news--2020-05-27--Boris Johnson doubts Cummings inquiry would be 'very good use of official time'

Boris Johnson is continuing to back his senior adviser Dominic Cummings , saying an investigation into whether he broke lockdown rules would not be a `` good use '' of time .
The prime minister also said the UK was `` coming down from level four to level three '' on the government 's coronavirus alert system and he hopes to make a further announcement this week .
He is being grilled by a senior group of politicians known as the liaison committee - the first time he has faced them since he became leader - amid a growing Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Cummings row .
Asked why he had not ordered an investigation into Mr Cummings 's actions , Mr Johnson replied : `` I 'm not certain , right now , that an inquiry into that matter is a very good use of official time .
`` We 're working flat out on coronavirus . ''
Mr Johnson was also asked by committee chairman Sir Bernard Jenkin whether the government 's `` moral authority '' had been undermined by the row .
He replied : `` This has really been going on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least .
`` I , of course , am deeply sorry for all the hurt and pain and anxiety that people have been going through throughout this period - this country has been going through a frankly most difficult time .
`` We are asking people to do quite exceptionally tough things , separating them from their families . ''
The prime minister insisted he would not be adding to his previous comments on Mr Cummings and said the public wanted politicians to focus on `` uniting our message '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has stood by his top adviser after he was widely criticised for travelling hundreds of miles from London to Durham during the lockdown .
Mr Cummings has said it was necessary in order to seek childcare help and insists he did not break the rules .
One government minister has already quit in protest and the housing secretary admitted `` many people across the country '' are also aggrieved .
Mr Johnson told the parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was time for Britain to move on from the controversy .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very frustrating episode and I understand why people have been so concerned , because this country is going through a horrendously difficult time .
`` I totally understand public indignation , I totally understand that , but I do think that ... it would be much better if we could now move on and focus on the next steps . ''
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News earlier that `` many people across the country , including many of my colleagues in parliament , believe he made the wrong decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` acted reasonably '' and `` did obey the guidelines '' .
He has said he does not regret decamping 260 miles away from his London property , adding that the reason he was spotted in Barnard Castle , a 30-minute drive from Durham , was because he was testing his eyesight for driving .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He has not apologised for his actions and said he had no intention of quitting .
Mr Johnson also used his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that NHS England 's test and trace system would be up and running from Thursday .
He said people who had been in contact with someone with coronavirus would be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days .
: : Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson is continuing to back his senior adviser Dominic Cummings, saying an investigation into whether he broke lockdown rules would not be a "good use" of time.
The prime minister also said the UK was "coming down from level four to level three" on the government's coronavirus alert system and he hopes to make a further announcement this week.
He is being grilled by a senior group of politicians known as the liaison committee - the first time he has faced them since he became leader - amid a growing Tory revolt and plummeting poll ratings over the Dominic Cummings row.
Image: Dominic Cummings insists the journey was necessary to make sure his son could be cared for
Asked why he had not ordered an investigation into Mr Cummings's actions, Mr Johnson replied: "I'm not certain, right now, that an inquiry into that matter is a very good use of official time.
"We're working flat out on coronavirus."
Mr Johnson was also asked by committee chairman Sir Bernard Jenkin whether the government's "moral authority" had been undermined by the row.
He replied: "This has really been going on for several days now - in the media at least.
"I, of course, am deeply sorry for all the hurt and pain and anxiety that people have been going through throughout this period - this country has been going through a frankly most difficult time.
"We are asking people to do quite exceptionally tough things, separating them from their families."
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The prime minister insisted he would not be adding to his previous comments on Mr Cummings and said the public wanted politicians to focus on "uniting our message" and "focusing on their needs".
Mr Johnson has stood by his top adviser after he was widely criticised for travelling hundreds of miles from London to Durham during the lockdown.
Mr Cummings has said it was necessary in order to seek childcare help and insists he did not break the rules.
One government minister has already quit in protest and the housing secretary admitted "many people across the country" are also aggrieved.
Mr Johnson told the parliamentary committee on Wednesday that it was time for Britain to move on from the controversy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:35 'Dominic Cummings obeyed the guidelines' -Jenrick
He said: "It's been a very, very frustrating episode and I understand why people have been so concerned, because this country is going through a horrendously difficult time.
"I totally understand public indignation, I totally understand that, but I do think that... it would be much better if we could now move on and focus on the next steps."
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News earlier that "many people across the country, including many of my colleagues in parliament, believe he made the wrong decisions".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 PM sorry for 'pain, anguish and heartbreak'
But he insisted Mr Cummings "acted reasonably" and "did obey the guidelines".
He has said he does not regret decamping 260 miles away from his London property, adding that the reason he was spotted in Barnard Castle, a 30-minute drive from Durham, was because he was testing his eyesight for driving.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He has not apologised for his actions and said he had no intention of quitting.
Mr Johnson also used his appearance in front of MPs to announce that NHS England's test and trace system would be up and running from Thursday.
He said people who had been in contact with someone with coronavirus would be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
:: Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-28--Tesla cuts prices by up to 6% in US and China to boost demand

Tesla has cut the prices of its electric vehicles by up to 6 % in the US in a bid to bolster demand hit by the coronavirus lockdown .
At the same time the firm , owned by the maverick billionaire Elon Musk , has said its quick-charging service will no longer be free to new customers of its Model S sedans and Model X sport utility vehicles ( SUVs ) .
Prices in China will also be cut which is normal practice after changes in the US market .
The move comes as the car industry globally struggles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , which has stalled economies around the world and devastated demand .
Car sales in the US are likely to have been halved in April from a year earlier as a result of the coronavirus crisis , according to data from the analytics firm , JD Power .
However , it said sales in May were likely to improve due to pent-up demand and incentives offered by most carmakers .
Manufacturers including General Motors , Ford and Fiat Chrysler are offering 0 % financing deals and deferred payment options for buyers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month , with suppliers gearing up to support the domestic car industry , which employs nearly one million people .
Tesla was briefly forced to stop work at its factory in Fremont , California , due to coronavirus restrictions .
It later restarted production after resolving a dispute over safety measures with the local health authorities .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Following the price cut , Tesla 's website showed the starting price for its Model S sedan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from $ 79,990 ( £65,225 ) .
Its Model X SUVs are now priced at $ 79,990 ( £65,225 ) , compared with $ 84,990 ( £69,302 ) previously , and the lowest-priced Model 3 sedan is $ 2,000 ( £1,630 ) cheaper at $ 37,990 ( £30,978 ) .
Prices in China will fall by around 4 % for the Model X and Model S , which are imported , while the cost of the firm 's locally made Model 3 cars will remain unchanged .

Tesla has cut the prices of its electric vehicles by up to 6% in the US in a bid to bolster demand hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
At the same time the firm, owned by the maverick billionaire Elon Musk, has said its quick-charging service will no longer be free to new customers of its Model S sedans and Model X sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Prices in China will also be cut which is normal practice after changes in the US market.
The move comes as the car industry globally struggles to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has stalled economies around the world and devastated demand.
Car sales in the US are likely to have been halved in April from a year earlier as a result of the coronavirus crisis, according to data from the analytics firm, JD Power.
However, it said sales in May were likely to improve due to pent-up demand and incentives offered by most carmakers.
Manufacturers including General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler are offering 0% financing deals and deferred payment options for buyers.
Factories in the US started to reopen earlier this month, with suppliers gearing up to support the domestic car industry, which employs nearly one million people.
Tesla was briefly forced to stop work at its factory in Fremont, California, due to coronavirus restrictions.
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It later restarted production after resolving a dispute over safety measures with the local health authorities.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Following the price cut, Tesla's website showed the starting price for its Model S sedan was $74,990 (£61,148), down from $79,990 (£65,225).
Its Model X SUVs are now priced at $79,990 (£65,225), compared with $84,990 (£69,302) previously, and the lowest-priced Model 3 sedan is $2,000 (£1,630) cheaper at $37,990 (£30,978).
Prices in China will fall by around 4% for the Model X and Model S, which are imported, while the cost of the firm's locally made Model 3 cars will remain unchanged.


news--2020-04-09--Chynna Rogers: ASAP Mob rapper and model dies from accidental overdose aged 25

American rapper and model Chynna Rogers , who performed with ASAP Mob , has died aged 25 .
Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed the cause of death was an accidental overdose .
A family statement said : `` Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed . ''
In her final Instagram post , Rogers shared a snippet of a short video in which she says : `` I think there 's too many soundtracks to our lives , I need music to die to . ''
In a message alongside the clip she wrote : `` Moodiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand . ''
The same clip was also her very first post on the social networking site back in July 2017 .
The hip hop world has reacted with disbelief over her death , with artists including Kehlani , ASAP Rocky ( stylised as A $ AP Rocky ) and Lil Debbie all paying tribute .
Kehlani , who said she had spoken to Rogers on the day of her death wrote : `` Today was our last exchange of jokes & those I will miss the most .
I ca n't believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you so very much .
my heart is officially iced . ''
A $ AP Rocky wrote : `` rest in peace baby girl '' , while his crew A $ AP Mob posted : `` Rest easy Chynna .
We Gon Miss you sis '' .
Rapper Lil Debbie said the world would not forget Chynna , writing : `` Anyone that ever was blessed enough to have met or been around chynna knew how pure of a soul she was .
Loving , giving , humble , talented , an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day . ''
Rapper Tierra Whack wrote on Twitter : `` we ca n't even go to funerals '' , referring to restrictions on mass gatherings due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Scouted as a model while out at an amusement park aged 14 , Rogers went on to perform with A $ AP Rocky 's hip-hop collective after approaching a member on Twitter .
Rogers was open about her struggles with drug addiction during her short life , and went through rehab in 2016 .
Best known for tracks Selfie and Glen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time on Spotify .
She last performed with A $ AP Mob at the South by Southwest music festival in 2016 .
Her final release was an EP titled In Case I Die First at the end of 2019 .
Rogers ' mother , Wendy Payne , died at the age of 51 in 2017 .
She is survived by her father , two brothers and a sister .

American rapper and model Chynna Rogers, who performed with ASAP Mob, has died aged 25.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed the cause of death was an accidental overdose.
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A family statement said: "Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed."
In her final Instagram post, Rogers shared a snippet of a short video in which she says: "I think there's too many soundtracks to our lives, I need music to die to."
In a message alongside the clip she wrote: "Moodiest board. when life is uncomfortably on brand."
The same clip was also her very first post on the social networking site back in July 2017.
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The hip hop world has reacted with disbelief over her death, with artists including Kehlani, ASAP Rocky (stylised as A$AP Rocky) and Lil Debbie all paying tribute.
Kehlani, who said she had spoken to Rogers on the day of her death wrote: "Today was our last exchange of jokes & those I will miss the most. I can't believe it idk how to. I love you so very much. my heart is officially iced."
A$AP Rocky wrote: "rest in peace baby girl", while his crew A$AP Mob posted: "Rest easy Chynna. We Gon Miss you sis".
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Rapper Lil Debbie said the world would not forget Chynna, writing: "Anyone that ever was blessed enough to have met or been around chynna knew how pure of a soul she was. Loving, giving, humble, talented, an amazing human being. What a sad f***ing day."
Rapper Tierra Whack wrote on Twitter: "we can't even go to funerals", referring to restrictions on mass gatherings due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Scouted as a model while out at an amusement park aged 14, Rogers went on to perform with A$AP Rocky's hip-hop collective after approaching a member on Twitter.
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Rogers was open about her struggles with drug addiction during her short life, and went through rehab in 2016.
Best known for tracks Selfie and Glen Coco, her songs were streamed millions of time on Spotify.
She last performed with A$AP Mob at the South by Southwest music festival in 2016.
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Her final release was an EP titled In Case I Die First at the end of 2019.
Rogers' mother, Wendy Payne, died at the age of 51 in 2017.
She is survived by her father, two brothers and a sister.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Debenhams in administration for second time in year

Department store Debenhams has formally confirmed that it has entered administration - for the second time in the past year .
The move is designed to protect the business , which employs 22,000 people , from creditors at a time when stores are closed because of the coronavirus lockdown .
The company announced on Monday that it had filed a notice of intent to bring in administrators , confirming a move first reported by Sky News .
It has now appointed restructuring specialists FRP Advisory to oversee the process .
Debehams ' 142 UK stores remain closed in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would work to `` reopen and trade as many stores as possible '' when restrictions are lifted .
However , it said its Irish business , which runs 11 stores with around 1,400 staff , will cease trading as part of the move .
Debenhams said it would continue to trade online in Ireland , the UK and Denmark .
The majority of its employees in the UK are currently being paid under the government 's furlough scheme .
Chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said : `` In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our employees , and other important stakeholders , so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when government restrictions are lifted .
`` We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period .
`` We are desperately sorry not to be able to keep the Irish business operating but are faced with no alternative option in the current environment .
`` This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving our customers has never been in question . ''
The 242-year-old retailer first went into administration a year ago , wiping out shareholders including Mike Ashley 's Sports Direct , and is now owned by a consortium of lenders .

Department store Debenhams has formally confirmed that it has entered administration - for the second time in the past year.
The move is designed to protect the business, which employs 22,000 people, from creditors at a time when stores are closed because of the coronavirus lockdown.
The company announced on Monday that it had filed a notice of intent to bring in administrators, confirming a move first reported by Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
It has now appointed restructuring specialists FRP Advisory to oversee the process.
Debehams' 142 UK stores remain closed in line with the government lockdown and the firm said it would work to "reopen and trade as many stores as possible" when restrictions are lifted.
However, it said its Irish business, which runs 11 stores with around 1,400 staff, will cease trading as part of the move.
Debenhams said it would continue to trade online in Ireland, the UK and Denmark.
The majority of its employees in the UK are currently being paid under the government's furlough scheme.
Chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: "In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when government restrictions are lifted.
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"We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period.
"We are desperately sorry not to be able to keep the Irish business operating but are faced with no alternative option in the current environment.
"This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish colleagues, whose professionalism and commitment to serving our customers has never been in question."
The 242-year-old retailer first went into administration a year ago, wiping out shareholders including Mike Ashley's Sports Direct, and is now owned by a consortium of lenders.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Almost half of adults exposed to fake COVID-19 news

Nearly half of all UK adults have been exposed to fake news online about the ongoing coronavirus crisis , according to Ofcom .
According to the regulator , just over a third of adults , 35 % , have seen the false claim that drinking more water can help flush out the virus .
Around a quarter , 24 % , saw that gargling salt water or avoiding cold food and drink can stop COVID-19 - another piece of misinformation .
Although 55 % of people said they are ignoring false claims made about the virus , with around 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research the authenticity of the claims they see - one in 14 people did admit to sharing misinformation .
Of those surveyed , 40 % said they found it difficult to determine what was and was not fake news about the coronavirus - a figure which is higher among 18 to 24-year-olds , at around 52 % .
The survey found that young people ( 18 to 24-year-olds ) tended to follow official advice less stringently than others , with only 43 % saying they followed the government 's hand washing advice closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that almost all adults online in the UK are getting news and information about the virus every day , with a quarter getting information 20 or more times a day .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The figures come as senior MPs and other organisations demand better accountability of distributers of coronavirus disinformation .
Social media platforms and other internet services have taken some steps to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation , such as promoting official advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there have been calls for more action .
On Wednesday Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden spoke with leading social media companies including Twitter , Google and Facebook , which owns WhatsApp .
Mr Dowden said he welcomed the progress being made on misinformation , adding that the firms agreed to work together , at speed , to counter fake news .
Most people turn to news organisations or official government advice to get their information , but around 15 % use WhatsApp or Facebook messenger for news .
On Thursday , the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on WhatsApp to try and tackle misinformation about the virus .
The free chatbot service has sent around a million messages since its launch in March , but now the service will add new content that will include advice for those people who are high-risk individuals , and more details on how to practice social distancing .
Users can also find information about Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay .
Yih-Choung Teh , Ofcom 's group director for strategy and research , said : `` With so much false information circulating online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can cut through the confusion and find accurate , trustworthy and credible sources of news and advice . ''
Ofcom said it has created a set of resources on its websites , including tips on how to find reliable content and identify fact from fiction .

Nearly half of all UK adults have been exposed to fake news online about the ongoing coronavirus crisis, according to Ofcom.
According to the regulator, just over a third of adults, 35%, have seen the false claim that drinking more water can help flush out the virus.
Around a quarter, 24%, saw that gargling salt water or avoiding cold food and drink can stop COVID-19 - another piece of misinformation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Although 55% of people said they are ignoring false claims made about the virus, with around 15% of those using fact-checking tips to research the authenticity of the claims they see - one in 14 people did admit to sharing misinformation.
Of those surveyed, 40% said they found it difficult to determine what was and was not fake news about the coronavirus - a figure which is higher among 18 to 24-year-olds, at around 52%.
The survey found that young people (18 to 24-year-olds) tended to follow official advice less stringently than others, with only 43% saying they followed the government's hand washing advice closely.
The study of 2,000 people also found that almost all adults online in the UK are getting news and information about the virus every day, with a quarter getting information 20 or more times a day.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The figures come as senior MPs and other organisations demand better accountability of distributers of coronavirus disinformation.
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Social media platforms and other internet services have taken some steps to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation, such as promoting official advice and banning some types of content, but there have been calls for more action.
On Wednesday Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden spoke with leading social media companies including Twitter, Google and Facebook, which owns WhatsApp.
Mr Dowden said he welcomed the progress being made on misinformation, adding that the firms agreed to work together, at speed, to counter fake news.
Most people turn to news organisations or official government advice to get their information, but around 15% use WhatsApp or Facebook messenger for news.
On Thursday, the Government said it would extend its information service on WhatsApp to try and tackle misinformation about the virus.
The free chatbot service has sent around a million messages since its launch in March, but now the service will add new content that will include advice for those people who are high-risk individuals, and more details on how to practice social distancing. Users can also find information about Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay.
Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom's group director for strategy and research, said: "With so much false information circulating online, it's never been more important that people can cut through the confusion and find accurate, trustworthy and credible sources of news and advice."
Ofcom said it has created a set of resources on its websites, including tips on how to find reliable content and identify fact from fiction.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Interserve hires 1500 as Nightingale hospitals open

Interserve , the outsourcing firm , has begun hiring 1500 staff to meet demands from the NHS for a temporary workforce at the network of hospitals set up to treat coronavirus patients .
Sky News understands that the privately owned company is recruiting staff to work on a range of contracts , including one to be announced on Thursday at the new Manchester Nightingale Hospital .
Interserve 's construction arm is also scheduled to complete work on the Birmingham hospital at the NEC on Good Friday , with capacity eventually expected to reach 4,000 beds .
A person close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 40,000 man hours in the first week of construction , with more than 64 miles of cable , 10 miles of copper piping and installed vinyl flooring across the equivalent of 11 football pitches .
The first of the Nightingale facilities opened at London 's ExCel Centre earlier this week , with further sites under development in Bristol and Harrogate .
Interserve is also recruiting hundreds of staff for work with the London Ambulance Service and in other areas of the NHS .
The rapid scaling-up of its workforce , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , comes during a period of intense strain on healthcare services , with demand from hospitalised COVID-19 patients expected to peak in the coming days .
A central clearing house of employees from outsourcers including Capita , Interserve , Mitie and Serco was set up last month to enable staff to be redeployed on active projects .
The new Interserve roles would provide an opportunity for workers furloughed elsewhere in the UK economy to earn additional income , one source said .

Interserve, the outsourcing firm, has begun hiring 1500 staff to meet demands from the NHS for a temporary workforce at the network of hospitals set up to treat coronavirus patients.
Sky News understands that the privately owned company is recruiting staff to work on a range of contracts, including one to be announced on Thursday at the new Manchester Nightingale Hospital.
Interserve's construction arm is also scheduled to complete work on the Birmingham hospital at the NEC on Good Friday, with capacity eventually expected to reach 4,000 beds.
A person close to the company said its work had involved more than 40,000 man hours in the first week of construction, with more than 64 miles of cable, 10 miles of copper piping and installed vinyl flooring across the equivalent of 11 football pitches.
The first of the Nightingale facilities opened at London's ExCel Centre earlier this week, with further sites under development in Bristol and Harrogate.
Interserve is also recruiting hundreds of staff for work with the London Ambulance Service and in other areas of the NHS.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 London's ExCel centre has been transformed into a 4,000 bed hospital
The rapid scaling-up of its workforce, which has been echoed across the outsourcing sector, comes during a period of intense strain on healthcare services, with demand from hospitalised COVID-19 patients expected to peak in the coming days.
A central clearing house of employees from outsourcers including Capita, Interserve, Mitie and Serco was set up last month to enable staff to be redeployed on active projects.
The new Interserve roles would provide an opportunity for workers furloughed elsewhere in the UK economy to earn additional income, one source said.
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Interserve declined to comment.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: BT engineers physically abused over 'nonsense' 5G claims

BT workers are being verbally and even physically abused after spurious online claims linking the spread of the coronavirus to 5G masts , a senior executive at the company has told Sky News .
Marc Allera , chief executive of the company 's consumer division , said the `` nonsense theories '' had also resulted in a spate of vandalism on the masts .
Mr Allera said he feared the attacks could mean 999 call resources being diverted at a critical time when emergency workers are focused on battling the pandemic .
He told Sky 's Ian King Live : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 've had employees - these engineers , these key workers working so hard - have had verbal and in some cases physical abuse .
`` At a time where all of us need data and communication and the internet and connectivity more than ever before , we have got masts being vandalised and in some cases set on fire .
`` Can you imagine , a 999 call right now not getting through because some vandal has set fire to or destroyed one of our masts ?
That would be unimaginable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are seeing some of these crazy theories out there .
`` There is no evidence at all to back it up . ''
He said BT had been working with Facebook , YouTube and Google to shut down sites promoting the conspiracy theories .
Mr Allera added that BT 's broadband network had seen a huge spike in demand during the coronavirus with almost double the amount of traffic as in normal times The uptick in usage came was the result of people working from home as well as playing games such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and streaming services like Netflix and YouTube .

BT workers are being verbally and even physically abused after spurious online claims linking the spread of the coronavirus to 5G masts, a senior executive at the company has told Sky News.
Marc Allera, chief executive of the company's consumer division, said the "nonsense theories" had also resulted in a spate of vandalism on the masts.
Mr Allera said he feared the attacks could mean 999 call resources being diverted at a critical time when emergency workers are focused on battling the pandemic.
Image: Masts have been vandalised amid conspiracy theories linking the coronavirus disease and 5G infrastructure
He told Sky's Ian King Live: "We've had vandalism on masts, we've had employees - these engineers, these key workers working so hard - have had verbal and in some cases physical abuse.
"At a time where all of us need data and communication and the internet and connectivity more than ever before, we have got masts being vandalised and in some cases set on fire.
"Can you imagine, a 999 call right now not getting through because some vandal has set fire to or destroyed one of our masts? That would be unimaginable.
"It's really disappointing that we are seeing some of these crazy theories out there.
"There is no evidence at all to back it up."
He said BT had been working with Facebook, YouTube and Google to shut down sites promoting the conspiracy theories.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Gove: 5G conspiracy theory 'dangerous nonsense'
Mr Allera added that BT's broadband network had seen a huge spike in demand during the coronavirus with almost double the amount of traffic as in normal times
The uptick in usage came was the result of people working from home as well as playing games such as Call Of Duty and Fortnite, and streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Pandemic has set the number of air travellers back decades

The number of people travelling through US airports this week has fallen to levels not seen since the 1950s , due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
A total of 97,130 people passed through security checkpoints in US airports on Tuesday , according to figures released by the Transportation Security Administration .
This represents a fall of 95 % on a year ago , with people deciding not to travel while the coronavirus pandemic takes hold in the country .
However , this number could be lower , as retail workers and airport staff will also pass through official checkpoints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines for America , the last time the country averaged 97,000 passengers was 1954 and that number has risen every year since .
In the few days after the September 11 terror attacks , commercial flying in the US was halted , and people were slow to get back on planes - but it is believed the period of low numbers could last longer during the COVID-19 outbreak .
According to polling company Public Opinion Strategies , less than 50 % of Americans said they would get on a plane in the sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve in the US .
The drop in passenger numbers has come suddenly .
On 1 March , around 2.3 million people passed through security checkpoints at US airports - almost identical numbers to the same time last year .
The second week of March saw the start of the rapid decline and only slowed in the last few days .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Airlines around the world have responded to the dramatic fall in passenger numbers by slashing services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty .
United Airlines has said it is losing around $ 100m ( £80m ) a day , while Delta says its losses amount to $ 60m ( £48m ) each day .
Most of the major airlines have applied for federal support in an effort to kick-start the industry when the pandemic is over .
In the UK , the rapid decline in passenger numbers as a result of travel restrictions and government advice has meant that many airlines , including easyJet , have grounded their entire fleet , and a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The number of people travelling through US airports this week has fallen to levels not seen since the 1950s, due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
A total of 97,130 people passed through security checkpoints in US airports on Tuesday, according to figures released by the Transportation Security Administration.
This represents a fall of 95% on a year ago, with people deciding not to travel while the coronavirus pandemic takes hold in the country.
However, this number could be lower, as retail workers and airport staff will also pass through official checkpoints.
Image: An empty corridor at JFK Airport in New York
According to data from trade group Airlines for America, the last time the country averaged 97,000 passengers was 1954 and that number has risen every year since.
In the few days after the September 11 terror attacks, commercial flying in the US was halted, and people were slow to get back on planes - but it is believed the period of low numbers could last longer during the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to polling company Public Opinion Strategies, less than 50% of Americans said they would get on a plane in the sixth months following the flattening of the virus curve in the US.
The drop in passenger numbers has come suddenly. On 1 March, around 2.3 million people passed through security checkpoints at US airports - almost identical numbers to the same time last year.
The second week of March saw the start of the rapid decline and only slowed in the last few days.
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::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Airlines around the world have responded to the dramatic fall in passenger numbers by slashing services - but many planes are still flying empty.
United Airlines has said it is losing around $100m (£80m) a day, while Delta says its losses amount to $60m (£48m) each day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 British Airways, Ryanair and Easy Jet have grounded most of their fleet
Most of the major airlines have applied for federal support in an effort to kick-start the industry when the pandemic is over.
In the UK, the rapid decline in passenger numbers as a result of travel restrictions and government advice has meant that many airlines, including easyJet, have grounded their entire fleet, and a number of airports have been closed completely.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Cadbury workers use chocolate machines to make visors for NHS

Cadbury workers are using chocolate machines to produce visors for medics who are treating coronavirus patients .
Mondelez International , the company behind the chocolatier , has joined forces with engineering company 3P Innovation to help produce thousands of visors to protect NHS staff from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
The visors will be made using 3D printing technology normally used to make chocolate sculptures at the food manufacturer 's factory in Bournville , the home of Cadbury , in the West Midlands .
Historically , Cadbury 's Bournville factory stepped in to help make gas masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts for Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers during the Second World War .
Louise Stigant , UK managing director at Mondelez International , said : `` I 'm extremely proud that our research and food engineering teams have come up with a creative way to repurpose our chocolate making skills and technology , so we can make and print parts for the medical visors .
`` By working in partnership with 3P and other businesses we can scale our operations and help protect those who are working so hard to protect us and beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered the first visors to a Warwickshire NHS clinic and will be scaling up its operations , with the aim of making and delivering up to 10,000 units every week .
Printing business Ricoh 3D , based in Telford , Shropshire , is also in discussion with NHS trusts across the country to produce thousands of face shields a week .
Work has already begun on making the reusable visors with 250 delivered to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton on Thursday .
Ricoh said that it can ramp up production to make 40,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a secondary school in Reading , Berkshire , has also worked to produce face shields , which will be distributed to local GP surgeries and to the Royal Berkshire Hospital .
The school has also delivered goggles and protective clothing from its science department to the hospital .
Meanwhile , Toy giant Lego is making medical visors for doctors and nurses .
It said six of its moulding machines in its factory in Billund , Denmark , is producing the safety masks for Danish health authorities .
Lego said it can deliver 13,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58,000 a day within two weeks to meet growing demand .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While the operation is still in the early stages , Lego said it is considering expanding production in other factories around the world .
It comes after the British Medical Association warned doctors ' lives were being put at risk by a lack of personal protective equipment , with some medics describing the current provision as `` useless '' in a recent survey .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rover which commenced production of reusable visors for medical staff on April 3 , with the aim to produce 1,300 each week .

Cadbury workers are using chocolate machines to produce visors for medics who are treating coronavirus patients.
Mondelez International, the company behind the chocolatier, has joined forces with engineering company 3P Innovation to help produce thousands of visors to protect NHS staff from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
The visors will be made using 3D printing technology normally used to make chocolate sculptures at the food manufacturer's factory in Bournville, the home of Cadbury, in the West Midlands.
Historically, Cadbury's Bournville factory stepped in to help make gas masks, jerrycans, service respirators and aeroplane parts for Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers during the Second World War.
Image: Outside the Cadbury chocolate factory in Bournville, West Midlands
Louise Stigant, UK managing director at Mondelez International, said: "I'm extremely proud that our research and food engineering teams have come up with a creative way to repurpose our chocolate making skills and technology, so we can make and print parts for the medical visors.
"By working in partnership with 3P and other businesses we can scale our operations and help protect those who are working so hard to protect us and beat coronavirus."
3P innovation has already delivered the first visors to a Warwickshire NHS clinic and will be scaling up its operations, with the aim of making and delivering up to 10,000 units every week.
Printing business Ricoh 3D, based in Telford, Shropshire, is also in discussion with NHS trusts across the country to produce thousands of face shields a week.
Work has already begun on making the reusable visors with 250 delivered to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton on Thursday.
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Ricoh said that it can ramp up production to make 40,000 visors a week.
Prospect School, a secondary school in Reading, Berkshire, has also worked to produce face shields, which will be distributed to local GP surgeries and to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Image: Heather Ridgus, Technology teacher at Prospect School in Reading, wearing a face shield. Photo: David Littlemore, headteacher
The school has also delivered goggles and protective clothing from its science department to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Toy giant Lego is making medical visors for doctors and nurses.
It said six of its moulding machines in its factory in Billund, Denmark, is producing the safety masks for Danish health authorities.
Lego said it can deliver 13,500 visors daily, which can grow to 58,000 a day within two weeks to meet growing demand.
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While the operation is still in the early stages, Lego said it is considering expanding production in other factories around the world.
It comes after the British Medical Association warned doctors' lives were being put at risk by a lack of personal protective equipment, with some medics describing the current provision as "useless" in a recent survey.
The news follows the announcement by Jaguar Land Rover which commenced production of reusable visors for medical staff on April 3, with the aim to produce 1,300 each week.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus 'isolation retreats' can no longer be booked on Airbnb after backlash

Airbnb has announced it is blocking bookings for most British customers following an increase in the number of so-called `` isolation retreats '' .
Even though lockdown measures are in force across the country , some Airbnb hosts have been accused of being `` incredibly irresponsible '' by advertising their properties as a way to escape from the coronavirus pandemic .
Some of the listings were described as a `` perfect place for isolation and security '' , while others were promoted as being deep cleaned with `` virus-killing chemicals '' .
The home rental company will now only allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nationwide restrictions are in place .
Airbnb director Patrick Robinson said : `` Restricting bookings on Airbnb to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting frontline workers while following government guidance . ''
Bookings were being blocked from Thursday morning until 18 April at the earliest - and if the government extends the lockdown as expected , the ban will continue .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The clampdown comes ahead of the Easter weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that some Britons may ignore the ongoing advice to stay at home .
Last week , Airbnb stopped private rooms in shared houses from being rented out , and disabled an `` instant book '' function for whole properties .
Under the government 's measures , hotels and other accommodation providers have been ordered to close unless they are providing services to key workers or vulnerable groups .
The company recently launched a tool enabling hosts to provide free rooms for health workers .
When the controversial Airbnb listings emerged , tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our advice is clear .
Essential travel does not include holidays , leisure travel and visits to second homes , and people must remain in their primary residence .
`` It is incredibly irresponsible , and dangerous , for some property owners to be marketing themselves as 'isolation retreats ' .
We are writing to companies today to remind them of their responsibilities at this time .
`` As soon as it is safe to do so we will be encouraging people to book a great British holiday and show our support to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Popular holiday destinations across the UK have been urging people to stay away , amid concerns that an influx of visitors could put a strain on supermarkets and health services .

Airbnb has announced it is blocking bookings for most British customers following an increase in the number of so-called "isolation retreats".
Even though lockdown measures are in force across the country, some Airbnb hosts have been accused of being "incredibly irresponsible" by advertising their properties as a way to escape from the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the listings were described as a "perfect place for isolation and security", while others were promoted as being deep cleaned with "virus-killing chemicals".
The home rental company will now only allow key workers to stay in properties while the nationwide restrictions are in place.
Airbnb director Patrick Robinson said: "Restricting bookings on Airbnb to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting frontline workers while following government guidance."
Bookings were being blocked from Thursday morning until 18 April at the earliest - and if the government extends the lockdown as expected, the ban will continue.
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The clampdown comes ahead of the Easter weekend. High temperatures are forecast, prompting concerns that some Britons may ignore the ongoing advice to stay at home.
Last week, Airbnb stopped private rooms in shared houses from being rented out, and disabled an "instant book" function for whole properties.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Is the government's lockdown working?
Under the government's measures, hotels and other accommodation providers have been ordered to close unless they are providing services to key workers or vulnerable groups.
The company recently launched a tool enabling hosts to provide free rooms for health workers.
When the controversial Airbnb listings emerged, tourism minister Nigel Huddleston had said: "Our advice is clear. Essential travel does not include holidays, leisure travel and visits to second homes, and people must remain in their primary residence.
Image: A police officer speaks to a woman sitting on beach at Brighton during lockdown
"It is incredibly irresponsible, and dangerous, for some property owners to be marketing themselves as 'isolation retreats'. We are writing to companies today to remind them of their responsibilities at this time.
"As soon as it is safe to do so we will be encouraging people to book a great British holiday and show our support to the UK's travel industry."
Popular holiday destinations across the UK have been urging people to stay away, amid concerns that an influx of visitors could put a strain on supermarkets and health services.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Police backtrack after chief threatened to search shoppers' trolleys

Police have been forced to reassure people they will not be searching their shopping trolleys after a chief constable threatened the measure if `` we do n't get the compliance we would expect '' .
Northamptonshire Police chief constable Nick Adderley prompted criticism after saying his force was `` only a few days away '' from `` marshalling supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it 's a legitimate , necessary item '' .
In remarks condemned as `` outrageous '' by a leading civil liberties campaigner , he also warned roadblocks would be set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not adhere to government guidelines designed to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Based on current COVID-19 legislation , officers would have no legal basis to search shopping baskets .
And within hours of his comments in a news conference being reported , the force 's official Twitter account moved to contradict him .
`` To clarify some suggestions made in the media , we absolutely will NOT be searching people 's shopping trolleys in Northamptonshire , '' it said .
`` The same message was communicated to our officers from the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The message came in response to a tweet from the chief constable in which he appeared to contradict his own words and failed to acknowledge his threat of police action in supermarkets .
`` I will keep reiterating the position , we will NOT be searching trolleys or baskets and we will not be determining what is and is n't an essential item , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The point I was making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and he said on social media he may have been `` clumsy '' in his language .
Mr Adderley had earlier said at a news conference that a `` three-week grace period '' was now over in his county .
`` I really need to emphasise the point , this is about saving people 's lives , this is the really serious end of what we do , '' he said .
`` If things do n't improve , and we do n't get the compliance we would expect , then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be stopping people to ask why they are going , where they 're going .
`` This is about reasonableness and if people are not reasonable in terms of the journeys and the trips they are taking , they are going to fall foul of the law .
`` We will not , at this stage , be setting up road blocks .
We will not , at this stage , start to marshal supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it 's a legitimate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under no illusion , if people do not heed the warnings and the pleas I 'm making today , we will start to do that . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel also appeared to knock down Mr Adderley 's comments , saying measures such as roadblocks and searching trolleys were `` not appropriate '' .
`` That 's not appropriate , let me be clear about that , '' she told Talk Radio .
`` That is not the guidance , that is not down to the measures we 've been adopting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was `` absolutely not '' considering tougher coronavirus lockdown conditions .
She added : `` I 'll be very candid .
Not everybody 's going to get this right and it has taken a couple of weeks for these measures to bed in because this has been unprecedented , do n't forget .
`` But this is not about heavy-handed law enforcement .
I think I really must emphasise that .
There 's a balance to this .
`` I do pay credit to the police because these are extraordinary times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those of a police state by Big Brother Watch .
Director Silkie Carlo said : `` The suggestion of police rummaging through people 's shopping trolleys is outrageous .
`` It would be completely disproportionate for police to start investigating shopping baskets or stopping every car at road checks , and there 's no legal basis for them to do so . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Experts have previously pointed to `` grey areas '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police enforcement powers created by coronavirus legislation .
Other forces have also been accused of overreaching their powers , with one saying it had ordered people to court after they were caught `` driving due to boredom '' .

Police have been forced to reassure people they will not be searching their shopping trolleys after a chief constable threatened the measure if "we don't get the compliance we would expect".
Northamptonshire Police chief constable Nick Adderley prompted criticism after saying his force was "only a few days away" from "marshalling supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it's a legitimate, necessary item".
In remarks condemned as "outrageous" by a leading civil liberties campaigner, he also warned roadblocks would be set up if members of the public did not adhere to government guidelines designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Based on current COVID-19 legislation, officers would have no legal basis to search shopping baskets.
And within hours of his comments in a news conference being reported, the force's official Twitter account moved to contradict him.
"To clarify some suggestions made in the media, we absolutely will NOT be searching people's shopping trolleys in Northamptonshire," it said.
"The same message was communicated to our officers from the very moment we were given these new powers."
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The message came in response to a tweet from the chief constable in which he appeared to contradict his own words and failed to acknowledge his threat of police action in supermarkets.
"I will keep reiterating the position, we will NOT be searching trolleys or baskets and we will not be determining what is and isn't an essential item," he said.
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"The point I was making was around the necessity of the journey" and he said on social media he may have been "clumsy" in his language.
Mr Adderley had earlier said at a news conference that a "three-week grace period" was now over in his county.
"I really need to emphasise the point, this is about saving people's lives, this is the really serious end of what we do," he said.
"If things don't improve, and we don't get the compliance we would expect, then the next stage will be road blocks and it will be stopping people to ask why they are going, where they're going.
"This is about reasonableness and if people are not reasonable in terms of the journeys and the trips they are taking, they are going to fall foul of the law.
"We will not, at this stage, be setting up road blocks. We will not, at this stage, start to marshal supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it's a legitimate, necessary item.
"But again, be under no illusion, if people do not heed the warnings and the pleas I'm making today, we will start to do that."
Home Secretary Priti Patel also appeared to knock down Mr Adderley's comments, saying measures such as roadblocks and searching trolleys were "not appropriate".
"That's not appropriate, let me be clear about that," she told Talk Radio. "That is not the guidance, that is not down to the measures we've been adopting thus far."
Ms Patel insisted she was "absolutely not" considering tougher coronavirus lockdown conditions.
She added: "I'll be very candid. Not everybody's going to get this right and it has taken a couple of weeks for these measures to bed in because this has been unprecedented, don't forget.
"But this is not about heavy-handed law enforcement. I think I really must emphasise that. There's a balance to this.
"I do pay credit to the police because these are extraordinary times."
Mr Adderley's comments were compared to those of a police state by Big Brother Watch.
Director Silkie Carlo said: "The suggestion of police rummaging through people's shopping trolleys is outrageous.
"It would be completely disproportionate for police to start investigating shopping baskets or stopping every car at road checks, and there's no legal basis for them to do so."
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Experts have previously pointed to "grey areas" that exist between government guidelines and the lack of police enforcement powers created by coronavirus legislation.
Other forces have also been accused of overreaching their powers, with one saying it had ordered people to court after they were caught "driving due to boredom".


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Police shut down 494 house parties in four days in Greater Manchester

Police in Greater Manchester say they were called to 494 house parties in four days as people continue to flout the coronavirus lockdown .
The force has released maps showing the 1,132 incidents they were called to from 25 March to 7 April .
However , one map shows there were a huge number of house parties as the weather warmed up last weekend .
The Manchester Evening News reported that DJs , fireworks and bouncy castles were found by police .
The maps show 166 street parties , 122 group gatherings for sporting activities , 173 gatherings in parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also took place .
It comes as a selection of Manchester celebrities have shot home-made videos to urge people to stay at home over Easter because of coronavirus .
Manchester United 's Marcus Rashford and Michael Carrick , Manchester City 's Steph Houghton , Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder and Coronation Street 's Dan Brocklebank have lent their support to the initiative , coordinated by police .
The videos , to be released across the long weekend , also feature key workers in the fight against COVID-19 including a nurse , a teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is hoped the campaign will stop people ignoring restrictions over the Easter weekend when the weather will again be warm and dry in many places .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned the lockdown could become stricter if some people continue to ignore the rules .
`` Although the majority of the public across Greater Manchester have abided by the guidelines since they came into effect , last weekend saw a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 breaches reported to police , '' Greater Manchester Police said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Greater Manchester have joined together to support the # StayHomeSaveLives campaign to reinforce the importance of the government message to stay home , protect the NHS and save lives .
`` Traditionally , Easter weekend sees increased activity in and around public spaces - including places of worship , beauty spots and town centres - as well as large gatherings of families and friends at residential properties .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This year celebrations will differ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stay at home in an effort to help limit the transmission of COVID-19 . ''
Meanwhile , Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley said his force is only `` a few days away '' from introducing measures such as road blocks and searching shopping trolleys as people continue to flout the coronavirus regulations .
He said a `` three-week grace period '' is over in the county and the force will now be issuing fines and arresting people breaking the rules .
The comments were branded `` outrageous '' by UK civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared the measures to a `` police state '' .
Mr Adderley said forces are `` damned if you do , damned if you do n't '' when it comes to policing the new rules , and he added that government guidance on how to police the rules `` could be even clearer '' .
Senior ministers are set to decide whether to `` enhance or change '' UK lockdown rules at an emergency summit next week , one of them has told Sky News .

Police in Greater Manchester say they were called to 494 house parties in four days as people continue to flout the coronavirus lockdown.
The force has released maps showing the 1,132 incidents they were called to from 25 March to 7 April.
Image: A giant television over the A57 in Manchester urges people to stay home
However, one map shows there were a huge number of house parties as the weather warmed up last weekend.
The Manchester Evening News reported that DJs, fireworks and bouncy castles were found by police.
The maps show 166 street parties, 122 group gatherings for sporting activities, 173 gatherings in parks and 112 incidents of anti-social behaviour/public disorder also took place.
It comes as a selection of Manchester celebrities have shot home-made videos to urge people to stay at home over Easter because of coronavirus.
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Michael Carrick, Manchester City's Steph Houghton, Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder and Coronation Street's Dan Brocklebank have lent their support to the initiative, coordinated by police.
The videos, to be released across the long weekend, also feature key workers in the fight against COVID-19 including a nurse, a teacher, and police officers and staff.
It is hoped the campaign will stop people ignoring restrictions over the Easter weekend when the weather will again be warm and dry in many places.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned the lockdown could become stricter if some people continue to ignore the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:12 Police disperse cricket game in London park
"Although the majority of the public across Greater Manchester have abided by the guidelines since they came into effect, last weekend saw a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 breaches reported to police," Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.
"Following this, high-profile voices from across Greater Manchester have joined together to support the #StayHomeSaveLives campaign to reinforce the importance of the government message to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Image: The country is relying on the NHS to get through the pandemic
"Traditionally, Easter weekend sees increased activity in and around public spaces - including places of worship, beauty spots and town centres - as well as large gatherings of families and friends at residential properties.
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"This year celebrations will differ, as we continue to follow government guidelines and stay at home in an effort to help limit the transmission of COVID-19."
Meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley said his force is only "a few days away" from introducing measures such as road blocks and searching shopping trolleys as people continue to flout the coronavirus regulations.
He said a "three-week grace period" is over in the county and the force will now be issuing fines and arresting people breaking the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Dozens of stars say 'thank you' to NHS
The comments were branded "outrageous" by UK civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, which compared the measures to a "police state".
Mr Adderley said forces are "damned if you do, damned if you don't" when it comes to policing the new rules, and he added that government guidance on how to police the rules "could be even clearer".
Senior ministers are set to decide whether to "enhance or change" UK lockdown rules at an emergency summit next week, one of them has told Sky News.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Scientists warn easing lockdown could lead to 'resurgent' second wave

Scientists have warned that the coronavirus outbreak `` could easily resurge '' when lockdown measures are relaxed .
Health experts around the world are beginning to hope we are entering the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as stringent controls on public movement are introduced to reduce transmissions .
But some have warned Sky News that the downward slope of the outbreak brings with it new challenges for governments and populations that have been on lockdown .
There have now been around 1,500,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally , and over 88,000 associated deaths .
While many of these were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have managed to suppress transmissions .
However a new study from the University of Hong Kong focusing on these stringent social distancing restrictions in China has warned that when the control measures are relaxed a second wave could begin to spread .
Although China has been accused of under-reporting its total number of cases and deaths , the researchers stated that the government 's interventions have indeed `` substantially reduced transmissibility of COVID-10 across the country '' .
But they warn that when these interventions are lifted a second wave of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of herd immunity to the disease - and the model they developed to show this could equally be used in the UK or any country which has introduced lockdown measures .
Professor Joseph T Wu from the University of Hong Kong , who co-led the research , said : `` While these control measures appear to have reduced the number of infections to very low levels , without herd immunity against COVID-19 , cases could easily resurge as businesses , factory operations and schools gradually resume and increase social mixing , particularly given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas as COVID-19 continues to spread globally . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr David Nabarro , the World Health Organisation 's special envoy for the global response to COVID-19 , told Sky News that recovering from the pandemic was `` not just a case of removing lockdowns '' .
`` It 's also a case of communities everywhere being ready to be able to spot possible intrusions of COVID-19 into their midst and to be able to isolate people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That capacity is going to be needed for the foreseeable future , because the virus is n't going to go away .
It 's going to stay with us for some time , '' Dr Nabarro explained .
In the study in The Lancet , the researchers warn that if the virus was reintroduced to China , potentially from secondary epicentres such as Italy , Iran and the US , it could spread quickly again due to the gradual resumption of economic activities and normal levels of social mixing .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to resuming economic activities is crucial and add that `` continuous surveillance of the effect of social mixing and human mobility '' on transmissions should be used to `` tune socioeconomic activities accordingly '' .
`` Close monitoring of the instantaneous effective reproduction number and real-time tuning of policy interventions to ensure a manageable second wave remains the over-riding public health priority , '' the academics reported .
Dr Nabarro said : `` I 've seen many examples of how in Europe the epidemic curve is beginning to plateau , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come down the downward slope that all the problems arise .
`` I saw this in my work on Ebola .
Because when people start to relax and think 'Okay , I can go back to normal ' , you get all sorts of difficulties .
`` Suddenly new spikes of infection appear , and so I want to stress to everybody , it 's almost the most dangerous time when you feel you 're at the plateau and you think you can relax and restart . ''

Scientists have warned that the coronavirus outbreak "could easily resurge" when lockdown measures are relaxed.
Health experts around the world are beginning to hope we are entering the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as stringent controls on public movement are introduced to reduce transmissions.
But some have warned Sky News that the downward slope of the outbreak brings with it new challenges for governments and populations that have been on lockdown.
There have now been around 1,500,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally, and over 88,000 associated deaths. While many of these were in China, significant public health interventions there have managed to suppress transmissions.
However a new study from the University of Hong Kong focusing on these stringent social distancing restrictions in China has warned that when the control measures are relaxed a second wave could begin to spread.
Although China has been accused of under-reporting its total number of cases and deaths, the researchers stated that the government's interventions have indeed "substantially reduced transmissibility of COVID-10 across the country".
But they warn that when these interventions are lifted a second wave of transmission is possible because there is a lack of herd immunity to the disease - and the model they developed to show this could equally be used in the UK or any country which has introduced lockdown measures.
Professor Joseph T Wu from the University of Hong Kong, who co-led the research, said: "While these control measures appear to have reduced the number of infections to very low levels, without herd immunity against COVID-19, cases could easily resurge as businesses, factory operations and schools gradually resume and increase social mixing, particularly given the increasing risk of imported cases from overseas as COVID-19 continues to spread globally."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Dr David Nabarro, the World Health Organisation's special envoy for the global response to COVID-19, told Sky News that recovering from the pandemic was "not just a case of removing lockdowns".
"It's also a case of communities everywhere being ready to be able to spot possible intrusions of COVID-19 into their midst and to be able to isolate people with the disease and to interrupt transmission.
"That capacity is going to be needed for the foreseeable future, because the virus isn't going to go away. It's going to stay with us for some time," Dr Nabarro explained.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 China lifts lockdown of Wuhan
In the study in The Lancet, the researchers warn that if the virus was reintroduced to China, potentially from secondary epicentres such as Italy, Iran and the US, it could spread quickly again due to the gradual resumption of economic activities and normal levels of social mixing.
They suggest that taking an even more gradual approach to resuming economic activities is crucial and add that "continuous surveillance of the effect of social mixing and human mobility" on transmissions should be used to "tune socioeconomic activities accordingly".
"Close monitoring of the instantaneous effective reproduction number and real-time tuning of policy interventions to ensure a manageable second wave remains the over-riding public health priority," the academics reported.
Dr Nabarro said: "I've seen many examples of how in Europe the epidemic curve is beginning to plateau, but I want to stress it's when you come down the downward slope that all the problems arise.
"I saw this in my work on Ebola. Because when people start to relax and think 'Okay, I can go back to normal', you get all sorts of difficulties.
"Suddenly new spikes of infection appear, and so I want to stress to everybody, it's almost the most dangerous time when you feel you're at the plateau and you think you can relax and restart."


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Junior doctors rehomed after eviction threat over rent during pandemic

Three junior doctors have been rehomed after their landlord ordered them to leave due to issues paying rent during the coronavirus lockdown .
Alexander Cairns put out an appeal for help on Twitter after he and his housemates were left facing the prospect of having nowhere to live while they worked on the front line of the pandemic .
A fourth tenant moved out to live with their family during the coronavirus lockdown .
The remaining trio were unable to afford the full amount of rent and had hoped to come to an understanding with their landlord .
With no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to rely on the kindness of their community in Tooting , south London , and have now been moved into the home of a local family who have relocated .
Labour MP for Tooting Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , who is also working on the NHS front line , told Sky News that she is concerned many people across the country may be experiencing similar problems as the COVID-19 crisis continues .
She told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` I was really alarmed to see that they would be finding themselves with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a house that was shared by the four of them , one of them had chosen to leave to be with their family in another part of the country during lockdown , and the remaining three were not able to pay the full rent , which was a substantial amount of money in total .
`` And they said to the landlord , 'if we pay for the three of us , we 're terribly sorry , but we can all pull together in this time ' , and the landlord refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they must leave . ''
Dr Allin-Khan said it was an `` outrage '' that people are unable to show more sympathy at a time of national crisis .
The temporary home for the junior doctors only came up because its owners had relocated to live with relatives during the lockdown , saying they were happy to `` donate their house to a good cause '' .
Dr Allin-Khan added : `` It highlights how we need to make sure people are looked after during this time .
`` As an MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Allin-Khan was appointed shadow minister for mental health last week by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
She said the lockdown was already having an impact on people 's conditions and called on the government to up its support for charities , adding Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's £750m pledge to the sector was not enough .
`` Lots of people are coming in with pre-existing mental health conditions that are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with new cases of anxiety , '' she said .
`` This is a very turbulent time for people - worrying about their jobs , about feeding their families , catching the virus , infecting family members who they ca n't be with .
`` So at this time I would say charities - more so than ever - need extra support . ''
Many charities welcomed the Chancellor 's move but some also warned it must be the start - and not the end - of the government 's efforts in @ @ @ @

Three junior doctors have been rehomed after their landlord ordered them to leave due to issues paying rent during the coronavirus lockdown.
Alexander Cairns put out an appeal for help on Twitter after he and his housemates were left facing the prospect of having nowhere to live while they worked on the front line of the pandemic.
A fourth tenant moved out to live with their family during the coronavirus lockdown. The remaining trio were unable to afford the full amount of rent and had hoped to come to an understanding with their landlord.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'Family lets doctors move into empty home'
With no agreement in sight, they were left having to rely on the kindness of their community in Tooting, south London, and have now been moved into the home of a local family who have relocated.
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Labour MP for Tooting Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who is also working on the NHS front line, told Sky News that she is concerned many people across the country may be experiencing similar problems as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
She told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "I was really alarmed to see that they would be finding themselves with nowhere to live.
"There was a house that was shared by the four of them, one of them had chosen to leave to be with their family in another part of the country during lockdown, and the remaining three were not able to pay the full rent, which was a substantial amount of money in total.
"And they said to the landlord, 'if we pay for the three of us, we're terribly sorry, but we can all pull together in this time', and the landlord refused to allow them to do so and said they must leave."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Britons salute NHS heroes
Dr Allin-Khan said it was an "outrage" that people are unable to show more sympathy at a time of national crisis.
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The temporary home for the junior doctors only came up because its owners had relocated to live with relatives during the lockdown, saying they were happy to "donate their house to a good cause".
Dr Allin-Khan added: "It highlights how we need to make sure people are looked after during this time.
"As an MP, I am hearing lots of stories like this."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dr Allin-Khan was appointed shadow minister for mental health last week by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
She said the lockdown was already having an impact on people's conditions and called on the government to up its support for charities, adding Chancellor Rishi Sunak's £750m pledge to the sector was not enough.
"Lots of people are coming in with pre-existing mental health conditions that are being exacerbated by lockdown and people are coming in with new cases of anxiety," she said.
"This is a very turbulent time for people - worrying about their jobs, about feeding their families, catching the virus, infecting family members who they can't be with.
"So at this time I would say charities - more so than ever - need extra support."
Many charities welcomed the Chancellor's move but some also warned it must be the start - and not the end - of the government's efforts in protecting the sector.