news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Why the government will anxiously look at the R number as lockdown is eased

As the government continues to ease the lockdown it will keep an anxious eye on the R number .
That 's the reproduction number of the virus , a measure of how fast it 's spreading .
Expect to continue hearing it raised over the coming weeks at the daily Downing Street news conference .
So what is it and why does it matter ?
At the start of the COVID-19 epidemic , R was 3 - meaning every infected person was passing on the virus to around three other people .
Each of them would pass it on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why the number of cases grew exponentially .
If R drops below 1 then the virus is n't being spread to enough people to sustain an outbreak , so it gradually peters out .
The closer it is to zero , the faster cases drop .
When the lockdown was announced in March the amount of social contact people had dropped overnight and R plummeted to around 0.6 .
What is it now ?
Somewhere between 0.7 and 1 , according to the committee that channels scientific advice to the government - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGE ) .
The committee gives a range because six different groups of scientists calculate the number based on a variety of data - patients admitted to hospital , critical care bed occupancy , deaths , how much contact there is between people , and so on .
They all come up with a slightly different answer .
SAGE meets twice a week to consider the latest calculations - it never relies on just one estimate in case of data anomalies .
However , Public Health England ( PHE ) gave a regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 June , when it suggested it was around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England .
The government responded by saying SAGE still estimated the R number to be lower than one across the country .
More reliable data will come from a study being run by the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) .
Scientists will swab several thousand households every week over the next year , which will show how quickly the virus is spreading .
Is the R number the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are regional differences .
One of the modelling teams , the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases , previously estimated it was highest in Scotland and the North East of England - just below 1 .
PHE along with Cambridge University 's MRC Biostatistics Unit said on 5 June that it was `` probable '' the R value was below one in all regions of England , with the exception of the North West and South West .
If you could zoom in further you would find R was higher in urban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population - quite simply the virus has more opportunities to spread .
But areas with lots of white-collar workers who are able to work from home , such as the City , are likely to have a lower rate of transmission .
There are lots of variables and there is a significant margin of error .
Why is R increasing again ?
Because we have three inter-twined epidemics in the UK .
In the community the outbreak has been shrinking fast .
But in hospitals , and particularly care homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of cases of COVID-19 falls across the country , those in care homes accounted for a higher proportion of the total .
That 's why the UK 's R number rose .
This did not mean the lockdown failed .
But it is a warning to the government .
There was an urgent need to halt transmission chains in care homes , not just because of the awful death toll , but because care workers could carry the virus back out into the community when they go home .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to R as the lockdown is lifted ?
As people continue to move around more there will inevitably be more opportunities for the virus to spread , so R will rise .
Allowing people more freedom to exercise outdoors and reopening businesses that are largely outside , such as garden centres , is likely to have only a small impact .
But reopening shops , restaurants and pubs , where social distancing is much harder to maintain , would increase R more sharply .
If it does rise above 1 again the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So the government has to ease the restrictions gradually , waiting before taking further steps just to see if cases start rising .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There 's every chance that social distancing measures will have to be tightened again , though perhaps only in areas where the virus flares up .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has pointed to local measures being taken in Weston-super-Mare , which he said had succeeded in getting a flare-up in cases there `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad ?
The R number in Denmark increased from 0.6 to 0.9 after schools were reopened .
When Germany relaxed its restrictions R bounced back from 0.7 to 1 , then settled down to around 0.75 .
Being the last major European country out of full lockdown gives UK scientists the advantage of plugging real-world data into their computer simulations .
Is it only R that matters ?
No .
The size of the epidemic matters too .
In mid-May it was estimated that around 0.2 % of the population was infected - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the latest ONS figures indicated that figure had fallen to 0.11 % .
Professor John Edmunds , who sits on the SAGE committee , estimated in May that there were 20,000 new cases a day ( much higher than the number being picked up by testing ) .
ONS figures released on 5 June suggested the number of daily new cases was around 5,600 , based on random testing .
It 's a lot of people .
If R increases to around 1 - and the epidemic is in a steady state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people .
That 's more deaths and more pressure on the NHS .
So scientists will want the numbers to come down more before any further significant easing of the lockdown .
But when and how to lift the lockdown is a political decision .
The longer the economy is in a coma , the bleaker the outlook for jobs and long-term health .
It 's a tricky decision .
And the government really does n't have much wriggle room .

As the government continues to ease the lockdown, it will keep an anxious eye on the R number.
That's the reproduction number of the virus, a measure of how fast it's spreading.
So what is it and why does it matter?
What is R?
At the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, R was 3 - meaning every infected person was passing on the virus to around three other people.
Each of them would pass it on to three more and so on, which is why the number of cases grew exponentially.
If R drops below 1, the virus isn't being spread to enough people to sustain an outbreak - so it gradually peters out.
The closer it is to zero, the faster cases drop.
When the lockdown was announced in March, the amount of social contact people had dropped overnight and R plummeted to around 0.6.
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What happens to R as the lockdown is lifted?
As people continue to move around more there will inevitably be more opportunities for the virus to spread, so R will rise.
If it does rise above 1 again the outbreak would bounce back, perhaps rapidly.
So the government has to ease the restrictions gradually, waiting before taking further steps just to see if cases start rising.
Ministers have already acted to reimpose a lockdown on Leicester after a flare-up in local coronavirus cases in the Midlands city.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:20 Special report: The NHS - catastrophe brings change
Is it only R that matters?
No. The size of the epidemic matters too.
In mid-May, it was estimated that around 0.2% of the population was infected - roughly 200,000 people.
By early June, the latest ONS figures indicated that figure had fallen to 0.11%.
Professor John Edmunds, who sits on the SAGE committee, estimated in May that there were 20,000 new cases a day (much higher than the number being picked up by testing).
ONS figures released on 5 June suggested the number of daily new cases was around 5,600, based on random testing.
The ONS has since estimated there were 1,700 new COVID-19 cases per day in England between 22 June to 5 July.


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Police coughed on and spat at after breaking up lockdown party

Seven people have been arrested after police were coughed on and spat at as they attempted to disperse a large group at a birthday party during strict lockdown measures .
Officers were called to reports of fighting outside a house in Bolton on Saturday night .
Around 40 people - including children - were at the party on Wemsley Grove , Tonge Moor .
Police said they encouraged the group to leave , but they refused and became hostile and began to deliberately cough and spit at them .
Seven people - aged between 23 and 48 - were detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were later issued fixed penalties for breaching COVID-19 regulations .
A further individual was not arrested , but was given a fixed penalty at the scene .
Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts said : `` When the vast majority of us are all making such sacrifices in order to reduce the transmission of the virus and save lives as a result , it is really disappointing to see the rules being flagrantly ignored by those who are putting their own safety and the safety of so many others at risk .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This remains an incredibly challenging time for everybody , but we all need to follow the legislation and government guidance in order to save lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities .
`` Following this incident yesterday , the Bolton Neighbourhood Team will be out providing reassurance to residents in the area , so please feel free to speak to them if you have any questions or concerns . ''

Seven people have been arrested after police were coughed on and spat at as they attempted to disperse a large group at a birthday party during strict lockdown measures.
Officers were called to reports of fighting outside a house in Bolton on Saturday night.
Around 40 people - including children - were at the party on Wemsley Grove, Tonge Moor.
Police said they encouraged the group to leave, but they refused and became hostile and began to deliberately cough and spit at them.
Seven people - aged between 23 and 48 - were detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and were later issued fixed penalties for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
A further individual was not arrested, but was given a fixed penalty at the scene.
Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts said: "When the vast majority of us are all making such sacrifices in order to reduce the transmission of the virus and save lives as a result, it is really disappointing to see the rules being flagrantly ignored by those who are putting their own safety and the safety of so many others at risk.
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"This remains an incredibly challenging time for everybody, but we all need to follow the legislation and government guidance in order to save lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
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"Following this incident yesterday, the Bolton Neighbourhood Team will be out providing reassurance to residents in the area, so please feel free to speak to them if you have any questions or concerns."


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: 50,000 tests sent to the US due to lab 'issues'

Around 50,000 coronavirus test samples had to be sent to the US due to `` operational issues '' in the UK , it has been revealed .
The samples were flown to the US on chartered flights from Stansted airport , according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph .
The Department of Health said such a move was among the `` contingencies '' to deal with `` problems '' .
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said : `` The expansion of the UK 's coronavirus testing network has involved setting up an entirely new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swabs .
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the Prime Minister 's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown .
`` When problems arise , we have contingencies in place which include creating extra temporary capacity for our labs or sending swabs abroad to partner labs for completion .
`` Of course , our partner labs must match our high standards . ''
The department said the decision to send the tests abroad had been taken due to operational issues .
It is understood the test results will be validated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients `` as quickly as possible '' .
Earlier , it was revealed that 96,878 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday - the seventh consecutive day that the number fell below the government 's 100,000-a-day target .
But deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam blamed `` fluctuations '' , saying : `` We are now really at a high plateau , in the region of 100,000 tests per day .
`` There is some fluctuation , and quite frankly I expect there to be some fluctuation on @ @ @ @ @

Around 50,000 coronavirus test samples had to be sent to the US due to "operational issues" in the UK, it has been revealed.
The samples were flown to the US on chartered flights from Stansted airport, according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph.
The Department of Health said such a move was among the "contingencies" to deal with "problems".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 1 May - Hancock: 'We have met our goal'
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "The expansion of the UK's coronavirus testing network has involved setting up an entirely new 'Lighthouse' lab network to process test swabs.
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the Prime Minister's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown.
"When problems arise, we have contingencies in place which include creating extra temporary capacity for our labs or sending swabs abroad to partner labs for completion.
"Of course, our partner labs must match our high standards."
The department said the decision to send the tests abroad had been taken due to operational issues.
It is understood the test results will be validated in the UK before being sent to patients "as quickly as possible".
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Earlier, it was revealed that 96,878 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday - the seventh consecutive day that the number fell below the government's 100,000-a-day target.
But deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam blamed "fluctuations", saying: "We are now really at a high plateau, in the region of 100,000 tests per day.
"There is some fluctuation, and quite frankly I expect there to be some fluctuation on a day-to-day basis."


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus deaths in UK rise by lowest level since the end of March

A further 269 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died in the UK , taking the overall total to 31,855 .
It is the lowest daily figure since 29 March , when there were 214 fatalities in a 24-hour period .
The new figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community , as of 5pm on Saturday .
Numbers at the weekend can sometimes be lower than during the week as some administration staff who collate the figures may not be working .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the total to 23,149 .
In Scotland , there have been 10 further fatalities , with the total now 1,857 .
In Wales , 12 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number to 1,111 .
In Northern Ireland , five further coronavirus deaths have been reported , bringing the total to 435 .
For an eighth day in a row , the government has not reached its daily 100,000 test target .
There were 92,837 tests on Saturday .
The last time it hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 May .
It comes as Boris Johnson has revealed the first details of the government 's revised coronavirus rules .
The longstanding official guidance to `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' has been amended to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
The PM tweeted his new advice , saying people should `` stay at home as much as possible '' , keep two metres apart when outside and `` limit contact with other people '' .
Mr Johnson has unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` joint biosecurity centre '' which will detect local increases in COVID-19 infection rates .
With the alerts ranging from green in level one to red in level five , he said the nation was close to moving down from four to three .
Ahead of a COBRA meeting with Mr Johnson , the leaders of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland said they had not been consulted over the `` stay alert , control the virus and save lives '' slogan .
Opposition politicians criticised the message as being ambiguous and Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had heard of `` the PM 's new slogan '' was in newspaper reports .
Ms Sturgeon has described the UK government 's new `` stay alert '' lockdown messaging as `` vague and imprecise '' .
She has asked that the campaign is not deployed north of the border , saying it would be `` catastrophic '' to drop the `` stay at home '' advice .
She said the advice from her government remains to `` stay at home '' other than for buying food , getting medicine or exercising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19 .
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics , which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate , including suspected COVID-19 .
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May .
Across the UK , the number of deaths involving COVID-19 that have been registered currently stands at 33,021 .

A further 269 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died in the UK, taking the overall total to 31,855.
It is the lowest daily figure since 29 March, when there were 214 fatalities in a 24-hour period.
The new figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community, as of 5pm on Saturday.
Numbers at the weekend can sometimes be lower than during the week as some administration staff who collate the figures may not be working.
There have been 178 new deaths in hospitals in England, bringing the total to 23,149.
In Scotland, there have been 10 further fatalities, with the total now 1,857.
In Wales, 12 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number to 1,111.
In Northern Ireland, five further coronavirus deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 435.
Image: The new coronavirus slogans unveiled by Boris Johnson
For an eighth day in a row, the government has not reached its daily 100,000 test target. There were 92,837 tests on Saturday. The last time it hit Health Secretary Matt Hancock's target was 2 May.
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It comes as Boris Johnson has revealed the first details of the government's revised coronavirus rules.
The longstanding official guidance to "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" has been amended to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives".
The PM tweeted his new advice, saying people should "stay at home as much as possible", keep two metres apart when outside and "limit contact with other people".
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Johnson has unveiled a warning system administered by a new "joint biosecurity centre" which will detect local increases in COVID-19 infection rates.
With the alerts ranging from green in level one to red in level five, he said the nation was close to moving down from four to three.
Ahead of a COBRA meeting with Mr Johnson, the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said they had not been consulted over the "stay alert, control the virus and save lives" slogan.
Opposition politicians criticised the message as being ambiguous and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the first she had heard of "the PM's new slogan" was in newspaper reports.
Ms Sturgeon has described the UK government's new "stay alert" lockdown messaging as "vague and imprecise".
She has asked that the campaign is not deployed north of the border, saying it would be "catastrophic" to drop the "stay at home" advice.
Image: Ms Sturgeon said it would be 'catastrophic' to drop the 'stay at home' advice
She said the advice from her government remains to "stay at home" other than for buying food, getting medicine or exercising.
The Department of Health's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics, which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate, including suspected COVID-19.
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May.
Across the UK, the number of deaths involving COVID-19 that have been registered currently stands at 33,021.


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Some restrictions lifted, but rule-breakers could now face bigger fines

Boris Johnson says he is taking `` the first careful steps '' in easing the coronavirus lockdown - with people in England allowed to spend more leisure time outside from Wednesday .
In a pre-recorded address to the nation , the prime minister said the government wants to `` encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise '' - provided they stick to social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart .
And in a bid to kickstart the economy , Mr Johnson said anyone who can not work from home - such as those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively encouraged '' to go to work from tomorrow .
The PM stressed that now `` is not the time '' to end the lockdown altogether - and said the government is simply taking `` the first careful steps '' to ease certain measures .
Explaining how things will change from Wednesday , he added : `` You can sit in the sun in your local park , you can drive to other destinations , you can even play sports but only with members of your own household . ''
However , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be increased for the `` small minority '' who fail to obey social distancing rules .
And he said that the impact of all of these changes is going to be `` closely monitored '' at a local , regional and national level , adding : `` If there are outbreaks , if there are problems , we will not hesitate to put on the brakes . ''
During the address to the nation , Mr Johnson also said : • He believes children could gradually return to primary school from 1 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Year 1 and Year 6 • At least some of the hospitality industry and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest `` if and only if the numbers support it '' • `` It will soon be the time '' to impose quarantine on people coming into the UK by air • The UK 's COVID-19 reproduction rate , also known as R , is between 0.5 and 0.9 , `` but potentially only just below one '' • The lockdown measures `` prevented this country from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a catastrophe in which the reasonable worst-case scenario was half a million fatalities '' • On a new five-stage COVID Alert Level , where one means the disease is no longer present and five is the most critical , the UK is currently at level four and `` in a position to begin to move in steps to level three '' The PM stressed that any further relaxation of the lockdown measures `` is conditional - it all depends on a series of big ifs '' .
He said : `` Throughout this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity .
`` We are going to be driven by the science , the data and public health . ''
Although Britons can return to their workplaces from tomorrow if necessary , the prime minister stressed that safety should be a priority when they are commuting .
`` You should avoid public transport if at all possible , because we must and will maintain social distancing , and capacity will therefore be limited , '' he added .
`` So work from home if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work if you ca n't work from home . ''
New guidance is also being offered to employers so workplaces can become `` COVID secure '' .
Mr Johnson also thanked the public `` for the effort and personal sacrifice they have made to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS '' - but warned `` it would be madness to throw away that achievement by allowing a second spike '' .
In a nod to his new slogan , he added : `` We must stay alert .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save lives . ''
The PM reiterated that keeping the infection rate down and beginning a return to a semblance of normality depended on a unified effort .
`` It depends on all of us - the entire country - to follow the advice , to observe the social distancing and to keep that R down , '' Mr Johnson said .
He also unveiled a five-stage coronavirus warning system which will help guide the government 's response as it begins easing the lockdown .
It will detect increases in COVID-19 infection rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing rules should be locally .
People are now being told to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' - staying home as much as possible , continuing to keep two metres apart when outside , and limiting contact with other people .
But the government 's new slogan - a change from the previous mantra of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' - has been criticised by some for being unclear and confusing .
The leaders of the devolved administrations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already said they will not use this updated message - telling their citizens to simply `` stay at home '' instead .
Meanwhile , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` This statement raises more questions than it answers , and we see the prospect of England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland pulling in different directions .
`` The prime minister appears to be effectively telling millions of people to go back to work without a clear plan for safety or clear guidance as to how to get there without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country wanted tonight was clarity and consensus , but we have n't got either of those . ''
The lockdown was introduced on 23 March to slow the spread of the coronavirus , which has so far killed at least 31,855 people across the UK .
Mr Johnson 's speech comes after ministers were accused of sending `` mixed messages '' and creating false hope that a significant easing of the restrictions was on the cards .
In recent days , some newspaper front pages have declared that `` lockdown freedom beckons '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to freedom '' will begin .

Boris Johnson says he is taking "the first careful steps" in easing the coronavirus lockdown - with people in England allowed to spend more leisure time outside from Wednesday.
In a pre-recorded address to the nation, the prime minister said the government wants to "encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise" - provided they stick to social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart.
And in a bid to kickstart the economy, Mr Johnson said anyone who cannot work from home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should be "actively encouraged" to go to work from tomorrow.
Image: Boris Johnson says people in England will now be allowed to 'sit in the sun in their local park'
The PM stressed that now "is not the time" to end the lockdown altogether - and said the government is simply taking "the first careful steps" to ease certain measures.
Explaining how things will change from Wednesday, he added: "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."
However, Mr Johnson warned that fines are going to be increased for the "small minority" who fail to obey social distancing rules.
And he said that the impact of all of these changes is going to be "closely monitored" at a local, regional and national level, adding: "If there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes."
During the address to the nation, Mr Johnson also said:
He believes children could gradually return to primary school from 1 June at the earliest - beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6
At least some of the hospitality industry and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest "if and only if the numbers support it"
"It will soon be the time" to impose quarantine on people coming into the UK by air
The UK's COVID-19 reproduction rate, also known as R, is between 0.5 and 0.9, "but potentially only just below one"
The lockdown measures "prevented this country from being engulfed by what could have been a catastrophe in which the reasonable worst-case scenario was half a million fatalities"
On a new five-stage COVID Alert Level, where one means the disease is no longer present and five is the most critical, the UK is currently at level four and "in a position to begin to move in steps to level three"
The PM stressed that any further relaxation of the lockdown measures "is conditional - it all depends on a series of big ifs".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 'We must continue to control the virus'
He said: "Throughout this period of the next two months we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity.
"We are going to be driven by the science, the data and public health."
Although Britons can return to their workplaces from tomorrow if necessary, the prime minister stressed that safety should be a priority when they are commuting.
"You should avoid public transport if at all possible, because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited," he added.
"So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can't work from home."
Image: The new coronavirus slogans unveiled by Boris Johnson
New guidance is also being offered to employers so workplaces can become "COVID secure".
Mr Johnson also thanked the public "for the effort and personal sacrifice they have made to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS" - but warned "it would be madness to throw away that achievement by allowing a second spike".
In a nod to his new slogan, he added: "We must stay alert. We must continue to control the virus and save lives."
The PM reiterated that keeping the infection rate down and beginning a return to a semblance of normality depended on a unified effort.
"It depends on all of us - the entire country - to follow the advice, to observe the social distancing and to keep that R down," Mr Johnson said.
He also unveiled a five-stage coronavirus warning system which will help guide the government's response as it begins easing the lockdown.
It will detect increases in COVID-19 infection rates and judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally.
People are now being told to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives" - staying home as much as possible, continuing to keep two metres apart when outside, and limiting contact with other people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:39 Sir Keir Starmer says Boris Johnson's address on easing coronavirus lockdown rules
But the government's new slogan - a change from the previous mantra of "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" - has been criticised by some for being unclear and confusing.
The leaders of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have already said they will not use this updated message - telling their citizens to simply "stay at home" instead.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "This statement raises more questions than it answers, and we see the prospect of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland pulling in different directions.
"The prime minister appears to be effectively telling millions of people to go back to work without a clear plan for safety or clear guidance as to how to get there without using public transport.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Nicola Sturgeon: 'Please stay at home'
"What the country wanted tonight was clarity and consensus, but we haven't got either of those."
The lockdown was introduced on 23 March to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has so far killed at least 31,855 people across the UK.
Mr Johnson's speech comes after ministers were accused of sending "mixed messages" and creating false hope that a significant easing of the restrictions was on the cards.
In recent days, some newspaper front pages have declared that "lockdown freedom beckons", while others said the "first steps to freedom" will begin.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, 84, recovers from COVID-19 after 7 weeks in hospital

Explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison , 84 , is back at home after spending seven weeks in hospital with COVID-19 - where he nearly died multiple times .
The adventurer and conservationist has had his fair share of illnesses while living with tribes around the world over the past six decades , but none prepared him for the struggles of COVID-19 , his son , Merlin Hanbury-Tenison , told Sky News .
Robin , who lives with his wife Louella in Cornwall , was one of the first people in the southwest to get COVID-19 in mid-March .
The explorer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very fit for his age - he did eight challenges for his 80th birthday , including his first marathon , which he trained for in deck shoes , water skiing the Channel and sky diving .
Robin had become short of breath , had a temperature , a dry cough and was getting confused so his family called NHS 111 and an ambulance was sent .
The paramedics quickly put on protective suits and rushed him to hospital when they realised how sick he was .
Merlin told Sky News : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was so it was quite a shock when they put on the hazmat suits .
`` We then did n't see him for seven weeks .
The doctors said 'do n't come to the hospital because you wo n't be allowed in ' .
`` He was unconscious for five out of the seven weeks so although he 's a very determined person that was irrelevant then , and it was really down to the incredible team at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth . ''
Robin had to have a tracheotomy and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were failing , then after about two weeks in hospital his kidneys failed .
His family were told that a man of his age was unlikely to pull through , and if he did he would be under severe palliative care for the rest of his life .
`` We were told to prepare for the worst .
We had that conversation pretty much every week for the next two or three , '' said Merlin .
`` He 's spent his life in far flung places , many times when he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peril - but nothing like this .
`` It was pretty horrible .
I was just glad we were all together by that point - me , my wife and mother - as we had to quarantine straight away after he was taken to hospital , especially as my wife is quite heavily pregnant .
`` I 'd be lying if we did n't lose faith in him and prepare for the worse . ''
Merlin said he and his mother would call the hospital three or four times a day to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doctors and nurses they spoke to each time .
`` We spoke to 35 nurses and 12 doctors , '' he said .
`` Nobody was ever impatient or angry with us even though we were asking the same questions every time .
`` They were the very definition of professional , were comforting but at no point gave us false hope . ''
Merlin credits the hospital with his father 's survival , especially as it has a rehabilitation garden that ICU patients can be taken in to .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not severe , can be taken into hospital gardens , but there was an amazing rehab nurse called Kate Tantam who pioneered to have an intensive care garden in March .
`` They brought my father into the garden in his fifth week , he was suffering badly from sedation delirium and had eight stitches from falling off his bed , but was wheeled into the garden in his bed with us watching on an iPad .
`` He could breathe the fresh air , smell the flowers - that was a u-turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover , it was incredible .
That really is the power of nature . ''
After turning that corner , a long recovery road was ahead for Robin , with plans to send him to a physio centre in Plymouth then a community hospital closer to home .
`` But they leapfrogged all of that , '' Merlin said .
`` We said we wanted him home for his 84th birthday last Thursday and they all said they did not think that would happen .
`` But he suddenly got so much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going home all the nurses came to visit him and flocked around his bed .
`` They said 'you 're the oldest , sickest patient who has been in the ICU the longest - we thought you 'd be leaving two feet first ' ! ''
Robin is now recovering at his farm on Bodmin Moor where Merlin says his mother has him on a `` pretty regimented scheme '' of exercise , food and rest .
He is doing laps of the house on a walking frame and has an exercise bike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting still for too long , if he can help it , Robin is already planning to take up another challenge to raise money for hospitals around the country to have intensive care gardens .
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Just before Robin got sick , his newest book , Taming the Four Horsemen , was published .
`` It is ironically about pandemics , '' said Merlin .
`` On page four , he says epidemiologists believe the next pandemic will be within the next couple of years - in reality it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was a bit tardy with that !
`` It 's about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse , he got the idea working with indigenous people his whole life , especially with the Maya , who collapsed due to the same reasons lots of the Western world is failing - too populated , resources are depleted . ''
With his new , if much unwanted experience , Robin will now be promoting his book with a newfound insight .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @

Explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, 84, is back at home after spending seven weeks in hospital with COVID-19 - where he nearly died multiple times.
The adventurer and conservationist has had his fair share of illnesses while living with tribes around the world over the past six decades, but none prepared him for the struggles of COVID-19, his son, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, told Sky News.
Robin, who lives with his wife Louella in Cornwall, was one of the first people in the southwest to get COVID-19 in mid-March.
Image: He continues to explore the world, here with his son Merlin in Borneo
The explorer, who founded Survival International 51 years ago, is very fit for his age - he did eight challenges for his 80th birthday, including his first marathon, which he trained for in deck shoes, water skiing the Channel and sky diving.
Rushed to hospital
Robin had become short of breath, had a temperature, a dry cough and was getting confused so his family called NHS 111 and an ambulance was sent.
The paramedics quickly put on protective suits and rushed him to hospital when they realised how sick he was.
Merlin told Sky News: "We didn't realise how seriously ill he was so it was quite a shock when they put on the hazmat suits.
"We then didn't see him for seven weeks. The doctors said 'don't come to the hospital because you won't be allowed in'.
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"He was unconscious for five out of the seven weeks so although he's a very determined person that was irrelevant then, and it was really down to the incredible team at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth."
Image: The explorer recovering in hospital after being unconscious for five weeks. Pic: Merlin Hanbury-Tenison
Prepare for the worst
Robin had to have a tracheotomy and was placed on a ventilator as his lungs were failing, then after about two weeks in hospital his kidneys failed.
His family were told that a man of his age was unlikely to pull through, and if he did he would be under severe palliative care for the rest of his life.
"We were told to prepare for the worst. We had that conversation pretty much every week for the next two or three," said Merlin.
"He's spent his life in far flung places, many times when he's been very ill and been in considerable peril - but nothing like this.
"It was pretty horrible. I was just glad we were all together by that point - me, my wife and mother - as we had to quarantine straight away after he was taken to hospital, especially as my wife is quite heavily pregnant.
"I'd be lying if we didn't lose faith in him and prepare for the worse."
Image: Mr Hanbury-Tenison lives with his wife, Louella, in Cornwall
Incredible doctors and nurses
Merlin said he and his mother would call the hospital three or four times a day to be updated, writing down the names of the doctors and nurses they spoke to each time.
"We spoke to 35 nurses and 12 doctors," he said.
"Nobody was ever impatient or angry with us even though we were asking the same questions every time.
"They were the very definition of professional, were comforting but at no point gave us false hope."
The secret garden u-turn
Merlin credits the hospital with his father's survival, especially as it has a rehabilitation garden that ICU patients can be taken in to.
He said: "Usually only acute patients, not severe, can be taken into hospital gardens, but there was an amazing rehab nurse called Kate Tantam who pioneered to have an intensive care garden in March.
"They brought my father into the garden in his fifth week, he was suffering badly from sedation delirium and had eight stitches from falling off his bed, but was wheeled into the garden in his bed with us watching on an iPad.
"He could breathe the fresh air, smell the flowers - that was a u-turn, that was when he started to recover, it was incredible. That really is the power of nature."
Image: Mr Hanbury-Tenison turned a corner when he was taken to the intensive care garden
Leapfrogging recovery
After turning that corner, a long recovery road was ahead for Robin, with plans to send him to a physio centre in Plymouth then a community hospital closer to home.
"But they leapfrogged all of that," Merlin said.
"We said we wanted him home for his 84th birthday last Thursday and they all said they did not think that would happen.
"But he suddenly got so much better and when it was announced he was going home all the nurses came to visit him and flocked around his bed.
"They said 'you're the oldest, sickest patient who has been in the ICU the longest - we thought you'd be leaving two feet first'!"
Image: Mr Hanbury-Tenison, pictured here in 1986, has made helping tribes around the world his life's work
Already planning another challenge
Robin is now recovering at his farm on Bodmin Moor where Merlin says his mother has him on a "pretty regimented scheme" of exercise, food and rest.
He is doing laps of the house on a walking frame and has an exercise bike set up outside.
Not one for sitting still for too long, if he can help it, Robin is already planning to take up another challenge to raise money for hospitals around the country to have intensive care gardens.
Image: Merlin (r) said there were times he lost faith in his father pulling through
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Just before Robin got sick, his newest book, Taming the Four Horsemen, was published.
"It is ironically about pandemics," said Merlin.
"On page four, he says epidemiologists believe the next pandemic will be within the next couple of years - in reality it was only a month away, so he was a bit tardy with that!
"It's about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he got the idea working with indigenous people his whole life, especially with the Maya, who collapsed due to the same reasons lots of the Western world is failing - too populated, resources are depleted."
With his new, if much unwanted experience, Robin will now be promoting his book with a newfound insight.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker


news--2020-05-09--Uganda using coronavirus laws to target marginalised LGBT groups

The pictures of a raid on an LGBT shelter in Uganda are grainy and shaky but there is no mistaking the look of fear etched on the residents ' faces .
There are 23 men and women sitting in the forecourt of a charity-run facility near Kampala , listening to a municipal mayor and his officials taunt and scream at them from above .
`` Who are your parents ? ''
shouts Mayor Hajji Abdul Kiyimba .
`` Give me your parents ' number .
Quickly , give it .
Rubbish ! ''
When he does not get the answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hits shelter occupants with a four-foot cane .
It is a brutal display .
`` Who is in charge here ... tell me about the condoms ?
Where did they come from ... tell me what you were using condoms for ? ''
A young man in a blue shirt is quizzed by another interrogator : `` Who were you having sex with ? ''
`` I was n't having sex with anyone , '' he replies .
`` Tell us who you were having sex with , '' demands the official as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human rights groups have characterised the incident , which took place on the morning of 29 March as a homophobic attack on a facility offering services to the homeless .
Interviews given by municipal officials at the time of the raid lend credence to that view .
`` We 've been told about homosexuals in our area and we 're asking ourselves what to do about it .
We 've told people we 're dealing with it with utmost urgency , '' says the municipal information secretary , Vincent Nyanzi .
The camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local officials bind the hands of the shelter residents and tie them together in a human chain .
Once completed , they are marched onto the streets in the direction of the police station as local residents harass and abuse them .
`` We would like to see their husbands who rented them such a big house , '' said one .
`` Our daughters are not married , why do n't you marry them instead of engaging in homosexuality , '' says another .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Nineteen people from the shelter , including the director of the charity which runs it , were charged by the police .
However , they were not sanctioned under Uganda 's controversial anti-homosexuality law .
Instead , they have been charged with disobeying coronavirus regulations on social distancing .
According to the defendants ' lawyer , Patricia Kimera , the authorities have `` repurposed '' emergency powers designed to tackle the virus and targeted a marginalised group instead .
`` It was a trumped-up charge , doing an act that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are people who were found in a shelter , in a home , in a place they take as home .
For me , I still believe that there was no violation at all of any of the rules . ''
Ms Kimera has not been allowed to visit her clients , who have been in prison on remand for the past five weeks .
The situation is frustrating she says , with the Uganda prison service identifying 2,000 inmates for early release in order to `` de-congest '' the system as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are usually put against LGBT people to 'teach them a lesson ' .
Ok , go there on remand even if the case does n't proceed , even if it gets dismissed - but let us teach you a lesson . ''
A panel of UN human rights experts have raised serious concerns about the raid with UN Special Rapporteur Victor Madrigal-Borloz , calling for the defendants ' release from prison : `` I think it is important that there is an immediate consideration of the release of these people and certainly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mawethu Nkosana , the LGBT activist at human rights group CIVICUS , the raid on the LGBT clinic in Uganda should serve as a worldwide wake-up call , as politicians propose and implement special COVID-19 measures .
`` We need to assess these legal instruments .
When will they be repealed ?
The fact is , they usually do n't have a repeal date . ''
Sky News contacted the mayor of Nsangi municipality , Hajji Abdul Kiyimba , but he did not wish to comment on this story .
The deputy-police spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Onyango , told us that the incident in question was not a raid but a community initiative `` to enforce social distancing and stop the spread of the disease '' .
He told Sky News that COVID-19 regulations prohibit dormitory-like facilities , adding : `` Unnatural sex is illegal in Uganda but we decided not to charge them with that . ''

The pictures of a raid on an LGBT shelter in Uganda are grainy and shaky but there is no mistaking the look of fear etched on the residents' faces.
There are 23 men and women sitting in the forecourt of a charity-run facility near Kampala, listening to a municipal mayor and his officials taunt and scream at them from above.
"Who are your parents?" shouts Mayor Hajji Abdul Kiyimba. "Give me your parents' number. Quickly, give it. Rubbish!"
Image: Officials interrogated people at a shelter about their families and sex lives
When he does not get the answers he is seeking, he whips and hits shelter occupants with a four-foot cane. It is a brutal display.
"Who is in charge here... tell me about the condoms? Where did they come from... tell me what you were using condoms for?"
A young man in a blue shirt is quizzed by another interrogator: "Who were you having sex with?"
"I wasn't having sex with anyone," he replies.
"Tell us who you were having sex with," demands the official as his colleagues cackle in the background.
Human rights groups have characterised the incident, which took place on the morning of 29 March as a homophobic attack on a facility offering services to the homeless. Interviews given by municipal officials at the time of the raid lend credence to that view.
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"We've been told about homosexuals in our area and we're asking ourselves what to do about it. We've told people we're dealing with it with utmost urgency," says the municipal information secretary, Vincent Nyanzi.
The camera operator keeps rolling as the police and local officials bind the hands of the shelter residents and tie them together in a human chain. Once completed, they are marched onto the streets in the direction of the police station as local residents harass and abuse them.
"We would like to see their husbands who rented them such a big house," said one.
"Our daughters are not married, why don't you marry them instead of engaging in homosexuality," says another.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Nineteen people from the shelter, including the director of the charity which runs it, were charged by the police.
However, they were not sanctioned under Uganda's controversial anti-homosexuality law. Instead, they have been charged with disobeying coronavirus regulations on social distancing.
According to the defendants' lawyer, Patricia Kimera, the authorities have "repurposed" emergency powers designed to tackle the virus and targeted a marginalised group instead.
"It was a trumped-up charge, doing an act that is likely to spread an infectious disease. These are people who were found in a shelter, in a home, in a place they take as home. For me, I still believe that there was no violation at all of any of the rules."
Image: Lawyers representing the group say they have not seen the residents since they were jailed
Ms Kimera has not been allowed to visit her clients, who have been in prison on remand for the past five weeks.
The situation is frustrating she says, with the Uganda prison service identifying 2,000 inmates for early release in order to "de-congest" the system as the virus advances.
"These charges are usually put against LGBT people to 'teach them a lesson'. Ok, go there on remand even if the case doesn't proceed, even if it gets dismissed - but let us teach you a lesson."
A panel of UN human rights experts have raised serious concerns about the raid with UN Special Rapporteur Victor Madrigal-Borloz, calling for the defendants' release from prison: "I think it is important that there is an immediate consideration of the release of these people and certainly, their access to lawyers."
Image: Police and local officials bound the hands of the shelter residents and tied them together in a human chain
For Mawethu Nkosana, the LGBT activist at human rights group CIVICUS, the raid on the LGBT clinic in Uganda should serve as a worldwide wake-up call, as politicians propose and implement special COVID-19 measures.
"We need to assess these legal instruments. When will they be repealed? The fact is, they usually don't have a repeal date."
Sky News contacted the mayor of Nsangi municipality, Hajji Abdul Kiyimba, but he did not wish to comment on this story.
The deputy-police spokesman for the city of Kampala, Patrick Onyango, told us that the incident in question was not a raid but a community initiative "to enforce social distancing and stop the spread of the disease".
He told Sky News that COVID-19 regulations prohibit dormitory-like facilities, adding: "Unnatural sex is illegal in Uganda but we decided not to charge them with that."


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Towns and schools may face 'localised lockdown' if there is a small outbreak

Localised lockdowns could be used to tackle coronavirus hotspots as the government moves to restart the economy , a cabinet minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme , Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed nationally , outbreaks in specific communities , towns and even schools could see `` particular measures '' imposed .
With the prime minister due to lay out a roadmap for easing the current lockdown , Mr Jenrick also said the government 's `` strong preference '' is that leaders of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to the coronavirus .
However , splits have immediately opened up , with Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisting will continue to use the `` stay at home '' message to tackle the coronavirus crisis .
Boris Johnson is to ditch the phrase and instead tell people to `` stay alert , control the virus and save lives '' .
But Ms Sturgeon said the first she had heard of the `` the PM 's new slogan '' was in newspaper reports and that she would not be switching `` given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford also said the stay at home message had `` not gone away '' - telling Ridge that it `` remains the best way you can protect yourself and others '' .
In his address to the nation , Mr Johnson will unveil a five-level coronavirus warning system when he outlines his plans to gradually relax restrictions and urge workers who can not do their jobs from home to begin resuming their roles , while observing social-distancing rules .
Mr Jenrick told Ridge : `` At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four on a scale of five - with five being the most concerning - and our aspiration is to bring that down as swiftly as we can to three .
`` And at each stage , at each of those milestones , we will be in a position to open up and restart more aspects of the economy and of our lives . ''
He added : `` The evidence behind it will also be able to inform what we do at a local level and if we see there are outbreaks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towns , then we may be able to take particular measures in those places as we build up a more sophisticated and longer-term response to controlling the virus . ''
Mr Jenrick also defended the change in slogan , telling Ridge there was a need to `` update and broaden '' the message to the public .
He said : `` We need to have a broader message because we want to slowly and cautiously restart the economy and the country .
`` We 're not going to take risks with the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future but we want now to have a message which encourages people to go to work .
`` Staying home will still be an important part of the message but you will be able to go to work and you will in time be able to do some other activities that you 're not able to do today . ''
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister 's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth warned the government 's new `` stay alert '' slogan risks ambiguity .
He added : `` We need absolute clarity from Boris Johnson .
There 's no room for nuance in this .
`` This virus exploits ambivalence , it thrives on ambiguity and I think the problem with the slogan that has been briefed to the newspapers is people will be looking slightly puzzled , questioning 'what does it mean to stay alert ?
What are the government saying with that ? '
`` So I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that crystal-clear clarity tonight that is desperately needed . ''
Meanwhile , Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said any changes made to the region 's lockdown measures following Mr Johnson 's announcement will be `` nuanced '' .
She pointed out Northern Ireland 's transmission rate remained higher than other parts of the UK , which had led to the lockdown rules being extended for a further three weeks .
Speaking to Ridge , Ms Foster said : `` There are differences across the United Kingdom , regional differences .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences and as a result , we may see slight differences across the United Kingdom .
`` Of course , we have benefited greatly from being part of the United Kingdom ... but it is important that we do what is right in our region of the United Kingdom moving forward and that 's why we 're coming with our road plan early next week . ''

Localised lockdowns could be used to tackle coronavirus hotspots as the government moves to restart the economy, a cabinet minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed nationally, outbreaks in specific communities, towns and even schools could see "particular measures" imposed.
With the prime minister due to lay out a roadmap for easing the current lockdown, Mr Jenrick also said the government's "strong preference" is that leaders of the devolved nations agreed to maintain a UK-wide approach to the coronavirus.
Image: Mr Jenrick defended the change in slogan arguing the need to 'update and broaden' the message
However, splits have immediately opened up, with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisting will continue to use the "stay at home" message to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Boris Johnson is to ditch the phrase and instead tell people to "stay alert, control the virus and save lives".
But Ms Sturgeon said the first she had heard of the "the PM's new slogan" was in newspaper reports and that she would not be switching "given the critical point we are at".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:51 Arlene Foster: We need to prevent a second spike in NI
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford also said the stay at home message had "not gone away" - telling Ridge that it "remains the best way you can protect yourself and others".
In his address to the nation, Mr Johnson will unveil a five-level coronavirus warning system when he outlines his plans to gradually relax restrictions and urge workers who cannot do their jobs from home to begin resuming their roles, while observing social-distancing rules.
Mr Jenrick told Ridge: "At the moment we believe the country is at four on a scale of five - with five being the most concerning - and our aspiration is to bring that down as swiftly as we can to three.
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"And at each stage, at each of those milestones, we will be in a position to open up and restart more aspects of the economy and of our lives."
He added: "The evidence behind it will also be able to inform what we do at a local level and if we see there are outbreaks in particular localities, neighbourhoods, schools, towns, then we may be able to take particular measures in those places as we build up a more sophisticated and longer-term response to controlling the virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 No dramatic lockdown changes, warns govt
Mr Jenrick also defended the change in slogan, telling Ridge there was a need to "update and broaden" the message to the public.
He said: "We need to have a broader message because we want to slowly and cautiously restart the economy and the country.
"We're not going to take risks with the public. I understand people are anxious about the future but we want now to have a message which encourages people to go to work.
"Staying home will still be an important part of the message but you will be able to go to work and you will in time be able to do some other activities that you're not able to do today."
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth warned the government's new "stay alert" slogan risks ambiguity.
He added: "We need absolute clarity from Boris Johnson. There's no room for nuance in this.
"This virus exploits ambivalence, it thrives on ambiguity and I think the problem with the slogan that has been briefed to the newspapers is people will be looking slightly puzzled, questioning 'what does it mean to stay alert? What are the government saying with that?'
"So I hope that Boris Johnson will offer us that crystal-clear clarity tonight that is desperately needed."
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said any changes made to the region's lockdown measures following Mr Johnson's announcement will be "nuanced".
She pointed out Northern Ireland's transmission rate remained higher than other parts of the UK, which had led to the lockdown rules being extended for a further three weeks.
Speaking to Ridge, Ms Foster said: "There are differences across the United Kingdom, regional differences. I think the prime minister recognises those regional differences and as a result, we may see slight differences across the United Kingdom.
"Of course, we have benefited greatly from being part of the United Kingdom... but it is important that we do what is right in our region of the United Kingdom moving forward and that's why we're coming with our road plan early next week."


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Grace Millane's family donates 300 care packages to key workers in her memory

The family of a British backbacker murdered in New Zealand has donated 300 care bags filled with toiletries to staff and patients at hospitals and care homes caught up in the coronavirus outbreak .
Grace Millane , from Wickford in Essex , was killed in Auckland on the night before her 22nd birthday in December 2018 by a man she had met on dating site Tinder .
Her cousin Hannah O'Callaghan told Sky News `` We just wanted to give an act of kindness to the NHS and care workers in this difficult time , to thank them for everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ICU and critical care patients who sometimes arrive without anything and family are n't able to visit .
Just to show that people care . ''
The care packages have gone to staff and patients at Thurrock Hospital , Colchester Hospital , Basildon Hospital , Broomfield Hospital , Southend Hospital , St Luke 's Hospice , Bennett Lodge , The Belfry Residential Care Home and Manor Rest Home - all in Essex .
The Love Grace x campaign provides handbags filled with essentials to refuges to help women who often leave a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their back .
Ms O'Callaghan said : `` Initially we wanted to donate 50 bags to our local domestic abuse charity Changing Pathways , but we have since donated over 6,500 to different charities in the UK , US , Canada and there was a national appeal run on our behalf in New Zealand with The Project NZ .
`` The bags go to women in refuge , having counselling or attending workshops with the charity .
They are acts of kindness to remind these women that they matter .
`` As many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to contamination we decided we wanted to use some of our donations to give to the key workers who are doing an amazing job , and also the patients who arrive without anything .
`` This was especially the case at the beginning of lockdown when shops were running low on items and people could n't get the basics .
`` We wanted to say thank you , and our followers have been 100 % behind our initiative to donate to the NHS & care homes . ''
She added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we hope that if people have been having a spring clean during lockdown , they will keep any handbags , toiletries and unused make up aside and donate when the world returns to some semblance of normality , as unfortunately there will be a greater need for them . ''

The family of a British backbacker murdered in New Zealand has donated 300 care bags filled with toiletries to staff and patients at hospitals and care homes caught up in the coronavirus outbreak.
Grace Millane, from Wickford in Essex, was killed in Auckland on the night before her 22nd birthday in December 2018 by a man she had met on dating site Tinder.
Her cousin Hannah O'Callaghan told Sky News "We just wanted to give an act of kindness to the NHS and care workers in this difficult time, to thank them for everything they are doing, and also COVID-19, ICU and critical care patients who sometimes arrive without anything and family aren't able to visit. Just to show that people care."
Image: Staff at Thurrock Hospital in Grays, Essex, receive their care bags. Pic: Love Grace x
The care packages have gone to staff and patients at Thurrock Hospital, Colchester Hospital, Basildon Hospital, Broomfield Hospital, Southend Hospital, St Luke's Hospice, Bennett Lodge, The Belfry Residential Care Home and Manor Rest Home - all in Essex.
The Love Grace x campaign provides handbags filled with essentials to refuges to help women who often leave a violent situation with just the clothes on their back.
Image: The campaign provides handbags filled with essentials to refuges to help domestic violence victims. Pics: Love Grace x
Ms O'Callaghan said: "Initially we wanted to donate 50 bags to our local domestic abuse charity Changing Pathways, but we have since donated over 6,500 to different charities in the UK, US, Canada and there was a national appeal run on our behalf in New Zealand with The Project NZ.
"The bags go to women in refuge, having counselling or attending workshops with the charity. They are acts of kindness to remind these women that they matter.
"As many refuges are closed and not accepting donations due to contamination we decided we wanted to use some of our donations to give to the key workers who are doing an amazing job, and also the patients who arrive without anything.
Image: Bags filled with toiletries are donated to staff and patients at hospitals and care homes. Pics: Love Grace x
"This was especially the case at the beginning of lockdown when shops were running low on items and people couldn't get the basics.
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"We wanted to say thank you, and our followers have been 100% behind our initiative to donate to the NHS & care homes."
She added: "Our drop off points are currently closed, but we hope that if people have been having a spring clean during lockdown, they will keep any handbags, toiletries and unused make up aside and donate when the world returns to some semblance of normality, as unfortunately there will be a greater need for them."


news--2020-05-10--Polar vortex brings 'once in a generation May snowstorm' to US East Coast

A polar vortex has blasted into the northeastern US this weekend bringing rare May snowfall and record low temperatures to some areas .
Up to 10 inches of snow has been reported in some elevated parts of New York and New England , with flurries and dustings seen along the coast from Maine , New Hampshire and Boston to as far south as Manhattan .
John Cannon , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray , Maine , said : `` We 've had several inches in many areas in the northeast .
`` This is a rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May weather is being described as a `` once in a generation May snowstorm '' .
Snow was reported in New York City 's Central Park , equalling a record set in 1977 for latest snowfall of the season , while Massachusetts had n't had measurable snow in May since 2002 .
The hardest hit areas were hill town communities like Sugar Hill , New Hampshire , which got 10.5 inches , and Carrabasset Valley in Maine , which saw nine inches of snowfall , he said .
Winds of up to 87mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Mount Washington Observatory , atop the highest peak in the northeast , with temperatures plunging to -30C ( -22F ) .
Temperatures are expected to dip below -1C ( 30F ) into Sunday morning in parts of New Jersey and New York , and a freeze warning has been issued in parts of Pennsylvania .
`` There are numerous freeze watches , warnings , and frost advisories in effect through Sunday morning across the Central High Plains , Northern Plains , and from Alabama to the Northeast , '' the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a map on Twitter showing the stark contrast between the East Coast and West Coast , with temperatures forecast to reach up to 38C ( 100F ) in parts of California on Sunday , and 8C ( 46F ) in Maine .
`` What a pattern across the United States .
It will be warmer in Alaska than it will be in Atlanta , Georgia , '' said AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno .
A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the north and south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is known as a `` vortex '' because the air flows anti-clockwise , keeping the colder air close to the poles .
Often during winter in the Northern Hemisphere , the polar vortex will weaken sending cold Arctic air south over the US Midwest and East Coast .
The wintry weather comes two days after Vermont began to lift restrictions on tennis , golf and other outdoor activities that had been imposed to curb the coronavirus outbreak .
Governor Phil Scott sympathised with those frustrated by the weather following weeks of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know snow on May 9th is n't a welcome sight for many Vermonters , just as we 're cautiously allowing outdoor recreation to get going again .
`` But this is just a snapshot in time .
Just like better weather is ahead , better days will come , as well .
We will get through this , together . ''

A polar vortex has blasted into the northeastern US this weekend bringing rare May snowfall and record low temperatures to some areas.
Up to 10 inches of snow has been reported in some elevated parts of New York and New England, with flurries and dustings seen along the coast from Maine, New Hampshire and Boston to as far south as Manhattan.
John Cannon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said: "We've had several inches in many areas in the northeast.
"This is a rare May snow event."
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The unseasonable May weather is being described as a "once in a generation May snowstorm".
Snow was reported in New York City's Central Park, equalling a record set in 1977 for latest snowfall of the season, while Massachusetts hadn't had measurable snow in May since 2002.
The hardest hit areas were hill town communities like Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, which got 10.5 inches, and Carrabasset Valley in Maine, which saw nine inches of snowfall, he said.
Winds of up to 87mph (140kph) were recorded on Saturday at the Mount Washington Observatory, atop the highest peak in the northeast, with temperatures plunging to -30C (-22F).
Temperatures are expected to dip below -1C (30F) into Sunday morning in parts of New Jersey and New York, and a freeze warning has been issued in parts of Pennsylvania.
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Image: A map from the National Weather Service shows the stark contrast in temperatures between the East Coast and West Coast
"There are numerous freeze watches, warnings, and frost advisories in effect through Sunday morning across the Central High Plains, Northern Plains, and from Alabama to the Northeast," the National Weather Service tweeted.
It also posted a map on Twitter showing the stark contrast between the East Coast and West Coast, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 38C (100F) in parts of California on Sunday, and 8C (46F) in Maine.
"What a pattern across the United States. It will be warmer in Alaska than it will be in Atlanta, Georgia," said AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the north and south poles.
Present all year round, it is known as a "vortex" because the air flows anti-clockwise, keeping the colder air close to the poles.
Image: A person wears a protective face mask while walking in the snow during the coronavirus pandemic in New York City
Often during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will weaken sending cold Arctic air south over the US Midwest and East Coast.
The wintry weather comes two days after Vermont began to lift restrictions on tennis, golf and other outdoor activities that had been imposed to curb the coronavirus outbreak.
Governor Phil Scott sympathised with those frustrated by the weather following weeks of being in lockdown.
He tweeted: "I know snow on May 9th isn't a welcome sight for many Vermonters, just as we're cautiously allowing outdoor recreation to get going again.
"But this is just a snapshot in time. Just like better weather is ahead, better days will come, as well. We will get through this, together."


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Tesla's Elon Musk told he 'must not reopen' US car plant due to lockdown

Tesla `` must not reopen '' its only US car factory as the coronavirus lockdown remains in force , the local county health department has said .
It will come as a blow to the electric vehicle firm 's boss Elon Musk , who had told employees limited production would restart at the Fremont plant in California .
The state 's governor Gavin Newsom had earlier said manufacturers in the state would be allowed to reopen .
But Alameda County , where the Tesla factory is located , is due to remain shut until the end of May .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department said the local coronavirus lockdown order only allowed essential businesses to reopen .
`` Tesla has been informed that they do not meet those criteria and must not reopen , '' the spokeswoman said .
Mr Musk has been strongly critical of the COVID-19 lockdown and stay-at-home orders , calling them a `` serious risk '' to US business and branding them `` unconstitutional , '' arguing they would be overturned by the US Supreme Court if challenged .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restart limited operations on Friday with 30 % of normal headcount per shift .
It pointed out limited operations had started at its so-called gigafactories in Nevada and New York , which make battery packs for its vehicles , after securing state approval .
Mr Musk has said employees who feel uncomfortable returning to work would not be forced to do so .
Tesla had been in dispute with officials in California in March over whether it had to halt production at the factory under lockdown orders that allowed only essential businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended in the middle of that month when the firm said it would suspend production .

Tesla "must not reopen" its only US car factory as the coronavirus lockdown remains in force, the local county health department has said.
It will come as a blow to the electric vehicle firm's boss Elon Musk, who had told employees limited production would restart at the Fremont plant in California.
The state's governor Gavin Newsom had earlier said manufacturers in the state would be allowed to reopen.
Image: Elon Musk has been deeply critical of the lockdown and stay-at-home orders
But Alameda County, where the Tesla factory is located, is due to remain shut until the end of May.
A spokeswoman for the county's public health department said the local coronavirus lockdown order only allowed essential businesses to reopen.
"Tesla has been informed that they do not meet those criteria and must not reopen," the spokeswoman said.
Mr Musk has been strongly critical of the COVID-19 lockdown and stay-at-home orders, calling them a "serious risk" to US business and branding them "unconstitutional," arguing they would be overturned by the US Supreme Court if challenged.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Tesla had planned to restart limited operations on Friday with 30% of normal headcount per shift.
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It pointed out limited operations had started at its so-called gigafactories in Nevada and New York, which make battery packs for its vehicles, after securing state approval.
Mr Musk has said employees who feel uncomfortable returning to work would not be forced to do so.
Tesla had been in dispute with officials in California in March over whether it had to halt production at the factory under lockdown orders that allowed only essential businesses to continue to operate.
The stand-off ended in the middle of that month when the firm said it would suspend production.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Five-stage alert system to be unveiled - as well as our current status

The prime minister will unveil a five-stage coronavirus warning system as part of a gradual easing of the lockdown .
Boris Johnson will also leave behind the old `` stay at home '' slogan and instead tell people to `` stay alert , control the virus and save lives '' .
A five-stage system administered by a new `` joint biosecurity centre '' will detect increases in COVID-19 infection rates and judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally in England .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels ranging from green ( level one ) to red ( level five ) , Mr Johnson is expected to say the nation is close to moving down from level four to three .
The UK 's lockdown was introduced on 23 March to try to contain the spread of COVID-19 and , by law , it must be reviewed every three weeks .
It was last reviewed on Thursday , when Downing Street said that no changes have been made .
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee today before his pre-recorded address airs at 7pm , with some changes potentially taking effect as early as Monday .
He is expected to tell people who can not work from home that they can return to their workplaces while following social distancing rules .
Garden centres will be allowed to reopen and the limit of one type of exercise a day is expected be relaxed , while there will likely be tougher fines for those who break the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers are planning a 14-day compulsory self-isolation period for people arriving at UK airports from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland .
A larger 50-page document is to be revealed on Monday which will outline how the UK economy will be revived after the virus outbreak forced widespread business closures .
But there is concern that many workers might not be willing to return to work yet , with the latest figures showing more than 31,000 people have died in the UK with coronavirus .
A scientific adviser to the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could still suffer more than 100,000 deaths by the end of the year if the lockdown is relaxed too quickly .
Union leaders have said they will not recommend their members return to work until their safety can be assured .
In The Observer , Unison , Unite , the GMB , Usdaw and the Trades Union Congress wrote that workers needed to know that `` ministers have listened and that we stay safe and save lives at work too '' .
Mr Johnson told The Sun On Sunday : `` You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but it 's on the descent you have to make sure you do n't run too fast , lose control and stumble . ''
Meanwhile , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a £250m package to boost cycling and walking , warning that some forms of public transport will only be able to run at 10 % capacity under social distancing rules .

The prime minister will unveil a five-stage coronavirus warning system as part of a gradual easing of the lockdown.
Boris Johnson will also leave behind the old "stay at home" slogan and instead tell people to "stay alert, control the virus and save lives".
A five-stage system administered by a new "joint biosecurity centre" will detect increases in COVID-19 infection rates and judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally in England.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
With the alert levels ranging from green (level one) to red (level five), Mr Johnson is expected to say the nation is close to moving down from level four to three.
The UK's lockdown was introduced on 23 March to try to contain the spread of COVID-19 and, by law, it must be reviewed every three weeks. It was last reviewed on Thursday, when Downing Street said that no changes have been made.
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:03 UK COVID-19 deaths rise by 346
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee today before his pre-recorded address airs at 7pm, with some changes potentially taking effect as early as Monday.
He is expected to tell people who cannot work from home that they can return to their workplaces while following social distancing rules.
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Garden centres will be allowed to reopen and the limit of one type of exercise a day is expected be relaxed, while there will likely be tougher fines for those who break the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 Travellers to UK expected to face quarantine
There are also reports that ministers are planning a 14-day compulsory self-isolation period for people arriving at UK airports from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland.
A larger 50-page document is to be revealed on Monday which will outline how the UK economy will be revived after the virus outbreak forced widespread business closures.
But there is concern that many workers might not be willing to return to work yet, with the latest figures showing more than 31,000 people have died in the UK with coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:37 Scotland lockdown 'must be extended'
A scientific adviser to the government told The Sunday Times that the UK could still suffer more than 100,000 deaths by the end of the year if the lockdown is relaxed too quickly.
Union leaders have said they will not recommend their members return to work until their safety can be assured.
In The Observer, Unison, Unite, the GMB, Usdaw and the Trades Union Congress wrote that workers needed to know that "ministers have listened and that we stay safe and save lives at work too".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 How transport will change after lockdown
Mr Johnson told The Sun On Sunday: "You have very few options on the climb up - but it's on the descent you have to make sure you don't run too fast, lose control and stumble."
Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a £250m package to boost cycling and walking, warning that some forms of public transport will only be able to run at 10% capacity under social distancing rules.


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Bosses say PM fails to allay confusion over face masks for workers

Bosses of major companies said on Sunday that the prime minister had left them in the dark about whether they would be required to provide face coverings to employees returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has spoken to a number of chief executives who say they were left `` bemused '' by a lack of clarity from Boris Johnson over several elements of the government 's plan to ease the UK lockdown .
One of those present on a call with Mr Johnson following his statement on Sunday evening said he had described face masks as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricting infections , but had said their use would not be made mandatory .
The lack of clarity over the use of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) has been among the biggest points of contention for the private sector since draft guidelines were published a week ago .
`` The messaging from the PM was unclear , to say the least , '' the person said .
`` This is a time when employers need clarity in order to reassure staff , but there was none . ''
Mr Johnson is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of not meeting the targets for easing lockdown restrictions outlined in his public broadcast .
One corporate chief said the PM had used the call to highlight the need to solve Britain 's productivity challenges and tackle the `` innovation gap '' in the UK economy .
`` He signalled that the priorities would be to invest in technology , infrastructure and education , '' the executive said .
Challenged about the restrictions on public transport capacity , and the problems that would pose to companies asking their employees to return to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have made a joke about Transport for London being better-run during his tenure as the city 's mayor than under Sadiq Khan , his successor .
One of those on the call said Mr Johnson was asked about mental health problems exacerbated or caused by the pandemic , by the BP chief executive , Bernard Looney , and that he also spoke about his understanding of any link between the severity of COVID-19 's impact and patient obesity .
The chief executives of GlaxoSmithKline and Tesco also asked Mr Johnson questions during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Federation of Small Businesses .
Alok Sharma , the business secretary , also spoke on the call .
Downing Street said it would not be providing a readout of the PM 's discussion with executives .

Bosses of major companies said on Sunday that the prime minister had left them in the dark about whether they would be required to provide face coverings to employees returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has spoken to a number of chief executives who say they were left "bemused" by a lack of clarity from Boris Johnson over several elements of the government's plan to ease the UK lockdown.
One of those present on a call with Mr Johnson following his statement on Sunday evening said he had described face masks as being "of small use" in restricting infections, but had said their use would not be made mandatory.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'Go to work if you can't work from home'
The lack of clarity over the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been among the biggest points of contention for the private sector since draft guidelines were published a week ago.
"The messaging from the PM was unclear, to say the least," the person said.
"This is a time when employers need clarity in order to reassure staff, but there was none."
Mr Johnson is understood to have been candid about the risks of not meeting the targets for easing lockdown restrictions outlined in his public broadcast.
One corporate chief said the PM had used the call to highlight the need to solve Britain's productivity challenges and tackle the "innovation gap" in the UK economy.
"He signalled that the priorities would be to invest in technology, infrastructure and education," the executive said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'Some of the detail causes real concern'
Challenged about the restrictions on public transport capacity, and the problems that would pose to companies asking their employees to return to work this week, the PM is understood to have made a joke about Transport for London being better-run during his tenure as the city's mayor than under Sadiq Khan, his successor.
One of those on the call said Mr Johnson was asked about mental health problems exacerbated or caused by the pandemic, by the BP chief executive, Bernard Looney, and that he also spoke about his understanding of any link between the severity of COVID-19's impact and patient obesity.
The chief executives of GlaxoSmithKline and Tesco also asked Mr Johnson questions during the call, alongside executives from Google and the Federation of Small Businesses.
Alok Sharma, the business secretary, also spoke on the call.
Downing Street said it would not be providing a readout of the PM's discussion with executives.