news--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Bolsonaro's Trump-like theatre ignores the crisis gripping Brazil

A posse of mule-riding cowboys and cowgirls , Brazilian flags aloft , trot along the vast parks that are the centre of Brasilia , the country 's capital .
It 's quite a sight as they are cheered on by thousands of anti-lockdown protesters who are in the city for their now weekly rally .
The numbers vary and the count is always contested but by any standards large numbers of people flooded the roads in their cars , horns honking and vuvuzelas blaring out a deafening cacophony .
Many have travelled from towns and cities hundreds of miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utterly defiant .
Forget social distancing , forget staying safe .
In fact , forget COVID-19 .
These are the faithful supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro , who continues to pour scorn on the pandemic and is willing to ignore the crisis engulfing the country .
The number of people being infected every day is in the tens of thousands but the crowds seem utterly oblivious to the fact that these types of gatherings are potentially lethal .
Mr Bolsonaro 's supporters call him `` Legend '' , they chant it constantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His arrival is pure theatre .
Circling the crowd time and again , he waves from the open door of a military helicopter to his adoring supporters on the ground shouting and urging him on .
Finally he appears outside the presidential palace surrounded by guards , but walking the lines of supporters , shaking hands as they chant his name and mainly scream .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It is crazy but it probably sounds familiar : Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure Trump .
A populist politician soaking up the adoration of the faithful , but it is n't always like this .
A few days earlier I stood outside the Palace of Justice where a small group of maybe 20 supporters had gathered to see him .
He emerged looking tired and frankly quite ill .
He is facing allegations of misconduct in office , his son is being investigated by prosecutors for peddling fake news , and whatever he says , Brazil is now one of the worst-hit coronavirus countries in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and got into his car .
After a few seconds he got out and walked towards them .
He did n't engage and said nothing as they proclaimed him their saviour , then he turned on his heels and returned to his car , ignoring the waiting press , and the presidential motorcade drew away .
It was n't a great look .
Those supporters have set up permanent camps in different spots around the capital which they man 24 hours a day .
They are from all walks of life .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection rates and the numbers of dead are inflated and part of a communist plot to undermine the president - that includes Chinese and Brazilian communists , in fact anyone who does n't support Mr Bolsonaro .
I met Odair Mello at one of the camps , he is a data analyst from Sao Paulo but has been staying in Brasilia for three weeks .
He is intelligent , articulate and speaks perfect English .
He , like so many others , is absolutely convinced it is all a plot .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because our president since the beginning has been really tough , really strong , '' he told me resting on his bicycle .
`` He 's trying to expose the truth about COVID-19 but he is up against so many people , so many institutions that they 're not interested in telling people the truth , they 're interested in boosting the numbers up and keep people hiding at home .
`` Businesses are failing , going under , people are losing their jobs , and our president said , since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crisis but we have to also try maintain our jobs , our incomes .
`` If we lose that then the second wave of death is gon na be much , much worse . ''
`` You have other types of people who have died , for example with heart [ problems ] , or other things and it 's all in [ the ] Covid count , '' she said .
`` This is true , that there is sick , it 's true , I believe it , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not this size , '' she added stretching her arms out wide .
We are at a camp opposite the presidential palace set up by Paolo Goncalves Zexerre , he is an engineer and social worker and he is absolutely convinced the whole thing is a set up .
`` They are inflating the number [ of deaths ] precisely to create panic , to maintain the narratives of lockdown and to break the state , `` he told me .
`` I think it 's fake .
I have demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy .
We understand that China is doing this to break the world economy . ''
Some of the president 's most vocal supporters are controversial in their their own right .
Sara Winter has set up the so called `` 300 '' camp - as in the Spartans movie .
She faces possible arrest for spreading fake news and she is now applying for asylum in the United States .
Her point , like her president 's , is that COVID lockdown is as bad as the disease .
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have money to buy some food , or we need to choose [ to ] die because of the virus , so it 's not a good choice , any of them , '' she told me outside a few tents erected outside the Justice Ministry .
'We do n't believe in lockdown .
We are studying a lot of different research , scientific research , that concludes the lockdown is not good for the people . ''
`` Here in Brazil the levels of domestic violence and suicide they are high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's not good , and people are inside their houses and they are getting sick with coronavirus , so we are not understanding , '' she said .
Those who support the president and those staring at a nightmare spread of the coronavirus .
All the time the number of people becoming infected keep rising - every day .
This week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A posse of mule-riding cowboys and cowgirls, Brazilian flags aloft, trot along the vast parks that are the centre of Brasilia, the country's capital.
It's quite a sight as they are cheered on by thousands of anti-lockdown protesters who are in the city for their now weekly rally.
The numbers vary and the count is always contested but by any standards large numbers of people flooded the roads in their cars, horns honking and vuvuzelas blaring out a deafening cacophony. Many have travelled from towns and cities hundreds of miles away.
Image: The rally is noisy and raucous and utterly defiant
It is noisy and raucous and utterly defiant. Forget social distancing, forget staying safe. In fact, forget COVID-19.
These are the faithful supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro, who continues to pour scorn on the pandemic and is willing to ignore the crisis engulfing the country.
The number of people being infected every day is in the tens of thousands but the crowds seem utterly oblivious to the fact that these types of gatherings are potentially lethal.
Mr Bolsonaro's supporters call him "Legend", they chant it constantly, and they come here to see him.
His arrival is pure theatre. Circling the crowd time and again, he waves from the open door of a military helicopter to his adoring supporters on the ground shouting and urging him on.
Finally he appears outside the presidential palace surrounded by guards, but walking the lines of supporters, shaking hands as they chant his name and mainly scream.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It is crazy but it probably sounds familiar: Donald Trump is his hero and this is pure Trump.
A populist politician soaking up the adoration of the faithful, but it isn't always like this.
A few days earlier I stood outside the Palace of Justice where a small group of maybe 20 supporters had gathered to see him.
He emerged looking tired and frankly quite ill.
Image: Supporters have set up camps around the capital which they man 24 hours a day
He is facing allegations of misconduct in office, his son is being investigated by prosecutors for peddling fake news, and whatever he says, Brazil is now one of the worst-hit coronavirus countries in the world.
He waved at the group and got into his car. After a few seconds he got out and walked towards them. He didn't engage and said nothing as they proclaimed him their saviour, then he turned on his heels and returned to his car, ignoring the waiting press, and the presidential motorcade drew away. It wasn't a great look.
Those supporters have set up permanent camps in different spots around the capital which they man 24 hours a day.
They are from all walks of life. They don't deny COVID-19 but they think the infection rates and the numbers of dead are inflated and part of a communist plot to undermine the president - that includes Chinese and Brazilian communists, in fact anyone who doesn't support Mr Bolsonaro.
Image: Odair Mello, a data analyst from Sao Paulo, is convinced COVID-19 is a plot
I met Odair Mello at one of the camps, he is a data analyst from Sao Paulo but has been staying in Brasilia for three weeks. He is intelligent, articulate and speaks perfect English. He, like so many others, is absolutely convinced it is all a plot.
"We are here to support our president because our president since the beginning has been really tough, really strong," he told me resting on his bicycle.
"He's trying to expose the truth about COVID-19 but he is up against so many people, so many institutions that they're not interested in telling people the truth, they're interested in boosting the numbers up and keep people hiding at home.
"Businesses are failing, going under, people are losing their jobs, and our president said, since the beginning, we understand that there is a health crisis but we have to also try maintain our jobs, our incomes.
"If we lose that then the second wave of death is gonna be much, much worse."
Image: Odair Mello and Suzyanne Eryka at the rally in Brasilia
Co-supporter Suzyanne Eryka chimed in.
"You have other types of people who have died, for example with heart [problems], or other things and it's all in [the] Covid count," she said.
"This is true, that there is sick, it's true, I believe it, of course, I'm not stupid, but it is not this size," she added stretching her arms out wide.
Image: Paolo Goncalves Zexerre says the pandemic is a set up
We are at a camp opposite the presidential palace set up by Paolo Goncalves Zexerre, he is an engineer and social worker and he is absolutely convinced the whole thing is a set up.
"They are inflating the number [of deaths] precisely to create panic, to maintain the narratives of lockdown and to break the state, " he told me.
"I think it's fake. I have demonstrated three times in front of the Chinese embassy. We understand that China is doing this to break the world economy."
Some of the president's most vocal supporters are controversial in their their own right.
Image: Some of the president's most vocal supporters are controversial in their their own right
Sara Winter has set up the so called "300" camp - as in the Spartans movie. She faces possible arrest for spreading fake news and she is now applying for asylum in the United States.
Her point, like her president's, is that COVID lockdown is as bad as the disease.
"We need to choose between dying because we don't have money to buy some food, or we need to choose [to] die because of the virus, so it's not a good choice, any of them," she told me outside a few tents erected outside the Justice Ministry.
Image: Those at the rally think the infection rates and the death numbers are inflated
'We don't believe in lockdown. We are studying a lot of different research, scientific research, that concludes the lockdown is not good for the people."
"Here in Brazil the levels of domestic violence and suicide they are high, getting higher day by day and that's not good, and people are inside their houses and they are getting sick with coronavirus, so we are not understanding," she said.
Brazil is now hugely divided.
Those who support the president and those staring at a nightmare spread of the coronavirus.
All the time the number of people becoming infected keep rising - every day.
This week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-31--George Floyd death: More National Guard troops sent in as US protests grow

Police and protesters across the US are clashing again on the fifth straight day of unrest as anger intensifies over the death of George Floyd .
The protests marked by chants of `` I ca n't breathe '' - a rallying cry echoing the dying words of Mr Floyd - have spread to more than 30 cities , with cars and buildings burned , shops looted , and at least two people dead .
Governors in several states have called in National Guard troops after President Donald Trump warned state authorities they needed to adopt tougher tactics , or federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been imposed in several cities , including Atlanta , Los Angeles , Philadelphia and Denver , but they have largely gone ignored , with tens of thousands of people spilling on to the streets .
In Washington DC , hundreds of demonstrators assembled near the Justice Department headquarters and later moved to the White House , where they faced off with shield-carrying police , some mounted on horseback .
President Trump tweeted that if protesters who gathered the night before in Lafayette Square , across from the White House , had breached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greeted with the most vicious dogs , and most ominous weapons , I have ever seen '' .
He also vowed that `` radical left criminals , thugs and others '' would not be allowed to set communities ablaze .
Speaking in Florida after watching the SpaceX launch , Mr Trump said : `` I will not allow angry mobs to dominate .
Wo n't happen . ''
However , Mr Trump said George Floyd 's death was a tragedy .
He said : `` The death of George Floyd on the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It should never have happened .
It has filled Americans all over the country with horror , anger and grief . ''
The full Minnesota National Guard was activated for the first time since World War Two after several nights of arson , looting and vandalism in parts of Minneapolis , the state 's largest city .
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the deployment was necessary because `` outside agitators '' were using protests over Mr Floyd 's death to create chaos .
`` We are under assault , '' Mr Walz said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be restored . ''
In Minneapolis , which has been the epicentre of protests since Mr Floyd 's death there , officers fired tear gas and moved in to push away throngs of demonstrators who were gathering around the city police 's 5th Precinct .
Several protesters were knocked to the ground after police cars were driven into them in New York City .
Video posted to social media showed officers using batons and shoving protesters down as they made arrests and cleared streets .
Another video showed two New York Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a barricade against a police car and pelting it with objects , knocking several to the ground .
`` Our country has a sickness .
We have to be out here , '' said Brianna Petrisko , among those at lower Manhattan 's Foley Square , where most were wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This is the only way we 're going to be heard . ''
Mr Floyd died on Monday in Minneapolis after a police officer put his knee on the unarmed black man 's neck for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derek Chauvin , was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder , but the arrest has done little to quell protests across the country .

Police and protesters across the US are clashing again on the fifth straight day of unrest as anger intensifies over the death of George Floyd.
The protests marked by chants of "I can't breathe" - a rallying cry echoing the dying words of Mr Floyd - have spread to more than 30 cities, with cars and buildings burned, shops looted, and at least two people dead.
Governors in several states have called in National Guard troops after President Donald Trump warned state authorities they needed to adopt tougher tactics, or federal government would step in.
Image: A protester gestures during a rally near the White House
Image: A demonstrator raises her arms in front of security forces in Minneapolis
Curfews have been imposed in several cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Denver, but they have largely gone ignored, with tens of thousands of people spilling on to the streets.
In Washington DC, hundreds of demonstrators assembled near the Justice Department headquarters and later moved to the White House, where they faced off with shield-carrying police, some mounted on horseback.
President Trump tweeted that if protesters who gathered the night before in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, had breached the fence, "they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen".
He also vowed that "radical left criminals, thugs and others" would not be allowed to set communities ablaze.
Speaking in Florida after watching the SpaceX launch, Mr Trump said: "I will not allow angry mobs to dominate. Won't happen."
However, Mr Trump said George Floyd's death was a tragedy. He said: "The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a grave tragedy. It should never have happened. It has filled Americans all over the country with horror, anger and grief."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Protests in the city of Minneapolis
The full Minnesota National Guard was activated for the first time since World War Two after several nights of arson, looting and vandalism in parts of Minneapolis, the state's largest city.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the deployment was necessary because "outside agitators" were using protests over Mr Floyd's death to create chaos.
"We are under assault," Mr Walz said on Saturday. "Order needs to be restored."
Image: A man has water poured into his eyes as protesters march in Denver
Image: Demonstrators stand on top of a burned out police car in Los Angeles
In Minneapolis, which has been the epicentre of protests since Mr Floyd's death there, officers fired tear gas and moved in to push away throngs of demonstrators who were gathering around the city police's 5th Precinct.
Several protesters were knocked to the ground after police cars were driven into them in New York City.
Video posted to social media showed officers using batons and shoving protesters down as they made arrests and cleared streets.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 Fires and looting as protests rage across US
Another video showed two New York Police Department vehicles driving into protesters who were pushing a barricade against a police car and pelting it with objects, knocking several to the ground.
"Our country has a sickness. We have to be out here," said Brianna Petrisko, among those at lower Manhattan's Foley Square, where most were wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is the only way we're going to be heard."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Protests and looting across the US
Mr Floyd died on Monday in Minneapolis after a police officer put his knee on the unarmed black man's neck for more than eight minutes.
The officer, Derek Chauvin, was arrested on Friday and charged with third-degree murder, but the arrest has done little to quell protests across the country.


news--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: 'We can't just stay in lockdown forever,' says Raab as rules relaxed

The UK `` ca n't just stay in lockdown forever '' , Dominic Raab has told Sky News as he defended a gradual easing of the coronavirus rules despite concerns raised by some government scientific advisers .
While acknowledging it was a `` precarious moment '' , the foreign secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the `` careful '' relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions was the `` right step '' to take .
But he also said if there was any increase in coronavirus cases then targeted measures would be taken .
Mr Raab was speaking after two members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SAGE ) , warned the government was taking risks by allowing the gradual reopening of shops and schools and larger gatherings to meet in private .
More than two million at-risk people shielding in England will also be allowed to to go outside for the first time , while continuing to follow the two-metre social distancing rule .
Separately , Devi Sridhar , professor of global public health at Edinburgh University , also told Sky News that she feels is it `` inevitable '' that England will see a rise in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned there remained a `` significant risk '' that the disease could `` run out of control again '' , which was why Scotland has only `` very cautiously '' started to ease restrictions .
But speaking to Sophy Ridge , Mr Raab said : `` We are confident that this is the right step to be taking at this moment in time .
`` We are taking those steps very carefully , based on the science but also based on our ability now to monitor the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress '' has been made in bringing down the transmission rate .
Pointing to the downward trend in new cases , he said : `` That is the steady progress that we are making which means ... we can take those steps responsibly , but we have to be very careful . ''
He added : `` We are at a precarious moment .
`` We can ease up , we can protect life , but also livelihoods , get life back to something resembling normal , but we must monitor it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uptick in the number of cases , if we stop making the progress I described , we will have to take further measures again and target the virus wherever it may appear . ''
Mr Raab said : `` Obviously this is a sensitive moment , but we ca n't just stay in lockdown forever .
We have got to transition .
`` The more we transition through careful steps the more I think we will build up confidence in the approach we are taking . ''
Pressed over the warnings issued by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out the scientists would not always agree .
With more than 25 taking part at any one time , he said : `` It would be totally surprising if they all agreed in unanimity .
They do n't .
That 's why we have that group , to test the evidence .
`` Then we as elected politicians have to take the final judgement call . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Raab added : `` Our overriding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also know that we have got to protect livelihoods , jobs , the economy , because that 's what props up all of our crucial public services .
`` The steps we are taking is not some binary trade off , because if we had a second peak in the virus we would end up back in lockdown and that would be bad for public health reasons , but also for the economy . ''
But Prof Sridhar , a public health expert and a member of the Scottish government 's COVID-19 advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a big risk and gamble '' .
She told Ridge : `` If your objective is to contain the virus , to drive numbers down and to try to in a sense get rid of it so no-one is exposed to it , then it is not the right measure right now to open up .
`` It 's a big risk and gamble for exiting lockdown with a larger number of deaths than we did when we actually entered lockdown months back . ''
Also speaking on Ridge , the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't gone away , there is still a significant risk it could run out of control again '' .
`` That 's why in Scotland we are moving very slowly , very cautiously , '' said Nicola Sturgeon .
She also questioned whether virus-related deaths in care homes in England are being under-reported , to explain the apparent higher rate in Scotland .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The UK "can't just stay in lockdown forever", Dominic Raab has told Sky News as he defended a gradual easing of the coronavirus rules despite concerns raised by some government scientific advisers.
While acknowledging it was a "precarious moment", the foreign secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the "careful" relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions was the "right step" to take.
But he also said if there was any increase in coronavirus cases then targeted measures would be taken.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Politicians decide and scientists advise - Sturgeon
Mr Raab was speaking after two members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned the government was taking risks by allowing the gradual reopening of shops and schools and larger gatherings to meet in private.
More than two million at-risk people shielding in England will also be allowed to to go outside for the first time, while continuing to follow the two-metre social distancing rule.
Separately, Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University, also told Sky News that she feels is it "inevitable" that England will see a rise in coronavirus cases as the lockdown is relaxed.
And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned there remained a "significant risk" that the disease could "run out of control again", which was why Scotland has only "very cautiously" started to ease restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 Exiting lockdown is 'a big gamble'
But speaking to Sophy Ridge, Mr Raab said: "We are confident that this is the right step to be taking at this moment in time.
"We are taking those steps very carefully, based on the science but also based on our ability now to monitor the virus."
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He said "steady progress" has been made in bringing down the transmission rate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 'People will die': SAGE member on lockdown easing
Pointing to the downward trend in new cases, he said: "That is the steady progress that we are making which means... we can take those steps responsibly, but we have to be very careful."
He added: "We are at a precarious moment.
"We can ease up, we can protect life, but also livelihoods, get life back to something resembling normal, but we must monitor it very carefully.
"If there is any uptick in the number of cases, if we stop making the progress I described, we will have to take further measures again and target the virus wherever it may appear."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 UK still in a 'very dangerous moment' on COVID-19
Mr Raab said: "Obviously this is a sensitive moment, but we can't just stay in lockdown forever. We have got to transition.
"The more we transition through careful steps the more I think we will build up confidence in the approach we are taking."
Pressed over the warnings issued by some members of SAGE, Mr Raab pointed out the scientists would not always agree.
With more than 25 taking part at any one time, he said: "It would be totally surprising if they all agreed in unanimity. They don't. That's why we have that group, to test the evidence.
"Then we as elected politicians have to take the final judgement call."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Raab added: "Our overriding priority is to protect life but we also know that we have got to protect livelihoods, jobs, the economy, because that's what props up all of our crucial public services.
"The steps we are taking is not some binary trade off, because if we had a second peak in the virus we would end up back in lockdown and that would be bad for public health reasons, but also for the economy."
But Prof Sridhar, a public health expert and a member of the Scottish government's COVID-19 advisory group, has warned that relaxing the "a big risk and gamble".
She told Ridge: "If your objective is to contain the virus, to drive numbers down and to try to in a sense get rid of it so no-one is exposed to it, then it is not the right measure right now to open up.
"It's a big risk and gamble for exiting lockdown with a larger number of deaths than we did when we actually entered lockdown months back."
Also speaking on Ridge, the Scottish First Minister warned that "this virus hasn't gone away, there is still a significant risk it could run out of control again".
"That's why in Scotland we are moving very slowly, very cautiously," said Nicola Sturgeon.
She also questioned whether virus-related deaths in care homes in England are being under-reported, to explain the apparent higher rate in Scotland.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Frozen star Josh Gad reunites Lord Of The Rings cast during lockdown

Frozen star Josh Gad has brought the cast of The Lord Of The Rings back together for his next YouTube lockdown reunion .
Gad has already reunited the casts of The Goonies and the 1984 classic Splash for his Reunited Apart series on YouTube , which is raising money for the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy 's COVID-19 fund .
But in a new preview clip , he recruits Goonies star Sean Astin to help him stage another virtual reunion .
The Frozen actor reminds Astin that his character Samwise Gamgee fought off an army of orcs and wounded the demonic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rings , so it should be easy to get other members of the Fellowship on a video call .
Gradually , more members of the cast start popping up on the conference call , starting with Elijah Wood ( Frodo ) .
Dominic Monaghan ( Merry Brandybuck ) and Billy Boyd ( Pippin Took ) then appear , to make a full house of hobbits , before Orlando Bloom ( Legolas ) joins .
He says : `` Sorry I had to find a mirror to remind myself that I am in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the cast are `` always on a call '' with one another , but his fiancee Katy Perry `` has to remind him to turn off the Zoom in bed '' , in a nod to a 2016 photo of them together where he appears naked on a paddleboard .
Finally , Sir Ian McKellen ( Gandalf ) appears on the call to the delight of his Fellowship colleagues .
Failing to hide their excitement , they beam as he reels off his character 's famous quote : `` All we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the time that is given to us . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Amazon 's TV adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings was filming in New Zealand until the coronavirus pandemic halted production , with no release date set .
The full episode of Josh Gad 's latest Reunited Apart series will air on YouTube on Sunday at 5pm .

Frozen star Josh Gad has brought the cast of The Lord Of The Rings back together for his next YouTube lockdown reunion.
Gad has already reunited the casts of The Goonies and the 1984 classic Splash for his Reunited Apart series on YouTube, which is raising money for the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 fund.
But in a new preview clip, he recruits Goonies star Sean Astin to help him stage another virtual reunion.
Image: Josh Gad has chosen Lord Of The Rings for his next lockdown reunion. Pic: Josh Gad/ YouTube
The Frozen actor reminds Astin that his character Samwise Gamgee fought off an army of orcs and wounded the demonic spider Shelob in The Lord Of The Rings, so it should be easy to get other members of the Fellowship on a video call.
Gradually, more members of the cast start popping up on the conference call, starting with Elijah Wood (Frodo).
Dominic Monaghan (Merry Brandybuck) and Billy Boyd (Pippin Took) then appear, to make a full house of hobbits, before Orlando Bloom (Legolas) joins.
He says: "Sorry I had to find a mirror to remind myself that I am in fact Orlando Bloom."
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Bloom then jokes that the cast are "always on a call" with one another, but his fiancee Katy Perry "has to remind him to turn off the Zoom in bed", in a nod to a 2016 photo of them together where he appears naked on a paddleboard.
Finally, Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) appears on the call to the delight of his Fellowship colleagues.
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Failing to hide their excitement, they beam as he reels off his character's famous quote: "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us."
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Amazon's TV adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings was filming in New Zealand until the coronavirus pandemic halted production, with no release date set.
The full episode of Josh Gad's latest Reunited Apart series will air on YouTube on Sunday at 5pm.


news--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Hundreds flout lockdown rules to attend illegal party in east London

Hundreds of revellers have gathered at an illegal party in east London despite lockdown measures , police say .
Pictures and videos posted on Snapchat show large crowds gathered in Detmold Road , Clapton , as a DJ plays in the street .
At around midnight on Sunday , Hackney Police said officers were at the scene and a police helicopter was also being used .
In a tweet , it said : `` There is a large scale unlicensed music event in a residential street in E5 involving many hundreds of revellers .
`` @ NPASSouthEast are providing aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' More Snapchat footage shows police cars and officers at the scene as it becomes dark outside .
Videos and photos posted on Twitter also show large crowds gathered on Hackney Marshes earlier on Saturday .
In one video , a man says : `` Check this out , there 's a party going on in the park .
There 's like a DJ down this side . ''
Crowds were seen at a number of beauty spots in England on Saturday as many took advantage of the warm weather .
Large groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , while many people were also seen on Bournemouth beach .
At Durdle Door , near Lulworth , three people were seriously injured after jumping off cliffs .
An air ambulance was called and large crowds had to be moved from the beach to allow the helicopter to land .
The public has been warned not to go beyond official guidance as lockdown measures are eased further on Monday .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said now is a `` very dangerous moment '' and that the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility '' to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 .
Speaking at the government 's daily briefing , he warned : `` Do n't tear the pants out of it , and do n't go further than the guidance actually says . ''
From Monday , people will be able to meet in groups of up to six outside , as long as they stay two metres apart .
Meanwhile , four members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) spoke out to say the government is easing the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former World Health Organisation director also warned of a possible resurgence of the virus .
In a tweet , he wrote : `` We have 8,000 cases daily , a private testing system set up without connection to primary care , call-centre tracing that appears a fiasco , and no digital app .
After 4 months .
Unless the population has hidden ( T cell ? )
immunity , we 're heading for resurgence . ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Hundreds of revellers have gathered at an illegal party in east London despite lockdown measures, police say.
Pictures and videos posted on Snapchat show large crowds gathered in Detmold Road, Clapton, as a DJ plays in the street.
At around midnight on Sunday, Hackney Police said officers were at the scene and a police helicopter was also being used.
Image: The party was held in a residential street
Image: Footage shows DJ decks being used
In a tweet, it said: "There is a large scale unlicensed music event in a residential street in E5 involving many hundreds of revellers.
"@NPASSouthEast are providing aerial support to officers on the ground."
More Snapchat footage shows police cars and officers at the scene as it becomes dark outside.
Videos and photos posted on Twitter also show large crowds gathered on Hackney Marshes earlier on Saturday.
In one video, a man says: "Check this out, there's a party going on in the park. There's like a DJ down this side."
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Crowds were seen at a number of beauty spots in England on Saturday as many took advantage of the warm weather.
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Large groups were spotted at Clapham Common in south London, while many people were also seen on Bournemouth beach.
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At Durdle Door, near Lulworth, three people were seriously injured after jumping off cliffs.
An air ambulance was called and large crowds had to be moved from the beach to allow the helicopter to land.
Image: Crowds were told to leave the beach at Durdle Door. Pic: Purbeck Police
The public has been warned not to go beyond official guidance as lockdown measures are eased further on Monday.
England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said now is a "very dangerous moment" and that the public and the government have a "dual responsibility" to prevent a second wave of COVID-19.
Speaking at the government's daily briefing, he warned: "Don't tear the pants out of it, and don't go further than the guidance actually says."
From Monday, people will be able to meet in groups of up to six outside, as long as they stay two metres apart.
Image: Police at the scene in Hackney
Meanwhile, four members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) spoke out to say the government is easing the lockdown too soon.
Professor Anthony Costello, a former World Health Organisation director also warned of a possible resurgence of the virus.
In a tweet, he wrote: "We have 8,000 cases daily, a private testing system set up without connection to primary care, call-centre tracing that appears a fiasco, and no digital app. After 4 months. Unless the population has hidden (T cell?) immunity, we're heading for resurgence."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Monkeys 'escape with COVID-19 samples' after attacking lab assistant

A gang of monkeys attacked a laboratory assistant and escaped with a batch of coronavirus blood test samples , it has been reported .
The bizarre incident saw the troop of primates launch their assault near Meerut Medical College in Delhi , India .
According to local media , the animals then snatched COVID-19 blood test samples that had been taken from three patients and fled .
One of the monkeys was later spotted in a tree chewing one of the sample collection kits , the Times of India reported - adding that test samples from the patients had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were later recovered , the Meerut medical college superintendent , Dheeraj Raj , told AFP .
He added : `` They were still intact and we do n't think there is any risk of contamination or spread . ''
It is the latest example of the highly intelligent , red-faced rhesus macaques taking advantage of India 's nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus .
While they have proved an increasing problem in urban areas of the country in recent years , lockdown measures in the last two months are believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown them congregating in parts of Delhi normally crowded with humans .
The animals have adapted to live in close contact with people , and it is believed some groups have struggled in the absence of human food they had come to rely on .
People have been advised not to feed the monkeys while the pandemic continues , with experts suggesting doing so could cause the virus to mutate and infect primates .
A senior biologist from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department previously warned that if this did happen , the mutated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primate species and other wildlife which prey on them .
`` The point is , we have very little understanding of the virus , and it is better to limit our interactions with wildlife till there is more research done on its effects on non-human primates and other animal species , '' he told The Hindu .
Reports have previously emerged of the primates causing chaos in Delhi , snatching food and mobile telephones , breaking into homes and terrorising people in and around the Indian capital .
They have colonised areas around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of key ministries , from the prime minister 's office to the finance and defence ministries , scaring both civil servants and the public .
`` Very often they snatch food from people as they are walking , and sometimes they even tear files and documents by climbing in through the windows , '' said Ragini Sharma , a home ministry employee , in 2018 .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A gang of monkeys attacked a laboratory assistant and escaped with a batch of coronavirus blood test samples, it has been reported.
The bizarre incident saw the troop of primates launch their assault near Meerut Medical College in Delhi, India.
According to local media, the animals then snatched COVID-19 blood test samples that had been taken from three patients and fled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Monkeys run off with COVID-19 samples
One of the monkeys was later spotted in a tree chewing one of the sample collection kits, the Times of India reported - adding that test samples from the patients had to be taken again.
The undamaged kits were later recovered, the Meerut medical college superintendent, Dheeraj Raj, told AFP.
He added: "They were still intact and we don't think there is any risk of contamination or spread."
It is the latest example of the highly intelligent, red-faced rhesus macaques taking advantage of India's nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus.
While they have proved an increasing problem in urban areas of the country in recent years, lockdown measures in the last two months are believed to have emboldened the monkeys.
Reports have shown them congregating in parts of Delhi normally crowded with humans.
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Image: Monkeys get on a motorcycle to eat fruits from a box during the lockdown in New Delhi
The animals have adapted to live in close contact with people, and it is believed some groups have struggled in the absence of human food they had come to rely on.
People have been advised not to feed the monkeys while the pandemic continues, with experts suggesting doing so could cause the virus to mutate and infect primates.
A senior biologist from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department previously warned that if this did happen, the mutated virus could have a devastating impact on primate species and other wildlife which prey on them.
"The point is, we have very little understanding of the virus, and it is better to limit our interactions with wildlife till there is more research done on its effects on non-human primates and other animal species," he told The Hindu.
Reports have previously emerged of the primates causing chaos in Delhi, snatching food and mobile telephones, breaking into homes and terrorising people in and around the Indian capital.
Image: People have been asked not to feed monkeys during the pandemic, although many have come to rely on human sources of food
They have colonised areas around the city's parliament and the sites of key ministries, from the prime minister's office to the finance and defence ministries, scaring both civil servants and the public.
"Very often they snatch food from people as they are walking, and sometimes they even tear files and documents by climbing in through the windows," said Ragini Sharma, a home ministry employee, in 2018.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-22--Josephine Matseke Peter: Daughter's tribute to nurse who treated COVID-19 patients

Josephine Matseke Peter , a nurse and mother-of-two who worked at Southport and Formby District General Hospital , died on 18 April after testing positive for coronavirus .
Her daughter Buhle Peter pays tribute to her mother who she says had the biggest heart and greatest capacity to love .
My mama , Josephine Matseke , was a vibrant soul .
She was full of so much love that it was incomprehensible .
Her work ethic always inspired me and her fighting spirit was something so beautiful because it showed she would always persevere and push until she could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My mother died at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic .
She moved to the UK from South Africa in 2002 and spent over 15 years working as a nurse for the NHS and agencies ; preserving human life , helping others , sharing that glow she had and spreading joy .
It was while working as nurse that she caught the virus .
My brother and I moved back to Johannesburg a few years ago while my parents remained in the UK .
The last time I saw my mum was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mozambique over Christmas .
It was such a magical adventure for us all and her smile is permanently embedded in our minds .
It was on this trip that she told us she planned to move home to South Africa in a few months ' time .
She had already started to ship her belongings to the house that she had started to build .
It was her dream to spend retirement in her new home living near us and watching my niece grow up .
When my mother died , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad at her funeral in the UK .
We watched a live stream of the service .
It was a numbing experience and it did n't really sink in until her cremation ; watching that really hit me in the gut .
It was unbelievable .
This beautiful woman whom I have the honour of calling my mother , was also my best friend and the root of my being .
I ca n't describe how much I loved and adored her .
I treasured our mama-daughter dates and outings where we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures .
She always loved to capture the moment and live life to the fullest .
She had the biggest heart and greatest capacity to love that it was difficult to comprehend that someone could love so much .
She was at my side all my life and without her I would n't be the woman I am today .
Having her taken from me has caused me so much unimaginable heartache to the point where I felt numb .
Being alone was scary because it meant I was going to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeper into them .
But spending more time with my brother and the rest of my family has helped .
Living without her will be difficult but I will make her proud of the woman she raised .
All I want now is for my mother 's life to be celebrated , as she so rightfully deserved , and for my dad to come home so we can be together as a family to remember her together .
She was truly one of a kind and will continue to blossom in my heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To the world , I would like to say stay safe because this virus took my love away from me and I do n't want it to take anyone else 's .

Josephine Matseke Peter, a nurse and mother-of-two who worked at Southport and Formby District General Hospital, died on 18 April after testing positive for coronavirus.
Her daughter Buhle Peter pays tribute to her mother who she says had the biggest heart and greatest capacity to love.
My mama, Josephine Matseke, was a vibrant soul. She was full of so much love that it was incomprehensible. Her work ethic always inspired me and her fighting spirit was something so beautiful because it showed she would always persevere and push until she couldn't push anymore. She was my hero.
My mother died at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. She moved to the UK from South Africa in 2002 and spent over 15 years working as a nurse for the NHS and agencies; preserving human life, helping others, sharing that glow she had and spreading joy. It was while working as nurse that she caught the virus.
Image: Josephine was a nurse at Southport and Formby District General Hospital
My brother and I moved back to Johannesburg a few years ago while my parents remained in the UK. The last time I saw my mum was on our family road trip to Swaziland and Mozambique over Christmas. It was such a magical adventure for us all and her smile is permanently embedded in our minds.
It was on this trip that she told us she planned to move home to South Africa in a few months' time. She had already started to ship her belongings to the house that she had started to build. It was her dream to spend retirement in her new home living near us and watching my niece grow up.
When my mother died, it was difficult not to be with my dad at her funeral in the UK. We watched a live stream of the service. It was a numbing experience and it didn't really sink in until her cremation; watching that really hit me in the gut. It was unbelievable.
This beautiful woman whom I have the honour of calling my mother, was also my best friend and the root of my being. I can't describe how much I loved and adored her.
Image: Josephine Matseke Peter (r) with her daughter Buhle
I treasured our mama-daughter dates and outings where we would just be together, laugh and take pictures. She always loved to capture the moment and live life to the fullest. She had the biggest heart and greatest capacity to love that it was difficult to comprehend that someone could love so much.
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She was at my side all my life and without her I wouldn't be the woman I am today. Having her taken from me has caused me so much unimaginable heartache to the point where I felt numb.
Being alone was scary because it meant I was going to be in my own thoughts and sink deeper and deeper into them. But spending more time with my brother and the rest of my family has helped. Living without her will be difficult but I will make her proud of the woman she raised.
All I want now is for my mother's life to be celebrated, as she so rightfully deserved, and for my dad to come home so we can be together as a family to remember her together. She was truly one of a kind and will continue to blossom in my heart and my family's hearts forever.
To the world, I would like to say stay safe because this virus took my love away from me and I don't want it to take anyone else's.
Robala ka Kgotso, ma (translated from Sesotho: Rest in Peace, ma)


news--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Elderly and most vulnerable 'shielders' can now see loved ones

The elderly and most vulnerable who have been `` shielding '' from coronavirus will be able to see loved ones such as children and grandchildren from today .
The government is easing lockdown measures to allow more than two million people at the most risk from the virus to leave their home for the first time in 10 weeks .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has said the government is `` reasonably confident '' the easing of the measures will keep the rate of infection in the country at manageable levels .
Mr Jenrick added at the Downing Street daily briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now do `` quite modest things '' like going for a walk with members with of their household .
Those who live alone can meet with someone from another household .
Mr Jenrick told the daily press briefing : `` We 're not today asking people , or advising people , to stop shielding .
`` Far from it .
What we 're saying to the people who have been shielding for the last 10 weeks is that we think that the rate of infection is sufficiently low now to enable you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside for a walk with members of your household , or like if you 've been living alone , meeting somebody from another household . ''
He added : `` This will enable those shielding to see loved ones like children and grandchildren , something many I know are aching to do .
`` Having spent many weeks indoors some will understandably be very cautious and concerned about going outdoors .
`` You should only do what you are comfortable with . ''
Mr Jenrick said these `` small changes '' will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mental health and wellbeing `` while still continuing to ensure they 're protected by being at home and reducing the amount of face-to-face contact that they have with people outside their household to the absolute minimum '' .
Deputy chief medical officer for England , Dr Jenny Harries said that at the start of the outbreak the chance of meeting someone with the disease would have been about one in 40 , and it is now about one in 400 to 500 .
She added the incidence of new cases is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This is a really , really critical time , so where we are seeing government is easing measures , the public really , really need to stick to those measures . ''
She added : `` Nothing will ever be 100 % safe . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Jenrick said the next review of shielding measures will take place in the week starting 15 June and officials will consider the next steps of the programme `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the month .
He continued : `` Following that review , the NHS will also write to all individuals on the shielding patient list with information about next steps on shielding advice and the support that will be available to them .
`` If the conditions become less favourable , our advice to those being asked to shield will , unfortunately , need to be tightened . ''
Mr Jenrick said the government hopes those shielding can be given more tailored advice in the future .
He said : `` We do want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time and our medical advisers are producing advice as to how we can give people more specific , tailored advice to their own condition rather than the blanket approach that we 've done so far . ''
Mr Jenrick added that while the updated guidance from Monday for the shielded is for England only , the government is working closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland `` who will issue their own guidance in due course '' .

The elderly and most vulnerable who have been "shielding" from coronavirus will be able to see loved ones such as children and grandchildren from today.
The government is easing lockdown measures to allow more than two million people at the most risk from the virus to leave their home for the first time in 10 weeks.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has said the government is "reasonably confident" the easing of the measures will keep the rate of infection in the country at manageable levels.
Mr Jenrick added at the Downing Street daily briefing on Sunday that "shielders" can now do "quite modest things" like going for a walk with members with of their household.
Those who live alone can meet with someone from another household.
Mr Jenrick told the daily press briefing: "We're not today asking people, or advising people, to stop shielding.
"Far from it. What we're saying to the people who have been shielding for the last 10 weeks is that we think that the rate of infection is sufficiently low now to enable you to do some quite modest things like going outside for a walk with members of your household, or like if you've been living alone, meeting somebody from another household."
He added: "This will enable those shielding to see loved ones like children and grandchildren, something many I know are aching to do.
"Having spent many weeks indoors some will understandably be very cautious and concerned about going outdoors.
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"You should only do what you are comfortable with."
Mr Jenrick said these "small changes" will have a "huge impact" on people's mental health and wellbeing "while still continuing to ensure they're protected by being at home and reducing the amount of face-to-face contact that they have with people outside their household to the absolute minimum".
Deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries said that at the start of the outbreak the chance of meeting someone with the disease would have been about one in 40, and it is now about one in 400 to 500.
She added the incidence of new cases is about one in 1,000.
Dr Harries said: "This is a really, really critical time, so where we are seeing government is easing measures, the public really, really need to stick to those measures."
She added: "Nothing will ever be 100% safe."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Jenrick said the next review of shielding measures will take place in the week starting 15 June and officials will consider the next steps of the programme "more generally" beyond the end of the month.
He continued: "Following that review, the NHS will also write to all individuals on the shielding patient list with information about next steps on shielding advice and the support that will be available to them.
"If the conditions become less favourable, our advice to those being asked to shield will, unfortunately, need to be tightened."
Mr Jenrick said the government hopes those shielding can be given more tailored advice in the future.
He said: "We do want to move to a more specific approach in time and our medical advisers are producing advice as to how we can give people more specific, tailored advice to their own condition rather than the blanket approach that we've done so far."
Mr Jenrick added that while the updated guidance from Monday for the shielded is for England only, the government is working closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland "who will issue their own guidance in due course".


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Ireland to ease lockdown from Monday but 'there will be bumps in the road'

Ireland will begin to ease the lockdown restrictions from Monday but `` there will be bumps in the road '' , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced .
The Irish government set out a road map to unlock the restrictions put in place to contain coronavirus , comprising of five stages at three week intervals .
On Friday , Mr Varadkar said it is `` safe to proceed '' with the first stage in the government 's plan to ease the restrictions .
As of Monday , under phase one , groups of up to four people can meet outdoors within 5km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some workers including those in construction can go back to work and the rules on exercise have also been relaxed .
Garden centres and other primarily outdoor retail businesses can also reopen .
However social distancing rules must be observed in all cases .
People are also being advised to use face masks as an additional hygiene measure when using public transport or when in enclosed public areas such as the supermarket .
Speaking at the announcement , Mr Varadkar said : `` I can confirm that it is safe to proceed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the COVID-19 restrictions on Monday .
This gives us reason to hope , but it is not a cause for celebration .
`` We have a long way to go yet .
There will be bumps in the road and we have to keep our guard up . ''
From Monday , people are advised to stay at home except for the following five reasons : • To go to work if you can not work from home • To exercise within 5km of home • For medical reasons or to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family outside , within 5km of your home , in groups of no more than four Mr Varadkar discussed the easing of restrictions during a phone call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday afternoon .
The leaders confirmed that anyone travelling to Ireland , except via Northern Ireland , will be quarantined for 14 days , including people from the UK .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` They discussed the UK and Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the importance of continued co-operation going forward , given the closeness of our two countries .
`` On the UK 's intention to impose quarantine restrictions on international travellers , the prime minister emphasised that there would be exemptions to these measures to respect the Common Travel Area .
`` The two leaders also spoke about the latest round of UK-EU negotiations .
The prime minister said the UK will continue to work hard to reach an agreement and continues to believe that this is possible . ''
The spokesperson added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to meeting again once the pandemic is over , and to building stronger links between the UK and Ireland . ''
Despite minor changes to the lockdown rules , older people and those who are cocooning have been told to stay at home except for brief outdoor exercise within 5km of their home .
The rate of the virus will be constantly monitored by the National Public Emergency Team and the government as restrictions are carefully lifted .
Ireland is widely seen as having controlled the virus relatively well , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 have died .

Ireland will begin to ease the lockdown restrictions from Monday but "there will be bumps in the road", Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced.
The Irish government set out a road map to unlock the restrictions put in place to contain coronavirus, comprising of five stages at three week intervals.
On Friday, Mr Varadkar said it is "safe to proceed" with the first stage in the government's plan to ease the restrictions.
Image: Leo Varadkar said it is 'safe to proceed' with phase one of easing the lockdown
As of Monday, under phase one, groups of up to four people can meet outdoors within 5km (3.1 miles) of their homes.
Some workers including those in construction can go back to work and the rules on exercise have also been relaxed.
Garden centres and other primarily outdoor retail businesses can also reopen.
However social distancing rules must be observed in all cases.
People are also being advised to use face masks as an additional hygiene measure when using public transport or when in enclosed public areas such as the supermarket.
Speaking at the announcement, Mr Varadkar said: "I can confirm that it is safe to proceed with phase one of our plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions on Monday. This gives us reason to hope, but it is not a cause for celebration.
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"We have a long way to go yet. There will be bumps in the road and we have to keep our guard up."
From Monday, people are advised to stay at home except for the following five reasons:
To go to work if you cannot work from home
To shop for essential items
To exercise within 5km of home
For medical reasons or to care for others
To meet friends or family outside, within 5km of your home, in groups of no more than four
Image: A sign notifies passers by of the two metre social distancing measures in place
Mr Varadkar discussed the easing of restrictions during a phone call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday afternoon.
The leaders confirmed that anyone travelling to Ireland, except via Northern Ireland, will be quarantined for 14 days, including people from the UK.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "They discussed the UK and Ireland's approaches to tackling coronavirus and agreed on the importance of continued co-operation going forward, given the closeness of our two countries.
"On the UK's intention to impose quarantine restrictions on international travellers, the prime minister emphasised that there would be exemptions to these measures to respect the Common Travel Area.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Varadkar's plan to ease Ireland lockdown
"The two leaders also spoke about the latest round of UK-EU negotiations. The prime minister said the UK will continue to work hard to reach an agreement and continues to believe that this is possible."
The spokesperson added: "The prime minister and taoiseach looked forward to meeting again once the pandemic is over, and to building stronger links between the UK and Ireland."
Despite minor changes to the lockdown rules, older people and those who are cocooning have been told to stay at home except for brief outdoor exercise within 5km of their home.
Image: A man walks thought Dublin while lockdown measures are in place
The rate of the virus will be constantly monitored by the National Public Emergency Team and the government as restrictions are carefully lifted.
Ireland is widely seen as having controlled the virus relatively well, with the government saying that 1,506 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died.


news--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Belgian prince tests positive for COVID-19 after attending 'rule-breaking' party

A Belgian prince has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain , which local media have reported as breaking lockdown rules .
Prince Joachim , 28 , attended the gathering in the city of Cordoba on 26 May , a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said .
The prince , who is the nephew of Belgium 's King Phillipe and tenth in line to the throne , is now in quarantine with reportedly mild symptoms .
El Pais newspaper said there were 27 people at the party - although local lockdown rules only permit gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have launched an investigation and those who breached restrictions could be fined between €600 ( £540 ) and €10,000 ( £8,997 ) .
A palace spokesperson could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party .
They said Prince Joachim had travelled to Spain from Belgium on 24 May for an internship and was still there .
The Spanish government 's regional envoy in Cordoba , Rafaela Valenzuela , said the gathering was `` completely irresponsible '' and could have caused an outbreak of infections .
`` I feel surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type stands out at a moment of national mourning for so many dead , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Valenzuela confirmed that all 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine .
Spain once had some of the strictest lockdown rules in Europe , but police have recently had to intervene in a series of cases of people flouting social distancing restrictions .
Under its strict lockdown imposed on 14 March , only adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy food , medicine and other essential goods , and to walk dogs close to home .
In recent weeks , it has relaxed measures to allow children to venture outside and people to exercise outdoors .
The country has reported 27,125 deaths of people with coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A Belgian prince has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain, which local media have reported as breaking lockdown rules.
Prince Joachim, 28, attended the gathering in the city of Cordoba on 26 May, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said.
The prince, who is the nephew of Belgium's King Phillipe and tenth in line to the throne, is now in quarantine with reportedly mild symptoms.
Image: The prince is said to have mild coronavirus symptoms
El Pais newspaper said there were 27 people at the party - although local lockdown rules only permit gatherings of up to 15 people.
Spanish police have launched an investigation and those who breached restrictions could be fined between €600 (£540) and €10,000 (£8,997).
A palace spokesperson could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party.
They said Prince Joachim had travelled to Spain from Belgium on 24 May for an internship and was still there.
The Spanish government's regional envoy in Cordoba, Rafaela Valenzuela, said the gathering was "completely irresponsible" and could have caused an outbreak of infections.
"I feel surprised and angry. An incident of this type stands out at a moment of national mourning for so many dead," she said.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Valenzuela confirmed that all 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine.
Spain once had some of the strictest lockdown rules in Europe, but police have recently had to intervene in a series of cases of people flouting social distancing restrictions.
Image: Spain had some of the strictest lockdown rules in Europe
Under its strict lockdown imposed on 14 March, only adults had been allowed to leave home - to buy food, medicine and other essential goods, and to walk dogs close to home.
In recent weeks, it has relaxed measures to allow children to venture outside and people to exercise outdoors.
The country has reported 27,125 deaths of people with coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-31--'Racism is real virus': Protesters ignore COVID risk as 23 held in London rally against racial viole

'Racism is real virus': Protesters ignore COVID risk as 23 held in London rally against racial violence

Thousands of people gathered in central London on Sunday as the protests in American cities spread to the UK .
The protesters were supporting Americans angry about violence suffered by black people at the hands of police in the US , a feeling galvanised by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this month .
Mr Floyd died after a police officer put his knee on the unarmed black man 's neck for more than eight minutes despite him warning that he could not breathe .
In London , protesters chanted : `` No justice , no peace !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many more ? ''
referring to the list of black Americans who have died after encounters with police .
Others shouted : `` Get your knees off our necks . ''
Demonstrators ignored social distancing rules as they gathered at Trafalgar Square and marched to the US Embassy , where a long line of police surrounded the building .
Twenty-three arrests were made , all for various offences , police said .
In a brief statement , the Metropolitan Police said the offences included possession of an offensive weapon , assault on police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus legislation .
Some of those arrested were between the ages of 17 and 25 years old and have been taken into custody .
Sky reporter Emma Birchley was at the event , titled Kneel for Floyd , and she said that at exactly 1pm , the protesters dropped to their knees , most wearing masks as directed by the organisers .
Among the protesters was Nina Mahonty , an American of South Asian descent , who has lived in London for six years .
Breaking down as she spoke , Nina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my country burn and there is nothing I can do from here so this was the next best thing .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' I know it 's precarious because coronavirus is going on right now but if coronavirus does n't take the lives of our black brothers and sisters , then the police will . ''
Also among the demonstrators was Ugonna , a young black Londoner .
`` When we come here and congregate we know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` What has been going on is testament to society right now .
Society is messed up . ''
Protesters also marched to Grenfell Tower in north west London , the scene of a fire which killed 72 people in 2017 .
Most of the victims were black or ethnic minorities .
One protester wrote `` Black Lives Matter '' on the memorial at the base of the tower block , as others watched on in silence before applauding .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said accusations of excessive force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He said : `` The death of George Floyd has rightly ignited fury and anguish not just in the USA but around the world .
No country , city , police force or institution can be complacent about racism and the impact this has .
`` Any accusations of excessive force used by police in London are taken extremely seriously by the Met Police and myself .
`` The Met Police understand that community trust and engagement has to be continually and consistently earned and worked on together . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd 's death had been `` swelling simmering tensions '' as it called for racism to be understood as a `` public health crisis '' shared by the US and UK .
`` At a time when we are grappling with the harsh reality that decades of structural and institutional racism has made us fodder not only to the disproportionate use of force in policing but also to COVID-19 , '' the statement said .
`` Surely , now is the time for us to scramble to rid the world of the scourge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same intensity as shown to COVID-19 .
`` If we do not , what happened to George Floyd and the others before him , will yet again be shunted to the annals of race and policing history and what happened to George Floyd and the reaction to it , will be repeated across the world . ''
A police officer has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyd 's death .
Earlier on Sunday , foreign secretary Dominic Raab said video footage of Mr Floyd 's death was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not comment on president Donald Trump 's response to the protests , which include the US president tweeting : `` When the looting starts , the shooting starts '' .

Thousands of people gathered in central London on Sunday as the protests in American cities spread to the UK.
The protesters were supporting Americans angry about violence suffered by black people at the hands of police in the US, a feeling galvanised by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Mr Floyd died after a police officer put his knee on the unarmed black man's neck for more than eight minutes despite him warning that he could not breathe.
In London, protesters chanted: "No justice, no peace!" and waved placards saying "How many more?" referring to the list of black Americans who have died after encounters with police. Others shouted: "Get your knees off our necks."
Demonstrators ignored social distancing rules as they gathered at Trafalgar Square and marched to the US Embassy, where a long line of police surrounded the building.
Twenty-three arrests were made, all for various offences, police said.
In a brief statement, the Metropolitan Police said the offences included possession of an offensive weapon, assault on police, obstructing a public carriageway and breaches of coronavirus legislation.
Some of those arrested were between the ages of 17 and 25 years old and have been taken into custody.
Sky reporter Emma Birchley was at the event, titled Kneel for Floyd, and she said that at exactly 1pm, the protesters dropped to their knees, most wearing masks as directed by the organisers.
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Among the protesters was Nina Mahonty, an American of South Asian descent, who has lived in London for six years.
Breaking down as she spoke, Nina said: "I am struggling watching my country burn and there is nothing I can do from here so this was the next best thing.
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
"I know it's precarious because coronavirus is going on right now but if coronavirus doesn't take the lives of our black brothers and sisters, then the police will."
Also among the demonstrators was Ugonna, a young black Londoner.
"When we come here and congregate we know what we are saying regardless of coronavirus," he said.
"The real virus is racism.
"What has been going on is testament to society right now. Society is messed up."
Image: A woman was led away by police outside the embassy
Protesters also marched to Grenfell Tower in north west London, the scene of a fire which killed 72 people in 2017. Most of the victims were black or ethnic minorities.
One protester wrote "Black Lives Matter" on the memorial at the base of the tower block, as others watched on in silence before applauding.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said accusations of excessive force by police are taken "extremely seriously".
He said: "The death of George Floyd has rightly ignited fury and anguish not just in the USA but around the world. No country, city, police force or institution can be complacent about racism and the impact this has.
"Any accusations of excessive force used by police in London are taken extremely seriously by the Met Police and myself.
"The Met Police understand that community trust and engagement has to be continually and consistently earned and worked on together."
The National Black Police Association UK said Mr Floyd's death had been "swelling simmering tensions" as it called for racism to be understood as a "public health crisis" shared by the US and UK.
"At a time when we are grappling with the harsh reality that decades of structural and institutional racism has made us fodder not only to the disproportionate use of force in policing but also to COVID-19," the statement said.
"Surely, now is the time for us to scramble to rid the world of the scourge of racism, structural and institutional with the same intensity as shown to COVID-19.
"If we do not, what happened to George Floyd and the others before him, will yet again be shunted to the annals of race and policing history and what happened to George Floyd and the reaction to it, will be repeated across the world."
Image: People held placards as they joined a Black Lives Matter march through central London
A police officer has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyd's death.
Earlier on Sunday, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said video footage of Mr Floyd's death was "very distressing", but he would not comment on president Donald Trump's response to the protests, which include the US president tweeting: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts".


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: 612,000 UK workers lose their jobs during lockdown

Early estimates suggest 163,000 people lost their jobs in May , on top of 449,000 the previous month , as the coronavirus crisis lockdown took its toll on the UK economy .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) data covering the number of paid employees showed a fall of 2 % since the country entered effective hibernation in March .
It released the experimental data as its own figures showed a leap in the so-called claimant count - jobless claims applications through Universal Credit .
The ONS recorded a rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month to 2.8 million .
It meant the total had risen by 1.6 million since March .
The figures will make grim reading for the government which has , up until last weekend , spent £59bn propping up businesses through various support schemes and paying wages to furloughed workers .
Bounce Back Loans continued to account for the bulk of corporate borrowing at £26bn - with almost 864,000 businesses helped to date .
Separate HMRC figures , released on Tuesday , showed there were 9.1 million people getting 80 % of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of £20.8bn so far .
Economists warned that the true hit to employment from the crisis would only emerge in the months after the Job Retention Scheme concludes in October .
The ONS said its data helped demonstrate the impact furlough support had inflicted on workforce output as the economy endures a record slump in gross domestic product .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Jonathan Athow , deputy national statistician for economic statistics , said : `` The slowdown in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , especially in terms of hours worked .
`` Early indicators for May show that the number of employees on payrolls were down over 600,000 compared with March .
`` The claimant count was up again , though not all of these people are necessarily unemployed , '' he said .
Wider ONS figures , covering the three months to April , suggested the jobless rate remained at 3.9 % as the furlough scheme got in to gear .
Economists had expected to see a surge to 4.7 % .
The ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on record of 342,000 to 476,000 in the period while total pay , when bonuses were included , fell in real terms for the first time since January 2018 - down by 0.4 % after inflation .
The statistics body suggested that it remained to be seen whether surging Universal Credit claims and evidence of plunging payrolls would translate into actual jobs lost when official data , covering May , is released next month .
Labour 's shadow work and pensions secretary , Jonathan Reynolds , said : `` These numbers show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the furlough scheme is withdrawn . ''
Minister for employment , Mims Davies , responded : `` Today 's figures are starting to show the impact of COVID-19 on our economy , but our furlough scheme , grants , loans and tax cuts have protected thousands of businesses and millions of jobs , setting us up for recovery .
`` Already our nationwide network of Work Coaches have moved in to support jobseekers across sectors and match them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carberry , chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation , said : `` The headline figures may not show it , but a lot has changed since April - with the claimant count rising to 2.8 million , the unemployment rate is likely to be much higher than 3.9 % now .
`` But with the lockdown being eased and the economy opening up , hiring should grow . ''
Winding down of furlough scheme risks flood of unemployment - by Paul Kelso , business correspondent The labour market data does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is unavoidably clear that while the unemployment wave triggered by coronavirus is yet to break , it is building at an ominous scale .
On every metric except the headline unemployment figure , which lags behind events , the figures are grim .
Already , despite the government furlough scheme paying the wages of almost nine million people , around 600,000 workers have been removed from payrolls - likely made unemployed .
The number of benefit claimants , those claiming Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance , not all of whom will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than doubled , increasing by 1.6 million since March to 2.8 million .
Total hours worked saw a record annual fall between February and April 2020 , decreasing by almost 9 % .
And vacancies , a measure of how easy it might be to find work , continued to slide , with the March total of 476,000 down 342,000 than in the three months to February 2020 , the largest quarterly decrease since current records began in 2001 .
The only thing holding up the jobs market is a wall of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing economic activity to recover before it is dismantled .
But when the furlough scheme is withdrawn , starting in July when employers will have to start contributing , the trickle may become a flood .
And if the wave breaks unchecked , it may devastate prospects for a generation .

Early estimates suggest 163,000 people lost their jobs in May, on top of 449,000 the previous month, as the coronavirus crisis lockdown took its toll on the UK economy.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data covering the number of paid employees showed a fall of 2% since the country entered effective hibernation in March.
It released the experimental data as its own figures showed a leap in the so-called claimant count - jobless claims applications through Universal Credit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 No 'trade off' between jobs and deaths
The ONS recorded a rise of 528,000 - or 23% - last month to 2.8 million.
It meant the total had risen by 1.6 million since March.
The figures will make grim reading for the government which has, up until last weekend, spent £59bn propping up businesses through various support schemes and paying wages to furloughed workers.
Bounce Back Loans continued to account for the bulk of corporate borrowing at £26bn - with almost 864,000 businesses helped to date.
Separate HMRC figures, released on Tuesday, showed there were 9.1 million people getting 80% of their monthly wages from the Treasury at a cost of £20.8bn so far.
Economists warned that the true hit to employment from the crisis would only emerge in the months after the Job Retention Scheme concludes in October.
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The ONS said its data helped demonstrate the impact furlough support had inflicted on workforce output as the economy endures a record slump in gross domestic product.
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 The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for economic statistics, said: "The slowdown in the economy is now visibly hitting the labour market, especially in terms of hours worked.
"Early indicators for May show that the number of employees on payrolls were down over 600,000 compared with March.
"The claimant count was up again, though not all of these people are necessarily unemployed," he said.
Wider ONS figures, covering the three months to April, suggested the jobless rate remained at 3.9% as the furlough scheme got in to gear.
Economists had expected to see a surge to 4.7%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 CityFibre chair: 'Local jobs for local people'
The ONS reported the steepest quarterly decrease in vacancies on record of 342,000 to 476,000 in the period while total pay, when bonuses were included, fell in real terms for the first time since January 2018 - down by 0.4% after inflation.
The statistics body suggested that it remained to be seen whether surging Universal Credit claims and evidence of plunging payrolls would translate into actual jobs lost when official data, covering May, is released next month.
Labour's shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: "These numbers show that unless the Government acts, the UK is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the furlough scheme is withdrawn."
Minister for employment, Mims Davies, responded: "Today's figures are starting to show the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, but our furlough scheme, grants, loans and tax cuts have protected thousands of businesses and millions of jobs, setting us up for recovery.
"Already our nationwide network of Work Coaches have moved in to support jobseekers across sectors and match them with employers who are recruiting."
Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: "The headline figures may not show it, but a lot has changed since April - with the claimant count rising to 2.8 million, the unemployment rate is likely to be much higher than 3.9% now.
"But with the lockdown being eased and the economy opening up, hiring should grow."
Winding down of furlough scheme risks flood of unemployment - by Paul Kelso, business correspondent
The labour market data does not provide a complete or perfect picture, but it is unavoidably clear that while the unemployment wave triggered by coronavirus is yet to break, it is building at an ominous scale.
On every metric except the headline unemployment figure, which lags behind events, the figures are grim.
Already, despite the government furlough scheme paying the wages of almost nine million people, around 600,000 workers have been removed from payrolls - likely made unemployed.
The number of benefit claimants, those claiming Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance, not all of whom will be out of world, has more than doubled, increasing by 1.6 million since March to 2.8 million.
Total hours worked saw a record annual fall between February and April 2020, decreasing by almost 9%.
And vacancies, a measure of how easy it might be to find work, continued to slide, with the March total of 476,000 down 342,000 than in the three months to February 2020, the largest quarterly decrease since current records began in 2001.
The only thing holding up the jobs market is a wall of government support, built with the intention of allowing economic activity to recover before it is dismantled.
But when the furlough scheme is withdrawn, starting in July when employers will have to start contributing, the trickle may become a flood.
And if the wave breaks unchecked, it may devastate prospects for a generation.