news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson suggests no easing of lockdown as he tells public to 'keep going'

Boris Johnson has suggested that lockdown measures will be maintained , telling Britons `` to keep going in the way that you have kept going so far '' .
Ahead of his first daily Downing Street news conference since he went into hospital with COVID-19 , the prime minister said he understood how tough it was to give up `` basic freedoms '' .
He assured companies and the hospitality sector which has been hit hard by strict social distancing rules that `` I understand your impatience , I share your anxiety '' .
But , he added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way that you have kept going so far , so we can protect our NHS and save lives . ''
The comments come one week before the review point where he will either extend or alter the lockdown .
Earlier , Mr Johnson 's spokesman repeated warnings from England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty that `` this is a disease that is going to be around for a significant amount of time '' .
He added : `` Let 's not pre-empt the review .
`` But as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing we could do is relax the social distancing measures too soon and throw away all of the progress which has been made thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British public . ''
A number of companies and Tory donors have called on the government to let shops reopen to restart the economy due to growing fears firms might collapse , have to close stores or lay off more staff .
Pubs , restaurants and entertainment venues are facing up to a 50 % drop in trade , if , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , social distancing measures remain in place until the summer of 2021 .
Questions are also being asked about how long the public will continue adhering to the lockdown , after vehicle usage rose to its highest level since the end of March .
The Spectator reported that Mr Johnson is considering only a very small easing of the lockdown to include some recommencing of outdoor activities .
That would continue , the magazine added , until data collection is improved and the workforce of 15,000 who will be part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korean model are in place to allow the measures to be eased nationally and only shut down specific regions where there is another outbreak .
Sky News has also revealed the government will test how GP surgeries might react to another outbreak using a new forecasting tool being developed by the NHS .
The system can make predictions about areas as small as 1,000 people .

Boris Johnson has suggested that lockdown measures will be maintained, telling Britons "to keep going in the way that you have kept going so far".
Ahead of his first daily Downing Street news conference since he went into hospital with COVID-19, the prime minister said he understood how tough it was to give up "basic freedoms".
He assured companies and the hospitality sector which has been hit hard by strict social distancing rules that "I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety".
Image: The UK is in its fifth week of lockdown
But, he added: "I must ask you to keep going in the way that you have kept going so far, so we can protect our NHS and save lives."
The comments come one week before the review point where he will either extend or alter the lockdown.
Earlier, Mr Johnson's spokesman repeated warnings from England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty that "this is a disease that is going to be around for a significant amount of time".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'Probable we won't hit 100k tests tomorrow'
He added: "Let's not pre-empt the review.
"But as the PM himself has said, the worst thing we could do is relax the social distancing measures too soon and throw away all of the progress which has been made thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British public."
Image: The government is attempting to ramp up testing across the country
A number of companies and Tory donors have called on the government to let shops reopen to restart the economy due to growing fears firms might collapse, have to close stores or lay off more staff.
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Pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues are facing up to a 50% drop in trade, if, as FTSE 100 businesses are already planning for, social distancing measures remain in place until the summer of 2021.
Questions are also being asked about how long the public will continue adhering to the lockdown, after vehicle usage rose to its highest level since the end of March.
The Spectator reported that Mr Johnson is considering only a very small easing of the lockdown to include some recommencing of outdoor activities.
That would continue, the magazine added, until data collection is improved and the workforce of 15,000 who will be part of the “test, track and trace” South Korean model are in place to allow the measures to be eased nationally and only shut down specific regions where there is another outbreak.
Sky News has also revealed the government will test how GP surgeries might react to another outbreak using a new forecasting tool being developed by the NHS.
The system can make predictions about areas as small as 1,000 people.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Deadline for 100,000 tests a day piles pressure on Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is dramatically returning to the heart of government after his Downing Street comeback , hosting his first coronavirus news conference since his near-death illness .
As well as facing questions about the government 's handling of the crisis , it will be his first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again , after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son .
His appearance will come after he chairs a Cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks and on the deadline day for Health Secretary Matt Hancock 's target of 100,000 tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules , after shock figures revealed the UK could have one of the world 's worst coronavirus death rates .
Any changes are likely to have to wait until the government 's scientific advisory panel , Sage , presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the next lockdown review on 7 May .
Revealing the PM 's attendance at the Downing Street news conference , a Number 10 insider said : `` He will give an update on the country 's fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking to defeat it . ''
The latest figures for the UK , which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals , show 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths and reveal that on eight days this month more than 1,000 people died from the virus .
Mr Johnson returned to work in Downing Street on Monday after a week in hospital which included three nights in intensive care , followed by a fortnight convalescing at Chequers with the heavily pregnant Ms Symonds .
At the start of the week , Number 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` normal schedule '' , which would have almost certainly have included appearing at Prime Minister 's Questions had his fiancee not given birth .
But apart from being present for the birth of his son at a London hospital , the prime minister has spent most of the week in meetings with senior ministers , advisers and close aides ahead of the crucial Cabinet meeting .
After the Cabinet meeting , the prime minister will be accompanied at his news conference by the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer .
It will be Mr Johnson 's first appearance at the Downing Street coronavirus news conference since 25 March , the day before he announced he was suffering from the virus and the day after he last chaired a Cabinet meeting .
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being , despite growing pressure from Tory MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules .
His tough stance follows the disclosure that only the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 28,000 , have a higher death toll than the UK and only Spain and Belgium have a worse per-head death rate in Europe .
But he is expected to face tough questions not only on the lockdown but also on the government 's record on personal protection equipment for NHS staff and Mr Hancock 's pledge of 100,000 tests a day by 30 April .
Announcing his pledge back on 2 April , Mr Hancock said : `` I 'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal and I 'm determined we 'll get there . ''
But critics , including some inside government , claim Mr Hancock is still a long way off his testing target .
So far , capacity has reached 73,400 tests and only 52,429 of those tests are being used .
To help plug that gap , Mr Hancock has widened eligibility , including offering a test for anyone living or working at a care home whether they have symptoms or not and all 65-year-olds with symptoms .
But the ambitious testing target is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses , who claim it distracts from shortcomings in the government 's long-term coronavirus strategy .
`` The recent public focus on whether 100,000 tests will be performed on April 30 is a red herring , '' said NHS Providers , the body that represents NHS managers .
The report claims the English health and care system `` started from a poor position '' and struggled to demonstrate a `` clear , effective and well-communicated strategy '' , with a lack of clarity on who would be tested , when , how , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds : `` A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chris Hopson , NHS Providers chief executive , said : `` Testing is one area where , despite all the work delivered by trusts and the NHS , the health and care system as a whole has struggled to develop an effective , co-ordinated approach .
`` As we consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust leaders need now is clarity on the testing regime from here on .
`` Setting a target for a number of tests for April 30 may have had a galvanising effect .
But what matters most is an updated strategy to take us through the exit from lockdown . ''
Responding to the report , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was `` absolutely critical '' and capacity had more than doubled within weeks .
He added : `` Our aim as we tackle this virus is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test .
`` In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites , we have introduced home testing kit delivery , deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces , and built three new 'mega labs ' to analyse test samples . ''

Boris Johnson is dramatically returning to the heart of government after his Downing Street comeback, hosting his first coronavirus news conference since his near-death illness.
As well as facing questions about the government's handling of the crisis, it will be his first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again, after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son.
His appearance will come after he chairs a Cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks and on the deadline day for Health Secretary Matt Hancock's target of 100,000 tests a day.
But the prime minister is expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules, after shock figures revealed the UK could have one of the world's worst coronavirus death rates.
Any changes are likely to have to wait until the government's scientific advisory panel, Sage, presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the next lockdown review on 7 May.
Revealing the PM's attendance at the Downing Street news conference, a Number 10 insider said: "He will give an update on the country's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it."
The latest figures for the UK, which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals, show 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths and reveal that on eight days this month more than 1,000 people died from the virus.
Mr Johnson returned to work in Downing Street on Monday after a week in hospital which included three nights in intensive care, followed by a fortnight convalescing at Chequers with the heavily pregnant Ms Symonds.
At the start of the week, Number 10 said the PM would return to a "normal schedule", which would have almost certainly have included appearing at Prime Minister's Questions had his fiancee not given birth.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 March 3: Johnson 'almost certainly' will take paternity leave
But apart from being present for the birth of his son at a London hospital, the prime minister has spent most of the week in meetings with senior ministers, advisers and close aides ahead of the crucial Cabinet meeting.
After the Cabinet meeting, the prime minister will be accompanied at his news conference by the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer.
It will be Mr Johnson's first appearance at the Downing Street coronavirus news conference since 25 March, the day before he announced he was suffering from the virus and the day after he last chaired a Cabinet meeting.
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being, despite growing pressure from Tory MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules.
His tough stance follows the disclosure that only the United States, with 60,000 deaths, and Italy, with 28,000, have a higher death toll than the UK and only Spain and Belgium have a worse per-head death rate in Europe.
But he is expected to face tough questions not only on the lockdown but also on the government's record on personal protection equipment for NHS staff and Mr Hancock's pledge of 100,000 tests a day by 30 April.
Announcing his pledge back on 2 April, Mr Hancock said: "I'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month. That is the goal and I'm determined we'll get there."
But critics, including some inside government, claim Mr Hancock is still a long way off his testing target. So far, capacity has reached 73,400 tests and only 52,429 of those tests are being used.
Image: The couple had said they were expecting a baby in 'early summer'. Pic:Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock
To help plug that gap, Mr Hancock has widened eligibility, including offering a test for anyone living or working at a care home whether they have symptoms or not and all 65-year-olds with symptoms.
But the ambitious testing target is being attacked by NHS and hospital trust bosses, who claim it distracts from shortcomings in the government's long-term coronavirus strategy.
"The recent public focus on whether 100,000 tests will be performed on April 30 is a red herring," said NHS Providers, the body that represents NHS managers.
The report claims the English health and care system "started from a poor position" and struggled to demonstrate a "clear, effective and well-communicated strategy", with a lack of clarity on who would be tested, when, how, and with what frequency.
The report adds: "A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chris Hopson, NHS Providers chief executive, said: "Testing is one area where, despite all the work delivered by trusts and the NHS, the health and care system as a whole has struggled to develop an effective, co-ordinated approach.
"As we consider the route out of lockdown, what trust leaders need now is clarity on the testing regime from here on.
"Setting a target for a number of tests for April 30 may have had a galvanising effect. But what matters most is an updated strategy to take us through the exit from lockdown."
Responding to the report, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was "absolutely critical" and capacity had more than doubled within weeks.
He added: "Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy, fast and simple for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test.
"In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites, we have introduced home testing kit delivery, deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces, and built three new 'mega labs' to analyse test samples."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Teenagers in Georgia to be given driving licence without taking test under new rules

Teenagers will be handed driving licences without taking a test under new coronavirus rules in Georgia .
Under the regulations designed to account for social distancing restrictions in the US state , parents will be asked to make the final decision as to whether their children should be granted a licence to get behind the wheel .
The new rules were enacted in an executive order signed by Governor Brian Kemp , who suspended the practical test for the duration of the state 's coronavirus lockdown .
Stormi Kenney , who owns a local driving school , said new drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 40 hours behind wheel while under supervision .
`` During these unprecedented times , the Department of Driver Services is trying to make it as easy as a process for people to get their licence and to lessen the burden on people right now , '' she told Fox 5 .
`` I 'm hoping most parents wo n't just sign off on those 40 hours , I 'm hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver 's licence . ''
Lynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learner , said she had concerns about the plan .
`` I think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased set of eyes on my driver , '' she said .
`` I think I might be quick to let her get her licence not knowing if she knows all the laws . ''

Teenagers will be handed driving licences without taking a test under new coronavirus rules in Georgia.
Under the regulations designed to account for social distancing restrictions in the US state, parents will be asked to make the final decision as to whether their children should be granted a licence to get behind the wheel.
The new rules were enacted in an executive order signed by Governor Brian Kemp, who suspended the practical test for the duration of the state's coronavirus lockdown.
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Stormi Kenney, who owns a local driving school, said new drivers must still meet all other requirements, including 40 hours behind wheel while under supervision.
"During these unprecedented times, the Department of Driver Services is trying to make it as easy as a process for people to get their licence and to lessen the burden on people right now," she told Fox 5.
"I'm hoping most parents won't just sign off on those 40 hours, I'm hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver's licence."
Lynn Ridenour, the parent of a teenage learner, said she had concerns about the plan.
"I think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased set of eyes on my driver," she said.
"I think I might be quick to let her get her licence not knowing if she knows all the laws."


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: France death toll tops 6,500 as world faces critical equipment shortage

France 's coronavirus death toll has risen by more than 1,000 to around 6,500 - as another 160,000 police officers were deployed to enforce the country 's strict confinement laws .
The head of the country 's national health agency said the steep rise in fatalities was because the figures included deaths from around 3,000 care homes for the elderly .
Worldwide , confirmed infections surged past one million and deaths topped 54,000 , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Experts say both numbers are seriously under-counted because of the lack of testing , mild cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extent of the crisis .
Europe 's three worst-hit countries - Italy , Spain and France - surpassed 30,000 dead , or over half of the global toll .
However , there was a glimmer of hope in Italy , which has seen nearly 14,000 deaths , after a flattening of the number of new infections .
Spain on Friday reported 932 new COVID-19 deaths , down slightly from the record it hit a day earlier .
Elsewhere in Europe , officials have begun talking tentatively about how to lift lockdowns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strained health systems but also battered economies .
Austria said it will set out a timetable next week for what could be `` a slow start-up '' of closed parts of the economy .
The head of Germany 's national disease control centre said he expects that any easing of the country 's lockdown , which this week was extended to 19 April , will be staggered .
Meanwhile , shortages of critical equipment have led to fierce competition among buyers from Europe , the US and elsewhere .
A regional leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` worldwide treasure hunt '' .
New York governor Andrew Cuomo warned this week that New York could run out of ventilators in six days .
Donald Trump has urged Americans to wear face masks in public to help fight the spread of coronavirus - but insisted he will not follow suit because `` he does n't want to '' .
Despite the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , the president said he had no intention of following the advice himself , adding : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The French prime minister has said he is `` fighting hour by hour '' to ward off shortages of essential drugs used to keep COVID-19 patients alive .
Philippe Montravers , an anaesthesiologist in Paris , said medics are preparing to fall back on older drugs such as the opiates fetanyl and morphine that had fallen out of favour because newer painkillers are in short supply .
`` The work is extremely tough and heavy , '' he said .
`` We 've had doctors , nurses , care-givers who got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back after recovering .
It 's a bit like those World War I soldiers who were injured and came back to fight . ''
It comes as the head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is `` way worse '' than the 2008 global financial crisis .
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as `` a crisis like no other '' .
Ms Georgieva said 90 countries have already approached the institution for emergency financing .

France's coronavirus death toll has risen by more than 1,000 to around 6,500 - as another 160,000 police officers were deployed to enforce the country's strict confinement laws.
The head of the country's national health agency said the steep rise in fatalities was because the figures included deaths from around 3,000 care homes for the elderly.
Worldwide, confirmed infections surged past one million and deaths topped 54,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Experts say both numbers are seriously under-counted because of the lack of testing, mild cases that were missed and governments that are underplaying the extent of the crisis.
Europe's three worst-hit countries - Italy, Spain and France - surpassed 30,000 dead, or over half of the global toll.
However, there was a glimmer of hope in Italy, which has seen nearly 14,000 deaths, after a flattening of the number of new infections.
Image: People applaud on their balconies to thank healthcare workers in Ronda, Spain
Spain on Friday reported 932 new COVID-19 deaths, down slightly from the record it hit a day earlier.
Elsewhere in Europe, officials have begun talking tentatively about how to lift lockdowns that have staved off the total collapse of strained health systems but also battered economies.
Austria said it will set out a timetable next week for what could be "a slow start-up" of closed parts of the economy.
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The head of Germany's national disease control centre said he expects that any easing of the country's lockdown, which this week was extended to 19 April, will be staggered.
Meanwhile, shortages of critical equipment have led to fierce competition among buyers from Europe, the US and elsewhere.
A regional leader in Paris described the scramble to find masks a "worldwide treasure hunt".
New York governor Andrew Cuomo warned this week that New York could run out of ventilators in six days.
Donald Trump has urged Americans to wear face masks in public to help fight the spread of coronavirus - but insisted he will not follow suit because "he doesn't want to".
Despite the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the president said he had no intention of following the advice himself, adding: "I'm choosing not to do it."
The French prime minister has said he is "fighting hour by hour" to ward off shortages of essential drugs used to keep COVID-19 patients alive.
Philippe Montravers, an anaesthesiologist in Paris, said medics are preparing to fall back on older drugs such as the opiates fetanyl and morphine that had fallen out of favour because newer painkillers are in short supply.
"The work is extremely tough and heavy," he said.
"We've had doctors, nurses, care-givers who got sick, infected ... but who have come back after recovering. It's a bit like those World War I soldiers who were injured and came back to fight."
It comes as the head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is "way worse" than the 2008 global financial crisis.
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as "a crisis like no other".
Ms Georgieva said 90 countries have already approached the institution for emergency financing.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus lockdown: Too early to say when measures will be reviewed

It would be a `` mistake '' to discuss how the government will end the UK 's coronavirus lockdown until it is certain the disease has peaked , England 's chief medical officer has said .
At the government 's daily news conference , Professor Chris Whitty joined Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the government 's deputy chief scientific adviser , Dame Angela McLean , in refusing to discuss when - or how - stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be eased .
The trio fielded a series of questions about how long the lockdown - introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in place and what the UK 's exit strategy would be from strict social distancing instructions .
But , in a message repeated by the two government advisers , Mr Raab insisted the `` over-riding focus '' was for the UK to `` stop the spread and make sure we can get past the peak '' .
They also played down previous suggestions that the peak of coronavirus infections in the UK could come this weekend .
When he announced the lockdown measures two weeks ago , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions after three weeks and `` relax them if the evidence shows we are able to '' .
Yet Prof Whitty , in his first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19 himself , stressed a discussion about the next phase of the UK 's coronavirus response should only come once it was certain the peak of the disease had been reached .
`` The key thing is to get to the point where we are confident we have reached the peak and this is now beyond the peak , and at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a serious discussion about all the things we need to do step-by-step to move to the next phase of managing this , '' he said .
`` But I think to start having that discussion until we 're confident that that 's where we 've got to , would I think be a mistake . ''
Also refusing to discuss how the UK might exit lockdown measures , Mr Raab said the government did not want to `` confuse the message '' to Britons being told to stay at home .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking our eye off the ball , of tackling the coronavirus , stopping the spread and getting through the peak , we risk delaying the point at which we could in the future take those decisions on easing restrictions , '' he said .
`` So it is really important right now to keep the over-riding focus on maintaining the discipline that we 've had , keeping adherence to the guidelines that the government has set out and making sure that we stop the spread of coronavirus . ''
Dame Angela said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stay at home `` are working '' and had ensured the numbers being admitted to hospital with coronavirus were `` not as bad as it would have been '' .
But she added the `` big question '' was whether the spread of COVID-19 was slowing enough to make hospital admissions stabilise and then fall .
Dame Angela said it was `` too soon '' to tell whether this was happening .
However , amid concerns about the wider effects of the government 's response , Prof Whitty did admit there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a review of lockdown measures .
• The NHS possibly becoming overwhelmed by coronavirus , leading to hospitals being unable to provide emergency care for COVID-19 or other conditions ; • The continued postponement of other healthcare to make room in hospitals to deal with coronavirus cases ; • The long-term health impact of the socio-economic effects of lockdown measures on people 's lives and livelihoods .
Prof Whitty said the development of a reliable antibody test - to determine whether people had previously had COVID-19 and are therefore are unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in the UK 's later response to the pandemic .
But he suggested such a test could take months to be developed after the first batches of tests had not yet reached a standard to be approved .
Public Health England had previously claimed such an antibody test was only days away from getting the green light .
As of 5pm on Monday , 5,373 people had died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus in hospitals - an increase of 439 from the day before .
Mr Raab took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital under observation .
The prime minister was admitted to hospital for tests on Sunday night after continuing to display `` persistent symptoms '' of coronavirus , 10 days after testing positive .
Downing Street criticised Russian `` disinformation '' after a state-run news agency claimed Mr Johnson would soon be put on a ventilator .
Earlier on Monday , Mr Raab chaired the daily meeting of the government 's coronavirus `` war cabinet '' , which is usually led by Mr Johnson .
In his role as First Secretary of State , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government announced on Monday it had teamed up with some of the UK 's leading video games companies to feature the instruction for Britons to stay at home in some of their most popular games .
Meanwhile , those in safe accommodation because of concerns over modern slavery will have their stays extended by three months .

It would be a "mistake" to discuss how the government will end the UK's coronavirus lockdown until it is certain the disease has peaked, England's chief medical officer has said.
At the government's daily news conference, Professor Chris Whitty joined Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the government's deputy chief scientific adviser, Dame Angela McLean, in refusing to discuss when - or how - stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be eased.
The trio fielded a series of questions about how long the lockdown - introduced on 23 March - would continue to be in place and what the UK's exit strategy would be from strict social distancing instructions.
But, in a message repeated by the two government advisers, Mr Raab insisted the "over-riding focus" was for the UK to "stop the spread and make sure we can get past the peak".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Lockdown until we know peak is over - Whitty
They also played down previous suggestions that the peak of coronavirus infections in the UK could come this weekend.
When he announced the lockdown measures two weeks ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would "look again" at the restrictions after three weeks and "relax them if the evidence shows we are able to".
Yet Prof Whitty, in his first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19 himself, stressed a discussion about the next phase of the UK's coronavirus response should only come once it was certain the peak of the disease had been reached.
"The key thing is to get to the point where we are confident we have reached the peak and this is now beyond the peak, and at that point I think it is possible to have a serious discussion about all the things we need to do step-by-step to move to the next phase of managing this," he said.
"But I think to start having that discussion until we're confident that that's where we've got to, would I think be a mistake."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM 'continues to lead' while in hospital
Also refusing to discuss how the UK might exit lockdown measures, Mr Raab said the government did not want to "confuse the message" to Britons being told to stay at home.
"The risk is, if we start taking our eye off the ball, of tackling the coronavirus, stopping the spread and getting through the peak, we risk delaying the point at which we could in the future take those decisions on easing restrictions," he said.
"So it is really important right now to keep the over-riding focus on maintaining the discipline that we've had, keeping adherence to the guidelines that the government has set out and making sure that we stop the spread of coronavirus."
Dame Angela said the efforts of Britons to follow government advice and stay at home "are working" and had ensured the numbers being admitted to hospital with coronavirus were "not as bad as it would have been".
But she added the "big question" was whether the spread of COVID-19 was slowing enough to make hospital admissions stabilise and then fall.
Dame Angela said it was "too soon" to tell whether this was happening.
However, amid concerns about the wider effects of the government's response, Prof Whitty did admit there were four health factors to consider as part of a review of lockdown measures.
These are:
People dying directly from coronavirus;
The NHS possibly becoming overwhelmed by coronavirus, leading to hospitals being unable to provide emergency care for COVID-19 or other conditions;
The continued postponement of other healthcare to make room in hospitals to deal with coronavirus cases;
The long-term health impact of the socio-economic effects of lockdown measures on people's lives and livelihoods.
Prof Whitty said the development of a reliable antibody test - to determine whether people had previously had COVID-19 and are therefore are unlikely to contract it again - would play a part in the UK's later response to the pandemic.
But he suggested such a test could take months to be developed after the first batches of tests had not yet reached a standard to be approved.
Public Health England had previously claimed such an antibody test was only days away from getting the green light.
As of 5pm on Monday, 5,373 people had died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus in hospitals - an increase of 439 from the day before.
Mr Raab took the news conference while Mr Johnson remains in hospital under observation.
The prime minister was admitted to hospital for tests on Sunday night after continuing to display "persistent symptoms" of coronavirus, 10 days after testing positive.
Downing Street criticised Russian "disinformation" after a state-run news agency claimed Mr Johnson would soon be put on a ventilator.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Raab chaired the daily meeting of the government's coronavirus "war cabinet", which is usually led by Mr Johnson.
In his role as First Secretary of State, Mr Raab is effectively deputy prime minister.
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The government announced on Monday it had teamed up with some of the UK's leading video games companies to feature the instruction for Britons to stay at home in some of their most popular games.
Meanwhile, those in safe accommodation because of concerns over modern slavery will have their stays extended by three months.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Patients taken to 'extraordinary' NHS hospital built in just nine days

Coronavirus patients have been admitted to the new NHS Nightingale Hospital for the first time .
The temporary 4,000-bed facility was built in just nine days at the ExCeL Centre in east London , and it will need up to 16,000 staff to keep it running .
Those admitted to the hospital will already be on a ventilator and will remain there until their treatment is finished .
A spokeswoman has declined to say exactly how many coronavirus patients have been admitted so far - but stressed `` there is also treatment capacity available in other hospitals across London '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wards containing 42 beds each , and COVID-19 patients are being transferred from intensive care units elsewhere in the capital .
Those also suffering from other serious conditions such as cardiac issues will be cared for at other specialist centres .
Contractors and about 200 military personnel worked to get it running in just over a week , with NHS chief executive Simon Stevens describing their efforts as `` nothing short of extraordinary '' .
Healthcare staff will be able to sleep at nearby hotels once they complete their shift , or they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility was announced just two weeks ago , but the admissions are later than had been initially planned .
Other Nightingale hospitals are due to open in Bristol , Harrogate , Birmingham and Manchester .
On Tuesday , it was confirmed that another 786 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 6,159 .
But there was cautious optimism from chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance , who said the fight against COVID-19 `` could be moving in the right direction '' .
Sir Patrick said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections and hospital admissions for coronavirus were `` flattening off '' - but he cautioned that it will take another week to be sure .
Meanwhile , Donald Trump has claimed that the UK has made an urgent plea to the US for 200 ventilators as ministers scramble to boost capacity for the sickest of patients .
`` We 're going to work it out , we 've got to work it out , '' the president said .
`` They 've been great partners .
They wanted 200 , they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care after testing positive for coronavirus 12 days ago .
Downing Street said the 55-year-old was suffering from `` persistent '' symptoms of COVID-19 , including a cough and a high temperature .
On Tuesday , his stand-in Dominic Raab said the prime minister remains stable and has not required a ventilator - adding he has received `` standard oxygen treatment '' while breathing without assistance .

Coronavirus patients have been admitted to the new NHS Nightingale Hospital for the first time.
The temporary 4,000-bed facility was built in just nine days at the ExCeL Centre in east London, and it will need up to 16,000 staff to keep it running.
Those admitted to the hospital will already be on a ventilator and will remain there until their treatment is finished.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Liquid oxygen delivered to NHS Nightingale
A spokeswoman has declined to say exactly how many coronavirus patients have been admitted so far - but stressed "there is also treatment capacity available in other hospitals across London".
NHS Nightingale has more than 80 wards containing 42 beds each, and COVID-19 patients are being transferred from intensive care units elsewhere in the capital.
Those also suffering from other serious conditions such as cardiac issues will be cared for at other specialist centres.
Contractors and about 200 military personnel worked to get it running in just over a week, with NHS chief executive Simon Stevens describing their efforts as "nothing short of extraordinary".
Healthcare staff will be able to sleep at nearby hotels once they complete their shift, or they can choose to go home.
The facility was announced just two weeks ago, but the admissions are later than had been initially planned.
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Image: The Nightingale is split into more than 80 wards containing 42 beds each
Other Nightingale hospitals are due to open in Bristol, Harrogate, Birmingham and Manchester.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that another 786 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 6,159.
But there was cautious optimism from chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, who said the fight against COVID-19 "could be moving in the right direction".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Timelapse: The transformation of ExCeL Centre
Sir Patrick said there were signs that the rate of new infections and hospital admissions for coronavirus were "flattening off" - but he cautioned that it will take another week to be sure.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has claimed that the UK has made an urgent plea to the US for 200 ventilators as ministers scramble to boost capacity for the sickest of patients.
"We're going to work it out, we've got to work it out," the president said. "They've been great partners. They wanted 200, they need them desperately."
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care after testing positive for coronavirus 12 days ago.
Downing Street said the 55-year-old was suffering from "persistent" symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough and a high temperature.
On Tuesday, his stand-in Dominic Raab said the prime minister remains stable and has not required a ventilator - adding he has received "standard oxygen treatment" while breathing without assistance.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Queues at shops as Germany begins to ease coronavirus lockdown

Germany has taken the first steps to lifting its lockdown , by allowing some smaller non-essential shops to reopen .
Shops no larger than 800 square metres were allowed to resume business on Monday morning , along with bookshops , car showrooms and bike stores .
It follows an agreement reached last week between local and central governments over the coronavirus restrictions .
Despite the lifting of some COVID-19 measures , Germany 's government has stressed the move is an early step in the process .
Larger shops will remain closed , with a spokesman saying they `` draw large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have high customer numbers and that [ opening them ] is n't possible in the first step '' .
The Robert Koch institute for public health has said the rate of infection in the country - which is measured by how many people each sufferer subsequently infects - was less than one for the first time since the pandemic began , leading officials to declare it was `` under control '' .
By comparison , the UK government said its equivalent figure had `` probably '' reached one , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was the case .
The easing of measures comes as the country 's economy officially entered recession last week .
The death rate of those infected in Germany remains one of the lowest in the world , with 4,642 people dying with coronavirus out of 145,743 cases , according to Johns Hopkins University .
More than 16,000 people have died in UK hospitals after contracting the illness .
The highest number of deaths Germany has suffered in a day is 303 on 8 April , which had fallen to 104 on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit a high of 980 , on April 10. : : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Germany 's apparent success in curbing the outbreak and minimising deaths has been widely credited to its extensive testing regime , early lockdown and the widespread availability of intensive care beds and specialist medical equipment .
Angela Merkel , the country 's chancellor , spent two weeks in self-isolation after a doctor she had been treated by tested positive for coronavirus in March .
Elsewhere in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open , including DIY shops and garden centres , after officials announced the country had passed its peak .
Other nations around the world are also starting to lift their government-imposed lockdowns , including Iran and New Zealand .
In Iran , one of the hardest-hit countries in the early stages of the pandemic , shopping malls and bazaars have reopened after more than a month , but businesses such as gyms and beauty salons remain closed , as they are deemed to still be at high-risk .
Schools , universities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed , with government officials warning that even though restrictions were being relaxed , it did not mean the threat was over .
The US state of Texas has begun to slowly lift its coronavirus restrictions , while keeping a number of social distancing measures in place .
From Monday , state parks will re-open for people to visit and do exercise , as long as masks are worn .
However , gatherings of more than five people will be banned .
Hospitals will be able to begin elective treatment from this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` retail-to-go '' services .
It follows extensive protests in the US over the stringent lockdown measures imposed on each state .
The state 's Republican governor Greg Abbott announced the initial lockdown measures on 1 April , and it is not yet known whether or not his relaxing of the rules will supersede those of individual city mayors , after the Democratic mayor of Austin Steve Adler extended his lockdown .
In New Zealand , the country 's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the country 's lockdown measures will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some businesses and schools reopening - although parents will be asked to continue teaching their children at home .

Germany has taken the first steps to lifting its lockdown, by allowing some smaller non-essential shops to reopen.
Shops no larger than 800 square metres were allowed to resume business on Monday morning, along with bookshops, car showrooms and bike stores.
It follows an agreement reached last week between local and central governments over the coronavirus restrictions.
Despite the lifting of some COVID-19 measures, Germany's government has stressed the move is an early step in the process.
Image: Bike shops are among those allowed to open
Image: Larger shops will remain closed
Larger shops will remain closed, with a spokesman saying they "draw large numbers of people into the city centre, they have high customer numbers and that [opening them] isn't possible in the first step".
The Robert Koch institute for public health has said the rate of infection in the country - which is measured by how many people each sufferer subsequently infects - was less than one for the first time since the pandemic began, leading officials to declare it was "under control".
Image: Only small shops have been allowed to resume business
Image: The government calls it a first step in easing the lockdown
By comparison, the UK government said its equivalent figure had "probably" reached one, but that it needed more time to make sure this was the case.
The easing of measures comes as the country's economy officially entered recession last week.
The death rate of those infected in Germany remains one of the lowest in the world, with 4,642 people dying with coronavirus out of 145,743 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 16,000 people have died in UK hospitals after contracting the illness.
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The highest number of deaths Germany has suffered in a day is 303 on 8 April, which had fallen to 104 on Sunday. The UK has seen daily deaths hit a high of 980, on April 10.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Germany's apparent success in curbing the outbreak and minimising deaths has been widely credited to its extensive testing regime, early lockdown and the widespread availability of intensive care beds and specialist medical equipment.
Angela Merkel, the country's chancellor, spent two weeks in self-isolation after a doctor she had been treated by tested positive for coronavirus in March.
Elsewhere in Europe, Belgium has also allowed more stores to open, including DIY shops and garden centres, after officials announced the country had passed its peak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Coronavirus: Lockdown in Europe gently lifts
Other nations around the world are also starting to lift their government-imposed lockdowns, including Iran and New Zealand.
In Iran, one of the hardest-hit countries in the early stages of the pandemic, shopping malls and bazaars have reopened after more than a month, but businesses such as gyms and beauty salons remain closed, as they are deemed to still be at high-risk.
Schools, universities, places of worship and parks also remain closed, with government officials warning that even though restrictions were being relaxed, it did not mean the threat was over.
Image: Iran has reopened malls and shops
Image: Iran was one of the hardest hit countries early on in the pandemic
The US state of Texas has begun to slowly lift its coronavirus restrictions, while keeping a number of social distancing measures in place.
From Monday, state parks will re-open for people to visit and do exercise, as long as masks are worn. However, gatherings of more than five people will be banned.
Hospitals will be able to begin elective treatment from this week, with shops being allowed to offer "retail-to-go" services.
It follows extensive protests in the US over the stringent lockdown measures imposed on each state.
Image: Protesters have called for an end to the US lockdown
The state's Republican governor Greg Abbott announced the initial lockdown measures on 1 April, and it is not yet known whether or not his relaxing of the rules will supersede those of individual city mayors, after the Democratic mayor of Austin Steve Adler extended his lockdown.
In New Zealand, the country's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the country's lockdown measures will begin to be lifted from next week, with some businesses and schools reopening - although parents will be asked to continue teaching their children at home.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 'Virtual parliament' takes shape as MPs return from Easter recess

A `` virtual parliament '' is being set up for MPs this week to protect them while they work during the coronavirus crisis .
Unprecedented changes to the main House of Commons chamber parts of which were designed more than 300 years ago will be rolled out to let politicians tune into statements and question sessions via videolink .
Up to 120 MPs will be able to quiz ministers on Zoom , while a maximum of 50 will be allowed into the main debating room itself .
Measures to be introduced include large screens lining the chamber walls , hazard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual prayer card holders filled with ticks and no entry signs telling politicians where they can and can not sit .
Only about two hours of proceedings will be held this way , with the rest happening with the slimmed down number of MPs permitted to attend in person .
Sitting days are also being scaled back so business will only happen on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The plans were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs continue to press the government on behalf of their constituents while still encouraging the public to stay at home .
They will have to be confirmed when parliament reconvenes on Tuesday afternoon and will likely come into effect on Wednesday - in time for Prime Minister 's Questions fronted by Dominic Raab .
The foreign secretary is standing in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus at the countryside retreat of Chequers .
Commons votes will still take place in the usual way for now - meaning MPs have to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they are supporting or opposing a motion .
But officials say they are working on a `` secure system '' that could see remote voting introduced - something some modernisers who think MPs who are ill or on parent leave should be able to use .
The ceremonial mace - which is carried into the Commons chamber every day and dates from the reign of Charles II symbolising the monarch 's authority for MPs to pass laws , will remain present .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will oversee business and tell MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to speak , with their names drawn at random .
He said : `` Our new virtual parliament means that MPs are playing the fullest part in the national effort to stay home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
MPs joining remotely have been told to wear `` appropriate '' clothing and be `` careful '' about what is in the background of their screens , prompting sports minister Tracey Crouch to joke : `` I 'm totally going to sit in my football shorts with a nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know ! ''
Photos of a trial run attended by MPs including Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg were taken by parliament 's official photographer and released on Monday .

A "virtual parliament" is being set up for MPs this week to protect them while they work during the coronavirus crisis.
Unprecedented changes to the main House of Commons chamber parts of which were designed more than 300 years ago will be rolled out to let politicians tune into statements and question sessions via videolink.
Up to 120 MPs will be able to quiz ministers on Zoom, while a maximum of 50 will be allowed into the main debating room itself.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Social distancing during virtual parliament debate
Image: Up to 120 MPs will be able to dial in via videolink
Measures to be introduced include large screens lining the chamber walls, hazard tape marking safe social distances and the usual prayer card holders filled with ticks and no entry signs telling politicians where they can and cannot sit.
Only about two hours of proceedings will be held this way, with the rest happening with the slimmed down number of MPs permitted to attend in person.
Image: The moves will be welcomed by parliamentary modernisers
Sitting days are also being scaled back so business will only happen on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The plans were cooked up by Commons authorities to help MPs continue to press the government on behalf of their constituents while still encouraging the public to stay at home.
Image: Hazard tape has been laid down to make sure MPs social distance
They will have to be confirmed when parliament reconvenes on Tuesday afternoon and will likely come into effect on Wednesday - in time for Prime Minister's Questions fronted by Dominic Raab.
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The foreign secretary is standing in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus at the countryside retreat of Chequers.
Commons votes will still take place in the usual way for now - meaning MPs have to walk through one of two halls to register if they are supporting or opposing a motion.
But officials say they are working on a "secure system" that could see remote voting introduced - something some modernisers who think MPs who are ill or on parent leave should be able to use.
Image: Stickers of ticks and no entry signs show where MPs can sit
The ceremonial mace - which is carried into the Commons chamber every day and dates from the reign of Charles II symbolising the monarch's authority for MPs to pass laws, will remain present.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will oversee business and tell MPs to let him know in advance if they want to speak, with their names drawn at random.
Image: From December: The chamber is normally packed
He said: "Our new virtual parliament means that MPs are playing the fullest part in the national effort to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives."
MPs joining remotely have been told to wear "appropriate" clothing and be "careful" about what is in the background of their screens, prompting sports minister Tracey Crouch to joke: "I'm totally going to sit in my football shorts with a nice suit jacket combo. They'll never know!"
Photos of a trial run attended by MPs including Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg were taken by parliament's official photographer and released on Monday.


news--2020-01-22--Screening in UK as 17 killed by 'mutating' coronavirus

The new virus that has killed 17 people in China is mutating and could spread further , health officials have warned , as Britain announced measures to monitor flights arriving from the country .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News a `` separate area '' is being set up at Heathrow , as airports around the world step up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak .
Public Health England ( PHE ) has revised the coronavirus risk from `` very low '' to `` low '' .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force a series of measures to guard against the outbreak .
These include : • A beefed-up PHE port health team will meet each direct flight from affected areas • An audio message is to be broadcast to passengers on incoming aircraft to encourage them to report any illness • Captains will be authorised to warn airports of any ill passengers on board flights while the aircraft is in transit .
A response ( nil or otherwise ) will be requested no later than 60 minutes before the actual arrival time • An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to be designated to receive aircraft which have reported any ill passengers • Leaflets are to be handed to passengers telling them what to do in the event that they are/become unwell • And facilities at Terminal 4 are to be reviewed should the current situation escalate Mr Shapps said : `` There have been some announcements this morning about flights that come direct from the affected region to Heathrow with some additional measures there .
`` Obviously we want to stay ahead of the issue so we are keeping a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is to ensure that when flights come in directly into Heathrow there is a separate area for people to arrive in . ''
A Heathrow spokesperson said : `` The welfare of our passengers and colleagues is always our main priority and we are working with the government to support the implementation of enhanced monitoring measures as a precaution .
`` We would like to reassure passengers that the government assesses the risk of a traveller contracting coronavirus to be low .
We would encourage anyone with individual questions or concerns to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Foreign Office . ''
The action comes as China state media reports the number of coronavirus cases in Hubei province has risen to 444 , with 17 people now confirmed dead .
Overall 473 cases of coronavirus were confirmed by Chinese authorities , as millions of people prepare to travel domestically and abroad for the country 's lunar new year celebrations starting this week .
Another 2,197 cases of close contact with patients have been recorded and there is evidence of `` respiratory transmission '' of the virus , national health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the body 's first major news briefing on the outbreak .
Fifteen medical personnel are among those infected in the country , with symptoms including fever , coughing and difficulty breathing .
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection , which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person .
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said the primary source is probably an animal .
The virus originated in the central city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year and has since spread to Beijing and Shanghai .
Cases have also been found in the US , Thailand , South Korea , Japan and Taiwan .
All of these involve people who had recently been in Wuhan .
Hong Kong - and the autonomous region of Macau - each recorded their first case of coronavirus on Wednesday .
The Chinese government has been providing daily updates on the number of cases in a bid to head off public panic , with officials linking the outbreak to Wuhan 's seafood market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the outbreak by tightening containment measures in hospitals , and discouraging public gatherings in Hubei province .
People across the country are being urged to avoid densely populated areas in general , the health commission said .
China has also stepped up its co-operation with the WHO , which is holding an emergency meeting to determine whether the outbreak of the new coronavirus constitutes a global health emergency .
The Chinese Communist Party 's central political and legal commission said in a post on its WeChat social media account that officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a `` sinner for eternity before the party and the people '' .
Fears of a pandemic similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) outbreak that started in China and killed nearly 800 people between 2002 and 2003 have rocked global markets , with aviation and luxury goods stocks hit particularly hard and the Chinese yuan tumbling .
Adam Kamradt-Scott , an infectious diseases expert at the centre for international security studies at the University of Sydney , said China has `` come a long way '' since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not sure that we could expect more of them at this stage in the outbreak , particularly when they are understandably focused on responding to the outbreak and trying to contain it ahead of the Chinese lunar new year celebrations . ''
Companies across China - including Huawei and Apple-supplier Foxconn - are handing out masks and warning staff to avoid travelling to Wuhan .
Travel booking platforms such as Trip.com have said users can cancel travel plans to Wuhan for free , while Shanghai 's Disneyland said it will waive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within six months of the purchase date .
Hong Kong 's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd , one of the airlines most affected by the SARS outbreak , said it will allow passengers to change or cancel flights to Wuhan without charge through to 15 February .
It said it would also allow flight attendants to wear a surgical mask while operating mainland China flights due to concerns over the new virus .
Taiwan joined Australia in warning citizens to avoid travel to Wuhan , while North Korea has banned foreign tourists to guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singapore is among the countries that have started screening all passengers arriving on flights from China .
Wuhan is not in panic but it is unnaturally quiet .
At the train station , there is only a trickle of people where you 'd expect a torrent .
It should be much busier on any Wednesday , let alone the one before Chinese New Year , the biggest annual human migration .
People want to stay away and those who are here have come only reluctantly .
One young woman told us : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
If I come to a place like this where there could be a lot of virus .
I wear a mask . ''
Another lady was taking her young nephew back to Beijing .
She said : `` We planned to spend Chinese New Year here in Wuhan , but the situation here is not good so we are going back . ''
The other key sites in the city are on lockdown .
The food market where authorities believe the outbreak began has been shut since 31 December but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers .
It 's been disinfected , authorities say .
But piles of used , discarded gloves , suits and masks are just lying on the ground .
Around 15 minutes drive away , the Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre is refusing all patients except those who are suspected to have human coronavirus , an official who would n't give his name told us .
We waited a few hours there , until an ambulance came rushing in , lights flashing and sirens blaring .
A man was unloaded and put on a stretcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective suits , head to toe , not an inch of skin showing .
The woman who accompanied the man in the ambulance was protected only by a mask .
The latest case to add to a total that leaps every day .

The new virus that has killed 17 people in China is mutating and could spread further, health officials have warned, as Britain announced measures to monitor flights arriving from the country.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News a "separate area" is being set up at Heathrow, as airports around the world step up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.
Public Health England (PHE) has revised the coronavirus risk from "very low" to "low".
Image: People arriving at Heathrow from affected regions will enter through a separate area. File pic
As a result, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has put in force a series of measures to guard against the outbreak. These include:
A beefed-up PHE port health team will meet each direct flight from affected areas
An audio message is to be broadcast to passengers on incoming aircraft to encourage them to report any illness
Captains will be authorised to warn airports of any ill passengers on board flights while the aircraft is in transit. A response (nil or otherwise) will be requested no later than 60 minutes before the actual arrival time
An isolated area of London Heathrow Terminal 4 is to be designated to receive aircraft which have reported any ill passengers
Leaflets are to be handed to passengers telling them what to do in the event that they are/become unwell
And facilities at Terminal 4 are to be reviewed should the current situation escalate
Mr Shapps said: "There have been some announcements this morning about flights that come direct from the affected region to Heathrow with some additional measures there.
"Obviously we want to stay ahead of the issue so we are keeping a very close eye on it.
"Initially this is to ensure that when flights come in directly into Heathrow there is a separate area for people to arrive in."
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "The welfare of our passengers and colleagues is always our main priority and we are working with the government to support the implementation of enhanced monitoring measures as a precaution.
"We would like to reassure passengers that the government assesses the risk of a traveller contracting coronavirus to be low. We would encourage anyone with individual questions or concerns to refer to guidance from Public Health England and the Foreign Office."
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The action comes as China state media reports the number of coronavirus cases in Hubei province has risen to 444, with 17 people now confirmed dead.
Overall 473 cases of coronavirus were confirmed by Chinese authorities, as millions of people prepare to travel domestically and abroad for the country's lunar new year celebrations starting this week.
Another 2,197 cases of close contact with patients have been recorded and there is evidence of "respiratory transmission" of the virus, national health commission vice-minister Li Bin told reporters, in the body's first major news briefing on the outbreak.
Fifteen medical personnel are among those infected in the country, with symptoms including fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection, which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person.
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the primary source is probably an animal.
Image: The virus has killed 17 people and is thought to have originated in Wuhan's seafood market
The virus originated in the central city of Wuhan in Hubei province at the end of last year and has since spread to Beijing and Shanghai.
Cases have also been found in the US, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. All of these involve people who had recently been in Wuhan.
Hong Kong - and the autonomous region of Macau - each recorded their first case of coronavirus on Wednesday.
The Chinese government has been providing daily updates on the number of cases in a bid to head off public panic, with officials linking the outbreak to Wuhan's seafood market.
It has also stepped up efforts to control the outbreak by tightening containment measures in hospitals, and discouraging public gatherings in Hubei province.
People across the country are being urged to avoid densely populated areas in general, the health commission said.
China has also stepped up its co-operation with the WHO, which is holding an emergency meeting to determine whether the outbreak of the new coronavirus constitutes a global health emergency.
Image: There are fears the virus will spread as people travel for the lunar new year celebrations
The Chinese Communist Party's central political and legal commission said in a post on its WeChat social media account that officials found to have covered up infections would be a "sinner for eternity before the party and the people".
The post was subsequently deleted.
Fears of a pandemic similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak that started in China and killed nearly 800 people between 2002 and 2003 have rocked global markets, with aviation and luxury goods stocks hit particularly hard and the Chinese yuan tumbling.
Adam Kamradt-Scott, an infectious diseases expert at the centre for international security studies at the University of Sydney, said China has "come a long way" since the SARS outbreak.
He said: "I'm not sure that we could expect more of them at this stage in the outbreak, particularly when they are understandably focused on responding to the outbreak and trying to contain it ahead of the Chinese lunar new year celebrations."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 China using thermal imaging to screen for virus
Companies across China - including Huawei and Apple-supplier Foxconn - are handing out masks and warning staff to avoid travelling to Wuhan.
Travel booking platforms such as Trip.com have said users can cancel travel plans to Wuhan for free, while Shanghai's Disneyland said it will waive rescheduling fees for entry and hotel bookings within six months of the purchase date.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, one of the airlines most affected by the SARS outbreak, said it will allow passengers to change or cancel flights to Wuhan without charge through to 15 February.
It said it would also allow flight attendants to wear a surgical mask while operating mainland China flights due to concerns over the new virus.
Taiwan joined Australia in warning citizens to avoid travel to Wuhan, while North Korea has banned foreign tourists to guard against the spread of the virus.
Singapore is among the countries that have started screening all passengers arriving on flights from China.
Image: A member of staff disinfecting at Hankou Railway Station in Wuhan
Analysis by Sky's Tom Cheshire in Wuhan, China
Wuhan is not in panic but it is unnaturally quiet.
At the train station, there is only a trickle of people where you'd expect a torrent. It should be much busier on any Wednesday, let alone the one before Chinese New Year, the biggest annual human migration.
People want to stay away and those who are here have come only reluctantly. One young woman told us: "I try to stay indoors as much as possible. If I come to a place like this where there could be a lot of virus. I wear a mask."
Another lady was taking her young nephew back to Beijing. She said: "We planned to spend Chinese New Year here in Wuhan, but the situation here is not good so we are going back."
The other key sites in the city are on lockdown. The food market where authorities believe the outbreak began has been shut since 31 December but is still guarded by scores of police officers. It's been disinfected, authorities say. But piles of used, discarded gloves, suits and masks are just lying on the ground.
Around 15 minutes drive away, the Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre is refusing all patients except those who are suspected to have human coronavirus, an official who wouldn't give his name told us.
We waited a few hours there, until an ambulance came rushing in, lights flashing and sirens blaring. A man was unloaded and put on a stretcher. The medical stuff were in full protective suits, head to toe, not an inch of skin showing. The woman who accompanied the man in the ambulance was protected only by a mask.
The latest case to add to a total that leaps every day.


news--2020-01-22--China coronavirus: Britons told not to go to epicentre as locals face travel ban

The Foreign Office has advised Britons against all but essential travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan after a new virus killed 17 and infected hundreds .
Wuhan 's local transport networks , including bus , subway and ferries , was suspended as of 10am local time ( 0200GMT ) and airport and train stations closed to outgoing passengers .
Authorities are asking citizens not to leave unless there are special circumstances , state media reported .
The World Health Organisation 's boss called it an `` evolving and complex situation '' and said a decision on declaring an international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Screening for signs of the virus is in place at major US airports , while Britain 's transport secretary said a separate area was being set up at London Heathrow to monitor arrivals from the city .
However , one British man arriving from the city on Wednesday evening told Sky News his temperature had not been screened at Wuhan or Heathrow .
`` We got a leaflet as we landed , saying if you have any symptoms please contact us .
However , that was all in English , not Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the budget carrier in the Singapore Airlines group , and Taiwan 's China Airlines cancelled flights to Wuhan on Thursday .
More than 500 cases of the new coronavirus have so far been confirmed by Chinese authorities .
The first case in the US was identified this week , while others have been diagnosed in Thailand , South Korea , Japan , Hong Kong and Taiwan .
All of them had been to Wuhan , the Chinese city with an 11 million population where the virus is believed to have started - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being named as the likely source .
More serious cases could lead to deadly conditions such as pneumonia and kidney failure .
The Foreign Office said on its website that travellers should not visit Wuhan , capital of Hubei province , `` due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak '' .
Public Health England ( PHE ) has revised the coronavirus risk from `` very low '' to `` low '' , and says Britain is `` well prepared for new diseases '' .
Concerns are growing as hundreds of millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lunar New Year holiday , which starts on Saturday .
Sales of surgical masks have increased and some people are cancelling trips and avoiding public places , as cases of the virus show up in Beijing and Shanghai .
Taiwan has joined Australia in telling its citizens to avoid Wuhan , while North Korea has banned foreign tourists , most of whom are Chinese .
Singapore is also among the countries that have started screening all passengers arriving on flights from China , with heat-detecting equipment scanning people for signs of fever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS , which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified , as with the current outbreak , it becomes known as a novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) .
Chinese state media say the latest strain is different from those identified in the past , but have confirmed it can be passed from person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoonotic , meaning they are transmitted between animals and people .
There are no reliable vaccines .
The best someone can do is take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms .

The Foreign Office has advised Britons against all but essential travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan after a new virus killed 17 and infected hundreds.
Wuhan's local transport networks, including bus, subway and ferries, was suspended as of 10am local time (0200GMT) and airport and train stations closed to outgoing passengers.
Authorities are asking citizens not to leave unless there are special circumstances, state media reported.
The World Health Organisation's boss called it an "evolving and complex situation" and said a decision on declaring an international health emergency would be made on Thursday.
Screening for signs of the virus is in place at major US airports, while Britain's transport secretary said a separate area was being set up at London Heathrow to monitor arrivals from the city.
However, one British man arriving from the city on Wednesday evening told Sky News his temperature had not been screened at Wuhan or Heathrow.
"We got a leaflet as we landed, saying if you have any symptoms please contact us. However, that was all in English, not Chinese," said Thomas Crosby.
Image: Thomas Crosby says his temperature wasn't checked at Wuhan or when he landed at Heathrow
Image: Passengers landing in Heathrow from Wuhan were given this leaflet
Scoot, the budget carrier in the Singapore Airlines group, and Taiwan's China Airlines cancelled flights to Wuhan on Thursday.
More than 500 cases of the new coronavirus have so far been confirmed by Chinese authorities.
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The first case in the US was identified this week, while others have been diagnosed in Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
All of them had been to Wuhan, the Chinese city with an 11 million population where the virus is believed to have started - with illegally trafficked animals at a market being named as the likely source.
Symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 China using thermal imaging to screen for virus
Image: All coronaviruses are also zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people
More serious cases could lead to deadly conditions such as pneumonia and kidney failure.
The Foreign Office said on its website that travellers should not visit Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, "due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak".
Public Health England (PHE) has revised the coronavirus risk from "very low" to "low", and says Britain is "well prepared for new diseases".
Image: Chinese police officers wore protective masks as they patrolled at Beijing station
Concerns are growing as hundreds of millions of people in China prepare to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday, which starts on Saturday.
Sales of surgical masks have increased and some people are cancelling trips and avoiding public places, as cases of the virus show up in Beijing and Shanghai.
Taiwan has joined Australia in telling its citizens to avoid Wuhan, while North Korea has banned foreign tourists, most of whom are Chinese.
Image: Singapore is one of the countries scanning people for signs of fever as they land
Singapore is also among the countries that have started screening all passengers arriving on flights from China, with heat-detecting equipment scanning people for signs of fever.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS, which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified, as with the current outbreak, it becomes known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV).
Chinese state media say the latest strain is different from those identified in the past, but have confirmed it can be passed from person to person.
All coronaviruses are also zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
There are no reliable vaccines. The best someone can do is take medicines and treatments for specific symptoms.


news--2020-02-23--Anger among returning Britons as they're told four people on plane had COVID-19

Four of the British evacuees who landed back in Britain from Japan on Saturday have tested positive for COVID-19 , taking the number of UK cases to 13 .
The virus was transmitted when they were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
They are being transferred from Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral to specialist NHS infection centres , England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said .
It has also emerged that while they were tested in Japan , the results did not come back until Sunday , meaning it was unclear whether they were infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
The Department of Health said the new cases were confirmed following `` test results received from Japan '' .
It added that a `` full infectious disease risk assessment '' was carried out , and no one who boarded the repatriation flight displayed any symptoms .
It previously said that all the evacuees tested negative before getting on the plane .
Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood , who has seen WhatsApp messages shared between the evacuees , said there was `` mounting anger '' following the confirmation of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were told that no one would be on the flight unless they tested negative - that obviously is n't the case . ''
In another one , an evacuee wrote : `` They let them fly without the results , so they have put us in a position where we now could have it too . ''
Paul Hunter , professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia , was highly critical of the error .
`` How anybody would think that you could actually take samples from people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then put them on a plane to tell them a few days later is indefensible , '' he told Sky News .
But Keith Neal , professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , said quarantine on the Diamond Princess was not working and the British passengers needed to be evacuated .
Almost a fifth of the 3,711 holidaymakers originally on board have been infected .
`` The UK authorities brought the passengers home as they would have continued to be at risk staying on the ship , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrowe Park will be quarantined for two weeks , having already spent 14 days in isolation on the ship .
The Department of Health said `` appropriate arrangements '' were in place at Arrowe Park , including strict separation of passengers from staff and from each other .
Thirty Britons and two Irish citizens landed at Boscombe Down Ministry of Defence base near Salisbury , Wiltshire , before being taken to hospital by coach on Saturday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third fatality from the COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess .
Japan 's health ministry said a passenger who was taken to hospital after testing positive had died .
The Japanese man in his eighties was among the first group of people to develop symptoms when the ship was put under a 14-day quarantine on 5 February , health ministry official Masami Sakoi said .
A total of four people have died from the virus in Japan - all of them in their 80s .
In Italy , about a dozen towns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus in Europe following a surge in cases .
The number has risen sharply to more than 150 , and three people have died in the last 48 hours .
Elsewhere , South Korea has declared its highest disease alert level as it reported more than 160 new coronavirus cases , bringing the total there to 763 .
In another development , more than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought back to Britain on a repatriation flight from the city of Wuhan .

Four of the British evacuees who landed back in Britain from Japan on Saturday have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the number of UK cases to 13.
The virus was transmitted when they were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
They are being transferred from Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral to specialist NHS infection centres, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said.
Image: The new cases were all picked up on the Diamond Princess cruise ship
It has also emerged that while they were tested in Japan, the results did not come back until Sunday, meaning it was unclear whether they were infected when they boarded the plane back to the UK.
The Department of Health said the new cases were confirmed following "test results received from Japan".
It added that a "full infectious disease risk assessment" was carried out, and no one who boarded the repatriation flight displayed any symptoms.
It previously said that all the evacuees tested negative before getting on the plane.
Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood, who has seen WhatsApp messages shared between the evacuees, said there was "mounting anger" following the confirmation of the new cases.
Image: Coaches carrying cruise ship passengers arrived at Arrowe Park Hospital
One text said: "We were told that no one would be on the flight unless they tested negative - that obviously isn't the case."
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In another one, an evacuee wrote: "They let them fly without the results, so they have put us in a position where we now could have it too."
Paul Hunter, professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia, was highly critical of the error.
"How anybody would think that you could actually take samples from people to make sure they're not positive and then put them on a plane to tell them a few days later is indefensible," he told Sky News.
But Keith Neal, professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said quarantine on the Diamond Princess was not working and the British passengers needed to be evacuated.
Almost a fifth of the 3,711 holidaymakers originally on board have been infected.
"The UK authorities brought the passengers home as they would have continued to be at risk staying on the ship," Professor Neal said.
Those remaining at Arrowe Park will be quarantined for two weeks, having already spent 14 days in isolation on the ship.
The Department of Health said "appropriate arrangements" were in place at Arrowe Park, including strict separation of passengers from staff and from each other.
Thirty Britons and two Irish citizens landed at Boscombe Down Ministry of Defence base near Salisbury, Wiltshire, before being taken to hospital by coach on Saturday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, there has been a third fatality from the COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess.
Japan's health ministry said a passenger who was taken to hospital after testing positive had died.
The Japanese man in his eighties was among the first group of people to develop symptoms when the ship was put under a 14-day quarantine on 5 February, health ministry official Masami Sakoi said.
A total of four people have died from the virus in Japan - all of them in their 80s.
In Italy, about a dozen towns are in lockdown as the country races to contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus in Europe following a surge in cases.
The number has risen sharply to more than 150, and three people have died in the last 48 hours.
Elsewhere, South Korea has declared its highest disease alert level as it reported more than 160 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total there to 763.
In another development, more than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine.
The group - including 10 children and a family of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought back to Britain on a repatriation flight from the city of Wuhan.


news--2020-02-23--Coronavirus: Evacuees released from two-week quarantine in Milton Keynes

More than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine .
The group - which included 10 children and a family of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought back to Britain on a repatriation flight from the city of Wuhan .
All 118 people released on Sunday had tested negative three times for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , and pose no risk of infection to the public , NHS England said .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into taxis after departing Kents Hill Park training and conference centre .
Paul Walkinshaw , from Manchester , and his wife Lihong were repatriated following the coronavirus outbreak having been on holiday visiting her parents in the city of Shiyan for Chinese New Year .
Speaking to reporters as he left the quarantine centre , he said : `` It feels fantastic to leave although it feels weird not having to wear a mask and gloves in public .
`` The first 48 hours were hard when we were confined to our rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The 39-year-old praised `` friendly '' staff and the local community for their support and said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again .
`` The first thing I 'm going to do when I get home is sleep in my own bed , '' he added .
Another evacuee , whose name was given as Sadiqi , said they had been looked after `` brilliantly '' .
`` It was definitely hard at first ( inside the quarantine ) but it is just what it is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Sadiqi said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock commended the group `` for their patience and perseverance '' .
`` All 118 are in good health and pose no risk to the public , '' he said .
The conference centre has been professionally cleaned and will be back to business as usual from next week , NHS England said .
It comes as dozens of evacuees from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship spent their first night quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral .
Thirty-two people , who spent more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship off the coast of Japan , arrived in Merseyside on Saturday evening .
Some of the group - reportedly made up of 30 Britons and two Irish nationals - made gestures from their coaches as they arrived at the Merseyside facility - one forming a heart symbol with her hands and another an OK signal .
All of those who arrived at Arrowe Park tested negative to having COVID-19 before flying back to the UK .
This is the second batch of evacuees staying in Merseyside after 83 British nationals were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said they now have a `` blueprint '' for how to handle the new arrivals .
But honeymooner Alan Steele , who is among those staying there with his wife , vented his frustrations with the facilities , complaining things were broken and that the food was cold .
Posting on Facebook on Sunday morning , Mr Steele said `` fresh breakfasts turned up ... cold '' .
It is understood some British nationals who are part of the Diamond Princess crew opted to remain .
Since being kept on board the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 600 passengers and crew have been infected .
Three passengers - all Japanese nationals in their 80s - have died .
British couple David and Sally Abel , from Northamptonshire , who were on the cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary , tested positive for coronavirus and have pneumonia , as relatives complained they had been moved to a `` prison-like '' hospital in Japan .
A total of 2,462 people have been killed by the outbreak , mostly in China , and there have been more than 78,000 suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help stop the spread of the virus in the UK , the health service is piloting home testing for where NHS staff , including nurses and paramedics , will visit people in their own homes .

More than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine.
The group - which included 10 children and a family of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought back to Britain on a repatriation flight from the city of Wuhan.
All 118 people released on Sunday had tested negative three times for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and pose no risk of infection to the public, NHS England said.
Image: The group of 118 people had been in quarantine in Milton Keynes for two weeks
They were pictured holding rucksacks and suitcases and getting into taxis after departing Kents Hill Park training and conference centre.
Paul Walkinshaw, from Manchester, and his wife Lihong were repatriated following the coronavirus outbreak having been on holiday visiting her parents in the city of Shiyan for Chinese New Year.
Speaking to reporters as he left the quarantine centre, he said: "It feels fantastic to leave although it feels weird not having to wear a mask and gloves in public.
"The first 48 hours were hard when we were confined to our rooms, after that it was fine."
Image: Mr Walkinshaw said it was 'fantastic' to leave the quarantine centre
The 39-year-old praised "friendly" staff and the local community for their support and said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again.
"The first thing I'm going to do when I get home is sleep in my own bed," he added.
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Another evacuee, whose name was given as Sadiqi, said they had been looked after "brilliantly".
"It was definitely hard at first (inside the quarantine) but it is just what it is. It was just one of those things," Sadiqi said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock commended the group "for their patience and perseverance".
"All 118 are in good health and pose no risk to the public," he said.
The conference centre has been professionally cleaned and will be back to business as usual from next week, NHS England said.
It comes as dozens of evacuees from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship spent their first night quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral.
Thirty-two people, who spent more than two weeks trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan, arrived in Merseyside on Saturday evening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Britons leave virus-hit ship and return to UK
Some of the group - reportedly made up of 30 Britons and two Irish nationals - made gestures from their coaches as they arrived at the Merseyside facility - one forming a heart symbol with her hands and another an OK signal.
All of those who arrived at Arrowe Park tested negative to having COVID-19 before flying back to the UK.
Image: Some of the repatriated passengers made heart gestures
This is the second batch of evacuees staying in Merseyside after 83 British nationals were released earlier in February. A health official said they now have a "blueprint" for how to handle the new arrivals.
But honeymooner Alan Steele, who is among those staying there with his wife, vented his frustrations with the facilities, complaining things were broken and that the food was cold.
Posting on Facebook on Sunday morning, Mr Steele said "fresh breakfasts turned up...cold".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 Briton who caught COVID-19 calls ship's quarantine 'a joke'
It is understood some British nationals who are part of the Diamond Princess crew opted to remain.
Since being kept on board the cruise liner in the port of Yokohama, more than 600 passengers and crew have been infected. Three passengers - all Japanese nationals in their 80s - have died.
British couple David and Sally Abel, from Northamptonshire, who were on the cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary, tested positive for coronavirus and have pneumonia, as relatives complained they had been moved to a "prison-like" hospital in Japan.
Image: David and Sally Abel have been diagnosed with pneumonia
A total of 2,462 people have been killed by the outbreak, mostly in China, and there have been more than 78,000 suspected and confirmed cases.
In a bid to help stop the spread of the virus in the UK, the health service is piloting home testing for where NHS staff, including nurses and paramedics, will visit people in their own homes.