news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Dogs being trained to find passengers with COVID-19 at UK airports

Dogs are being trained to detect coronavirus in passengers arriving at UK airports .
Canines at the Medical Detection Dogs charity have previously been used to find cancer , Parkinson 's disease and malaria and will receive similar training in order to help during the pandemic .
The organisation 's founder believes the animals could detect COVID-19 in asymptomatic travellers arriving in the UL when lockdown measures are relaxed .
The charity is working in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ( LSHTM ) and Durham University .
Six dogs have been earmarked for the training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star , Jasper and Asher .
The charity said their noses may be able to detect coronavirus in as little as six to eight weeks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Claire Guest , chief executive and co-founder of Medical Detection Dogs , said : `` In principle , we 're sure that dogs could detect COVID-19 .
We are now looking into how we can safely catch the odour of the virus from patients and present it to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs will be able to screen anyone , including those who are asymptomatic and tell us whether they need to be tested .
This would be fast , effective and non-invasive and make sure the limited NHS testing resources are only used where they are really needed . ''
Professor James Logan , Head of Department of Disease Control at The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said : `` Our previous work demonstrated that dogs can detect odours from humans with a malaria infection with extremely high accuracy - above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnostic .
`` We know that other respiratory diseases like COVID-19 change our body odour so there is a very high chance that dogs will be able to detect it .
This new diagnostic tool could revolutionise our response to COVID-19 in the short term , but particularly in the months to come , and could be profoundly impactful . ''
A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise £500,000 to train the dogs .

Dogs are being trained to detect coronavirus in passengers arriving at UK airports.
Canines at the Medical Detection Dogs charity have previously been used to find cancer, Parkinson's disease and malaria and will receive similar training in order to help during the pandemic.
The organisation's founder believes the animals could detect COVID-19 in asymptomatic travellers arriving in the UL when lockdown measures are relaxed.
Image: Most international flights are grounded at the moment
The charity is working in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Durham University.
Six dogs have been earmarked for the training; Norman, Digby, Storm, Star, Jasper and Asher.
The charity said their noses may be able to detect coronavirus in as little as six to eight weeks.
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Dr Claire Guest, chief executive and co-founder of Medical Detection Dogs, said: "In principle, we're sure that dogs could detect COVID-19. We are now looking into how we can safely catch the odour of the virus from patients and present it to the dogs.
"The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone, including those who are asymptomatic and tell us whether they need to be tested. This would be fast, effective and non-invasive and make sure the limited NHS testing resources are only used where they are really needed."
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Professor James Logan, Head of Department of Disease Control at The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Our previous work demonstrated that dogs can detect odours from humans with a malaria infection with extremely high accuracy - above the World Health Organisation standards for a diagnostic.
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"We know that other respiratory diseases like COVID-19 change our body odour so there is a very high chance that dogs will be able to detect it. This new diagnostic tool could revolutionise our response to COVID-19 in the short term, but particularly in the months to come, and could be profoundly impactful."
A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise £500,000 to train the dogs.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Trump meets Cuomo for 'honest and open' talks on virus handling

The US president has met the governor of New York after weeks of disagreements over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Donald Trump hosted Andrew Cuomo at the White House on Tuesday for discussions described by Mr Cuomo as `` honest and open '' .
Mr Cuomo told MSNBC : `` I wanted to have a face-to-face conversation , particularly on testing .
`` We have to get this ironed out - this is a very big issue . ''
New York has reported 257,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 20,000 deaths - almost half of the US total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide , with more than 820,000 people confirmed as having the virus .
Mr Trump described the meeting as `` productive '' , also agreeing the federal government would help New York get what it needs to double its testing for the virus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker On Tuesday , the Senate also approved $ 484bn ( £393bn ) of relief for the economy and hospitals aimed at helping them survive the coronavirus crisis .
Mr Cuomo said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` in desperate shape '' .
He added : `` The president seemed very open and understanding of that and said the next piece of legislation that passes he 's going to be open to that . ''
Meanwhile , more states are planning to ease restrictions so people can return to work and economies can begin to recover .
Georgia is one of half a dozen , mostly southern states , that are reopening for business .
Gyms and hair salons are among the businesses that will reopen in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following next week .
The move comes despite fears that reopening too early could spark a second wave of coronavirus infections .
Centers for Disease Control director Robert Redfield told the Washington Post : `` There 's a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through . ''
New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Michigan have all reported their highest single-day death tolls - more than 800 in total , while the governor of California , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too soon to weaken restrictions there .
Experts have said the the US should be testing three million people per week for a good idea of how far the virus has spread .
However , states have only managed a third of this in the past week , according to The COVID Tracking Project .
President Trump has also revised his promise to temporarily suspend immigration to put `` unemployed Americans first in line for jobs '' .
The ban , expected to be approved on Wednesday , will last 60 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards '' for permanent residency .
It would not affect people coming to the US on a temporary basis .
Around 462,000 immigrant visas were issued in the 2019 fiscal year but , at a time of flight restrictions and border closures around the world , immigration is effectively frozen anyway .

The US president has met the governor of New York after weeks of disagreements over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Donald Trump hosted Andrew Cuomo at the White House on Tuesday for discussions described by Mr Cuomo as "honest and open".
Mr Cuomo told MSNBC: "I wanted to have a face-to-face conversation, particularly on testing.
"We have to get this ironed out - this is a very big issue."
New York has reported 257,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 20,000 deaths - almost half of the US total.
More than 45,000 people have died nationwide, with more than 820,000 people confirmed as having the virus.
Mr Trump described the meeting as "productive", also agreeing the federal government would help New York get what it needs to double its testing for the virus.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
On Tuesday, the Senate also approved $484bn (£393bn) of relief for the economy and hospitals aimed at helping them survive the coronavirus crisis.
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Mr Cuomo said this would not help the states, which are "in desperate shape".
He added: "The president seemed very open and understanding of that and said the next piece of legislation that passes he's going to be open to that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 17 April: New York governor blasts Trump over funding
Meanwhile, more states are planning to ease restrictions so people can return to work and economies can begin to recover.
Georgia is one of half a dozen, mostly southern states, that are reopening for business.
Gyms and hair salons are among the businesses that will reopen in the state on Friday, with cinemas and restaurants following next week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds of people gather to protest lockdown in Minnesota
The move comes despite fears that reopening too early could spark a second wave of coronavirus infections.
Centers for Disease Control director Robert Redfield told the Washington Post: "There's a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through."
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan have all reported their highest single-day death tolls - more than 800 in total, while the governor of California, the most populous state, has said it is too soon to weaken restrictions there.
Experts have said the the US should be testing three million people per week for a good idea of how far the virus has spread.
However, states have only managed a third of this in the past week, according to The COVID Tracking Project.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 'We're past the peak and starting life again'
President Trump has also revised his promise to temporarily suspend immigration to put "unemployed Americans first in line for jobs".
The ban, expected to be approved on Wednesday, will last 60 days and apply to those seeking "green cards" for permanent residency.
It would not affect people coming to the US on a temporary basis.
Around 462,000 immigrant visas were issued in the 2019 fiscal year but, at a time of flight restrictions and border closures around the world, immigration is effectively frozen anyway.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Volunteers wanted for COVID-19 vaccine trials who could earn up to £625

An urgent appeal has been issued for volunteers to take part in human trials of a potential coronavirus vaccine - with those who do so being offered up to £625 .
Teams at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London have been promised at least another £20m of public money , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying they are making `` rapid progress '' .
With Oxford 's clinical trials now under way , Sky News looks at who is eligible to take part and how people can get involved .
What is the purpose of the human trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is testing a new vaccine against COVID-19 in `` healthy volunteers '' .
The vaccine , called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 , is made from a harmless chimpanzee virus that has been genetically engineered to carry part of the coronavirus .
Professor Sarah Gilbert , from Oxford 's Jenner Institute team , told Sky News that she hoped `` up to 500 people '' would be part of its trial by the middle of May .
Who is eligible to take part ?
Volunteers must be aged 18 to 55 and in `` good health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The tests will be carried out at Bristol Children 's Vaccine Centre , University Hospital Southampton and Imperial College London , which is also developing its own vaccine , with volunteers having to live in those city areas .
For the trials in the capital , people must live in north west , west or south west London .
There will also be trials at the Oxford Vaccine Centre with volunteers from the Thames Valley area , although they are not currently being recruited .
Who is ruled out of the trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus can not take part in the trials , or those who live in the same household as any vulnerable groups at risk of `` severe COVID-19 disease '' .
Women who are pregnant , intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding during the study are also ruled out .
Anyone who has already taken part in a trial with an adenoviral vaccine or has received any other coronavirus vaccines is also ineligible .
The University of Oxford says volunteers must be `` healthy '' and it has published an extensive list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trials , including those with a history of cancer , severe allergic reactions , asthma or other serious long-term illnesses .
For the full list , click here .
What does the trial involve ?
Researchers plan to recruit a total of 1,112 volunteers , of which up to 561 will be vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 .
The other 551 volunteers will be given a control vaccine .
Vaccine appointments usually last around 90 minutes , and follow-up appointments around 20 minutes , the university says .
The trial is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optional visit a year after being given the potential vaccination .
The number of visits required during the trial will vary between four and 12 depending on the groups that volunteers are assigned to .
Do you get paid for taking part ?
The University of Oxford says volunteers receive compensation for their `` time , travel and contribution '' .
Those who take party in the study until the end will receive between £190 to £625 , dependent on the group they are in .
What are the advantages of taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study will help develop a vaccine against COVID-19 .
But the University of Oxford adds : `` There are no direct benefits of taking part , however you will receive a full medical examination at your screening appointment as part of the study . ''
Are there any risks ?
The university says this is the first time the vaccine has been given to humans but similar vaccines have been `` widely administered for many pathologies without significant safety concerns '' .
It lists the `` risks and side effects '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and occasional bruising from drawing blood for samples • Some mild redness and swelling from injecting the vaccinations • Potential flu-like symptoms within 24 hours of the vaccinations , but researchers say they usually resolve within 48 hours What will happen if volunteers drop out of the study ?
The University of Oxfords says participation is voluntary and people are free to change their mind and withdraw at any time without reason .
Anyone who withdraws may need a follow-up visit for a check-up , it adds .
People who want to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and believe they are eligible , can volunteer through its website here .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What about the trials of Imperial College London 's potential vaccine ?
A spokesman for Imperial College London told Sky News the human trials on its potential vaccine are due to begin in June and it has not yet started formally recruiting volunteers .
The team , led by Professor Robin Shattock from Imperial 's department of infectious disease , has been testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Results from the human trials could be available as soon as September , the researchers say .

An urgent appeal has been issued for volunteers to take part in human trials of a potential coronavirus vaccine - with those who do so being offered up to £625.
Teams at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London have been promised at least another £20m of public money, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying they are making "rapid progress".
With Oxford's clinical trials now under way, Sky News looks at who is eligible to take part and how people can get involved.
Image: A Oxford University scientist with some of the vaccine doses
What is the purpose of the human trials?
The University of Oxford says it is testing a new vaccine against COVID-19 in "healthy volunteers".
The vaccine, called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is made from a harmless chimpanzee virus that has been genetically engineered to carry part of the coronavirus.
Professor Sarah Gilbert, from Oxford's Jenner Institute team, told Sky News that she hoped "up to 500 people" would be part of its trial by the middle of May.
Who is eligible to take part?
Volunteers must be aged 18 to 55 and in "good health", the University of Oxford says.
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The tests will be carried out at Bristol Children's Vaccine Centre, University Hospital Southampton and Imperial College London, which is also developing its own vaccine, with volunteers having to live in those city areas.
For the trials in the capital, people must live in north west, west or south west London.
There will also be trials at the Oxford Vaccine Centre with volunteers from the Thames Valley area, although they are not currently being recruited.
Who is ruled out of the trials?
People who have tested positive for coronavirus cannot take part in the trials, or those who live in the same household as any vulnerable groups at risk of "severe COVID-19 disease".
Women who are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding during the study are also ruled out.
Anyone who has already taken part in a trial with an adenoviral vaccine or has received any other coronavirus vaccines is also ineligible.
The University of Oxford says volunteers must be "healthy" and it has published an extensive list of conditions which would rule people out of the trials, including those with a history of cancer, severe allergic reactions, asthma or other serious long-term illnesses. For the full list, click here.
What does the trial involve?
Researchers plan to recruit a total of 1,112 volunteers, of which up to 561 will be vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
The other 551 volunteers will be given a control vaccine.
Vaccine appointments usually last around 90 minutes, and follow-up appointments around 20 minutes, the university says.
The trial is due to last six months, with a further optional visit a year after being given the potential vaccination.
The number of visits required during the trial will vary between four and 12 depending on the groups that volunteers are assigned to.
Do you get paid for taking part?
The University of Oxford says volunteers receive compensation for their "time, travel and contribution".
Those who take party in the study until the end will receive between £190 to £625, dependent on the group they are in.
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
What are the advantages of taking part?
Researchers say the knowledge gained from the study will help develop a vaccine against COVID-19.
But the University of Oxford adds: "There are no direct benefits of taking part, however you will receive a full medical examination at your screening appointment as part of the study."
Are there any risks?
The university says this is the first time the vaccine has been given to humans but similar vaccines have been "widely administered for many pathologies without significant safety concerns".
It lists the "risks and side effects" of the trials as:
Slight pain and occasional bruising from drawing blood for samples
Some mild redness and swelling from injecting the vaccinations
Potential flu-like symptoms within 24 hours of the vaccinations, but researchers say they usually resolve within 48 hours
What will happen if volunteers drop out of the study?
The University of Oxfords says participation is voluntary and people are free to change their mind and withdraw at any time without reason.
Anyone who withdraws may need a follow-up visit for a check-up, it adds.
People who want to take part in Oxford's human trial, and believe they are eligible, can volunteer through its website here.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What about the trials of Imperial College London's potential vaccine?
A spokesman for Imperial College London told Sky News the human trials on its potential vaccine are due to begin in June and it has not yet started formally recruiting volunteers.
The team, led by Professor Robin Shattock from Imperial's department of infectious disease, has been testing the candidate in animals since early February.
Results from the human trials could be available as soon as September, the researchers say.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Deaths in care homes related to COVID-19 more than quadruple in a week

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes more than quadrupled from 217 to 1,043 in the space of a week , new figures show .
In total , there were 18,516 deaths provisionally registered in England and Wales in the week ending April 10 - 7,996 deaths more than the five-year average and the highest weekly total since 2000 .
Of these 6,123 mentioned `` novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) '' - around a third of all deaths , according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics .
The week 's figures show the proportion of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 83.9 % ( 8,673 deaths ) occurring in hospitals .
The figures have been labelled `` sad and shocking '' , with Labour saying they were `` only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care '' .
Ministers have promised to ramp up testing for social care workers and residents , pledging tests for all those who need them , as well as improving access to vital protective equipment .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reporting of care home deaths , the ONS will from next week publish weekly totals of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes , with the figures based on deaths reported by care home operators to the Care Quality Commission .
According to the ONS , the numbers are based on where the coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate , including in combination with other health conditions .
It comes as daily figures for coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals were released on Tuesday , showing the biggest rise in England in just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care minister , Liz Kendall , said the ONS figures demonstrated the `` terrible toll '' that the virus is having on elderly and disabled people in care homes .
`` Yet these awful figures are only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care , because they are already 11 days out of date , '' she said .
`` The government must now publish daily figures of COVID-19 deaths outside hospital , including in care homes , so we know the true scale of the problem .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , ensuing social care has the resources it needs and getting vital PPE and testing to care workers on the front line . ''
Councillor Ian Hudspeth , chairman of the Local Government Association 's Community Wellbeing Board , described the latest statistics as `` sad and shocking '' .
He said they `` highlight just what a severe challenge we face in care homes and other community settings '' .
Reacting to the latest ONS figures , a panel of scientists convened by the Science Media Centre said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales happened on 8 April and the death rate has been consistent for the last 13 days .
Prof Carl Heneghan , director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford , said : `` From an epidemiological perspective we can say that the numbers are consistent with the peak happening on 8 April .
`` We 've now tracked for 13 days that has been consistent - it has n't jumped up .
`` All of the other data surrounding this , the triangulation of the data is showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ONS said a steep rise in coronavirus-related care home deaths had seen the overall number of deaths in that setting double in four weeks .
From when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered and the week ending 10 April , the number of deaths in care homes rose from 2,471 to 4,927 .
Outside hospitals and care homes , 466 deaths occurred in private homes , 87 in hospices , 21 in other communal establishments and 45 elsewhere .

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes more than quadrupled from 217 to 1,043 in the space of a week, new figures show.
In total, there were 18,516 deaths provisionally registered in England and Wales in the week ending April 10 - 7,996 deaths more than the five-year average and the highest weekly total since 2000.
Of these 6,123 mentioned "novel coronavirus (COVID-19)" - around a third of all deaths, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.
The week's figures show the proportion of deaths outside hospitals rose to 16%, with 83.9% (8,673 deaths) occurring in hospitals.
The figures have been labelled "sad and shocking", with Labour saying they were "only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care".
Ministers have promised to ramp up testing for social care workers and residents, pledging tests for all those who need them, as well as improving access to vital protective equipment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And following demands for the government to speed up the reporting of care home deaths, the ONS will from next week publish weekly totals of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes, with the figures based on deaths reported by care home operators to the Care Quality Commission.
According to the ONS, the numbers are based on where the coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, including in combination with other health conditions.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 More than 140,000 firms apply for wages help
It comes as daily figures for coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals were released on Tuesday, showing the biggest rise in England in just under two weeks.
England - 778 deaths, total 15,607
Scotland - 70 deaths, total 985
Wales - 25 deaths, total 609
Northern Ireland - to be confirmed
Labour's shadow social care minister, Liz Kendall, said the ONS figures demonstrated the "terrible toll" that the virus is having on elderly and disabled people in care homes.
"Yet these awful figures are only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care, because they are already 11 days out of date," she said.
"The government must now publish daily figures of COVID-19 deaths outside hospital, including in care homes, so we know the true scale of the problem.
"This is essential to tackling the spread of the virus, ensuing social care has the resources it needs and getting vital PPE and testing to care workers on the front line."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
Councillor Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, described the latest statistics as "sad and shocking".
He said they "highlight just what a severe challenge we face in care homes and other community settings".
Reacting to the latest ONS figures, a panel of scientists convened by the Science Media Centre said the peak in COVID-19 deaths in England and Wales happened on 8 April and the death rate has been consistent for the last 13 days.
Prof Carl Heneghan, director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford, said: "From an epidemiological perspective we can say that the numbers are consistent with the peak happening on 8 April.
"We've now tracked for 13 days that has been consistent - it hasn't jumped up.
"All of the other data surrounding this, the triangulation of the data is showing us that is the case."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Help offered to care homes 'isn't enough'
The ONS said a steep rise in coronavirus-related care home deaths had seen the overall number of deaths in that setting double in four weeks.
From when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered and the week ending 10 April, the number of deaths in care homes rose from 2,471 to 4,927.
Outside hospitals and care homes, 466 deaths occurred in private homes, 87 in hospices, 21 in other communal establishments and 45 elsewhere.


news--2020-04-22--EuroMillions £58m jackpot winner celebrates two metres from family during lockdown

A EuroMillions winner has celebrated his £58m jackpot by having a beer with his brothers at a two-metre distance during the coronavirus lockdown .
Ryan Hoyle , 38 , is now £58,366,487 better off and finds himself in 20th place on The National Lottery millionaire rich list .
The self-employed joiner from Rochdale has always bought his tickets in store , but has been playing online since lockdown measures were introduced last month .
He discovered the big win while checking his emails at 6am on Saturday , initially believing he had only won £2.30 .
The father-of-one rushed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check the huge sum - all while respecting social distancing rules .
Mr Hoyle said : `` I was shaking and really needed a second opinion so I jumped in the van and drove round to mum and dad 's house .
`` I stuck to the government guidelines and kept a safe distance outside and passed the phone through the window for them to double-check for me .
`` They even checked my numbers against another website , just to be sure .
It was real - I had won £58m !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but kept calm considering the huge sum they were all looking at .
`` Dad congratulated me from inside their house whilst mum shouted out if she could retire now .
I replied yes ! ''
Mr Hoyle then returned home , took a shower and called lottery operator Camelot , saying : `` I think I might have won the jackpot '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker News of Mr Hoyle 's good fortune quickly spread around Rochdale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ texts .
He managed to celebrate at a distance with his brothers , who live close by .
He explained : `` We sat apart drinking beer on Saturday afternoon in the sunshine and tried to let the news sink in .
`` I just could n't be alone but we kept more than two metres apart .
I needed to talk to them and ask their advice .
It was a nice afternoon and it really helped with the shock . ''
Mr Hoyle has been working on various jobs , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , and does n't plan to leave him in the lurch despite his big windfall .
He said : `` I 'm nearly done so will see the job through .
After that , who knows ?
Not sure I need the work at the moment ! ''

A EuroMillions winner has celebrated his £58m jackpot by having a beer with his brothers at a two-metre distance during the coronavirus lockdown.
Ryan Hoyle, 38, is now £58,366,487 better off and finds himself in 20th place on The National Lottery millionaire rich list.
The self-employed joiner from Rochdale has always bought his tickets in store, but has been playing online since lockdown measures were introduced last month.
Image: The 38-year-old discovered the big win at 6am on Saturday
He discovered the big win while checking his emails at 6am on Saturday, initially believing he had only won £2.30.
The father-of-one rushed over to his parents' house to double check the huge sum - all while respecting social distancing rules.
Mr Hoyle said: "I was shaking and really needed a second opinion so I jumped in the van and drove round to mum and dad's house.
"I stuck to the government guidelines and kept a safe distance outside and passed the phone through the window for them to double-check for me.
"They even checked my numbers against another website, just to be sure. It was real - I had won £58m!"
He said his parents were shocked but kept calm considering the huge sum they were all looking at.
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"Dad congratulated me from inside their house whilst mum shouted out if she could retire now. I replied yes!"
Mr Hoyle then returned home, took a shower and called lottery operator Camelot, saying: "I think I might have won the jackpot".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
News of Mr Hoyle's good fortune quickly spread around Rochdale and he received dozens of congratulatory messages and texts.
He managed to celebrate at a distance with his brothers, who live close by.
Image: The joiner is now 20th place on The National Lottery millionaire rich list
He explained: "We sat apart drinking beer on Saturday afternoon in the sunshine and tried to let the news sink in.
"I just couldn't be alone but we kept more than two metres apart. I needed to talk to them and ask their advice. It was a nice afternoon and it really helped with the shock."
Mr Hoyle has been working on various jobs, including his brother's house in his spare time, and doesn't plan to leave him in the lurch despite his big windfall.
He said: "I'm nearly done so will see the job through. After that, who knows? Not sure I need the work at the moment!"


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Government 'too slow' on testing, lockdown and medical gear

Ministers have been too slow to respond to the coronavirus crisis as they failed to take up dozens of offers to help produce medical equipment , Labour has said .
Sir Keir Starmer vowed to offer `` constructive opposition '' in his first Prime Minister ’ s Questions as Labour 's new leader , as he faced Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who deputised for Boris Johnson .
He accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown , testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) some nurses and doctors complain they are being forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all decisions had been driven by the chief science advisers and taken at the right times .
The pair clashed in a near-empty House of Commons , with MPs tuning in via videolink to make sure social distancing remains practised despite parliament ’ s return from the Easter recess .
Sir Keir said 36 UK firms had contacted him to complain they had offered to help manufacture PPE but heard nothing back from the government .
And he questioned why the number of coronavirus tests available a day stands at 40,000 but less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a pattern emerging here .
We were slow into lockdown , slow on testing , slow on protective equipment and now slow to take up these offers from British firms , ” he said on Wednesday .
Mr Raab said 8,000 British businesses have responded to a call for PPE assistance and they have all received a response , with 3,000 followed up where it was `` sensible '' .
He added it was an `` incredibly difficult and competitive international environment '' to source PPE from overseas .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just in terms of controlling the virus but allowing the country to move to the next phase '' .
It comes after Helen Whately , the social care minister , told Sky News that some healthcare workers are now being offered another COVID-19 test after their initial test was deemed to have been `` not up to scratch '' .
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that a leaked document revealed tests on thousands of NHS staff were found to be flawed .
The memo from Public Health England ( PHE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` degraded '' performance , meaning the test results are less reliable than first thought , the newspaper said .
It also said PHE testing centres have now been told to stop using existing tests by Thursday and to instead use tests supplied by commercial firms .
Asked about the report , Ms Whately told Sky News : `` My understanding from the clinical advisers is some of the early tests were evaluated and the evaluation was actually they were n't effective enough .
`` This is a normal process when you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which as we know is a new illness and we 're learning all the time .
`` Those who were tested with the test that we think is not up to scratch have been written to , to let them know and they will be offered another test . ''
Are you a healthcare worker being re-tested for COVID-19 ?
Get in touch with Sky News : : Email - news @ sky.com : : 'Your Report ' on Sky News apps But Ms Whately downplayed the possibility of the flawed tests meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in hospitals and care homes with coronavirus .
She added : `` In general we know that the guidance has been to people that , if you have symptoms , to make sure that you are isolating .
`` We have to make sure we look at the reliability of tests .
`` And this has been , also , the whole debate around the testing of people who do n't have symptoms , for instance .
`` One reason why the testing is focused on people who do have symptoms is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate when you have symptoms .
`` This is really , really important - not just to test but to make sure we are testing people effectively .
`` You need to make sure that it 's giving you an accurate result on which decisions can then be made . ''
On Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was `` terrific '' that capacity for coronavirus testing across the UK was increasing , as the government aims to deliver 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month .
Official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current available COVID-19 testing capacity has been used .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Monday , 19,316 tests were conducted against capacity for 39,250. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Whately admitted it was `` difficult '' for some to get to existing testing centres , as they are `` not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car '' .
But she added the government was increasing the number of drive-through testing centres from the current 27 sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being piloted and there is also an aim to begin delivering home testing kits .
`` These are the steps we are taking to make sure that we can actually use the testing capacity we have in the country , '' Ms Whately said .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the national infection service at PHE , told the Daily Telegraph : `` No diagnostic test is 100 % sensitive .
`` Following a rigorous evaluation , we learned the PCR test produced different results to alternative tests in less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued immediate actions to laboratory staff to ensure the continued reliability of the test .
`` The test is regularly and thoroughly reviewed to make sure it remains reliable and effective .
`` It is standard practice to move to commercial test kits once available , and this work is already under way . ''

Ministers have been too slow to respond to the coronavirus crisis as they failed to take up dozens of offers to help produce medical equipment, Labour has said.
Sir Keir Starmer vowed to offer "constructive opposition" in his first Prime Minister’s Questions as Labour's new leader, as he faced Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who deputised for Boris Johnson.
He accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown, testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) some nurses and doctors complain they are being forced to work without.
Image: There were around 20,000 unused tests, according to the latest daily figure
Mr Raab said all decisions had been driven by the chief science advisers and taken at the right times.
The pair clashed in a near-empty House of Commons, with MPs tuning in via videolink to make sure social distancing remains practised despite parliament’s return from the Easter recess.
Image: NHS and social care staff complain some stocks of PPE are desperately needed
Sir Keir said 36 UK firms had contacted him to complain they had offered to help manufacture PPE but heard nothing back from the government.
And he questioned why the number of coronavirus tests available a day stands at 40,000 but less than 20,000 are being used.
"There is a pattern emerging here. We were slow into lockdown, slow on testing, slow on protective equipment and now slow to take up these offers from British firms,” he said on Wednesday.
Mr Raab said 8,000 British businesses have responded to a call for PPE assistance and they have all received a response, with 3,000 followed up where it was "sensible".
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He added it was an "incredibly difficult and competitive international environment" to source PPE from overseas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 UK 'at the peak' of coronavirus outbreak - Hancock
And he added more tests “will be crucial not just in terms of controlling the virus but allowing the country to move to the next phase".
It comes after Helen Whately, the social care minister, told Sky News that some healthcare workers are now being offered another COVID-19 test after their initial test was deemed to have been "not up to scratch".
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that a leaked document revealed tests on thousands of NHS staff were found to be flawed.
The memo from Public Health England (PHE), dated 11 April, warned of "degraded" performance, meaning the test results are less reliable than first thought, the newspaper said.
It also said PHE testing centres have now been told to stop using existing tests by Thursday and to instead use tests supplied by commercial firms.
Image: There were around 20,000 unused tests, according to the latest daily figure
Asked about the report, Ms Whately told Sky News: "My understanding from the clinical advisers is some of the early tests were evaluated and the evaluation was actually they weren't effective enough.
"This is a normal process when you are using a test for an illness, which as we know is a new illness and we're learning all the time.
"Those who were tested with the test that we think is not up to scratch have been written to, to let them know and they will be offered another test."
Are you a healthcare worker being re-tested for COVID-19? Get in touch with Sky News
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps
Image: The UK is now in its fifth week of lockdown
But Ms Whately downplayed the possibility of the flawed tests meaning that healthcare workers had been sent to work in hospitals and care homes with coronavirus.
She added: "In general we know that the guidance has been to people that, if you have symptoms, to make sure that you are isolating.
"We have to make sure we look at the reliability of tests.
"And this has been, also, the whole debate around the testing of people who don't have symptoms, for instance.
"One reason why the testing is focused on people who do have symptoms is because we know the testing is most accurate when you have symptoms.
"This is really, really important - not just to test but to make sure we are testing people effectively.
"You need to make sure that it's giving you an accurate result on which decisions can then be made."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 UK 'at the peak' of coronavirus outbreak - Hancock
On Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was "terrific" that capacity for coronavirus testing across the UK was increasing, as the government aims to deliver 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month.
Official figures showed less than half of the current available COVID-19 testing capacity has been used.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Monday, 19,316 tests were conducted against capacity for 39,250.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Whately admitted it was "difficult" for some to get to existing testing centres, as they are "not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car".
But she added the government was increasing the number of drive-through testing centres from the current 27 sites to 50, while mobile testing centres are being piloted and there is also an aim to begin delivering home testing kits.
"These are the steps we are taking to make sure that we can actually use the testing capacity we have in the country," Ms Whately said.
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the national infection service at PHE, told the Daily Telegraph: "No diagnostic test is 100% sensitive.
"Following a rigorous evaluation, we learned the PCR test produced different results to alternative tests in less than 2% of samples, and we issued immediate actions to laboratory staff to ensure the continued reliability of the test.
"The test is regularly and thoroughly reviewed to make sure it remains reliable and effective.
"It is standard practice to move to commercial test kits once available, and this work is already under way."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Gun-packing Virginians want lockdown axed - but they will have to bite the bullet

Under blue Virginian skies it was like stepping back into pre coronavirus days .
People gathered around the majestic state capitol building - greeting each other with handshakes and back slapping hugs that reveal the guns they 're carrying in belt holsters .
Some are in army fatigues proudly carrying semi-automatic rifles .
As they gathered closely it was like social distancing never happened .
They are protesters who want to voice their opposition to Virginia 's stay at home orders .
The restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 need to end , they say .
Some congregate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capitol building honking horns from cars emblazoned with banners that read `` We Are All Essential Workers '' and `` Virginia Loves Workers '' .
Other messages allude to perennial American issues like abortion and gun rights .
This had the feel of many protests I 've been to in the past .
It 's the same sentiment from people who are always ready to express their distrust in authority and what they see as government overreach .
Most people here are sceptical , if not outright dismissive , of the scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I put it to one man that if asymptomatic people return to work that could increase infection and death in others .
He tells me it was an `` interesting '' , `` mysterious '' hypothesis .
For many it 's all just more lies from the media - designed to strip away people 's rights .
There were perhaps hundreds in attendance while millions stayed at home .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The polls say most Americans support restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's the virus that will determine when normality can resume .
There are of course genuine concerns about job losses and economic recession .
Any organic element to the protests is being seized upon by conservative groups - using their nationwide networks to co-ordinate gatherings - making the sentiment seem bigger than polls suggest .
They are being amplified by right wing media and the president himself .
After Fox News aired a protest , Donald Trump tweeted his support - echoing the `` Liberate '' states message - just a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cautious path states should take before reopening .
The experts say Virginia is in no position to do what these people are asking for while cases and deaths keep rising .
Like so much in America , coronavirus is now a partisan issue with more Democrats than Republicans feeling extremely concerned about it .
But this virus does not discriminate .
With well over 40,000 deaths and numbers still rising - these people are going to have to wait .

Under blue Virginian skies it was like stepping back into pre coronavirus days.
People gathered around the majestic state capitol building - greeting each other with handshakes and back slapping hugs that reveal the guns they're carrying in belt holsters.
Some are in army fatigues proudly carrying semi-automatic rifles.
As they gathered closely it was like social distancing never happened. They are protesters who want to voice their opposition to Virginia's stay at home orders.
The restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 need to end, they say.
Image: Many believe the dangers posed by coronavirus are just more lies from the media
Some congregate on the streets - others drive around the capitol building honking horns from cars emblazoned with banners that read "We Are All Essential Workers" and "Virginia Loves Workers".
Other messages allude to perennial American issues like abortion and gun rights.
This had the feel of many protests I've been to in the past.
It's the same sentiment from people who are always ready to express their distrust in authority and what they see as government overreach.
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Most people here are sceptical, if not outright dismissive, of the scientific advice being given by medical experts.
I put it to one man that if asymptomatic people return to work that could increase infection and death in others.
He tells me it was an "interesting", "mysterious" hypothesis.
For many it's all just more lies from the media - designed to strip away people's rights.
There were perhaps hundreds in attendance while millions stayed at home.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The polls say most Americans support restrictions staying in place. Most people know it's the virus that will determine when normality can resume.
There are of course genuine concerns about job losses and economic recession. Any organic element to the protests is being seized upon by conservative groups - using their nationwide networks to co-ordinate gatherings - making the sentiment seem bigger than polls suggest.
They are being amplified by right wing media and the president himself.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds of people protest against the lockdown in Minnesota
After Fox News aired a protest, Donald Trump tweeted his support - echoing the "Liberate" states message - just a day after he issued measured guidelines about the cautious path states should take before reopening.
The experts say Virginia is in no position to do what these people are asking for while cases and deaths keep rising.
Like so much in America, coronavirus is now a partisan issue with more Democrats than Republicans feeling extremely concerned about it.
But this virus does not discriminate. With well over 40,000 deaths and numbers still rising - these people are going to have to wait.


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus won't stop police arresting domestic abusers

Authorities are preparing for a spike in domestic abuse cases during the UK 's coronavirus lockdown , a senior police officer has told Sky News .
Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe , from West Midlands Police , said data from China and Italy suggested incidents could `` increase by three-fold '' over the coming weeks , and that some abusers have already tried to manipulate the crisis .
`` We did have one or two cases last week where offenders told us 'you cant arrest me , I 've got COVID-19 ' but yes we can , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up , so we can still arrest people , we can still deal with them and we can ensure that we can keep victims safe at this difficult time . ''
Sky News spoke to one victim who said being told to stay home with an abusive partner had made things `` much more intense '' .
`` Usually it 's quite easy to get out and away from a situation but obviously at times like this you ca n't get out and away .
Routes of escape are very , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to job losses , looking after children full-time and many more hours at home were also adding to the strain .
`` There 's more pressure about money , with alcohol .
It 's absolutely draining , emotionally and mentally , '' they continued .
`` I wake up , dreading to wake up .
And go to sleep , dreading to go to sleep because I know I 'll have to wake up and do it all again . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged that domestic abuse victims who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown will not be forgotten .
Ms Patel told the Mail on Sunday she was aware that home was not a `` safe haven '' for everyone and vowed domestic abusers will be punished for their crimes .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She said : `` I am acutely aware that the necessary guidelines about social distancing and self-isolation may leave the victims of hidden crime , such as domestic abuse and child sexual abuse , feeling especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And now schools are closed , millions of children are spending more time online than they otherwise would have and may be even more vulnerable to online predators .
`` My message to every potential victim is simple : we have not forgotten you and we will not let you down .
And my message to every perpetrator is equally simple : you will not get away with your crimes . ''
Domestic abuse charities say they are already receiving calls from victims who are particularly concerned about their children 's safety during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women 's Aid , told Sky News , `` Women are worried about sending their child to contact visits during isolation .
They are worried that the perpetrators might not keep them safe . ''
She continued : `` They are also worried that they might get in trouble with the court system itself for breaching a contact order , because they simply do n't feel like they can let their child out during the lockdown period .
`` So there is a lot of worry , and a lot of concern .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence victims in isolation with their abusers to seek help if needed .
`` If this is your situation , or you are worried about someone else , I want you to know that you are not alone , '' Camilla said on her official Clarence House Twitter account .
`` Even if you can not leave your home , you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or contact one of the domestic violence charities .
Please stay safe and get help . ''

Authorities are preparing for a spike in domestic abuse cases during the UK's coronavirus lockdown, a senior police officer has told Sky News.
Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, from West Midlands Police, said data from China and Italy suggested incidents could "increase by three-fold" over the coming weeks, and that some abusers have already tried to manipulate the crisis.
"We did have one or two cases last week where offenders told us 'you cant arrest me, I've got COVID-19' but yes we can," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Will the lockdown really save more lives?
"We have appropriate custody facilities set up, so we can still arrest people, we can still deal with them and we can ensure that we can keep victims safe at this difficult time."
Sky News spoke to one victim who said being told to stay home with an abusive partner had made things "much more intense".
"Usually it's quite easy to get out and away from a situation but obviously at times like this you can't get out and away. Routes of escape are very, very limited."
Additional financial hardship due to job losses, looking after children full-time and many more hours at home were also adding to the strain.
"There's more pressure about money, with alcohol. It's absolutely draining, emotionally and mentally," they continued.
"I wake up, dreading to wake up. And go to sleep, dreading to go to sleep because I know I'll have to wake up and do it all again."
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Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged domestic abuse victims will not be forgotten
Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged that domestic abuse victims who are isolated with their abusers during the virus lockdown will not be forgotten.
Ms Patel told the Mail on Sunday she was aware that home was not a "safe haven" for everyone and vowed domestic abusers will be punished for their crimes.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She said: "I am acutely aware that the necessary guidelines about social distancing and self-isolation may leave the victims of hidden crime, such as domestic abuse and child sexual abuse, feeling especially isolated, vulnerable and exposed.
"And now schools are closed, millions of children are spending more time online than they otherwise would have and may be even more vulnerable to online predators.
"My message to every potential victim is simple: we have not forgotten you and we will not let you down. And my message to every perpetrator is equally simple: you will not get away with your crimes."
Domestic abuse charities say they are already receiving calls from victims who are particularly concerned about their children's safety during isolation.
Lucy Hadley, from charity Women's Aid, told Sky News, "Women are worried about sending their child to contact visits during isolation. They are worried that the perpetrators might not keep them safe."
She continued: "They are also worried that they might get in trouble with the court system itself for breaching a contact order, because they simply don't feel like they can let their child out during the lockdown period.
"So there is a lot of worry, and a lot of concern."
The Duchess of Cornwall recently urged domestic violence victims in isolation with their abusers to seek help if needed.
"If this is your situation, or you are worried about someone else, I want you to know that you are not alone," Camilla said on her official Clarence House Twitter account.
"Even if you cannot leave your home, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or contact one of the domestic violence charities. Please stay safe and get help."


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: Euroclear faces backlash over sudden fee surge

Euroclear , one of the world 's largest settlement houses for financial transactions , is facing a furious backlash from investors over a plan to hike fees for protecting assets during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Euroclear UK and Ireland ( EUI ) has informed customers that it plans to triple its asset maintenance charges for domestic equities and debt instruments from 1 April .
The changes , which were communicated to users of its services just two weeks ago , would be expected to generate tens of millions of pounds in additional revenue for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in global markets .
If implemented , the revised fee structure would impact asset managers , the custodians of financial assets and stockbrokers - including the retail stockbrokers which count millions of ordinary British savers among their customers .
It would come at a time when many companies are in severe distress because of the pandemic , and when investors are likely to be deluged with requests to help them raise enough capital to survive .
One institutional investor suggested there could be a case for competition watchdogs to investigate the price increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
The Competition and Markets Authority has signalled that it will investigate any evidence of `` price-gouging '' or other measures to exploit the coronavirus outbreak for commercial gain .
In a statement issued to Sky News , a Euroclear spokesman said : `` We can clarify that there is no change to pricing on UK equity transactions in Euroclear UK and Ireland .
`` In light of current market circumstances , we are evaluating implementations and roll-outs of various projects . ''
A source close to the company said the angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could result in the changes being delayed .
Any decision about that would be subject to EUI 's normal governance processes , the source added .
The bulk of EUI 's income is derived from settlement charges , which the company is not proposing to change next month .
Asset maintenance charges are designed to ensure that investors ' assets are secure , protected and serviced adequately .
New regulatory requirements meant that EUI was required to increase investment in areas such as cybersecurity , data maintenance and financial crime prevention , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is more expensive to operate this particular service today , so we have worked with clients to review the pricing structures , '' they added .
`` EUI has not changed prices since 2012 , so we are still very cost-effective . ''
Euroclear is owned by a disparate group of financial institutions , including banks , the London Stock Exchange Group and Intercontinental Exchanges , the owner of the New York Stock Exchange .
It is one of the world 's largest settlers of financial transactions , and boasts that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The company , which is based in Belgium , had been exploring a partial sale that could value it at roughly £5bn , but has put the process on hold .

Euroclear, one of the world's largest settlement houses for financial transactions, is facing a furious backlash from investors over a plan to hike fees for protecting assets during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Euroclear UK and Ireland (EUI) has informed customers that it plans to triple its asset maintenance charges for domestic equities and debt instruments from 1 April.
The changes, which were communicated to users of its services just two weeks ago, would be expected to generate tens of millions of pounds in additional revenue for the company at a time of extreme volatility in global markets.
If implemented, the revised fee structure would impact asset managers, the custodians of financial assets and stockbrokers - including the retail stockbrokers which count millions of ordinary British savers among their customers.
It would come at a time when many companies are in severe distress because of the pandemic, and when investors are likely to be deluged with requests to help them raise enough capital to survive.
One institutional investor suggested there could be a case for competition watchdogs to investigate the price increase if it was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Competition and Markets Authority has signalled that it will investigate any evidence of "price-gouging" or other measures to exploit the coronavirus outbreak for commercial gain.
In a statement issued to Sky News, a Euroclear spokesman said: "We can clarify that there is no change to pricing on UK equity transactions in Euroclear UK and Ireland.
"In light of current market circumstances, we are evaluating implementations and roll-outs of various projects."
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A source close to the company said the angry response of market participants to its proposals could result in the changes being delayed.
Any decision about that would be subject to EUI's normal governance processes, the source added.
The bulk of EUI's income is derived from settlement charges, which the company is not proposing to change next month.
Asset maintenance charges are designed to ensure that investors' assets are secure, protected and serviced adequately.
New regulatory requirements meant that EUI was required to increase investment in areas such as cybersecurity, data maintenance and financial crime prevention, the source close to EUI said.
"It is more expensive to operate this particular service today, so we have worked with clients to review the pricing structures," they added.
"EUI has not changed prices since 2012, so we are still very cost-effective."
Euroclear is owned by a disparate group of financial institutions, including banks, the London Stock Exchange Group and Intercontinental Exchanges, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange.
It is one of the world's largest settlers of financial transactions, and boasts that it holds assets valued at €31trn (£27trn).
It process securities transactions globally worth a staggering €837trn (£731trn).
The company, which is based in Belgium, had been exploring a partial sale that could value it at roughly £5bn, but has put the process on hold.


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: Stars of Contagion movie dish out COVID-19 advice

Stars of the movie Contagion have issued a series of public service announcements urging people to wash their hands and practice social distancing .
Kate Winslet , Matt Damon and Laurence Fishburne are among the actors taking part in the virtual reunion , filming themselves sharing evidence-based information about COVID-19 .
Working with scientists from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , they hope to dispel misinformation and fake news around the pandemic .
The actors spent time with some of the most important public health officials in the world while preparing for their roles in the 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was immune to the virus , says in his short video that he does n't expect to have the same luck with coronavirus .
He tells fans : `` That was a movie .
This is real life .
I have no reason to believe I 'm immune to COVID-19 and neither do you , no matter how young you are .
`` You can literally sit on your sofa or chair and save a life… Now is the time to spend all the time you want staring at your phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hard time about it tell them not to bother you because you are saving lives . ''
He adds : `` Other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things , we 're being asked to just stay at home .
We got this .
Please , let 's respect and protect our elders . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Winslet , who played an epidemiologist trying to stop the spread of the virus , says the advice she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` wash your hands like your life depends on it '' , adding `` because right now , it just might '' .
The British star concludes her video by saying : `` Right now , the health of our society is quite literally in your hands . ''
Fishburne , who played a doctor at the centre for disease control , warns that most people will know someone affected by the virus very soon .
He says : `` Our public health officials are telling us that the virus could affect as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming months . ''
The 2011 Steven Soderbergh film follows a deadly infection that spreads quickly around the world , causing a breakdown in society .
The film has seen a huge surge in downloads following the pandemic .
French actress Marion Cotillard , who plays a doctor who works for the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) in the film , said there were two possible outcomes in relation to the current outbreak .
Cotillard lives in France which is several days ahead of America and the UK in terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two possible futures - one where people listen to experts and the medical systems are able to cope , and one where people refuse to heed scientific advice .
Cotillard adds that `` unnecessary numbers will die '' if people do n't listen , and `` in that scenario , we waste time blaming each other and racism and misinformation do more damage to our society than the virus ever could '' .
British actress Jennifer Ehle , who played a scientist who helped discover a vaccine in the film , also urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says : `` That means tuning out the voices with other agendas , no matter how powerful they might be . ''
She concluded : `` Paranoia is a kind of virus as well .
It requires fear and misinformation to spread .
And we do n't need scientist to cure that , just compassion and common sense ... Stay informed , stay healthy , stay home . ''

Stars of the movie Contagion have issued a series of public service announcements urging people to wash their hands and practice social distancing.
Kate Winslet, Matt Damon and Laurence Fishburne are among the actors taking part in the virtual reunion, filming themselves sharing evidence-based information about COVID-19.
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Working with scientists from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, they hope to dispel misinformation and fake news around the pandemic.
The actors spent time with some of the most important public health officials in the world while preparing for their roles in the 2011 thriller.
Damon, who played someone who was immune to the virus, says in his short video that he doesn't expect to have the same luck with coronavirus.
He tells fans: "That was a movie. This is real life. I have no reason to believe I'm immune to COVID-19 and neither do you, no matter how young you are.
"You can literally sit on your sofa or chair and save a life… Now is the time to spend all the time you want staring at your phone or tablet, and if anyone gives you a hard time about it tell them not to bother you because you are saving lives."
He adds: "Other generations have been asked to do extraordinary things, we're being asked to just stay at home. We got this. Please, let's respect and protect our elders."
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Winslet, who played an epidemiologist trying to stop the spread of the virus, says the advice she was given by experts while filming was "wash your hands like your life depends on it", adding "because right now, it just might".
The British star concludes her video by saying: "Right now, the health of our society is quite literally in your hands."
Fishburne, who played a doctor at the centre for disease control, warns that most people will know someone affected by the virus very soon.
Image: Laurence Fishburne says we will all know someone affected by the virus soon. @ColumbiaPublicHealth
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
He says: "Our public health officials are telling us that the virus could affect as many as half of us in the coming months."
The 2011 Steven Soderbergh film follows a deadly infection that spreads quickly around the world, causing a breakdown in society.
The film has seen a huge surge in downloads following the pandemic.
Image: Marion Cotillard lives in France, which is days ahead of the UK and US in virus progression. @ColumbiaPublicHealth
French actress Marion Cotillard, who plays a doctor who works for the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the film, said there were two possible outcomes in relation to the current outbreak.
Cotillard lives in France which is several days ahead of America and the UK in terms of the virus spread.
She said there are two possible futures - one where people listen to experts and the medical systems are able to cope, and one where people refuse to heed scientific advice.
Image: British actress Jennifer Ehle has urged for compassion and common sense. @ColumbiaPublicHealth
Cotillard adds that "unnecessary numbers will die" if people don't listen, and "in that scenario, we waste time blaming each other and racism and misinformation do more damage to our society than the virus ever could".
British actress Jennifer Ehle, who played a scientist who helped discover a vaccine in the film, also urged people to listen medical experts.
Ehle says: "That means tuning out the voices with other agendas, no matter how powerful they might be."
She concluded: "Paranoia is a kind of virus as well. It requires fear and misinformation to spread. And we don't need scientist to cure that, just compassion and common sense... Stay informed, stay healthy, stay home."


news--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Fear stalks the empty streets in France's COVID-19 hotspot

You can drive from the bustle of Charles de Gaulle airport to the town of Crépy-en-Valois in not much more than half an hour .
But you are going from one extreme to another : from organised bustle to a very nervous sort of peace .
Drive into this town , and you go past rolling hills , farms and grand old stone buildings .
You see cows , chickens , dogs and parked cars .
But as you approach the middle of the town , what you do n't see are many people .
Only about 15,000 people live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five deaths from coronavirus have been linked to Crépy-en-Valois .
It lies in the region of Oise , north of Paris , an area that is one of the clusters within France 's rapidly growing outbreak of coronavirus cases .
On Monday , the number of cases rose by a quarter in 24 hours to just over 1,200 ; the number of deaths by more than half , to 30 .
These are not big , industrial towns but many sit near the Paris suburbs .
There are plenty who live in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , either to the businesses that thrive around it or else to work for the airport itself .
And now they wait to see what happens next .
Schools are already closed - parents have been told the shutdown is for two weeks but the sign I saw on the school gates said the closure was until further notice .
Crèches and nurseries are also closed .
But what if things get worse ?
Everyone is following events in Italy , wondering if the government of Emmanuel Macron would even consider draconian measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of these towns told me that such a move `` would bring the airport to its knees '' .
It was not meant as a threat ; merely an informed observation .
`` We try to think it will be okay because the French are an optimistic people , '' says Mahi Agavwal , a teacher at a language school that has had to suspend lessons .
`` Before , it was happening to others ; now it has happened to us . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker It is overt in the towns of this region , with their empty squares and closed schools , but France is bracing itself .
Five members of the National Assembly have tested positive ; so has the culture minister , Franck Riester .
And Italy lies across the border , a symbol - a portent , a warning - that things are likely to carry on getting worse .
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy ?
Get in touch with your story :

You can drive from the bustle of Charles de Gaulle airport to the town of Crépy-en-Valois in not much more than half an hour.
But you are going from one extreme to another: from organised bustle to a very nervous sort of peace.
Drive into this town, and you go past rolling hills, farms and grand old stone buildings. You see cows, chickens, dogs and parked cars.
But as you approach the middle of the town, what you don't see are many people.
And why?
Simple - fear.
Only about 15,000 people live here, but so far at least five deaths from coronavirus have been linked to Crépy-en-Valois.
It lies in the region of Oise, north of Paris, an area that is one of the clusters within France's rapidly growing outbreak of coronavirus cases.
On Monday, the number of cases rose by a quarter in 24 hours to just over 1,200; the number of deaths by more than half, to 30.
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These are not big, industrial towns but many sit near the Paris suburbs.
There are plenty who live in this area but who commute to the airport, either to the businesses that thrive around it or else to work for the airport itself.
And now they wait to see what happens next.
Schools are already closed - parents have been told the shutdown is for two weeks but the sign I saw on the school gates said the closure was until further notice. Crèches and nurseries are also closed.
Image: This school is remaining closed until further notice
But what if things get worse?
Everyone is following events in Italy, wondering if the government of Emmanuel Macron would even consider draconian measures to restrict movement.
The mayor of one of these towns told me that such a move "would bring the airport to its knees". It was not meant as a threat; merely an informed observation.
"We try to think it will be okay because the French are an optimistic people," says Mahi Agavwal, a teacher at a language school that has had to suspend lessons.
"Before, it was happening to others; now it has happened to us."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It is overt in the towns of this region, with their empty squares and closed schools, but France is bracing itself.
Five members of the National Assembly have tested positive; so has the culture minister, Franck Riester. And Italy lies across the border, a symbol - a portent, a warning - that things are likely to carry on getting worse.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy? Get in touch with your story:
:: WhatsApp - 07583 000853
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: SNP calls for pause in Brexit negotiations during pandemic

The SNP has called on Boris Johnson to `` hit pause '' on Brexit negotiations and seek an extension to the transition period to focus on the coronavirus pandemic .
To continue `` hurtling '' towards the transition deadline of 31 December 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak would be irresponsible and `` an act of economic and social self-harm '' , SNP Brexit party spokeswoman Philippa Whitford said .
Talks with the EU will continue this week , with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove co-chairing discussions via video conference as the two sides look at implementing what is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Whitford urged the government to immediately seek an extension .
She said : `` The COVID-19 outbreak has gripped us all - regardless of politics or borders - and it is vital that governments here in the UK and abroad work collaboratively to combat the pandemic .
`` Businesses , individuals and households across the UK are already under intense pressure and financial strain in dealing with the crisis - with many losing their incomes and a significant number of businesses facing an uncertain future .
`` It is impossible for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU while coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis at the same time , and many might struggle to survive the second blow of a hard Brexit at the end of this year .
`` Continuing talks and hurtling towards the transition period deadline would be irresponsible and an act of economic and social self-harm .
`` It is now vital that the UK government hits pause on all Brexit negotiations and immediately seeks an extension to the transition period to remove the uncertainty and instability . ''
Scotland voted 62 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 referendum and the SNP has been trying to forge a way for the country to stay in the bloc since then .
Downing Street has insisted it will not have to ask for the trade deal deadline to be pushed back .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` In terms of the timetable , there is no change from our point of view . ''
In Scotland , the SNP government has postponed planning for another independence referendum in 2020 and Dr Whitford asked Westminster to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting our citizens and delivering financial support to everyone in society '' .
A UK government spokesman said : `` Our top priority as a government is to slow the spread of the coronavirus , protect the NHS and keep people safe - we are working around the clock to do so , with all four nations together providing unprecedented financial support for businesses , workers and the self-employed .
`` We remain fully committed to the negotiations .
Last week , the UK and EU shared draft legal texts and discussions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period ends on 31 December 2020 , as enshrined in UK law , which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus on Friday , while the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier revealed he had COVID-19 on 19 March .
Mr Barnier said he was in `` good spirits '' , while Mr Johnson has been seen chairing @ @ @ @ @

The SNP has called on Boris Johnson to "hit pause" on Brexit negotiations and seek an extension to the transition period to focus on the coronavirus pandemic.
To continue "hurtling" towards the transition deadline of 31 December 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak would be irresponsible and "an act of economic and social self-harm", SNP Brexit party spokeswoman Philippa Whitford said.
Talks with the EU will continue this week, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove co-chairing discussions via video conference as the two sides look at implementing what is in the Withdrawal Agreement after the transition period.
Image: SNP Brexit spokeswoman Philippa Whitford urged the government to pause Brexit negotiations
Dr Whitford urged the government to immediately seek an extension.
She said: "The COVID-19 outbreak has gripped us all - regardless of politics or borders - and it is vital that governments here in the UK and abroad work collaboratively to combat the pandemic.
"Businesses, individuals and households across the UK are already under intense pressure and financial strain in dealing with the crisis - with many losing their incomes and a significant number of businesses facing an uncertain future.
"It is impossible for businesses and others to prepare for life outside the EU while coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis at the same time, and many might struggle to survive the second blow of a hard Brexit at the end of this year.
"Continuing talks and hurtling towards the transition period deadline would be irresponsible and an act of economic and social self-harm.
"It is now vital that the UK government hits pause on all Brexit negotiations and immediately seeks an extension to the transition period to remove the uncertainty and instability."
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Scotland voted 62% to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum and the SNP has been trying to forge a way for the country to stay in the bloc since then.
Downing Street has insisted it will not have to ask for the trade deal deadline to be pushed back.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "In terms of the timetable, there is no change from our point of view."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
In Scotland, the SNP government has postponed planning for another independence referendum in 2020 and Dr Whitford asked Westminster to do the same with Brexit to "focus on protecting our citizens and delivering financial support to everyone in society".
A UK government spokesman said: "Our top priority as a government is to slow the spread of the coronavirus, protect the NHS and keep people safe - we are working around the clock to do so, with all four nations together providing unprecedented financial support for businesses, workers and the self-employed.
"We remain fully committed to the negotiations. Last week, the UK and EU shared draft legal texts and discussions with the commission are continuing.
"The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, as enshrined in UK law, which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus on Friday, while the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier revealed he had COVID-19 on 19 March.
Mr Barnier said he was in "good spirits", while Mr Johnson has been seen chairing meetings via video call.


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: Girl, 4, with 11 heart conditions at 'real threat' from COVID-19

For parents with seriously ill children , the fear of coronavirus consumes every moment of every day .
Four-year-old Sophia Marshall has 11 heart conditions which will limit her life .
Her parents have decided to shield the entire family to prevent anyone bringing the virus into their home in Wychbold in Worcestershire .
`` There 's the real threat that we could potentially lose our daughter to COVID-19 which is just unbearable to think about .
`` We can no longer just pop to the shops or go and get Sophia a loaf of bread and some milk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home for the next 12 weeks or longer . ''
England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries warned on Sunday it could be six months or more before the UK gets back to normal .
Fortunately Sophia is too young to understand the danger .
Her father , Sam , works for the bereavement service at the local hospital but is currently able to work from home .
If he did need to go into work , he would have to isolate from Sophia for two weeks .
The family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has three hospices in the West Midlands providing respite for families and support for children with life-limiting illnesses .
But Sophia and her family can not risk going to the hospice and have even been advised to cancel home visits from nurses , who carry out regular check-ups on Sophia in case they are unknowingly carrying the virus .
Because so many families are being forced to isolate in their homes , the hospice in Birmingham is now empty and staff have taken the decision to clear the rooms and hand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus patients .
All the teddies and toys for the children have been put away as they prepare for the arrival of patients of all ages .
`` It could be for adult patients but we really do n't know .
It 's about being flexible and open to what is needed by the wider health economy , '' said the hospice 's director of care , Emma Aspinall .
Overlooking the gardens is the bereavement suite .
There are special , cold bedrooms for children who have passed away .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their child before the funeral .
`` Sadly rooms like this are going to be needed over the coming weeks and months .
We estimate we could get three or four beds in if that 's going to be necessary . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Acorns hospice in Walsall is preparing to care for children with complex needs who are currently in hospitals but need to be moved from wards where there 's a risk of contracting coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping families through their darkest days .
They know their skills are likely to be needed in the weeks to come .

For parents with seriously ill children, the fear of coronavirus consumes every moment of every day.
Four-year-old Sophia Marshall has 11 heart conditions which will limit her life.
Her parents have decided to shield the entire family to prevent anyone bringing the virus into their home in Wychbold in Worcestershire.
Image: Sophia pictured with her father Sam, who is working from home
"I'm so fearful," her mother Chantelle told Sky News.
"There's the real threat that we could potentially lose our daughter to COVID-19 which is just unbearable to think about.
Image: Sophia's mother Chantelle says she is 'so fearful' for her daughter
"We can no longer just pop to the shops or go and get Sophia a loaf of bread and some milk for her breakfast. We're now staying at home for the next 12 weeks or longer."
England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries warned on Sunday it could be six months or more before the UK gets back to normal.
Fortunately Sophia is too young to understand the danger.
Her father, Sam, works for the bereavement service at the local hospital but is currently able to work from home. If he did need to go into work, he would have to isolate from Sophia for two weeks.
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The family are supported by Acorns Children's Hospice which has three hospices in the West Midlands providing respite for families and support for children with life-limiting illnesses.
But Sophia and her family cannot risk going to the hospice and have even been advised to cancel home visits from nurses, who carry out regular check-ups on Sophia in case they are unknowingly carrying the virus.
Because so many families are being forced to isolate in their homes, the hospice in Birmingham is now empty and staff have taken the decision to clear the rooms and hand the building over to the NHS for treatment of coronavirus patients.
All the teddies and toys for the children have been put away as they prepare for the arrival of patients of all ages.
Image: Sophia's family are shielding themselves from the virus
"It could be for adult patients but we really don't know. It's about being flexible and open to what is needed by the wider health economy," said the hospice's director of care, Emma Aspinall.
Overlooking the gardens is the bereavement suite. There are special, cold bedrooms for children who have passed away. A place for families to spend time with their child before the funeral.
"Sadly rooms like this are going to be needed over the coming weeks and months. We estimate we could get three or four beds in if that's going to be necessary."
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The Acorns hospice in Walsall is preparing to care for children with complex needs who are currently in hospitals but need to be moved from wards where there's a risk of contracting coronavirus.
The hospice staff are used to helping families through their darkest days.
They know their skills are likely to be needed in the weeks to come.