news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Boohoo swoops on former high street stars Oasis and Warehouse

Fresh evidence of the permanent shift in the power-base of British retailing will emerge this week when Boohoo Group , the online fashion giant , buys the former high street stalwarts Oasis and Warehouse .
Sky News has learnt that Boohoo could announce the purchase of the two brands as soon as Wednesday morning , when it is scheduled to announce first-quarter results .
The deal will come just two months after Oasis and Warehouse Group collapsed into administration .
They were sold to Hilco Capital , the distressed retail investor , in late April , with nearly 2,000 jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were closed for the last time .
City sources said on Tuesday that Oasis and Warehouse 's online business and their associated intellectual property would be bought by Boohoo .
The price being paid for the brands was unclear , although an insider said it was `` considerably less '' than the £18m Boohoo paid for Coast and Karen Millen in August 2019 .
One retail analyst pointed out that the latest purchase by Boohoo would reunite a quartet of brands which had previously been under common ownership since the 2008 financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custodian .
If confirmed , the deal will bring the number of brands within Boohoo 's fast-growing empire to nine , and is expected to seek to continue a successful track record of integrating other acquisitions .
The customer profile of the Oasis and Warehouse is closer to Karen Millen and Coast 's 25-45 year-old age bracket than the younger appeal of the group 's other brands .
Last month , Boohoo struck a long-awaited deal to buy the minority interests in PrettyLittleThing , a retailer of women 's fashion , for up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just days after a hedge fund called Shadowfall claimed that the deal could cost Boohoo more than three times as much .
Most of the 34 % PrettyLittleThing stake that Boohoo intends to buy is owned by Umar Kamani , the brand 's chief executive and the son of Mahmud Kamani , Boohoo 's co-founder and chairman .
A person close to Boohoo said the outlay on the Oasis and Warehouse brands would `` hardly make a dent '' in the £197m of fresh equity the company recently raised from shareholders for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more deals to come , '' the person said .
Boohoo , which was set up in 2006 , now has a market value of almost £4.7bn , making it more than double the size - in market capitalisation terms - of Marks & Spencer .
The deployment of Boohoo 's firepower on a number of fashion brands which have enjoyed a standalone presence on UK high streets for decades further underlines the rapid change taking place in the industry .
That structural shift towards online-only retailers is being accelerated by the trauma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many chains being forced into radical restructurings .
Since the outbreak of the virus , Cath Kidston , Debenhams and Laura Ashley have collapsed into insolvency processes .
Other chains , including New Look , have embarked on desperate bids to persuade landlords to agree sharply reduced rent deals .

Fresh evidence of the permanent shift in the power-base of British retailing will emerge this week when Boohoo Group, the online fashion giant, buys the former high street stalwarts Oasis and Warehouse.
Sky News has learnt that Boohoo could announce the purchase of the two brands as soon as Wednesday morning, when it is scheduled to announce first-quarter results.
The deal will come just two months after Oasis and Warehouse Group collapsed into administration.
They were sold to Hilco Capital, the distressed retail investor, in late April, with nearly 2,000 jobs at the chains lost when their stores were closed for the last time.
City sources said on Tuesday that Oasis and Warehouse's online business and their associated intellectual property would be bought by Boohoo.
Image: Oasis and Warehouse Group collapsed into administration earlier this year
The price being paid for the brands was unclear, although an insider said it was "considerably less" than the £18m Boohoo paid for Coast and Karen Millen in August 2019.
One retail analyst pointed out that the latest purchase by Boohoo would reunite a quartet of brands which had previously been under common ownership since the 2008 financial crisis left a failed Icelandic bank as their custodian.
If confirmed, the deal will bring the number of brands within Boohoo's fast-growing empire to nine, and is expected to seek to continue a successful track record of integrating other acquisitions.
The customer profile of the Oasis and Warehouse is closer to Karen Millen and Coast's 25-45 year-old age bracket than the younger appeal of the group's other brands.
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Last month, Boohoo struck a long-awaited deal to buy the minority interests in PrettyLittleThing, a retailer of women's fashion, for up to £324m.
The transaction was announced just days after a hedge fund called Shadowfall claimed that the deal could cost Boohoo more than three times as much.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Huge queues as England's shops reopen
Most of the 34% PrettyLittleThing stake that Boohoo intends to buy is owned by Umar Kamani, the brand's chief executive and the son of Mahmud Kamani, Boohoo's co-founder and chairman.
A person close to Boohoo said the outlay on the Oasis and Warehouse brands would "hardly make a dent" in the £197m of fresh equity the company recently raised from shareholders for further acquisition opportunities.
"There will be more deals to come," the person said.
Boohoo, which was set up in 2006, now has a market value of almost £4.7bn, making it more than double the size - in market capitalisation terms - of Marks & Spencer.
The deployment of Boohoo's firepower on a number of fashion brands which have enjoyed a standalone presence on UK high streets for decades further underlines the rapid change taking place in the industry.
That structural shift towards online-only retailers is being accelerated by the trauma caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with many chains being forced into radical restructurings.
Since the outbreak of the virus, Cath Kidston, Debenhams and Laura Ashley have collapsed into insolvency processes.
Other chains, including New Look, have embarked on desperate bids to persuade landlords to agree sharply reduced rent deals.
Boohoo declined to comment on Tuesday.


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: England star Marcus Rashford forces government U-turn on free school meals

Free school meals will be provided to some children during the summer holidays , in a U-turn by the government sparked by England footballer Marcus Rashford 's campaign .
The vouchers - for £15 a week - will be made available to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme , and will last for six weeks .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said he `` understands children and parents face unprecedented situations '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
He added that payment will be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families at the end of term and able to be spent in supermarkets .
The spokesman said Mr Johnson welcomed Rashford 's `` contribution to the debate around poverty and respects he 's been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues '' .
The Department for Education had denied any change was likely in a statement on Monday , with a spokesperson saying : `` The national voucher scheme will not run during the summer holidays . ''
But the government has changed tact after Manchester United striker Rashford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news , the 22-year-old tweeted : `` I do n't even know what to say .
Just look at what we can do when we come together , THIS is England in 2020 . ''
He had initially published open letter to MPs on Monday , which was retweeted more than 140,000 times .
After initial pushback , he kept up the pressure for a second day - sparking a tetchy exchange with Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey on the social media site .
: : Listen to the All Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He had already won the backing of Labour and two senior Tory MPs - Robert Halfon , chair of the Commons ' education select committee , and George Freeman , a former head of the Downing Street policy unit .
Downing Street claimed the extra support will cost around £120m - in addition to £63m already pledged for councils to help families and kids over the summer holidays .
Labour called it a welcome move and `` victory for the 1.3 million children who were at risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said : `` It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the government has had no choice but to reverse their decision .
`` The government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children . ''

Free school meals will be provided to some children during the summer holidays, in a U-turn by the government sparked by England footballer Marcus Rashford's campaign.
The vouchers - for £15 a week - will be made available to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme, and will last for six weeks.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said he "understands children and parents face unprecedented situations" during the coronavirus outbreak.
He added that payment will be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week voucher, to be given to eligible families at the end of term and able to be spent in supermarkets.
Image: Around 1.3 million kids in England currently get free school meals
The spokesman said Mr Johnson welcomed Rashford's "contribution to the debate around poverty and respects he's been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues".
The Department for Education had denied any change was likely in a statement on Monday, with a spokesperson saying: "The national voucher scheme will not run during the summer holidays."
But the government has changed tact after Manchester United striker Rashford kept up his campaign.
Responding to the news, the 22-year-old tweeted: "I don't even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020."
He had initially published open letter to MPs on Monday, which was retweeted more than 140,000 times.
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After initial pushback, he kept up the pressure for a second day - sparking a tetchy exchange with Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey on the social media site.
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He had already won the backing of Labour and two senior Tory MPs - Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons' education select committee, and George Freeman, a former head of the Downing Street policy unit.
Downing Street claimed the extra support will cost around £120m - in addition to £63m already pledged for councils to help families and kids over the summer holidays.
Labour called it a welcome move and "victory for the 1.3 million children who were at risk of going hungry this summer".
Shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: "It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the government has had no choice but to reverse their decision.
"The government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children."


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: FDA withdraws emergency use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine

Emergency use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 has been withdrawn by the FDA .
The drugs have been defended by US President Donald Trump as being a potential `` game-changer '' to fight off coronavirus since the start of the outbreak .
However , there is growing evidence that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine do not work and could cause serious side effects .
The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs ' unproven benefits `` do not outweigh the known and potential risks '' , and cited reports of heart complications .
The agency 's decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said only US agencies have failed to grasp its benefit in fighting coronavirus .
`` Based on its ongoing analysis of the emergency use authorisation ( EUA ) and emerging scientific data , the FDA determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19 for the authorised uses in the EUA , '' the FDA published on its website on Monday .
`` Additionally , in light of ongoing serious cardiac adverse events and other potential serious side effects , the known potential benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks for the authorised use . ''
In a separate announcement , the FDA also warned doctors against prescribing the drugs in combination with remdesivir - the only drug currently shown to help patients with COVID-19 .
The FDA said the anti-malaria drugs can reduce the effectiveness of remdesivir , which the FDA cleared for emergency use in May .
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are often prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and can cause heart rhythm problems , severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage .
The FDA said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of complications with the drugs , including more than 100 involving serious heart problems .
Many side effects of the drugs also go unreported .
Following the FDA 's decision , shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities to treat COVID-19 .
Dr Steven Nissen , a Cleveland Clinic researcher who has been a frequent FDA adviser , agreed with the decision .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any high-quality evidence suggesting that hydroxychloroquine is effective '' for treating or preventing coronavirus , but added there is evidence of serious side effects .
A National Institutes of Health panel also revised its recommendations to specifically recommend against the drug 's use except in formal studies , which Dr Nissen believes influenced the FDA 's decision .
Mr Trump aggressively promoted hydroxychloroquine in the first few weeks of the outbreak and shocked medical professionals when he took the drug himself to stave off the infection .

Emergency use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 has been withdrawn by the FDA.
The drugs have been defended by US President Donald Trump as being a potential "game-changer" to fight off coronavirus since the start of the outbreak.
However, there is growing evidence that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine do not work and could cause serious side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs' unproven benefits "do not outweigh the known and potential risks", and cited reports of heart complications.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Trump puts own health sec on spot over 'hydroxy'
The agency's decision was quickly criticised by Mr Trump, who said only US agencies have failed to grasp its benefit in fighting coronavirus.
"Based on its ongoing analysis of the emergency use authorisation (EUA) and emerging scientific data, the FDA determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19 for the authorised uses in the EUA," the FDA published on its website on Monday.
"Additionally, in light of ongoing serious cardiac adverse events and other potential serious side effects, the known potential benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine no longer outweigh the known and potential risks for the authorised use."
In a separate announcement, the FDA also warned doctors against prescribing the drugs in combination with remdesivir - the only drug currently shown to help patients with COVID-19.
The FDA said the anti-malaria drugs can reduce the effectiveness of remdesivir, which the FDA cleared for emergency use in May.
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Image: US doctors have listened to warnings over hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are often prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and can cause heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage.
The FDA said on Monday that it had received nearly 390 reports of complications with the drugs, including more than 100 involving serious heart problems. Many side effects of the drugs also go unreported.
Following the FDA's decision, shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities to treat COVID-19.
Dr Steven Nissen, a Cleveland Clinic researcher who has been a frequent FDA adviser, agreed with the decision.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He said there has "never been any high-quality evidence suggesting that hydroxychloroquine is effective" for treating or preventing coronavirus, but added there is evidence of serious side effects.
A National Institutes of Health panel also revised its recommendations to specifically recommend against the drug's use except in formal studies, which Dr Nissen believes influenced the FDA's decision.
Mr Trump aggressively promoted hydroxychloroquine in the first few weeks of the outbreak and shocked medical professionals when he took the drug himself to stave off the infection.
Prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine subsequently soared, contributing to shortages.


news--2020-06-15--George Floyd death: 'It's not good enough to not be racist'

A colleague told me the other day that every black man has a story about racism .
I think for the most part he is right .
I am a child of the eighties and a teenager of the nineties .
I grew up in relative privilege .
I was never chased by skinheads because of the colour of my skin or had to navigate a justice system where the statistics show the outcome for me is likely to be much worse than for my white friends .
But I have been called the N word .
I have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
I have been stopped by the police on the pretence I matched a profile of interest .
I have been asked if I sell drugs on numerous occasions in nightclubs .
I have been told by an ex-girlfriend that it was inappropriate to meet her parents because they would be uncomfortable with her dating a black man .
These experiences do n't define me per se , but as the chancellor told Sky News on Sunday `` racism stings in a way that very few things have '' .
I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the UK is one of the best places to live in Europe if you are from a black , Asian and other minority group , but that does n't mean there is n't much work to be done .
The disparities in employment opportunities , existing inequalities in the justice system and the disproportionate number of deaths of members of the BAME group during the coronavirus pandemic lay bare that truth .
Last week Sky committed £30m to support the fight against racial injustice and invest more in diversity and inclusion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right direction , if it means we can get more people of different backgrounds around the table at all levels - not just creating content but making decisions on how we tell stories and where the business is heading .
We live in a society that has people of all races , religions , gender , sexual orientation and abilities .
It is important to celebrate our differences and draw on the experiences of others .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment for us all to have uncomfortable conversations with those around us .
It 's not good enough to not be racist anymore .
It is time to be anti-racist and call out racism and bigotry when you see it .
It is time to be proactive and not spare the blushes of loved ones , when we see they overstep the mark .
It is time to address the conscious or unconscious bias we may possess .
This evening at 8pm Gillian Joseph will host a frank and honest discussion about racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a must watch .
As we all grapple with our own experiences and how we view others - perhaps George Floyd 's death wo n't be in vain .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show tonight at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .

A colleague told me the other day that every black man has a story about racism. I think for the most part he is right.
I am a child of the eighties and a teenager of the nineties. I grew up in relative privilege.
I was never chased by skinheads because of the colour of my skin or had to navigate a justice system where the statistics show the outcome for me is likely to be much worse than for my white friends.
Image: Gamal describes his upbringing as 'privileged'. Pic: Gamal Fahnbulleh
But I have been called the N word. I have been told to "go back to Africa".
I have been stopped by the police on the pretence I matched a profile of interest.
I have been asked if I sell drugs on numerous occasions in nightclubs.
I have been told by an ex-girlfriend that it was inappropriate to meet her parents because they would be uncomfortable with her dating a black man.
These experiences don't define me per se, but as the chancellor told Sky News on Sunday "racism stings in a way that very few things have".
I believe, and the statistics would support, that the UK is one of the best places to live in Europe if you are from a black, Asian and other minority group, but that doesn't mean there isn't much work to be done.
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The disparities in employment opportunities, existing inequalities in the justice system and the disproportionate number of deaths of members of the BAME group during the coronavirus pandemic lay bare that truth.
Image: Gamal was brought up in the 80s and 90s. Pic: Gamal Fahnbulleh
Last week Sky committed £30m to support the fight against racial injustice and invest more in diversity and inclusion.
It's a positive step in the right direction, if it means we can get more people of different backgrounds around the table at all levels - not just creating content but making decisions on how we tell stories and where the business is heading.
We live in a society that has people of all races, religions, gender, sexual orientation and abilities.
It is important to celebrate our differences and draw on the experiences of others.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The truth is - this is a moment for us all to have uncomfortable conversations with those around us.
It's not good enough to not be racist anymore. It is time to be anti-racist and call out racism and bigotry when you see it.
It is time to be proactive and not spare the blushes of loved ones, when we see they overstep the mark. It is time to address the conscious or unconscious bias we may possess.
This evening at 8pm Gillian Joseph will host a frank and honest discussion about racism towards black and black-origin people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 BLM supporter carries rival protester to safety
It is a must watch.
As we all grapple with our own experiences and how we view others - perhaps George Floyd's death won't be in vain.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show tonight at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Economies across the globe will be downgraded, says IMF

The world must brace itself for a slew of economic downgrades as the International Monetary Fund prepares its latest round of forecasts , the managing director has told Sky News .
In an exclusive interview , Kristalina Georgieva said that the IMF would downgrade its outlook for `` the majority '' of countries , though a small handful of nations , including Germany , were doing better than it originally expected .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker .
Ms Georgieva said that the Fund had had to go further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries around the world affected by what it calls `` the great lockdown '' .
`` Never before in our history have we done anything like this , '' she said .
`` Never in 75 years have we had to do so much at such a rapid pace . ''
She revealed that the Fund had already had to disperse $ 23 billion ( £18.2bn ) of emergency support for countries which `` would have seen hunger roaming and massive bankruptcies in businesses making the crisis much deeper '' .
But she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lender of last resort to the international economy , might not have enough resources to hand out to members in the event of a second wave of the disease , raising the prospect that it may need to get a fresh infusion of cash from its members .
In the wake of the financial crisis the IMF 's members increased its war chest of crisis-fighting funds .
Ms Georgieva said : `` We have $ 1 trillion capacity ; we have only used a fifth so far .
For now , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We need to watch carefully what happens next .
If in 2021 we are in a much-improved situation with the pandemic behind us it might be that our capacity is up to par with the challenge .
But we do n't yet know . ''
The Fund , like its multilateral counterparts the United Nations and World Health Organisation , is reliant to a large extent on US endorsement and support , but thus far the US Treasury has been reluctant to countenance any extra support being given to the organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue more special drawing rights ( SDRs ) , a kind of international reserve currency given out to IMF members .
Ms Georgieva said : `` Our membership is very willing to help us use existing special drawing rights in hands of advanced economies to be moved towards low income and small island economies where the liquidity problems are very severe .
`` There is also a discussion about a new allocation of special drawing rights , [ but ] there we do n't yet have a consensus of the membership . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of economic recovery Ms Georgieva was expecting - a V-shape with a quick bounce back or an L-shape with no bounce - she said : `` We concluded when we debated this that we 've run out of letters .
It may very well be a 'check ' sign - a bit like the Nike logo .
`` We have to recognise uncertainty though .
Are we going to have a second wave ?
Will vaccines arrive early next year ?
`` That would have a significant impact on the speed and shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ W shape is not out of the question .
But now we are in this Nike Universe . ''
The World Tomorrow is a series of podcast interviews with Sajid Javid and Ed Conway .
Over the coming weeks they will speak to policymakers , politicians and thinkers about how the coronavirus pandemic may change the world permanently .

The world must brace itself for a slew of economic downgrades as the International Monetary Fund prepares its latest round of forecasts, the managing director has told Sky News.
In an exclusive interview, Kristalina Georgieva said that the IMF would downgrade its outlook for "the majority" of countries, though a small handful of nations, including Germany, were doing better than it originally expected.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker.
Ms Georgieva said that the Fund had had to go further than it ever had before in supporting countries around the world affected by what it calls "the great lockdown".
"Never before in our history have we done anything like this," she said. "Never in 75 years have we had to do so much at such a rapid pace."
She revealed that the Fund had already had to disperse $23 billion (£18.2bn) of emergency support for countries which "would have seen hunger roaming and massive bankruptcies in businesses making the crisis much deeper".
But she signalled that the Fund, which is a lender of last resort to the international economy, might not have enough resources to hand out to members in the event of a second wave of the disease, raising the prospect that it may need to get a fresh infusion of cash from its members.
Image: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says the Fund has already dispersed $23bn of emergency support
In the wake of the financial crisis the IMF's members increased its war chest of crisis-fighting funds. Ms Georgieva said: "We have $1 trillion capacity; we have only used a fifth so far. For now, we are in a strong position to respond.
"We need to watch carefully what happens next. If in 2021 we are in a much-improved situation with the pandemic behind us it might be that our capacity is up to par with the challenge. But we don't yet know."
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The Fund, like its multilateral counterparts the United Nations and World Health Organisation, is reliant to a large extent on US endorsement and support, but thus far the US Treasury has been reluctant to countenance any extra support being given to the organisation for crisis-fighting, including a proposal to issue more special drawing rights (SDRs), a kind of international reserve currency given out to IMF members.
Ms Georgieva said: "Our membership is very willing to help us use existing special drawing rights in hands of advanced economies to be moved towards low income and small island economies where the liquidity problems are very severe.
"There is also a discussion about a new allocation of special drawing rights, [but] there we don't yet have a consensus of the membership."
Image: The dip and recovery might be shaped more like the Nike logo or a tick than a V
Asked what kind of "shape" of economic recovery Ms Georgieva was expecting - a V-shape with a quick bounce back or an L-shape with no bounce - she said: "We concluded when we debated this that we've run out of letters. It may very well be a 'check' sign - a bit like the Nike logo.
"We have to recognise uncertainty though. Are we going to have a second wave? Will vaccines arrive early next year?
"That would have a significant impact on the speed and shape of the recovery.
"So a W shape is not out of the question. But now we are in this Nike Universe."
The World Tomorrow is a series of podcast interviews with Sajid Javid and Ed Conway. Over the coming weeks they will speak to policymakers, politicians and thinkers about how the coronavirus pandemic may change the world permanently.


news--2020-06-16--Marcus Rashford 'thanks PM for U-turn' on free school meals after Johnson calls him on phone

Marcus Rashford has thanked Boris Johnson `` for U-turning '' on a decision to scrap free school meals after the prime minister called him on the phone .
A spokesperson for the striker said he spoke with the PM this afternoon .
`` They discussed the importance of making our vulnerable children a priority and Marcus thanked the prime minister for U-turning on a decision that could have been detrimental to the stability of families across the country , '' a statement said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rashford within half an hour of reaching out to check on his availability .
The player had been training with fellow United players this morning .
Speaking in Downing Street 's daily coronavirus briefing , the PM claimed he had only become aware of the England player 's campaign today .
He said he had called to `` congratulate him '' on the campaign , adding : `` I thank him for what he 's done . ''
The PM 's spokesman had earlier announced the climbdown , revealing vouchers - for £15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme , and will last for six weeks .
The spokesman said Mr Johnson `` understands children and parents face unprecedented situations '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
He added that payment would be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week voucher , to be given to eligible families at the end of term and which can be spent in supermarkets .
Rashford , 22 , has received an outpouring of praise for his efforts from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted on the prime minister as a multitude of prominent figures and politicians - including a series of Tory MPs - voiced their support .
It came little more than 40 hours after the player posted an open letter calling on the government to overturn its decision to end the voucher programme over the summer holidays .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters joined those lauding Rashford , telling Sky News : `` I think it 's fantastic .
Congratulations to Marcus .
His perseverance , the way he has gone about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a really important and heart-moving cause .
I offer my congratulations to him . ''

Marcus Rashford has thanked Boris Johnson "for U-turning" on a decision to scrap free school meals after the prime minister called him on the phone.
A spokesperson for the striker said he spoke with the PM this afternoon.
"They discussed the importance of making our vulnerable children a priority and Marcus thanked the prime minister for U-turning on a decision that could have been detrimental to the stability of families across the country," a statement said.
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Sky News understands Mr Johnson called Rashford within half an hour of reaching out to check on his availability. The player had been training with fellow United players this morning.
Speaking in Downing Street's daily coronavirus briefing, the PM claimed he had only become aware of the England player's campaign today.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 'We've wrapped our arms around families'
He said he had called to "congratulate him" on the campaign, adding: "I thank him for what he's done."
The PM's spokesman had earlier announced the climbdown, revealing vouchers - for £15 a week - would be made available to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme, and will last for six weeks.
The spokesman said Mr Johnson "understands children and parents face unprecedented situations" during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Rashford's food voucher plea to government
He added that payment would be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week voucher, to be given to eligible families at the end of term and which can be spent in supermarkets.
Rashford, 22, has received an outpouring of praise for his efforts from across the world of football and beyond.
Pressure mounted on the prime minister as a multitude of prominent figures and politicians - including a series of Tory MPs - voiced their support.
It came little more than 40 hours after the player posted an open letter calling on the government to overturn its decision to end the voucher programme over the summer holidays.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters joined those lauding Rashford, telling Sky News: "I think it's fantastic. Congratulations to Marcus. His perseverance, the way he has gone about it, have obviously moved government.
"It's a really important and heart-moving cause. I offer my congratulations to him."


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: 2.3 million children have done 'almost no schoolwork' in lockdown, study finds

Around 2.3 million children in the UK have done almost no schoolwork at home since lockdown began in March , according to researchers .
The study by UCL Institute of Education found one in five had done no homeschooling or managed less than an hour a day .
An average of 2.5 hours each day was spent on doing schoolwork - half the amount indicated by previous research , suggesting `` learning losses are much greater than feared '' , the report concluded .
It also suggested disadvantaged pupils were falling behind their peers with only 11 % of youngsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than four hours a day on schoolwork , compared with 19 % of those who are not eligible for FSMs .
In addition , one in five children on FSMs had no access to a computer , compared with only 7 % for other pupils .
Researchers found nearly a third ( 31 % ) of private schools provided four or more online classes each day for pupils , compared with just 6 % of state schools .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead author of the study , said : `` The closure of schools , and their only partial reopening constitute a potential threat to the educational development of a generation of children .
`` Everyone is losing out in this generation , some much more than others .
Better home schoolwork provision , and better still an early safe return to school for as many as possible , should now become a top priority for government . ''
The study was based on a survey of 4,559 households in April , and comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of the impact of COVID-19 on education .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused ministers of `` mismanagement '' over the reopening of schools , insisting there was `` no plan , no consensus , no leadership '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he wants all pupils back in classrooms by September - with reports suggesting he is willing to relax the two-metre rule to make this happen .
Plans for all pupils in England to return to primary school this term before the summer holidays have been dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a challenge for some schools .
Some primary schools have already reopened for Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 students , with class sizes limited to 15 pupils , desks spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor spaces utilised in keeping with the government 's new guidance .
This week , secondary school pupils with GCSE and A-level exams next year returned to classes .
Downing Street has defended the government 's `` significant support '' for children 's education at home during the lockdown .
The prime minister 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making over £100m available to support children to learn at home , providing laptops , tablets and 4G routers to those without internet access . ''
Mr Johnson has promised Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will give details this week of a `` massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond '' .

Around 2.3 million children in the UK have done almost no schoolwork at home since lockdown began in March, according to researchers.
The study by UCL Institute of Education found one in five had done no homeschooling or managed less than an hour a day.
An average of 2.5 hours each day was spent on doing schoolwork - half the amount indicated by previous research, suggesting "learning losses are much greater than feared", the report concluded.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 More schools reopening
It also suggested disadvantaged pupils were falling behind their peers with only 11% of youngsters who receive free school meals spending more than four hours a day on schoolwork, compared with 19% of those who are not eligible for FSMs.
In addition, one in five children on FSMs had no access to a computer, compared with only 7% for other pupils.
Researchers found nearly a third (31%) of private schools provided four or more online classes each day for pupils, compared with just 6% of state schools.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Francis Green, lead author of the study, said: "The closure of schools, and their only partial reopening constitute a potential threat to the educational development of a generation of children.
"Everyone is losing out in this generation, some much more than others. Better home schoolwork provision, and better still an early safe return to school for as many as possible, should now become a top priority for government."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 PM and Starmer clash over schools
The study was based on a survey of 4,559 households in April, and comes amid growing criticism of the government's handling of the impact of COVID-19 on education.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused ministers of "mismanagement" over the reopening of schools, insisting there was "no plan, no consensus, no leadership".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he wants all pupils back in classrooms by September - with reports suggesting he is willing to relax the two-metre rule to make this happen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Failure to re-open schools is 'astonishing'
Plans for all pupils in England to return to primary school this term before the summer holidays have been dropped after the government conceded social distancing would be a challenge for some schools.
Some primary schools have already reopened for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 students, with class sizes limited to 15 pupils, desks spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor spaces utilised in keeping with the government's new guidance.
This week, secondary school pupils with GCSE and A-level exams next year returned to classes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Rashford food voucher plea to govt
Downing Street has defended the government's "significant support" for children's education at home during the lockdown.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "We are making over £100m available to support children to learn at home, providing laptops, tablets and 4G routers to those without internet access."
Mr Johnson has promised Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will give details this week of a "massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond".


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: State’s £30m Celsa Steel loan paves way for taxpayer stake

Ministers are this week finalising the first emergency coronavirus funding deal that paves the way for British taxpayers to become direct shareholders in a private sector company .
Sky News has learnt that a £30m government loan package being finalised with Celsa UK Holdings - a subsidiary of Spain 's Celsa , one of Europe 's biggest steel producers - will include an option on warrants for significant minority stake in the business .
A source close to the situation said on Tuesday that government officials had driven `` a hard bargain '' over the terms of the loan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are understood to include TSB 's owner Banco Sabadell , and government have agreed heads-of-terms on the package , with a formal signing expected in the next couple of days .
One insider said taxpayers were expected to make a loan of £30m , with Celsa Steel UK 's existing lenders putting in a further £40m of debt funding .
The government loan would have an option on warrants , meaning that it could convert into a stake of up to 20 % if certain conditions are triggered .
Sources said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exercised , meaning that the deal could remain a debt-funding package only .
Celsa UK Holdings includes Celsa Steel UK , which is Britain 's largest producer of reinforcement steel , as well as fabrication operations distributed across the country .
In total , the group employs about 1,600 people in the UK , with the majority based at its plants in Cardiff .
The structure of the government 's impending loan agreement underlines the Treasury 's willingness to consider taking direct shareholdings in companies it regards as being of strategic importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its assessment of loan requests from companies which are unable to access other coronavirus support schemes is being undertaken through Project Birch - the existence of which was revealed by Sky News last month .
Some companies have been unable to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme or the Covid Corporate Financing Facility , either for reasons of eligibility or because the funding they provide is not sufficient to ease funding challenges .
During the crisis , companies including McLaren Group , Petroineos , Jaguar Land Rover and Virgin Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The steel industry is deemed by senior ministers to be of strategic importance , meaning the government is expected to view other funding demands from major producers sympathetically .
One industry figure said the willingness to consider more direct support for the sector underlined the business background of a number of government ministers , as well as advisers such as Richard Sharp , the former Goldman Sachs banker who has been drafted in to work during the crisis with Rishi Sunak , the chancellor .
`` This sends a clear message to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about helping it , but that there is no such thing as free money , '' an insider said .
Tata Steel UK , owner of the vast steelworks at Port Talbot , has approached ministers about securing a £500m government loan , while talks have also been taking place between officials and other players in the sector , including Liberty Steel and British Steel , which is now owned by the Chinese conglomerate Jingye Group .
The government has sought to emphasise that companies should be exploring securing financing from existing shareholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' support .
Ed Miliband , the shadow business secretary , told the Financial Times recently that it would be `` legitimate '' for ministers to take equity stakes in steel producers and other key manufacturers .
UK Steel , the industry trade association , has also pleaded for more government support .
Celsa , which is one of Europe 's biggest steel groups , has also sought access to government guarantee schemes in Spain .
The company employs more than 9,000 people around the world .
Celsa Steel UK could not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy declined to comment .

Ministers are this week finalising the first emergency coronavirus funding deal that paves the way for British taxpayers to become direct shareholders in a private sector company.
Sky News has learnt that a £30m government loan package being finalised with Celsa UK Holdings - a subsidiary of Spain's Celsa, one of Europe's biggest steel producers - will include an option on warrants for significant minority stake in the business.
A source close to the situation said on Tuesday that government officials had driven "a hard bargain" over the terms of the loan to the company.
The existing lenders, which are understood to include TSB's owner Banco Sabadell, and government have agreed heads-of-terms on the package, with a formal signing expected in the next couple of days.
One insider said taxpayers were expected to make a loan of £30m, with Celsa Steel UK's existing lenders putting in a further £40m of debt funding.
The government loan would have an option on warrants, meaning that it could convert into a stake of up to 20% if certain conditions are triggered.
Image: TSB-owner Banco Sabadell could be among lenders involved in the funding
Sources said there was no guarantee that the warrants would be exercised, meaning that the deal could remain a debt-funding package only.
Celsa UK Holdings includes Celsa Steel UK, which is Britain's largest producer of reinforcement steel, as well as fabrication operations distributed across the country.
In total, the group employs about 1,600 people in the UK, with the majority based at its plants in Cardiff.
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The structure of the government's impending loan agreement underlines the Treasury's willingness to consider taking direct shareholdings in companies it regards as being of strategic importance to key industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its assessment of loan requests from companies which are unable to access other coronavirus support schemes is being undertaken through Project Birch - the existence of which was revealed by Sky News last month.
Some companies have been unable to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme or the Covid Corporate Financing Facility, either for reasons of eligibility or because the funding they provide is not sufficient to ease funding challenges.
During the crisis, companies including McLaren Group, Petroineos, Jaguar Land Rover and Virgin Atlantic Airways have all made such requests.
Image: Virgin Atlantic is among companies to have requested taxpayer support during the crisis
The steel industry is deemed by senior ministers to be of strategic importance, meaning the government is expected to view other funding demands from major producers sympathetically.
One industry figure said the willingness to consider more direct support for the sector underlined the business background of a number of government ministers, as well as advisers such as Richard Sharp, the former Goldman Sachs banker who has been drafted in to work during the crisis with Rishi Sunak, the chancellor.
"This sends a clear message to the steel sector that the government is serious about helping it, but that there is no such thing as free money," an insider said.
Tata Steel UK, owner of the vast steelworks at Port Talbot, has approached ministers about securing a £500m government loan, while talks have also been taking place between officials and other players in the sector, including Liberty Steel and British Steel, which is now owned by the Chinese conglomerate Jingye Group.
The government has sought to emphasise that companies should be exploring securing financing from existing shareholders and lenders before approaching it for taxpayers' support.
Ed Miliband, the shadow business secretary, told the Financial Times recently that it would be "legitimate" for ministers to take equity stakes in steel producers and other key manufacturers.
UK Steel, the industry trade association, has also pleaded for more government support.
Celsa, which is one of Europe's biggest steel groups, has also sought access to government guarantee schemes in Spain.
The company employs more than 9,000 people around the world.
Celsa Steel UK could not be reached for comment, while the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy declined to comment.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Calls for better treatment of foreign NHS staff

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said how much he admires NHS staff from overseas as calls grow for the immigration system to treat them more kindly .
People born overseas make up a quarter of staff in UK hospitals , according to figures from the Office for National Statistics .
But they have accounted for a `` disproportionate '' number of deaths from COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , Mr Hancock said on Sunday .
Mr Hancock told the daily coronavirus news conference : `` Yesterday I highlighted the fact that , tragically , a disproportionate number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died are people who came to make their lives here and work in the NHS and have given their lives working in the NHS , and I pay tribute to them .
`` I think it 's fair to say that my admiration for those who work in the NHS , whether they come from overseas or were born here , it does n't matter , my admiration is unparalleled . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Association called on Home Secretary Priti Patel to give all foreign doctors indefinite leave to remain .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , BMA council chairman , wrote to Ms Patel to remind her that many healthcare staff from overseas must pay a surcharge for their own healthcare when they apply for or extend their visas .
He added : `` It is unfair to expect doctors currently outside of the UK who are willing to come to help in the crisis and other international doctors and healthcare workers already in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while providing care in the NHS , to pay for that care should they themselves need it . ''
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to allow medical students and healthcare workers to be able to change employers without needing another visa .
According to a parliamentary report from July 2019 , around 13.1 % of NHS staff are non-British .
Between them , these staff hold 200 different nationalities .
The government has already said doctors , nurses and other health workers from overseas will be able to extend their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep them in the UK during the pandemic response .
This would apply to around 2,800 people in the NHS who have visas due to expire before 1 October .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said how much he admires NHS staff from overseas as calls grow for the immigration system to treat them more kindly.
People born overseas make up a quarter of staff in UK hospitals, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
But they have accounted for a "disproportionate" number of deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, Mr Hancock said on Sunday.
Mr Hancock told the daily coronavirus news conference: "Yesterday I highlighted the fact that, tragically, a disproportionate number of those in the NHS that have died are people who came to make their lives here and work in the NHS and have given their lives working in the NHS, and I pay tribute to them.
"I think it's fair to say that my admiration for those who work in the NHS, whether they come from overseas or were born here, it doesn't matter, my admiration is unparalleled."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It comes after the chair of the British Medical Association called on Home Secretary Priti Patel to give all foreign doctors indefinite leave to remain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:13 'The NHS saved my life, no question'
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, wrote to Ms Patel to remind her that many healthcare staff from overseas must pay a surcharge for their own healthcare when they apply for or extend their visas.
He added: "It is unfair to expect doctors currently outside of the UK who are willing to come to help in the crisis and other international doctors and healthcare workers already in the UK, who are prepared to risk their lives while providing care in the NHS, to pay for that care should they themselves need it."
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Image: Boris Johnson praised NHS staff after he spent several days in intensive care
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to allow medical students and healthcare workers to be able to change employers without needing another visa.
According to a parliamentary report from July 2019, around 13.1% of NHS staff are non-British. Between them, these staff hold 200 different nationalities.
The government has already said doctors, nurses and other health workers from overseas will be able to extend their visa for a year without charge, to keep them in the UK during the pandemic response.
This would apply to around 2,800 people in the NHS who have visas due to expire before 1 October.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: The NHS nurses praised by Boris Johnson for 'standing at my bedside for 48 hours'

Two nurses praised by Boris Johnson are keeping quiet about their new-found fame but have quickly made their native countries proud .
The prime minister spent seven nights at St Thomas ' Hospital in central London , three of them in intensive care , after his coronavirus symptoms worsened .
In a video recorded after his release on Sunday , he praised the hospital 's workers , saying the NHS had `` saved my life , no question '' .
So far more than 10,000 people have already died with COVID-19 across the UK amid a warning by a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK could end up being the `` worst affected country in Europe '' .
In his video , Mr Johnson gave particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from the New Zealand town of Invercargill and Luis from Portugal .
He said the two `` stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way '' .
The two nurses were Jenny McGee and Luis Pitarma and neither have given interviews so far , quite possibly because they 're still busy at work treating other COVID-19 patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms McGee , 35 , was born and raised in the South Island town of Invercargill but has worked in London for `` some time '' , according to the NZ Herald .
She had been `` blown away '' by the prime minister 's public praise , her brother Rob McGee told the newspaper .
Ms McGee 's parents have spoken of their pride at her being mentioned in Mr Johnson 's message , and paid tribute to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the pandemic began .
Her mother , Caroline McGee , told Television New Zealand : `` It makes us feel exceptionally proud obviously , but she has told us these things over the years .
It does n't matter what patient she is looking after , this is what she does . ''
She added : `` I just find it incredible that she , any nurses , can do this for 12 hours , sit and watch a patient and twiddle away with all the different knobs and things they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's absolutely amazing . ''
Her father Mike McGee said : `` Once we 'd heard that Boris Johnson had gone into intensive care it was obvious that at some stage Jenny would possibly run into him and be giving him the same level of care that she would have given anybody else the week before or next week and we 're really proud of her . ''
Mr Pitarma was contacted by Portugal 's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa , who congratulated him on the `` special recognition '' given to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president 's office said : `` The president of the Republic underlines the special recognition presented today by the British prime minister Boris Johnson , to the Portuguese nurse Luis Pitarma for his work and vigilance during hospitalisation in intensive care . ''
Portugal 's Expresso newspaper said Mr Pitarma , 29 , is from the city of Aveiro and had moved to the UK in 2014 .
After a few years as a nurse at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital , he moved to St Thomas 's , becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October he had been part of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation programme , which the newspaper described as a procedure applied in cases of respiratory failure .
According to a parliamentary report from July 2019 , around 13.1 % of NHS staff are non-British .
Between them , these staff hold 200 different nationalities .
Around 5.5 % of NHS staff are from other EU countries .
Ms McGee 's brother Rob said she was `` really pleased '' to see NHS staff being recognised for their efforts .
`` Whilst she is blown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just really pleased to see the public recognition for the amazing work the NHS is doing - that made her really proud , '' he said .

Two nurses praised by Boris Johnson are keeping quiet about their new-found fame but have quickly made their native countries proud.
The prime minister spent seven nights at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, three of them in intensive care, after his coronavirus symptoms worsened.
In a video recorded after his release on Sunday, he praised the hospital's workers, saying the NHS had "saved my life, no question".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:09 PM: 'It could have gone either way'
So far more than 10,000 people have already died with COVID-19 across the UK amid a warning by a member of the government's scientific advice committee the UK could end up being the "worst affected country in Europe".
In his video, Mr Johnson gave particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from the New Zealand town of Invercargill and Luis from Portugal.
He said the two "stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way".
The two nurses were Jenny McGee and Luis Pitarma and neither have given interviews so far, quite possibly because they're still busy at work treating other COVID-19 patients.
Image: Armed police were seen leaving the hospital after the PM was discharged
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Ms McGee, 35, was born and raised in the South Island town of Invercargill but has worked in London for "some time", according to the NZ Herald.
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She had been "blown away" by the prime minister's public praise, her brother Rob McGee told the newspaper.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 PM's nurse a 'fabulous, vivacious' person
Ms McGee's parents have spoken of their pride at her being mentioned in Mr Johnson's message, and paid tribute to what she and her healthcare colleagues have done since the pandemic began.
Her mother, Caroline McGee, told Television New Zealand: "It makes us feel exceptionally proud obviously, but she has told us these things over the years. It doesn't matter what patient she is looking after, this is what she does."
She added: "I just find it incredible that she, any nurses, can do this for 12 hours, sit and watch a patient and twiddle away with all the different knobs and things they do to keep their patients alive, it's absolutely amazing."
Her father Mike McGee said: "Once we'd heard that Boris Johnson had gone into intensive care it was obvious that at some stage Jenny would possibly run into him and be giving him the same level of care that she would have given anybody else the week before or next week and we're really proud of her."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 'A surreal time, something she'd never forget'
Mr Pitarma was contacted by Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who congratulated him on the "special recognition" given to him by Mr Johnson.
In a statement, the president's office said: "The president of the Republic underlines the special recognition presented today by the British prime minister Boris Johnson, to the Portuguese nurse Luis Pitarma for his work and vigilance during hospitalisation in intensive care."
Portugal's Expresso newspaper said Mr Pitarma, 29, is from the city of Aveiro and had moved to the UK in 2014.
After a few years as a nurse at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, he moved to St Thomas's, becoming a senior nurse there last year.
Since October he had been part of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation programme, which the newspaper described as a procedure applied in cases of respiratory failure.
Image: Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
According to a parliamentary report from July 2019, around 13.1% of NHS staff are non-British.
Between them, these staff hold 200 different nationalities.
Around 5.5% of NHS staff are from other EU countries.
Ms McGee's brother Rob said she was "really pleased" to see NHS staff being recognised for their efforts.
"Whilst she is blown away by Boris' recognition, she is just really pleased to see the public recognition for the amazing work the NHS is doing - that made her really proud," he said.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Patients have suffered strokes and other neurological symptoms, says study

Patients with COVID-19 have suffered strokes and other neurological symptoms , according to the first scientific study to analyse the effects of the disease on the brain .
The study found that neurological effects were seen in just over a third of all cases of hospitalised COVID-19 patients , but affected more than 45 % of those with severe infections .
It is n't yet clear if the coronavirus is causing the strokes directly or as a result of the body 's inflammatory response , and leading neurologists say more research is needed .
They warn that as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential neurological effects when assessing new patients .
The study was carried out by researchers at Huazhong University in Wuhan , and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona .
The team analysed cases in Wuhan in China , the original epicentre of the outbreak , between 16 January and 19 February - including 214 hospitalised patients whose diagnoses were laboratory-confirmed .
Just over a third of these patients , 78 ( 36.4 % ) , had neurological symptoms as well as respiratory symptoms .
`` Compared with patients with non-severe infection , patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more underlying disorders , especially hypertension , and showed fewer typical symptoms of COVID-19 , such as fever and cough , '' they found .
The study , in the journal JAMA , was published alongside an editorial by leading neurologists which notes the similarity of the coronavirus to SARS - which researchers have shown caused strokes .
However , unlike in SARS patients , the new study found that neurological symptoms could occur very early within the infection .
Some patients presented at hospital without a fever but had neurological issues including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well more significant impacts such as impaired consciousness , headaches and dizziness .
The scientists warn that the disease may infect the `` nervous system and skeletal muscle as well as [ the ] respiratory tract '' which could provide healthcare workers with an additional way to diagnose patients .
COVID-19 has `` now reached pandemic status and is common all over the world '' said the neurologists in their editorial .
`` With so many affected patients , we can expect as neurologists to be confronted with these patients commonly in coming @ @ @ @ @

Patients with COVID-19 have suffered strokes and other neurological symptoms, according to the first scientific study to analyse the effects of the disease on the brain.
The study found that neurological effects were seen in just over a third of all cases of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, but affected more than 45% of those with severe infections.
It isn't yet clear if the coronavirus is causing the strokes directly or as a result of the body's inflammatory response, and leading neurologists say more research is needed.
They warn that as well as respiratory symptoms, doctors need to consider potential neurological effects when assessing new patients.
The study was carried out by researchers at Huazhong University in Wuhan, and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona.
The team analysed cases in Wuhan in China, the original epicentre of the outbreak, between 16 January and 19 February - including 214 hospitalised patients whose diagnoses were laboratory-confirmed.
Just over a third of these patients, 78 (36.4%), had neurological symptoms as well as respiratory symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 Why aren't plasma trials happening in the UK?
"Compared with patients with non-severe infection, patients with severe infection were older, had more underlying disorders, especially hypertension, and showed fewer typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and cough," they found.
The study, in the journal JAMA, was published alongside an editorial by leading neurologists which notes the similarity of the coronavirus to SARS - which researchers have shown caused strokes.
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However, unlike in SARS patients, the new study found that neurological symptoms could occur very early within the infection.
Some patients presented at hospital without a fever but had neurological issues including losing their taste or smell, as well more significant impacts such as impaired consciousness, headaches and dizziness.
The scientists warn that the disease may infect the "nervous system and skeletal muscle as well as [the] respiratory tract" which could provide healthcare workers with an additional way to diagnose patients.
COVID-19 has "now reached pandemic status and is common all over the world" said the neurologists in their editorial.
"With so many affected patients, we can expect as neurologists to be confronted with these patients commonly in coming months and years."


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: Doctors frustrated by delays in plasma therapy trials for COVID-19 patients

Doctors in the UK say they 're increasingly frustrated the government has yet to approve trials for plasma therapy to help treat coronavirus patients .
The therapy involves extracting plasma from the blood of people who have recovered from the virus , and giving it to those who are critically ill .
The idea is that antibodies produced by patients who have had survived the virus will boost the immune systems of those who are trying to beat the disease .
So far more than 10,000 people have already died with COVID-19 across the UK .
Trials for plasma therapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including China , France , Germany and the US but no decision has been made in the UK .
Dr Colin Hamilton-Davies leads the acute cardiac critical care unit at Bart 's Hospital in London and has spent 30 years looking at this line of research .
He said lives could be saved if action is taken immediately .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We have a national health service and blood service that is the envy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantially-sized department of blood transfusion , and for people harvesting blood plasma , we could step it up within a week .
`` We could be administering it , not just to one or two people , but hundreds of patients . ''
There are no effective treatments for COVID-19 patients .
Studies are under way into the use of antivirals and steroids , but many say the use of plasma therapy has yet to be adequately explored .
Dr Hamilton-Davies has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab responded and sent a letter to Mr Hancock asking about the use of plasma therapy but no decision has been made on when trials will begin .
But Dr Hamilton-Davies is concerned that the delay is costing valuable research time .
`` It 's incredibly frustrating , '' he said .
`` It 's not only myself , but many colleagues are saying 'why are n't we looking at this in greater depth and in a faster timeframe ? '
`` There is a research framework which is up and running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become part of .
I very much hope it does .
This is something we could get up and running very quickly indeed . ''
The treatment has been used with some success for Ebola and SARS and many experts agree it should be trialled for COVID-19 patients in the UK .
Dr Muhammad Munir , a molecular virologist at Lancaster University , told Sky News : `` Plasma treatment is an interim solution and should be done at all costs because what we 're looking into is a vaccine for next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer and it is in our hands .
`` It would be extremely disappointing if this effort should n't be made in place - and especially at a time when so many people are recovering and they can be a valuable source of collection of the plasma . ''
A spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant said : `` We have well-established plans for dealing with new diseases , including the collection of convalescent plasma .
`` We are working closely with government and other NHS bodies to look at the ways in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertaken to tackle COVID-19 . ''

Doctors in the UK say they're increasingly frustrated the government has yet to approve trials for plasma therapy to help treat coronavirus patients.
The therapy involves extracting plasma from the blood of people who have recovered from the virus, and giving it to those who are critically ill.
The idea is that antibodies produced by patients who have had survived the virus will boost the immune systems of those who are trying to beat the disease.
So far more than 10,000 people have already died with COVID-19 across the UK.
Trials for plasma therapy are already under way in other countries including China, France, Germany and the US but no decision has been made in the UK.
Dr Colin Hamilton-Davies leads the acute cardiac critical care unit at Bart's Hospital in London and has spent 30 years looking at this line of research.
He said lives could be saved if action is taken immediately.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"We have a national health service and blood service that is the envy of the world, we have a very substantially-sized department of blood transfusion, and for people harvesting blood plasma, we could step it up within a week.
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"We could be administering it, not just to one or two people, but hundreds of patients."
There are no effective treatments for COVID-19 patients. Studies are under way into the use of antivirals and steroids, but many say the use of plasma therapy has yet to be adequately explored.
Image: Dr Colin Hamilton-Davies says lives could be saved
Dr Hamilton-Davies has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab offering his expertise.
Last week, Mr Raab responded and sent a letter to Mr Hancock asking about the use of plasma therapy but no decision has been made on when trials will begin.
But Dr Hamilton-Davies is concerned that the delay is costing valuable research time.
"It's incredibly frustrating," he said.
"It's not only myself, but many colleagues are saying 'why aren't we looking at this in greater depth and in a faster timeframe?'
"There is a research framework which is up and running, which it may or may not become part of. I very much hope it does. This is something we could get up and running very quickly indeed."
The treatment has been used with some success for Ebola and SARS and many experts agree it should be trialled for COVID-19 patients in the UK.
Image: Dr Muhammad Munir says plasma therapy should be followed up 'at all costs'
Dr Muhammad Munir, a molecular virologist at Lancaster University, told Sky News: "Plasma treatment is an interim solution and should be done at all costs because what we're looking into is a vaccine for next year. The plasma is something we can offer and it is in our hands.
"It would be extremely disappointing if this effort shouldn't be made in place - and especially at a time when so many people are recovering and they can be a valuable source of collection of the plasma."
A spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant said: "We have well-established plans for dealing with new diseases, including the collection of convalescent plasma.
"We are working closely with government and other NHS bodies to look at the ways in which we can best support work being undertaken to tackle COVID-19."


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Newborn babies in Thailand given face shields to protect them from COVID-19

Newborn babies at a hospital in Thailand are being given face shields in an effort to protect them from the @ @ @ @ @ 9 Hospital in the capital Bangkok show them wearing the shields in the maternity ward @ @ @ @ @ total of 2,473 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
A @ @ @ @ @ died after contracting the virus , while 1,013 patients have recovered .
Fifty new cases @ @ @ @ @ as well as the death of a 43-year-old woman .
Twenty-seven of them are linked @ @ @ @ @ are waiting for investigation into how they caught the disease .

Newborn babies at a hospital in Thailand are being given face shields in an effort to protect them from the coronavirus.
Pictures from Praram 9 Hospital in the capital Bangkok show them wearing the shields in the maternity ward.
Image: There have been more than 2,000 confirmed cases in Thailand
Thailand has reported a total of 2,473 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
A total of 33 people have died after contracting the virus, while 1,013 patients have recovered.
Image: A mother takes of photo of her newborn from behind a window
Fifty new cases were reported on Friday, as well as the death of a 43-year-old woman.
Twenty-seven of them are linked to previous cases and eight are waiting for investigation into how they caught the disease.


news--2020-04-12--OPEC agrees to cut oil barrel production after demand drops

President Donald Trump has said `` hundreds of thousands '' of energy jobs are set to be saved after a deal with OPEC Plus was finalised .
Intergovernmental group OPEC ( Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ) and its allies on Sunday agreed to a historic deal to cut oil output by 9.7 million barrels a day , or a tenth of global supply , during the coronavirus pandemic .
The unprecedented reduction will take place from May to June this year , and then will continue to keep gradually decreasing curbs on production in place for two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US president confirmed a deal had been reached and expressed his delight over the decision .
Mr Trump tweeted : `` The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done .
This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States .
I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia .
I just spoke to them from the Oval Office .
Great deal for all ! ''
It comes after a price war of oil broke out between Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two countries failed to agree to a deal to restrain output and help stabilise prices - hit by a plunge in demand because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Global oil demand is estimated to have fallen by a third as more than 3 billion people are locked down in their homes .
This has subsequently destroyed demand for fuel and driven down oil prices , straining budgets of oil producers and hammering the US shale industry , which is more vulnerable to low prices due to its higher costs .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week after voicing concerns about the future of US citizens ' jobs in the energy sector .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker During a news conference , Mr Trump said he would do `` anything he had to do '' to protect workers and companies , including imposing oil tariffs and other measures if the market 's oversupply issue was not resolved .
OPEC consists of 13 nations , all of which have significant chunk in the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on global oil prices .
According to a statement on OPEC 's website , its role is to `` coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilisation of oil markets , in order to secure an efficient , economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers , a steady income to producers , and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry '' .

President Donald Trump has said "hundreds of thousands" of energy jobs are set to be saved after a deal with OPEC Plus was finalised.
Intergovernmental group OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and its allies on Sunday agreed to a historic deal to cut oil output by 9.7 million barrels a day, or a tenth of global supply, during the coronavirus pandemic.
The unprecedented reduction will take place from May to June this year, and then will continue to keep gradually decreasing curbs on production in place for two years until April 2022.
On Sunday, the US president confirmed a deal had been reached and expressed his delight over the decision.
Mr Trump tweeted: "The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States. I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. I just spoke to them from the Oval Office. Great deal for all!"
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It comes after a price war of oil broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia at the beginning of March.
The two countries failed to agree to a deal to restrain output and help stabilise prices - hit by a plunge in demand because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Global oil demand is estimated to have fallen by a third as more than 3 billion people are locked down in their homes.
This has subsequently destroyed demand for fuel and driven down oil prices, straining budgets of oil producers and hammering the US shale industry, which is more vulnerable to low prices due to its higher costs.
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President Trump urged OPEC to resolve the issue earlier this week after voicing concerns about the future of US citizens' jobs in the energy sector.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
During a news conference, Mr Trump said he would do "anything he had to do" to protect workers and companies, including imposing oil tariffs and other measures if the market's oversupply issue was not resolved.
OPEC consists of 13 nations, all of which have significant chunk in the role of oil production in the world and influence on global oil prices.
According to a statement on OPEC's website, its role is to "coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilisation of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry".


news--2020-05-03--Tesla applies to become UK electricity provider

Tesla has applied for a licence to generate electricity in the UK , documents show .
The US company , known for its electric vehicles , also has operations in battery energy storage and solar panel and solar roof tile manufacturing .
The application was made to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority by Tesla Motors Co .
It did not make clear why the firm had applied for the licence .
It was filed on Tuesday and signed by Evan Rice , Tesla 's energy products sales director .
In 2017 , the carmaker built one of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state grid .
It followed severe blackouts in the state of South Australia after a storm in March 2016 .
At the time , chief executive Elon Musk made a bet , saying Tesla would get the battery installed and working within 100 days of the contract being signed or the $ 50m ( £37m ) renewable energy project would be installed for free .
He won the bet .
Yesterday , the 48-year-old billionaire tweeted that the electric car company 's `` stock price is too high '' .
About $ 13bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shares after he posted the tweet .
In a series of other tweets , Mr Musk , who has been complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures , said he was `` selling almost all physical possessions '' and `` will own no house '' , adding that his girlfriend was `` mad at me '' .
Earlier this week he described coronavirus restrictions as `` forcibly imprisoning people in their homes '' and `` fascist '' .
He said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk '' to the business .

Tesla has applied for a licence to generate electricity in the UK, documents show.
The US company, known for its electric vehicles, also has operations in battery energy storage and solar panel and solar roof tile manufacturing.
The application was made to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority by Tesla Motors Co.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 How Tesla's making ventilators with car parts
It did not make clear why the firm had applied for the licence.
It was filed on Tuesday and signed by Evan Rice, Tesla's energy products sales director.
In 2017, the carmaker built one of the world's largest lithium-ion batteries for the Australian state grid.
It followed severe blackouts in the state of South Australia after a storm in March 2016.
At the time, chief executive Elon Musk made a bet, saying Tesla would get the battery installed and working within 100 days of the contract being signed or the $50m (£37m) renewable energy project would be installed for free. He won the bet.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:01 Listen to Elon Musk's new single
Yesterday, the 48-year-old billionaire tweeted that the electric car company's "stock price is too high".
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About $13bn (£10.3bn) was wiped off Tesla's shares after he posted the tweet.
In a series of other tweets, Mr Musk, who has been complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures, said he was "selling almost all physical possessions" and "will own no house", adding that his girlfriend was "mad at me".
Earlier this week he described coronavirus restrictions as "forcibly imprisoning people in their homes" and "fascist".
He said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the state's stay-at-home order a "serious risk" to the business.


news--2020-05-03--Piers Morgan forced off TV after having coronavirus test

Piers Morgan has revealed he will not present Good Morning Britain on Monday after being tested for coronavirus .
The presenter , 55 , tweeted that he had started feeling unwell over the last 48 hours .
He wrote : `` On medical advice , and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs , I 've had a test for COVID-19 and so wo n't be working on GMB until I get the result back , which should be tomorrow . ''
It comes three weeks after his co-host , Susanna Reid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of her household developed symptoms of COVID-19 .
Journalists are classed as key workers and , like all broadcasters including Sky News , Morgan has been respecting social distancing rules while on air .
His news came as the Department of Health said 315 more people had died in UK hospitals , care homes and the wider community , bringing the total number of fatalities to 28,446 .
It is the lowest figure since March .
The government missed its 100,000 daily target for tests , with 76,496 carried out .

Piers Morgan has revealed he will not present Good Morning Britain on Monday after being tested for coronavirus.
The presenter, 55, tweeted that he had started feeling unwell over the last 48 hours.
He wrote: "On medical advice, and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs, I've had a test for COVID-19 and so won't be working on GMB until I get the result back, which should be tomorrow."
It comes three weeks after his co-host, Susanna Reid, self-isolated at her London home when a member of her household developed symptoms of COVID-19.
Journalists are classed as key workers and, like all broadcasters including Sky News, Morgan has been respecting social distancing rules while on air.
His news came as the Department of Health said 315 more people had died in UK hospitals, care homes and the wider community, bringing the total number of fatalities to 28,446.
It is the lowest figure since March.
The government missed its 100,000 daily target for tests, with 76,496 carried out.


news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: McDonald's approaches landlords over rent cut

McDonald 's has said it is hoping to reduce the rent it pays to landlords as it slowly begins reopening its branches .
The fast food chain closed its doors on 22 March after the government outlined strict social distancing measures because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The firm announced earlier this week it was going to trial deliveries from 15 outlets later this month , as the COVID-19 lockdown continues .
A limited menu will be in place and breakfast options will not be available for the time being to allow smaller teams to follow social distancing guidelines in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have raised concerns about their financial future following closures of more than a month , McDonald 's said it has opened discussions with its landlords over its rent .
A spokesman told Sky News in a statement : `` Despite restaurants being closed , we have continued to pay rent in full and have been very clear that we will continue to meet our obligations to landlords across the McDonald 's estate . ''
He added : `` Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading . ''
As part of its plans to reopen , McDonald 's has announced how it intends to protect its staff .
Perspex screens and floor markings have been introduced in specific areas of the restaurants , while protective equipment , including non-medical grade face masks , will be given to employees .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fit to work and will have their temperatures taken before starting each shift .
It comes as earlier this week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had now passed the peak of the pandemic , and promised to lay out his details for an exit strategy from the lockdown in the coming days .

McDonald's has said it is hoping to reduce the rent it pays to landlords as it slowly begins reopening its branches.
The fast food chain closed its doors on 22 March after the government outlined strict social distancing measures because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The firm announced earlier this week it was going to trial deliveries from 15 outlets later this month, as the COVID-19 lockdown continues.
Image: McDonald's says it has opened dialogue with some of its landlords
A limited menu will be in place and breakfast options will not be available for the time being to allow smaller teams to follow social distancing guidelines in the kitchens.
But as other businesses have raised concerns about their financial future following closures of more than a month, McDonald's said it has opened discussions with its landlords over its rent.
A spokesman told Sky News in a statement: "Despite restaurants being closed, we have continued to pay rent in full and have been very clear that we will continue to meet our obligations to landlords across the McDonald's estate."
He added: "Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business, we have opened dialogue with some of our landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading."
As part of its plans to reopen, McDonald's has announced how it intends to protect its staff.
Perspex screens and floor markings have been introduced in specific areas of the restaurants, while protective equipment, including non-medical grade face masks, will be given to employees.
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Each worker will also be asked if they are fit to work and will have their temperatures taken before starting each shift.
It comes as earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had now passed the peak of the pandemic, and promised to lay out his details for an exit strategy from the lockdown in the coming days.