 and 50 people near the capital 's Westminster Bridge .
Witnesses said those present brandished banners with messages including `` no consent '' and `` we will not be tricked , tracked and trapped '' .
Others made reference to 5G , which conspiracy theorists have repeatedly linked to coronavirus despite there being no evidence supporting the claims .
Anthony Joseph , who works for Sky Sports News , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We could hear them chanting something as we approached but could n't really make it out , '' he told Sky News .
`` There were quite a few police there and they were just talking to them and asking them to go home .
`` I heard one of the officers telling one of them they had been there for an hour and needed to leave .
`` One of the protesters was saying something like ' I 've still got human rights ' .
There was also mention of 5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Metropolitan Police said officers had responded after people had initially gathered in breach of coronavirus regulations in Lambeth Walk , near Westminster Bridge .
`` A number of people were arrested and fixed penalty notices were issued , '' the force said .
`` Officers remain in the area as they continue to work to keep the public safe . ''
While a several demonstrations opposing COVID-19 restrictions have taken place in the United States , today 's action is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind in the UK .

Police made a number of arrests and issued fines as they broke up a small anti-lockdown protest in central London.
Officers were pictured dispersing a group of between 40 and 50 people near the capital's Westminster Bridge.
Witnesses said those present brandished banners with messages including "no consent" and "we will not be tricked, tracked and trapped".
Image: A person opposing UK lockdown measures at the protest in London. Pic: Anthony Joseph
Others made reference to 5G, which conspiracy theorists have repeatedly linked to coronavirus despite there being no evidence supporting the claims.
Anthony Joseph, who works for Sky Sports News, was among those who saw the protest.
"We could hear them chanting something as we approached but couldn't really make it out," he told Sky News.
"There were quite a few police there and they were just talking to them and asking them to go home.
"I heard one of the officers telling one of them they had been there for an hour and needed to leave.
"One of the protesters was saying something like 'I've still got human rights'. There was also mention of 5G."
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The Metropolitan Police said officers had responded after people had initially gathered in breach of coronavirus regulations in Lambeth Walk, near Westminster Bridge.
"A number of people were arrested and fixed penalty notices were issued," the force said.
Image: Police attempt to disperse the gathering in London. Pic: Anthony Joseph
"Officers remain in the area as they continue to work to keep the public safe."
While a several demonstrations opposing COVID-19 restrictions have taken place in the United States, today's action is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Another 621 people die in UK with COVID-19 as pressure on NHS 'moves down'

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in hospitals , care homes and the wider community in the UK has risen by 621 to 28,131 .
The number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus is up 4,806 to 182,260 .
Meanwhile , the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 is down from 15,111 to 14,695 .
During Saturday 's daily news conference , Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that 1,129,907 coronavirus tests have been carried out in the UK , including 105,937 on Friday .
Mr Jenrick reiterated that the UK had `` passed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that the prime minister would explain `` how we will address the second phase '' next week .
Each home nation has also disclosed daily figures for hospital deaths .
In England , a total of 370 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 20,853 .
A further 44 people have died in Wales , taking the total number of deaths there to 969 , Public Health Wales said .
In Northern Ireland , the number of deaths have gone up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland they are up 44 to 1,559 .
At the news conference , deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the number of people in hospital had decreased by 13 % in the last week and London had come back down to the levels of other regions across the UK .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The pressure on the NHS is now moving down , '' she confirmed .
On the daily number of COVID-19 deaths in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` starting to come down very gradually , very slowly - it 's very important we continue to practice social distancing '' .
Mr Jenrick revealed more about the government 's plans for contact tracing , saying that work on a `` multi-faceted strategy with the ( NHS ) app at its heart , '' was under way .
The app aims to reduce infection rates by alerting people who may have been exposed to the virus so they can take action to protect themselves .
Next week Kay Burley will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

The number of people who have died with coronavirus in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in the UK has risen by 621 to 28,131.
The number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus is up 4,806 to 182,260.
Meanwhile, the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 is down from 15,111 to 14,695.
During Saturday's daily news conference, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that 1,129,907 coronavirus tests have been carried out in the UK, including 105,937 on Friday.
Mr Jenrick reiterated that the UK had "passed the peak of the virus" and reassured people that the prime minister would explain "how we will address the second phase" next week.
Each home nation has also disclosed daily figures for hospital deaths.
In England, a total of 370 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals, bringing the total number of deaths to 20,853.
A further 44 people have died in Wales, taking the total number of deaths there to 969, Public Health Wales said.
In Northern Ireland, the number of deaths have gone up by 11 to 376, and in Scotland they are up 44 to 1,559.
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At the news conference, deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the number of people in hospital had decreased by 13% in the last week and London had come back down to the levels of other regions across the UK.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The pressure on the NHS is now moving down," she confirmed.
On the daily number of COVID-19 deaths in all settings, she said the death rate is "starting to come down very gradually, very slowly - it's very important we continue to practice social distancing".
Mr Jenrick revealed more about the government's plans for contact tracing, saying that work on a "multi-faceted strategy with the (NHS) app at its heart," was under way.
The app aims to reduce infection rates by alerting people who may have been exposed to the virus so they can take action to protect themselves.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Domestic abuse victims to get 'priority' for housing

Domestic abuse victims in England will be given priority for housing following a rise in incidents during the coronavirus lockdown .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced a raft of measures to support `` the most vulnerable '' in society at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing , as the UK death toll climbed to 28,132 .
He promised abuse victims would get `` priority need '' status for access to local housing and said £76m would be poured into increasing the number of refuges , counsellors and help charities offer helplines .
The number of domestic abuse killings has more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline have risen by 25 % .
Mr Jenrick said that the Domestic Abuse Bill going through parliament at the moment would create `` the first ever legal definition of domestic abuse '' .
`` As a father of three girls , I can not even imagine women and young children being put in this situation - but they are , '' he said on Saturday .
`` We must be alive to the reality of what is happening in all too many homes across the country ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have to stay at home , you can and should leave the home if you 're in danger . ''
Labour said the government had `` not been moving quickly enough '' on support for domestic abuse victims and added that it would `` call for more action '' .
But shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds welcomed the announcement , saying : `` We will look at this package closely to ensure it is sufficient to meet people 's needs and that the money gets where it is required quickly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleepers known to councils have been offered safe accommodation in the past month , Mr Jenrick said .
He announced the government 's homelessness adviser , Dame Louise Casey , had been put in charge of a new taskforce designed to try and ensure those people helped so far do not return to the streets when the pandemic is over .
Mr Jenrick also urged those with lockdown fatigue to keep following the `` stay at home '' emergency rules .
He said Prime Minister Boris Johnson would outline the government 's plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackling the coronavirus pandemic next week .
The lockdown is due to be reviewed by Thursday 7 May .
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Domestic abuse victims in England will be given priority for housing following a rise in incidents during the coronavirus lockdown.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced a raft of measures to support "the most vulnerable" in society at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, as the UK death toll climbed to 28,132.
He promised abuse victims would get "priority need" status for access to local housing and said £76m would be poured into increasing the number of refuges, counsellors and help charities offer helplines.
The number of domestic abuse killings has more than doubled during the lockdown and phone calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline have risen by 25%.
Mr Jenrick said that the Domestic Abuse Bill going through parliament at the moment would create "the first ever legal definition of domestic abuse".
"As a father of three girls, I cannot even imagine women and young children being put in this situation - but they are," he said on Saturday.
"We must be alive to the reality of what is happening in all too many homes across the country...
"You are not alone, you do not have to stay at home, you can and should leave the home if you're in danger."
Labour said the government had "not been moving quickly enough" on support for domestic abuse victims and added that it would "call for more action".
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But shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds welcomed the announcement, saying: "We will look at this package closely to ensure it is sufficient to meet people's needs and that the money gets where it is required quickly."
Additionally, more than 5,400 rough sleepers known to councils have been offered safe accommodation in the past month, Mr Jenrick said.
He announced the government's homelessness adviser, Dame Louise Casey, had been put in charge of a new taskforce designed to try and ensure those people helped so far do not return to the streets when the pandemic is over.
Mr Jenrick also urged those with lockdown fatigue to keep following the "stay at home" emergency rules.
He said Prime Minister Boris Johnson would outline the government's plan for the "second phase" of tackling the coronavirus pandemic next week.
The lockdown is due to be reviewed by Thursday 7 May.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Nurse dies as she neared retirement after 40 years in job

Tributes have been paid to a nurse who has died with coronavirus as she closed in on retirement after 40 years in the job .
Philomina Cherian , 63 , passed away at Oxford 's John Radcliffe Hospital , where she also worked as a staff nurse , after contracting COVID-19 .
Mrs Cherian was married , had three children and came from Kerala in India , according to her family .
`` She was a great human being , a caring mother and wife , '' her husband , Joseph Varkey , said .
`` She was a dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just a profession but it was her passion .
`` She would have lived for so many years and enjoyed her well-deserved retired life if she was not affected by COVID . ''
The hospital trust she worked for said Mrs Cherian was `` a popular and hugely valued member '' of their nursing family who `` will be sorely missed by her colleagues as well as by her family and friends '' .
Addressing her colleagues , chief nursing officer Sam Foster added : `` Many of you will have known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ask you to remember how she wonderfully cared for her patients and her colleagues , acting as an exemplar nurse to all who met her .
`` Philomina was cared for with the utmost love , care and attention and we would like to thank all staff who were involved in her care . ''
A fundraising page has been set up to help cover the costs of Mrs Cherian 's memorial .

Tributes have been paid to a nurse who has died with coronavirus as she closed in on retirement after 40 years in the job.
Philomina Cherian, 63, passed away at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, where she also worked as a staff nurse, after contracting COVID-19.
Mrs Cherian was married, had three children and came from Kerala in India, according to her family.
Image: The hospital trust she worked for said Ms Cherian was 'hugely valued'
"She was a great human being, a caring mother and wife," her husband, Joseph Varkey, said.
"She was a dedicated nurse. For her, nursing was not just a profession but it was her passion.
"She would have lived for so many years and enjoyed her well-deserved retired life if she was not affected by COVID."
The hospital trust she worked for said Mrs Cherian was "a popular and hugely valued member" of their nursing family who "will be sorely missed by her colleagues as well as by her family and friends".
Addressing her colleagues, chief nursing officer Sam Foster added: "Many of you will have known her and worked closely with her and I ask you to remember how she wonderfully cared for her patients and her colleagues, acting as an exemplar nurse to all who met her.
"Philomina was cared for with the utmost love, care and attention and we would like to thank all staff who were involved in her care."
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A fundraising page has been set up to help cover the costs of Mrs Cherian's memorial.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: 'Probable' UK will miss its testing target, minister admits

A minister has admitted it is `` probable '' that the government will fail to meet its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of this month .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland made the admission in an interview on Sky News .
However , he did say the milestone would be hit in the `` next few days '' .
Mr Buckland told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` We 'll have the results , I think , tomorrow .
Even if we do n't hit it , and it 's probable that we wo n't , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that target .
`` We 're up to 52,000 people being tested , the capacity is rising .
`` I think it was right to set an ambitious target .
`` Sometimes even if you do n't hit the target on the due date , the direction of travel is the most important thing . ''
The latest available figures , for Tuesday , show that capacity reached 73,400 coronavirus tests , with 52,429 of those tests being used .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week that it would not initially be clear if the testing target has been met .
The prime minister 's spokesman said : `` It 's going to take a little while longer for that to be clear . ''
He said it will be `` difficult '' to know on Friday , adding : `` For example , home testing kits can take up to 72 hours to get the results for and therefore show up in the numbers . ''
NHS Providers , which represents hospitals and NHS trusts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a `` red herring '' which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy .
In a report , the organisation said the English health and care system `` started from a poor position '' and struggled to demonstrate a `` clear , effective and well-communicated strategy '' - with a lack of clarity on who would be tested , when , how , and with what frequency .
`` A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people working in the health service , chief executive Chris Hopson said as many as 120,000 tests would be needed daily for NHS workers once the UK comes out of lockdown - allowing them all to be tested once a week .
Responding to the report , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was `` absolutely critical '' and capacity had more than doubled within weeks .
He added : `` Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy , fast and simple for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a test .
`` In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites , we have introduced home testing kit delivery , deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces , and built three new 'mega labs ' to analyse test samples . ''
Mr Buckland 's admission comes as Boris Johnson prepares to host his first coronavirus news conference since being treated for COVID-19 .
The prime minister 's appearance will come after he chairs a cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of major changes to lockdown rules , with any alterations likely to have to wait until the government 's scientific advisory panel , SAGE , presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the lockdown review on 7 May .
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being , despite growing pressure from Conservative MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules .
Revealing the PM 's attendance at the Downing Street news conference , a Number 10 insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update on the country 's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it . ''
The latest figures for the UK , which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals , show there have been 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths - and reveal that , on eight days this month , more than 1,000 people died from the virus .
It means the UK has the third-highest number of deaths in the world from COVID-19 , behind the US ( 60,999 ) and Italy ( 27,682 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the government 's handling of the crisis , it will be Mr Johnson 's first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again , after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son .

A minister has admitted it is "probable" that the government will fail to meet its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of this month.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland made the admission in an interview on Sky News.
However, he did say the milestone would be hit in the "next few days".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 2 April: Health secretary sets testing target
Mr Buckland told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "We'll have the results, I think, tomorrow. Even if we don't hit it, and it's probable that we won't, we will in the next few days hit that target.
"We're up to 52,000 people being tested, the capacity is rising.
"I think it was right to set an ambitious target.
"Sometimes even if you don't hit the target on the due date, the direction of travel is the most important thing."
The latest available figures, for Tuesday, show that capacity reached 73,400 coronavirus tests, with 52,429 of those tests being used.
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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Downing Street said earlier this week that it would not initially be clear if the testing target has been met.
The prime minister's spokesman said: "It's going to take a little while longer for that to be clear."
He said it will be "difficult" to know on Friday, adding: "For example, home testing kits can take up to 72 hours to get the results for and therefore show up in the numbers."
NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has said the target is a "red herring" which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 Examining the latest data on coronavirus deaths
In a report, the organisation said the English health and care system "started from a poor position" and struggled to demonstrate a "clear, effective and well-communicated strategy" - with a lack of clarity on who would be tested, when, how, and with what frequency.
"A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose," the report warned.
With 800,000 people working in the health service, chief executive Chris Hopson said as many as 120,000 tests would be needed daily for NHS workers once the UK comes out of lockdown - allowing them all to be tested once a week.
Responding to the report, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was "absolutely critical" and capacity had more than doubled within weeks.
He added: "Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy, fast and simple for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Ethnic minorities 'more at risk of COVID-19'
"In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites, we have introduced home testing kit delivery, deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces, and built three new 'mega labs' to analyse test samples."
Mr Buckland's admission comes as Boris Johnson prepares to host his first coronavirus news conference since being treated for COVID-19.
The prime minister's appearance will come after he chairs a cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks.
The PM is expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules, with any alterations likely to have to wait until the government's scientific advisory panel, SAGE, presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the lockdown review on 7 May.
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being, despite growing pressure from Conservative MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 UK coronavirus deaths third highest globally
Revealing the PM's attendance at the Downing Street news conference, a Number 10 insider said: "He will give an update on the country's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it."
The latest figures for the UK, which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals, show there have been 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths - and reveal that, on eight days this month, more than 1,000 people died from the virus.
It means the UK has the third-highest number of deaths in the world from COVID-19, behind the US (60,999) and Italy (27,682).
As well as facing questions about the government's handling of the crisis, it will be Mr Johnson's first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again, after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: People urged to eat more steak, chips and cheese during lockdown

Britons and Europeans are being urged to eat more steak , chips and cheese because of a food surplus caused by the closure of restaurants and bars .
Despite widespread panic-buying in supermarkets across the continent in March as people responded to the coronavirus crisis , food producers are now calling on customers to stock up again .
In Belgium , the trade association for the potato industry is calling on people to consume more of the nation 's world famous French fries , as they remain unable to eat out due to the impact of COVID-19 .
Known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgium 's 5,000 frites stands are all closed .
`` Traditionally , Belgians eat fries once a week , and it 's always a festive moment , '' said Romain Cools , the secretary general of industry group Belgapom .
`` Now , we are asking them to eat frozen fries twice a week at home . ''
The demand for frozen potatoes has taken a nosedive in the recent weeks , with the Belgian industry facing a possible loss of €125m ( £111m ) , if thousands of tonnes of surplus spuds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cools .
He added : `` This is the first time in my 30-year career that I need to call on authorities for help . ''
In the UK , more expensive cuts of meats , normally used by restaurants , are also going unsold .
The British public are being encouraged to have more steak nights , with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board launching a £1.2m campaign to promote the idea .
In partnership with Quality Meat Scotland ( QMS ) and Wales ' Hybu Cig Cymru ( HCC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers to `` Make It '' with beef .
It will be supported with `` how to videos '' , cooking tips and influencer-driven content .
The industry groups said in a joint statement : `` This is a unique joint effort by AHDB , QMS and HCC which we hope will drive an uptake in steak and roasting joint sales in the run up to barbecue season .
It 's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and create some amazing dishes in their own kitchens . ''
Meanwhile , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more cheese as sales of traditional cheeses have plummeted more than 60 % during the pandemic .
Cheesemakers are struggling as the French have `` shunned '' pleasure foods , such as their cheese platter , in lockdown , according to the French dairy industry .
The crisis has sparked a campaign called # Fromagissons , a contraction of the words `` Fromage '' and `` Agissons '' , which translates as `` Let 's act for cheese '' .
Space to store surplus food is also in short supply .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The world 's biggest cold storage supplier said its UK warehouses could soon run out of space due to the closure of firms that supply restaurants and mass caterers .
Mike McClendon , president of international operations for Lineage Logistics , said its 15 facilities in the UK are more than 90 % full .
He said : `` In three to five weeks you could see the overflowing of frozen and chilled volumes at our facilities .
`` We have concerns right now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Britons and Europeans are being urged to eat more steak, chips and cheese because of a food surplus caused by the closure of restaurants and bars.
Despite widespread panic-buying in supermarkets across the continent in March as people responded to the coronavirus crisis, food producers are now calling on customers to stock up again.
In Belgium, the trade association for the potato industry is calling on people to consume more of the nation's world famous French fries, as they remain unable to eat out due to the impact of COVID-19.
Image: Belgium's 5,000 frites stands are all closed due to the pandemic
Known as the real birthplace of finger food, Belgium's 5,000 frites stands are all closed.
"Traditionally, Belgians eat fries once a week, and it's always a festive moment," said Romain Cools, the secretary general of industry group Belgapom.
"Now, we are asking them to eat frozen fries twice a week at home."
The demand for frozen potatoes has taken a nosedive in the recent weeks, with the Belgian industry facing a possible loss of €125m (£111m), if thousands of tonnes of surplus spuds go unsold this year, according to Mr Cools.
He added: "This is the first time in my 30-year career that I need to call on authorities for help."
In the UK, more expensive cuts of meats, normally used by restaurants, are also going unsold.
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Image: The UK's meat industry says there is a surplus of the more expensive cuts of beef
The British public are being encouraged to have more steak nights, with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board launching a £1.2m campaign to promote the idea.
In partnership with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Wales' Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the 12-week campaign aims to inspire consumers to "Make It" with beef.
It will be supported with "how to videos", cooking tips and influencer-driven content.
The industry groups said in a joint statement: "This is a unique joint effort by AHDB, QMS and HCC which we hope will drive an uptake in steak and roasting joint sales in the run up to barbecue season. It's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and create some amazing dishes in their own kitchens."
Meanwhile, people in France are being encouraged to eat more cheese as sales of traditional cheeses have plummeted more than 60% during the pandemic.
Image: Stocks of cheese are going unsold in France
Cheesemakers are struggling as the French have "shunned" pleasure foods, such as their cheese platter, in lockdown, according to the French dairy industry.
The crisis has sparked a campaign called #Fromagissons, a contraction of the words "Fromage" and "Agissons", which translates as "Let's act for cheese".
Space to store surplus food is also in short supply.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The world's biggest cold storage supplier said its UK warehouses could soon run out of space due to the closure of firms that supply restaurants and mass caterers.
Mike McClendon, president of international operations for Lineage Logistics, said its 15 facilities in the UK are more than 90% full.
He said: "In three to five weeks you could see the overflowing of frozen and chilled volumes at our facilities.
"We have concerns right now that volumes need to continue to flow."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says 'arrangements' were being made in case he died

Boris Johnson says his health deteriorated so badly after contracting coronavirus that a strategy was drawn up in case he died .
In an interview with The Sun On Sunday , the prime minister revealed he was given `` litres and litres of oxygen '' after going into intensive care with COVID-19 on 7 April .
Mr Johnson said : `` It was a tough old moment , I wo n't deny it .
They had a strategy to deal with a 'death of Stalin'-type scenario .
`` I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The doctors had all sorts of arrangements for what to do if things went badly wrong .
`` They gave me a face mask so I got litres and litres of oxygen and for a long time I had that and the little nose jobbie . ''
The interview comes after his partner Carrie Symonds shared a picture of their new son , who they have named Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson - with the name Nicholas chosen in a nod to the two doctors who saved the prime minister 's life .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` in denial '' about how serious it was when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of March .
`` I said I really did n't want to go into hospital , '' he explained .
`` It did n't seem to me to be a good move but they were pretty adamant .
Looking back , they were right to force me to go . ''
Recalling what it was like when things got more serious after he was moved to intensive care , Mr Johnson said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because the bloody indicators kept going in the wrong direction and I thought , 'There 's no medicine for this thing and there 's no cure . '
`` That was the stage when I was thinking , 'How am I going to get out of this ? '
'' Mr Johnson returned to work on Monday and was immediately faced with preparing for the coronavirus lockdown review due to be announced by Thursday 7 May .
He is expected to lay out the UK 's approach to tackling `` phase two '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections has passed .
So far more than 28,000 people have died in all settings across the country .
In his first appearance at the daily Downing Street briefing since returning to Number 10 , Mr Johnson signalled the government was following Scotland 's lead and switching its advice on non-medical face covering .
He said they will be `` useful '' when enforced social distancing measures are eventually eased to `` give people confidence they can go back to work '' .
It came two days after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support people wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport .
Meanwhile , a poll suggests more than four in five Britons are against lockdown restrictions being eased for schools , pubs and restaurants this week .
Only 17 % of those surveyed thought the time was right to consider reopening schools , with smaller proportions of people thinking conditions had been met to allow cinemas , sporting stadia and nightclubs to open their doors .
The Opinium poll for the Observer questioned 2,000 adults between Wednesday and Friday and showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow lockdown restrictions into their sixth week .
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson says his health deteriorated so badly after contracting coronavirus that a strategy was drawn up in case he died.
In an interview with The Sun On Sunday, the prime minister revealed he was given "litres and litres of oxygen" after going into intensive care with COVID-19 on 7 April.
Mr Johnson said: "It was a tough old moment, I won't deny it. They had a strategy to deal with a 'death of Stalin'-type scenario.
Image: The baby was named Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson
"I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware there were contingency plans in place.
"The doctors had all sorts of arrangements for what to do if things went badly wrong.
"They gave me a face mask so I got litres and litres of oxygen and for a long time I had that and the little nose jobbie."
The interview comes after his partner Carrie Symonds shared a picture of their new son, who they have named Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson - with the name Nicholas chosen in a nod to the two doctors who saved the prime minister's life.
Mr Johnson also spoke openly about how he was "in denial" about how serious it was when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of March.
"I said I really didn't want to go into hospital," he explained.
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"It didn't seem to me to be a good move but they were pretty adamant. Looking back, they were right to force me to go."
Recalling what it was like when things got more serious after he was moved to intensive care, Mr Johnson said: "I was just incredibly frustrated.
"Because the bloody indicators kept going in the wrong direction and I thought, 'There's no medicine for this thing and there's no cure.'
"That was the stage when I was thinking, 'How am I going to get out of this?'"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:40 PM says on his first day back UK 'beginning to turn the tide'
Mr Johnson returned to work on Monday and was immediately faced with preparing for the coronavirus lockdown review due to be announced by Thursday 7 May.
He is expected to lay out the UK's approach to tackling "phase two" of the virus now the peak of infections has passed.
So far more than 28,000 people have died in all settings across the country.
In his first appearance at the daily Downing Street briefing since returning to Number 10, Mr Johnson signalled the government was following Scotland's lead and switching its advice on non-medical face covering.
He said they will be "useful" when enforced social distancing measures are eventually eased to "give people confidence they can go back to work".
It came two days after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there was only "weak science" to support people wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport.
Meanwhile, a poll suggests more than four in five Britons are against lockdown restrictions being eased for schools, pubs and restaurants this week.
Only 17% of those surveyed thought the time was right to consider reopening schools, with smaller proportions of people thinking conditions had been met to allow cinemas, sporting stadia and nightclubs to open their doors.
The Opinium poll for the Observer questioned 2,000 adults between Wednesday and Friday and showed 79% of people were continuing to follow lockdown restrictions into their sixth week.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Millions could die from COVID-19 in poor countries, war surgeon warns

A surgeon who treats people in wars and disasters has warned that millions of people could die from COVID-19 in low income countries .
David Nott , a trauma surgeon from Wales who has volunteered in crisis and conflict zones , says there is only a short amount of time before the most vulnerable parts of the planet are hit by coronavirus .
He has written a paper on COVID-19 for The Lancet journal warning that action must be taken now or the consequences will be dire .
Speaking to Sky News , Dr Nott said : `` We really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top of this .
If we do n't there 'll be millions of people [ dying ] . ''
In the paper , he said : `` The main positive influences on reducing the number of deaths from COVID-19 have been handwashing , social distancing , and the lockdown .
`` For the most vulnerable people on this planet , such strategies are not an option .
People who live in conflict zones or in refugee camps can not physically distance , they can not self-isolate , they have inadequate facilities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to health care .
`` In fragile settings , there is no massive infrastructure like the NHS .
There are few ventilators ... there is no piped oxygen , electrical power cuts are common , and the health workforce capacity is unlikely to be enough to deal with even a small number of COVID-19 cases , never mind the potential of thousands of deaths from this disease . ''
He said most vulnerable countries were places like Yemen , Chad , northern Syria and South Sudan .
Speaking on Sky , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Rescue Committee , did a survey very recently on 34 fragile countries using the same sort of modelling used by Imperial [ College London ] .
`` In these countries , he said there is going to be between 500 million to one billion infections '' .
Dr Nott said IRC had estimated there will probably be between 1.7m and 3.2m deaths , which he said was likely `` if we do n't do something about it now '' .
The surgeon said : `` There was a paper written by Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lancet on 30 January , really saying that this is going to be a pandemic and we really should be prepared for something dreadful .
`` I do n't really think anyone took any notice of that , so for four weeks it was a time where we should probably have been prepared . ''
Dr Nott 's paper says people around the world , in poor countries , have a period of time where coronavirus will not affect them .
He said : `` We ca n't wait any longer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next four to five weeks .
`` We can not wait for another four to five weeks because they will be in exactly the same position we have been in .
`` We have a short period of time to get it right . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He claimed that the only way to contain the coronavirus is by helping low income and fragile countries so that they do not suffer widespread epidemics .
`` If we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control and it will come back to bite us in the future , '' he said .
Dr Nott said every country was doing what it deems necessary to tackle the virus , but the world needs to work together , with potentially one world leader explaining to other countries : `` You do n't have a choice in this , there is no choice '' .
So far , there have been more than 3.4 million coronavirus cases in the world and at least 240,000 coronavirus-related deaths .

A surgeon who treats people in wars and disasters has warned that millions of people could die from COVID-19 in low income countries.
David Nott, a trauma surgeon from Wales who has volunteered in crisis and conflict zones, says there is only a short amount of time before the most vulnerable parts of the planet are hit by coronavirus.
He has written a paper on COVID-19 for The Lancet journal warning that action must be taken now or the consequences will be dire.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:57 Bodies were 'left to rot' on streets
Speaking to Sky News, Dr Nott said: "We really need to start doing something to get on top of this. If we don't there'll be millions of people [dying]."
In the paper, he said: "The main positive influences on reducing the number of deaths from COVID-19 have been handwashing, social distancing, and the lockdown.
"For the most vulnerable people on this planet, such strategies are not an option. People who live in conflict zones or in refugee camps cannot physically distance, they cannot self-isolate, they have inadequate facilities for washing, and are often without access to health care.
"In fragile settings, there is no massive infrastructure like the NHS. There are few ventilators... there is no piped oxygen, electrical power cuts are common, and the health workforce capacity is unlikely to be enough to deal with even a small number of COVID-19 cases, never mind the potential of thousands of deaths from this disease."
He said most vulnerable countries were places like Yemen, Chad, northern Syria and South Sudan.
Speaking on Sky, he added: "David Miliband, from the International Rescue Committee, did a survey very recently on 34 fragile countries using the same sort of modelling used by Imperial [College London].
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"In these countries, he said there is going to be between 500 million to one billion infections".
Dr Nott said IRC had estimated there will probably be between 1.7m and 3.2m deaths, which he said was likely "if we don't do something about it now".
The surgeon said: "There was a paper written by Dr Wu from China that came out in The Lancet on 30 January, really saying that this is going to be a pandemic and we really should be prepared for something dreadful.
"I don't really think anyone took any notice of that, so for four weeks it was a time where we should probably have been prepared."
Dr Nott's paper says people around the world, in poor countries, have a period of time where coronavirus will not affect them.
He said: "We can't wait any longer, we have to do something over the next four to five weeks.
"We cannot wait for another four to five weeks because they will be in exactly the same position we have been in.
"We have a short period of time to get it right."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He claimed that the only way to contain the coronavirus is by helping low income and fragile countries so that they do not suffer widespread epidemics.
"If we don't then it'll get out of control and it will come back to bite us in the future," he said.
Dr Nott said every country was doing what it deems necessary to tackle the virus, but the world needs to work together, with potentially one world leader explaining to other countries: "You don't have a choice in this, there is no choice".
So far, there have been more than 3.4 million coronavirus cases in the world and at least 240,000 coronavirus-related deaths.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: New York nursing home reports 98 COVID-19 deaths in 'horrifying' outbreak

A nursing home in New York has reported the deaths of 98 residents who are believed to have had coronavirus .
The `` horrifying '' death toll at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Manhattan is believed to be one of the worst outbreaks in the US .
Initially , state officials only recorded 13 deaths but staff at the 705-bed home later confirmed that up to 46 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had died , and an additional 52 people who were suspected to have the virus .
Some died at the nursing home and others died after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Blasio said : `` It is absolutely horrifying .
It 's inestimable loss , and it 's just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place . ''
The number of bodies became so overwhelming the home ordered a refrigerator lorry to store them because funeral homes have been taking days to pick up those who have died .
Audrey Waters , a spokeswoman for the nursing home , wrote in an email : `` Isabella , like all other nursing homes in New York City , initially had limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quickly diagnose our residents and staff .
`` This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic , despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms . ''
Isabella was also struggling with staffing shortages and was forced to hire carers from outside agencies and found it difficult to obtain personal protective equipment for employees .
Ms Waters said the home is finally `` getting more access to testing '' now .
Nursing homes have been known since the earliest days of the outbreak to be vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit in New York , which had at least 3,065 nursing home deaths according to figures compiled up to Thursday .
The state Department of Health said it has received `` outbreak reports '' from 239 nursing homes , including at least six facilities with death tolls of 40 patients or more .
The mayor added : `` The one thing we now know about the nursing homes is the status quo can not continue to say the least .
Something very different has to happen . ''
Adriano Espaillat , a New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public and elected officials in the dark about the outbreak .
He sent a letter to governior Andrew Cuomo and New York Attorney General Letitia James urging them to investigate the `` information sharing practices '' of New York nursing homes .
The centre said it `` could not speculate '' as to why a state survey previously listed only 13 COVID-19 deaths at its facility and added that it `` truthfully and accurately reported '' its death toll to state officials .
An updated data set is being compiled by officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed insight into nursing home deaths .
Mr Cuomo referred to a `` vagueness '' in some reporting of suspected COVID-19 cases but warned nursing homes not to misrepresent their death tolls .
He said : `` They submit these numbers under penalty of perjury .
`` They can be prosecuted criminally for fraud on any of these reporting numbers . ''
Isabella said it kept family members informed about changes in their loved ones ' conditions despite the circumstances .
Ms Waters said : `` When we believe their loved one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a resident 's primary contact and ask if they would like to say goodbye in person or via phone or an app .
`` In-person goodbye visits were never interrupted and continue to happen . ''

A nursing home in New York has reported the deaths of 98 residents who are believed to have had coronavirus.
The "horrifying" death toll at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Manhattan is believed to be one of the worst outbreaks in the US.
Initially, state officials only recorded 13 deaths but staff at the 705-bed home later confirmed that up to 46 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had died, and an additional 52 people who were suspected to have the virus.
Some died at the nursing home and others died after being treated in different hospitals.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "It is absolutely horrifying. It's inestimable loss, and it's just impossible to imagine so many people lost in one place."
Image: The outbreak is believed to be one of the worst in the United States
The number of bodies became so overwhelming the home ordered a refrigerator lorry to store them because funeral homes have been taking days to pick up those who have died.
Audrey Waters, a spokeswoman for the nursing home, wrote in an email: "Isabella, like all other nursing homes in New York City, initially had limited access to widespread and consistent in-house testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff.
"This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic, despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms."
Isabella was also struggling with staffing shortages and was forced to hire carers from outside agencies and found it difficult to obtain personal protective equipment for employees.
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Ms Waters said the home is finally "getting more access to testing" now.
Nursing homes have been known since the earliest days of the outbreak to be vulnerable to COVID-19 and have been particularly hard hit in New York, which had at least 3,065 nursing home deaths according to figures compiled up to Thursday.
The state Department of Health said it has received "outbreak reports" from 239 nursing homes, including at least six facilities with death tolls of 40 patients or more.
The mayor added: "The one thing we now know about the nursing homes is the status quo cannot continue to say the least. Something very different has to happen."
Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat, accused Isabella of keeping the public and elected officials in the dark about the outbreak.
He sent a letter to governior Andrew Cuomo and New York Attorney General Letitia James urging them to investigate the "information sharing practices" of New York nursing homes.
The centre said it "could not speculate" as to why a state survey previously listed only 13 COVID-19 deaths at its facility and added that it "truthfully and accurately reported" its death toll to state officials.
An updated data set is being compiled by officials in a bid to offer a more detailed insight into nursing home deaths.
Mr Cuomo referred to a "vagueness" in some reporting of suspected COVID-19 cases but warned nursing homes not to misrepresent their death tolls.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Where did the coronavirus come from?
He said: "They submit these numbers under penalty of perjury.
"They can be prosecuted criminally for fraud on any of these reporting numbers."
Isabella said it kept family members informed about changes in their loved ones' conditions despite the circumstances.
Ms Waters said: "When we believe their loved one is nearing death, we do reach out to a resident's primary contact and ask if they would like to say goodbye in person or via phone or an app.
"In-person goodbye visits were never interrupted and continue to happen."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Trial begins to see if plasma from COVID-19 survivors can fight the virus

A trial has begun to test if plasma rich in antibodies from the blood of those who have recovered from COVID-19 could be the key to fighting the virus .
Blood is taken from a volunteer 's arm and then returned to the body once the liquid , known as convalescent plasma , has been removed .
If it proves successful , seriously unwell patients would receive a transfusion of the fluid to help their body fight the virus .
As a doctor who recently lost a close colleague to the coronavirus , neonatologist Matt Nash was in no doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you work with , are very close with , and is a friend , going through it and then ultimately losing their battle , has been quite an impetus , '' he said .
`` When the call came though asking whether I wanted to give some plasma , it was an easy option ... 'yes , anything I can do to help ' . ''
The whole process takes 45 minutes and provides two units of the liquid which can be frozen for future use .
If effective , a scaled-up national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week , enough for 5,000 patients .
Tom Congdon is afraid of needles but was determined to help .
`` I do n't really like hospital , but this was fine , '' he said .
`` Once I got screened , tested for blood pressure and everything , they just stuck the needle in , which hurt a lot less than I thought , and just went and did it . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said thousands of patients could potentially benefit from the treatment in the future .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease , '' he said .
But while Dr Bharat Pankhania , senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter , hopes it will work , he has concerns .
`` This is a blood-borne product so we have got to be really careful about not causing any harm ...
There are things that can go wrong , such as introducing an infection or an allergic reaction , '' he said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can give it to the patients the better , so we have got to work out who 's going to need it and how we are going to give it to them earlier in their illness . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Donors have to have felt better for least 28 days before taking part in the trial .
They should be aged 17 to 66 and not have had a heart condition or be recently pregnant .
Jo Toozs-Hobson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her doctor husband spent five days in hospital .
She described taking part as a `` no-brainer '' .
`` We have got all these people in intensive care and if the antibodies in the plasma can make a difference then we should all be doing everything we can and this is something I can do , so that 's why I 'm here , '' she said .
Convalescent plasma has already been used to treat infections like SARS .

A trial has begun to test if plasma rich in antibodies from the blood of those who have recovered from COVID-19 could be the key to fighting the virus.
Blood is taken from a volunteer's arm and then returned to the body once the liquid, known as convalescent plasma, has been removed.
If it proves successful, seriously unwell patients would receive a transfusion of the fluid to help their body fight the virus.
Image: After a virus, a person's plasma contains antibodies used to fight infection
As a doctor who recently lost a close colleague to the coronavirus, neonatologist Matt Nash was in no doubt about volunteering.
"Seeing someone who you work with, are very close with, and is a friend, going through it and then ultimately losing their battle, has been quite an impetus," he said.
"When the call came though asking whether I wanted to give some plasma, it was an easy option... 'yes, anything I can do to help'."
The whole process takes 45 minutes and provides two units of the liquid which can be frozen for future use.
If effective, a scaled-up national programme would provide up to 10,000 units per week, enough for 5,000 patients.
Tom Congdon is afraid of needles but was determined to help.
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"I don't really like hospital, but this was fine," he said.
"Once I got screened, tested for blood pressure and everything, they just stuck the needle in, which hurt a lot less than I thought, and just went and did it."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said thousands of patients could potentially benefit from the treatment in the future.
"The UK has world-leading life sciences and research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease," he said.
But while Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter, hopes it will work, he has concerns.
"This is a blood-borne product so we have got to be really careful about not causing any harm... There are things that can go wrong, such as introducing an infection or an allergic reaction," he said.
"The other thing is, the sooner we can give it to the patients the better, so we have got to work out who's going to need it and how we are going to give it to them earlier in their illness."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Donors have to have felt better for least 28 days before taking part in the trial. They should be aged 17 to 66 and not have had a heart condition or be recently pregnant.
Jo Toozs-Hobson's immediate family all caught the virus and her doctor husband spent five days in hospital. She described taking part as a "no-brainer".
"We have got all these people in intensive care and if the antibodies in the plasma can make a difference then we should all be doing everything we can and this is something I can do, so that's why I'm here," she said.
Convalescent plasma has already been used to treat infections like SARS.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Temperature checks among measures considered as part of lockdown easing plans

People could be asked to check their temperature at home before they travel on public transport , under plans being looked at by the government .
The prime minister is due to reveal details next week of how the COVID-19 lockdown will be eased , allowing more people to go to work and children to return to school .
Boris Johnson has been open about his keenness to boost the struggling economy but there are concerns that ending the lockdown too quickly could result in a second wave of infections and deaths .
One of the places of concern would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses were often crowded during peak times before the virus outbreak .
The Times reported that commuters could have to take their temperatures before travelling and anyone with a high temperature - a COVID-19 symptom - would need to stay home .
A senior government source confirmed the plans are being considered but said they are a `` long way '' from being policy .
Meanwhile , The Daily Telegraph reported that social distancing rules requiring people to stay two metres apart could be reviewed in the hope this would allow more businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister told the newspaper that the issue was a `` live discussion '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes after a further 739 people were confirmed on Friday to have died , bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals , care homes and private homes to 27,510 .
Some 6,201 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed , bringing the total number of infections to 177,454 .
The government said on Friday that it had passed its target of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of April .
But the numbers were boosted by around 27,000 tests sent to homes , which had not previously been counted in testing figures and are now counted as they are dispatched .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that the next phase of dealing with the virus outbreak will be dominated by community testing and contact tracing .
He told reporters : `` In recent weeks we 've had to impinge on historic liberties to protect our NHS and our loved ones and yet our goal must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yes , and we will not lift measures until it is safe to do so .
`` But also we care about the restoration of social freedom and economic freedom too - each citizen 's right to do as they please . ''
Some 18,000 contact tracers will be in place by mid-May to track those who have come into contact with an infected person , he added .
Meanwhile , the NHS has urged people to keep appointments for vaccinations such as the MMR jab .
There has been anecdotal evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doctors due to fear of being infected with the coronavirus .
But NHS England said these routine vaccinations are vital in preventing serious diseases that could add to the pressure already on the health service .
Public health minister Jo Churchill said : `` If you need to visit your GP , parents should be reassured that going to a medical appointment is classed as essential travel as long as no one in the household is displaying COVID-19 symptoms . ''
Dr Nikita Kanani , medical director for Primary Care NHS England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were still being carried out and people should turn up for appointments if they have no symptoms .
She said : `` If you do n't have symptoms it 's best for you to get your vaccinations done .
If you are well enough , please come in . ''

People could be asked to check their temperature at home before they travel on public transport, under plans being looked at by the government.
The prime minister is due to reveal details next week of how the COVID-19 lockdown will be eased, allowing more people to go to work and children to return to school.
Boris Johnson has been open about his keenness to boost the struggling economy but there are concerns that ending the lockdown too quickly could result in a second wave of infections and deaths.
One of the places of concern would be public transport, where trains and buses were often crowded during peak times before the virus outbreak.
The Times reported that commuters could have to take their temperatures before travelling and anyone with a high temperature - a COVID-19 symptom - would need to stay home.
A senior government source confirmed the plans are being considered but said they are a "long way" from being policy.
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph reported that social distancing rules requiring people to stay two metres apart could be reviewed in the hope this would allow more businesses and schools to reopen.
An unidentified minister told the newspaper that the issue was a "live discussion".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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It comes after a further 739 people were confirmed on Friday to have died, bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals, care homes and private homes to 27,510.
Some 6,201 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, bringing the total number of infections to 177,454.
The government said on Friday that it had passed its target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April.
But the numbers were boosted by around 27,000 tests sent to homes, which had not previously been counted in testing figures and are now counted as they are dispatched.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that the next phase of dealing with the virus outbreak will be dominated by community testing and contact tracing.
He told reporters: "In recent weeks we've had to impinge on historic liberties to protect our NHS and our loved ones and yet our goal must be freedom.
"Freedom from the virus, yes, and we will not lift measures until it is safe to do so.
"But also we care about the restoration of social freedom and economic freedom too - each citizen's right to do as they please."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 The UK's R is down... but what is it and how could it impact lockdown?
Some 18,000 contact tracers will be in place by mid-May to track those who have come into contact with an infected person, he added.
Meanwhile, the NHS has urged people to keep appointments for vaccinations such as the MMR jab.
There has been anecdotal evidence that people are staying away from hospitals and doctors due to fear of being infected with the coronavirus.
But NHS England said these routine vaccinations are vital in preventing serious diseases that could add to the pressure already on the health service.
Public health minister Jo Churchill said: "If you need to visit your GP, parents should be reassured that going to a medical appointment is classed as essential travel as long as no one in the household is displaying COVID-19 symptoms."
Dr Nikita Kanani, medical director for Primary Care NHS England, told Sky News that other vaccinations were still being carried out and people should turn up for appointments if they have no symptoms.
She said: "If you don't have symptoms it's best for you to get your vaccinations done. If you are well enough, please come in."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Spain begins its journey back to 'normal' - as lockdowns are eased across Europe

After seven weeks of living under a strict coronavirus lockdown , Spain started to return to normal life on Saturday as people were allowed to exercise outdoors .
In Barcelona , people ran , walked or rode bicycles as they rushed to take advantage of their newly restored freedoms , while in Madrid , they celebrated an annual city-wide holiday as cyclists and skateboarders streamed along the streets .
Spain has been hit harder than most nations by the pandemic , recording over 24,500 deaths and more than 213,000 cases of COVID-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under its strict lockdown imposed on 14 March , only adults have been allowed to leave home - to buy food , medicine and other essential goods , and to walk dogs close to home .
The measures are credited with helping reduce daily increases of infections from more than 20 % to less than 1 % .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said : `` We are reaping the rewards of the sacrifices we have made during these long weeks . ''
Mr Sanchez warned people will need to show self-control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any resurgence and announced that it will be mandatory to wear masks on public transport from Monday .
In Italy , where more than 28,000 people have died in 10 weeks , some restrictions are also being loosened on Monday .
Parks will be opened and funerals will resume with a maximum of 15 people , who must observe social distancing rules .
On the same day , 150,000 antibody blood tests will be administered on a sample population , Domenico Arcuri , the country 's special commissioner for coronavirus , said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the virus and whether they therefore might be less vulnerable to infection .
But the scale of Italy 's problem was emphasised by Saturday 's figure of 474 fatalities , a jump of more than 200 on Friday 's number and the largest daily total since 21 April .
France , another country where more than 24,000 people have died after contracting coronavirus , has said citizens returning home from abroad will face a compulsory two-week quarantine and possible isolation when they arrive in the country .
In Berlin , protesters demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even as playgrounds , museums and zoos were permitted to open for the first time since the lockdown was imposed .
Smaller shops have already opened .
The country has registered more than 164,000 cases but only about 6,700 deaths .
Austria is also getting back to normal , with barbers , hair salons and shops with more than 400 square metres of sales area allowed to reopen , as part of a staggered re-start of the economy .
But in Russia the picture is less hopeful , after a new one-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 20 % increase over Friday 's count which itself was a new daily record .
Concern is growing in Moscow that hospitals might become overwhelmed as the country 's total cases climbed above 124,000 , with more than 1,200 deaths .
The virus has killed more than 238,000 people worldwide , including over 65,000 in the United States and 20,000-plus in each of Italy , the UK , France and Spain , according to Johns Hopkins .
Health experts warn a second wave of infections could hit unless testing is expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

After seven weeks of living under a strict coronavirus lockdown, Spain started to return to normal life on Saturday as people were allowed to exercise outdoors.
In Barcelona, people ran, walked or rode bicycles as they rushed to take advantage of their newly restored freedoms, while in Madrid, they celebrated an annual city-wide holiday as cyclists and skateboarders streamed along the streets.
Spain has been hit harder than most nations by the pandemic, recording over 24,500 deaths and more than 213,000 cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the spread of the virus.
Image: A couple enjoy the easing of lockdown restrictions in Seville
Under its strict lockdown imposed on 14 March, only adults have been allowed to leave home - to buy food, medicine and other essential goods, and to walk dogs close to home.
The measures are credited with helping reduce daily increases of infections from more than 20% to less than 1%.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "We are reaping the rewards of the sacrifices we have made during these long weeks."
Mr Sanchez warned people will need to show self-control and personal responsibility to minimise the risk of any resurgence and announced that it will be mandatory to wear masks on public transport from Monday.
In Italy, where more than 28,000 people have died in 10 weeks, some restrictions are also being loosened on Monday.
Parks will be opened and funerals will resume with a maximum of 15 people, who must observe social distancing rules.
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Image: A butcher at work in Rivoli near Turin. Italy is planning to ease lockdown restrictions from Monday
On the same day, 150,000 antibody blood tests will be administered on a sample population, Domenico Arcuri, the country's special commissioner for coronavirus, said.
These will determine whether people have previously had the virus and whether they therefore might be less vulnerable to infection.
But the scale of Italy's problem was emphasised by Saturday's figure of 474 fatalities, a jump of more than 200 on Friday's number and the largest daily total since 21 April.
France, another country where more than 24,000 people have died after contracting coronavirus, has said citizens returning home from abroad will face a compulsory two-week quarantine and possible isolation when they arrive in the country.
In Berlin, protesters demonstrated against Germany's strict rules on Saturday, even as playgrounds, museums and zoos were permitted to open for the first time since the lockdown was imposed. Smaller shops have already opened.
The country has registered more than 164,000 cases but only about 6,700 deaths.
Austria is also getting back to normal, with barbers, hair salons and shops with more than 400 square metres of sales area allowed to reopen, as part of a staggered re-start of the economy.
Image: Austrians are now allowed out for non-essential trips and certain shops, shopping centres and hairdressers can reopen
But in Russia the picture is less hopeful, after a new one-day high of 9,633 new cases was recorded, a 20% increase over Friday's count which itself was a new daily record.
Concern is growing in Moscow that hospitals might become overwhelmed as the country's total cases climbed above 124,000, with more than 1,200 deaths.
The virus has killed more than 238,000 people worldwide, including over 65,000 in the United States and 20,000-plus in each of Italy, the UK, France and Spain, according to Johns Hopkins.
Health experts warn a second wave of infections could hit unless testing is expanded dramatically.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: India extends lockdown by two weeks - but implements 'zones' with different rules

The Indian government has extended its 40-day lockdown which was due to end on 3 May by another two weeks .
It will be the third extension since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide shutdown on the 25 March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
According to a government order , the country has been graded into three zones - red , orange and green .
However , the extension beyond the 4 May will allow for some economic activity and movement of people according to zones .
The green zones , where there are no positive cases nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , will resume all activity but with caution .
The red zones are those with active COVID-19 cases and takes into account the doubling rate of infection , extent of testing , surveillance and feedback from health workers .
Some restrictions have been lifted to these 130 districts covering almost 33 % of the population .
The orange zones are those which are neither defined as red or green .
Here , some restrictions will remain in place with most economic activity permitted .
About 572 million people , ie .
44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall in this category .
All the zones will be accessed and updated weekly .
Apart from these there are `` containment zones '' where very severe restrictions are in place because of a large amount of positive cases .
No one is allowed to enter or exit these zones except for health workers and designated officials .
All essential services of food , water , milk and medicines are delivered at the doorstep .
All air , rail , metro and road travel will be suspended during the extension of the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels , restaurants , malls and cinema halls will remain closed .
All public gatherings of any kind including religious or cultural ones are prohibited .
The lockdown has had a detrimental effect on the already declining economy .
Even before the pandemic the country had witnessed record unemployment figures and almost every sector was besieged .
The auto industry has registered 'zero ' sales in the month of April .
An industry that sells 2.8 million cars , vans and SUVs every month have never experienced anything like it .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loses £245m each day the factories remain closed .
Those worst affected by the shutdown are daily wage earners , contract workers and migrant labour .
They form almost 81 % of the country 's working population .
They have had to go through many weeks with no work and earnings .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has announced a number of relief measures including cash transfers and has set up thousands of relief camps where food and shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Migrant workers have also been affected significantly .
With a complete shutdown of public transport thousands have tried walking home hundreds of kilometres away .
The government has since yesterday started special trains to transport thousands of migrants across the country .
The government has announced a number of relief measures including cash transfers and has set up thousands of relief camps where food and shelter is provided free for anyone in need .
The government is very mindful of opening up the economy soon especially in rural areas as the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sowing season .
During this extension all agricultural , industrial , business and construction activity is permitted in rural areas .
Private business , manufacturing units and offices can start operations with certain restrictions in Red and Orange zones .
All non-essential activities is strictly prohibited from 7pm till 7am .
Social distancing to be maintained at all times and wearing of masks in public is compulsory .
India has recorded more than 37,400 positive cases and 1218 deaths have been reported .

The Indian government has extended its 40-day lockdown which was due to end on 3 May by another two weeks.
It will be the third extension since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide shutdown on the 25 March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a government order, the country has been graded into three zones - red, orange and green.
Image: Restrictions remain in place in Delhi, India
However, the extension beyond the 4 May will allow for some economic activity and movement of people according to zones.
The green zones, where there are no positive cases nor a confirmed case in the last 21 days, will resume all activity but with caution.
The red zones are those with active COVID-19 cases and takes into account the doubling rate of infection, extent of testing, surveillance and feedback from health workers. Some restrictions have been lifted to these 130 districts covering almost 33% of the population.
The orange zones are those which are neither defined as red or green. Here, some restrictions will remain in place with most economic activity permitted. About 572 million people, ie. 44% of the country's population, fall in this category.
All the zones will be accessed and updated weekly.
Apart from these there are "containment zones" where very severe restrictions are in place because of a large amount of positive cases.
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No one is allowed to enter or exit these zones except for health workers and designated officials. All essential services of food, water, milk and medicines are delivered at the doorstep.
All air, rail, metro and road travel will be suspended during the extension of the lockdown. Schools, colleges, institutions, hotels, restaurants, malls and cinema halls will remain closed. All public gatherings of any kind including religious or cultural ones are prohibited.
The lockdown has had a detrimental effect on the already declining economy. Even before the pandemic the country had witnessed record unemployment figures and almost every sector was besieged.
The auto industry has registered 'zero' sales in the month of April. An industry that sells 2.8 million cars, vans and SUVs every month have never experienced anything like it. According to the Society of Automobile Manufacturers the industry loses £245m each day the factories remain closed.
Those worst affected by the shutdown are daily wage earners, contract workers and migrant labour.
They form almost 81% of the country's working population. They have had to go through many weeks with no work and earnings.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has announced a number of relief measures including cash transfers and has set up thousands of relief camps where food and shelter is provided free for anyone in need.
Migrant workers have also been affected significantly. With a complete shutdown of public transport thousands have tried walking home hundreds of kilometres away.
The government has since yesterday started special trains to transport thousands of migrants across the country.
The government has announced a number of relief measures including cash transfers and has set up thousands of relief camps where food and shelter is provided free for anyone in need.
The government is very mindful of opening up the economy soon especially in rural areas as the country is in the midst of a harvesting and sowing season.
During this extension all agricultural, industrial, business and construction activity is permitted in rural areas.
Private business, manufacturing units and offices can start operations with certain restrictions in Red and Orange zones.
All non-essential activities is strictly prohibited from 7pm till 7am. Social distancing to be maintained at all times and wearing of masks in public is compulsory.
India has recorded more than 37,400 positive cases and 1218 deaths have been reported.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Queues build as some rubbish tips reopen - with pressure to lift lockdown growing

Queues have built up outside rubbish tips as some were reopened this morning for the first time since lockdown , with pressure mounting on the government to lift restrictions .
In Manchester , household waste recycling centres reopened with social distancing measures in place to stop the spread of coronavirus , after research found fly-tipping had quadrupled in some areas of the UK during the lockdown .
Plans are also in place for other areas , with some tips in Northumberland and Yorkshire opening from Monday , and other local authorities such as Hertfordshire County Council making preparations , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson is due to reveal details next week of how the COVID-19 lockdown will be eased , allowing more people to go to work and children to return to school .
One potential plan includes people carrying out their own temperature checks at home before travelling on public transport , according to a report in The Times .
Conservative Party donor Alexander Temerko has said the government must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction - and has called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iain Duncan Smith has said it is a balance between saving lives and also saving the economy - which is not `` just about the money , it 's about health and well-being '' - while business leaders are `` clamouring '' to know when the lockdown will start to ease , according to the Institute of Directors .
A sign of the start of measures lifting , albeit a very small one , is the sight of queues at tips today - although Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to normal '' .
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has said councils should be confident to reopen tips `` as soon as possible '' , although there are warnings that protective equipment for waste workers and proper social distancing plans must be in place .
At the waste centre in Reliance Street in Manchester , a queue of cars was already waiting by 7.30am , half an hour before it was scheduled to open .
In order to be allowed in , as part of a system to control the number of visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's registration plate had to be even , for example , 0 , 2 , 4 etc .
It meant some drivers were turned away .
Residents also needed to show proof of address to access the sites and the centres were only accepting bagged general waste .
Mr Burnham said : `` While we are reopening centres , this is not a return to normal .
`` We would ask the public to limit their journeys and only travel to a household waste and recycling centre if it is absolutely essential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening tips in a staged manner is `` sensible '' and the `` right thing to do '' .
`` The longer we delay it , the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen , '' he said .
Councillor David Renard , environment spokesman for the Local Government Association ( LGA ) , said queues are `` inevitable '' and police will be needed to manage traffic flows .
Openings will be decided based on risk assessments taken in each local authority area , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portsmouth say there has been a huge increase in illegal waste dumping due to the closure of almost all tips at the start of lockdown , while at the same time the number of DIY projects has increased as people are stuck at home .
Two people were arrested in Lincolnshire on Thursday after a raid on an illegal waste site that the Environment Agency said was the size of a football pitch .
When it comes to lifting restrictions , the prime minister has been open about his desire to boost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week showed retailers have suffered a `` historic '' collapse in sales , with even food retailers reporting a slowdown .
However , there are concerns that ending the lockdown too quickly could result in a second wave of infections and deaths .
According to The Daily Telegraph , social distancing rules requiring people to stay two metres apart could be reviewed in the hope this would allow more businesses and schools to reopen .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase of dealing with the virus outbreak will be dominated by community testing and contact tracing .
Some 18,000 contact tracers will be in place by mid-May to track those who have come into contact with an infected person , he said .

Queues have built up outside rubbish tips as some were reopened this morning for the first time since lockdown, with pressure mounting on the government to lift restrictions.
In Manchester, household waste recycling centres reopened with social distancing measures in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, after research found fly-tipping had quadrupled in some areas of the UK during the lockdown.
Plans are also in place for other areas, with some tips in Northumberland and Yorkshire opening from Monday, and other local authorities such as Hertfordshire County Council making preparations, according to local media.
Image: Social distancing measures must be in place for recycling centres to reopen
Image: Fly-tipping has risen massively during lockdown - this picture was taken in Ealing, London, earlier this week
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to reveal details next week of how the COVID-19 lockdown will be eased, allowing more people to go to work and children to return to school.
One potential plan includes people carrying out their own temperature checks at home before travelling on public transport, according to a report in The Times.
Conservative Party donor Alexander Temerko has said the government must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction - and has called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit timetable.
And former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said it is a balance between saving lives and also saving the economy - which is not "just about the money, it's about health and well-being" - while business leaders are "clamouring" to know when the lockdown will start to ease, according to the Institute of Directors.
A sign of the start of measures lifting, albeit a very small one, is the sight of queues at tips today - although Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has made it clear "this is not a return to normal".
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has said councils should be confident to reopen tips "as soon as possible", although there are warnings that protective equipment for waste workers and proper social distancing plans must be in place.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 The UK's R is down - but what is it and how could it impact lockdown?
At the waste centre in Reliance Street in Manchester, a queue of cars was already waiting by 7.30am, half an hour before it was scheduled to open.
In order to be allowed in, as part of a system to control the number of visitors, the last number on a car's registration plate had to be even, for example, 0, 2, 4 etc. It meant some drivers were turned away.
Residents also needed to show proof of address to access the sites and the centres were only accepting bagged general waste.
Mr Burnham said: "While we are reopening centres, this is not a return to normal.
"We would ask the public to limit their journeys and only travel to a household waste and recycling centre if it is absolutely essential to do so."
Mr Jenrick said reopening tips in a staged manner is "sensible" and the "right thing to do".
"The longer we delay it, the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen," he said.
Councillor David Renard, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association (LGA), said queues are "inevitable" and police will be needed to manage traffic flows.
Openings will be decided based on risk assessments taken in each local authority area, he said.
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Researchers from the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth say there has been a huge increase in illegal waste dumping due to the closure of almost all tips at the start of lockdown, while at the same time the number of DIY projects has increased as people are stuck at home.
Two people were arrested in Lincolnshire on Thursday after a raid on an illegal waste site that the Environment Agency said was the size of a football pitch.
When it comes to lifting restrictions, the prime minister has been open about his desire to boost the struggling economy.
CBI figures published earlier this week showed retailers have suffered a "historic" collapse in sales, with even food retailers reporting a slowdown.
However, there are concerns that ending the lockdown too quickly could result in a second wave of infections and deaths.
According to The Daily Telegraph, social distancing rules requiring people to stay two metres apart could be reviewed in the hope this would allow more businesses and schools to reopen.
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
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the next phase of dealing with the virus outbreak will be dominated by community testing and contact tracing.
Some 18,000 contact tracers will be in place by mid-May to track those who have come into contact with an infected person, he said.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: First club publicly opposes Premier League plan to restart season at neutral venues

Brighton and Hove Albion have become the first Premier League club to publicly oppose plans to restart the season in neutral stadiums .
The club 's chief executive , Paul Barber , said the move at `` this critical point in the season '' would `` have a material effect on the integrity of the competition '' .
His comments come as organisers mull how to restart games that have been called off since 9 March due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Clubs up and down English football have been left in limbo - with runaway leaders Liverpool not knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first league title in 30 years .
Other teams were in the middle of fights for promotion and against relegation .
The Premier League sees restricting games to around half of the 20 stadiums as the most viable way of completing the season .
After holding a conference call with all clubs on Friday , it hopes team training sessions can resume within weeks but with games held off until at least early June .
Police also have backed teams not playing at home , even with no fans present , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heightening the risk of spreading the virus .
`` Clearly , we must all be prepared to accept some compromises , '' Mr Barber acknowledged .
`` And we fully appreciate why playing behind closed doors is very likely to be a necessary compromise to play our remaining games while continuing to fully support the government 's efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus .
`` But at this critical point in the season playing matches in neutral venues has , in our view , potential to have a material effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Barber highlighted how four of Brighton 's five remaining home games are against some of Europe 's biggest clubs : Arsenal , Manchester United , Liverpool and defending champion Manchester City .
`` The disadvantages of us not playing the league 's top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings , even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex , are very obvious , '' Mr Barber said .
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady said previously `` no one wants '' neutral stadiums but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Premier League 's `` Project Restart '' plan .
Clubs are waiting to see if lockdown measures are extended or eased by Boris Johnson , who is due to make an announcement on the future of enforced social distancing rules by Thursday .
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Brighton and Hove Albion have become the first Premier League club to publicly oppose plans to restart the season in neutral stadiums.
The club's chief executive, Paul Barber, said the move at "this critical point in the season" would "have a material effect on the integrity of the competition".
His comments come as organisers mull how to restart games that have been called off since 9 March due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: Liverpool are hoping to win their first league title in 30 years
Clubs up and down English football have been left in limbo - with runaway leaders Liverpool not knowing whether they will be allowed to claim their first league title in 30 years. Other teams were in the middle of fights for promotion and against relegation.
The Premier League sees restricting games to around half of the 20 stadiums as the most viable way of completing the season.
After holding a conference call with all clubs on Friday, it hopes team training sessions can resume within weeks but with games held off until at least early June.
Police also have backed teams not playing at home, even with no fans present, to prevent them from gathering outside the stadiums and heightening the risk of spreading the virus.
"Clearly, we must all be prepared to accept some compromises," Mr Barber acknowledged.
"And we fully appreciate why playing behind closed doors is very likely to be a necessary compromise to play our remaining games while continuing to fully support the government's efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
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"But at this critical point in the season playing matches in neutral venues has, in our view, potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition."
Mr Barber highlighted how four of Brighton's five remaining home games are against some of Europe's biggest clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and defending champion Manchester City.
"The disadvantages of us not playing the league's top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings, even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex, are very obvious," Mr Barber said.
Image: Paul Barber said his club has not been approached about using its stadium
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady said previously "no one wants" neutral stadiums but was not as direct in her opposition to the Premier League's "Project Restart" plan.
Clubs are waiting to see if lockdown measures are extended or eased by Boris Johnson, who is due to make an announcement on the future of enforced social distancing rules by Thursday.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk