news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Which countries have successfully 'flattened the curve'?

After more than 80,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths , China has successfully reduced the number of new coronavirus cases it is recording each day .
In other words , the country where the disease originated has `` flattened the curve '' of the outbreak .
China now has less than 100 new cases and 30 deaths a day and has done since early March , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .
It is not the only country starting to get the outbreak under control .
In South Korea more than 9,000 people have been infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died .
But the outbreak in the country is now following the same trajectory as the one in China , with relatively low daily numbers of new cases since the middle of March .
The true number of people infected in both countries is almost certainly higher than official counts , but even so these charts show the spread of the disease is slowing in both countries .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker What is 'flattening the curve ' ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak is the projected number of people who will get sick over a given period of time .
China and South Korea 's curves - so far - are shown on the charts above .
A sharp increase in the curve means the disease is spreading quickly , which can lead to many people being infected at the same time and the health system becoming overloaded .
A flatter curve means there is a slower infection rate and while the same number of people could be infected overall , this will take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means the number of cases at the peak of the disease - the highest point on the chart - will be smaller , allowing the health service to cope better with the situation and provide the appropriate care .
Containing measures - such as social distancing - aim to lower the infection rate and , consequently , to `` flatten the curve '' .
What is the curve of the outbreak like in other countries ?
The outbreak started in China in December last year and quickly spread to several other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak in Wuhan .
Despite their proximity to China , Singapore , Hong Kong and Taiwan have managed to keep their numbers of new cases low .
However , these countries have a relatively small population compared with other countries of the region and although their case numbers are small , their curves have not yet decreased significantly .
The curve can also increase following a period in which it decreases , as is currently happening in Japan .
There , the daily number of people infected started to slow in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise again .
In February , Europe became the new centre of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Italy has now had more confirmed cases of the disease than China and both Spain and Italy have reported more deaths than China .
Large parts of the continent are now under lockdown or using social distancing measures to stop the spread of the disease .
In some places the measures are starting to take effect and Germany could be the first European country to flatten the curve .
On Wednesday , the head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the infection rate will likely slow down in the country by the beginning of April due to social distancing .
The epidemic has also effected countries in the Middle East , with Iran being particularly badly hit .
It is now moving towards North and South America , where the number of cases is increasing in most countries .
In the United States , lockdowns are in place in cities including New York , San Francisco and LA .
How fast the cases are growing ?
Almost every country in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus , according to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
Although China has the largest number of cases recorded in absolute terms , the case rate is higher in around a third of the countries affected , with European countries at the top of the list .
But in an epidemic outbreak it is not just the number of cases that is important , but also the growth rate - that is how fast the number of cases is increasing .
A fast growth rate can lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal is to slow down the rate of growth using measures such as social distancing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker If we compare countries with the highest number of cases since they reported their 100th case , the UK appears to be following a similar trend to other European countries , like Italy or Spain , and the US .
At the moment the number of cases in the UK is doubling every two or three days .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each country is difficult as different countries are testing a different number of people .
For example in the UK , only people who require medical assistance are currently being tested , whereas in Germany a much more widespread testing programme is under way .
This means Germany has a higher number of confirmed cases than countries like France and the UK , even though they have had a much smaller number of deaths .
As a result it is hard to meaningfully compare the number of cases in different countries and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak can be achieved by looking at the number of deaths instead .
Looking at this statistic in the countries with the biggest outbreaks shows that the disease is progressing faster in Europe than in Asia .
However , in most European countries the effects of social distancing measures and lockdowns are not yet being seen on the curves , as they take a while to have an impact .
The critical moment for the UK will therefore be in two weeks ' time , when we will have a better idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had the necessary effect and succeeded in flattening the curve .

After more than 80,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths, China has successfully reduced the number of new coronavirus cases it is recording each day.
In other words, the country where the disease originated has "flattened the curve" of the outbreak.
China now has less than 100 new cases and 30 deaths a day and has done since early March, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
It is not the only country starting to get the outbreak under control.
In South Korea more than 9,000 people have been infected with the virus and at least 130 people have died.
But the outbreak in the country is now following the same trajectory as the one in China, with relatively low daily numbers of new cases since the middle of March.
The true number of people infected in both countries is almost certainly higher than official counts, but even so these charts show the spread of the disease is slowing in both countries.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
What is 'flattening the curve'?
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The "curve" in an epidemic outbreak is the projected number of people who will get sick over a given period of time.
China and South Korea's curves - so far - are shown on the charts above.
A sharp increase in the curve means the disease is spreading quickly, which can lead to many people being infected at the same time and the health system becoming overloaded.
Image: A typical model of a pandemic outbreak
A flatter curve means there is a slower infection rate and while the same number of people could be infected overall, this will take place over a longer period of time.
This means the number of cases at the peak of the disease - the highest point on the chart - will be smaller, allowing the health service to cope better with the situation and provide the appropriate care.
Containing measures - such as social distancing - aim to lower the infection rate and, consequently, to "flatten the curve".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Nation applauds coronavirus health workers
What is the curve of the outbreak like in other countries?
The outbreak started in China in December last year and quickly spread to several other countries in Asia from the epicentre of the outbreak in Wuhan.
Despite their proximity to China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan have managed to keep their numbers of new cases low.
However, these countries have a relatively small population compared with other countries of the region and although their case numbers are small, their curves have not yet decreased significantly.
The curve can also increase following a period in which it decreases, as is currently happening in Japan.
There, the daily number of people infected started to slow in the middle of March, but has since started to rise again.
In February, Europe became the new centre of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Italy has now had more confirmed cases of the disease than China and both Spain and Italy have reported more deaths than China.
Large parts of the continent are now under lockdown or using social distancing measures to stop the spread of the disease.
In some places the measures are starting to take effect and Germany could be the first European country to flatten the curve.
On Wednesday, the head of the German hospital federation, Gerald Gass, said that the infection rate will likely slow down in the country by the beginning of April due to social distancing.
The epidemic has also effected countries in the Middle East, with Iran being particularly badly hit.
It is now moving towards North and South America, where the number of cases is increasing in most countries.
In the United States, lockdowns are in place in cities including New York, San Francisco and LA.
How fast the cases are growing?
Almost every country in the world has reported at least one case of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Although China has the largest number of cases recorded in absolute terms, the case rate is higher in around a third of the countries affected, with European countries at the top of the list.
But in an epidemic outbreak it is not just the number of cases that is important, but also the growth rate - that is how fast the number of cases is increasing.
A fast growth rate can lead to a large number of cases very rapidly so the goal is to slow down the rate of growth using measures such as social distancing.
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If we compare countries with the highest number of cases since they reported their 100th case, the UK appears to be following a similar trend to other European countries, like Italy or Spain, and the US.
At the moment the number of cases in the UK is doubling every two or three days.
However, comparing the number of cases in each country is difficult as different countries are testing a different number of people.
For example in the UK, only people who require medical assistance are currently being tested, whereas in Germany a much more widespread testing programme is under way.
This means Germany has a higher number of confirmed cases than countries like France and the UK, even though they have had a much smaller number of deaths.
As a result it is hard to meaningfully compare the number of cases in different countries and a truer picture of the scale of the outbreak can be achieved by looking at the number of deaths instead.
Looking at this statistic in the countries with the biggest outbreaks shows that the disease is progressing faster in Europe than in Asia.
However, in most European countries the effects of social distancing measures and lockdowns are not yet being seen on the curves, as they take a while to have an impact.
The critical moment for the UK will therefore be in two weeks' time, when we will have a better idea of whether the measures taken by the government have had the necessary effect and succeeded in flattening the curve.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Why does COVID-19 pose a greater threat to men than women?

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe , it remains clear it is a disease that pays no attention to borders , race or nationality .
However , with daily updates on infection rates and death tolls , it appears COVID-19 does pose a noticeably bigger threat to men than it does to women .
These figures by no means tell the full story - mainly because the coronavirus outbreak is still in its early stages and because of the different ways nations are collecting figures .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because only a handful are collating sex-disaggregated data .
Data collected from other similar outbreaks - severe acute respiratory syndrome in Hong Kong ( SARS ) and Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) - have also shown men are more severely affected .
Global Health 50/50 has been collecting COVID-19 infection figures from the 25 countries with the highest number of cases .
Of those , 11 give details on male and female fatality : Italy , China , Germany , Spain , Iran , South Korea , France , the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And from these , 68 % of those who die after contracting the virus are male with China ( 71 % ) and Portugal ( 70 % ) topping the list ( figures updated 25 March ) .
But why does coronavirus appear to pose a greater threat to men ?
Many victims of COVID-19 have been suffering from underlying health conditions such as heart disease , stroke , lung disease and hypertension .
These conditions affect more men than women according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among men is higher than women according to a recent study by the World Bank and the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
These habits are associated with the risk of developing the underlying health issues that pose a greater risk for those with coronavirus .
Previous research has revealed that men have lower innate antiviral immune responses to a range of infections including hepatitis C and HIV .
Studies in animals have also suggested this may also be true for other forms of coronavirus .
Hormones are also believed to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase antiviral responses of immune cells .
Scientists have also discovered many genes that regulate the immune system are encoded on the X chromosome ( of which men have one , and women have two ) .
Sarah Hawkes , professor of global public health at University College London ( UCL ) and co-director of Global Health 50/50 , has said we will only be able to get a clearer picture when sex-disaggregated data is more widely available .
She told CNN : `` If I was designing clinical guidelines , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people seem to have a much higher risk of mortality than others .
`` It might for example lead to a difference in the way in which we administer clinical guidelines amongst people who have pre-existing health conditions that lead to risk of death along with those with chronic lung disease , who are more likely to be men . ''

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, it remains clear it is a disease that pays no attention to borders, race or nationality.
However, with daily updates on infection rates and death tolls, it appears COVID-19 does pose a noticeably bigger threat to men than it does to women.
These figures by no means tell the full story - mainly because the coronavirus outbreak is still in its early stages and because of the different ways nations are collecting figures.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But also because only a handful are collating sex-disaggregated data.
Data collected from other similar outbreaks - severe acute respiratory syndrome in Hong Kong (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) - have also shown men are more severely affected.
Global Health 50/50 has been collecting COVID-19 infection figures from the 25 countries with the highest number of cases.
Of those, 11 give details on male and female fatality: Italy, China, Germany, Spain, Iran, South Korea, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark and Sweden.
And from these, 68% of those who die after contracting the virus are male with China (71%) and Portugal (70%) topping the list (figures updated 25 March).
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But why does coronavirus appear to pose a greater threat to men?
Image: Hypertension is one of the underlying health issues that pose a threat to those with COVID-19
Chronic illness
Many victims of COVID-19 have been suffering from underlying health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease and hypertension.
These conditions affect more men than women according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal in 2018.
Image: High alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increase in coronavirus fatalities
Lifestyle
Levels of smoking and alcohol consumption among men is higher than women according to a recent study by the World Bank and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
These habits are associated with the risk of developing the underlying health issues that pose a greater risk for those with coronavirus.
Image: Oestrogen being shown to increase antiviral responses of immune cells
Natural immunity
Previous research has revealed that men have lower innate antiviral immune responses to a range of infections including hepatitis C and HIV. Studies in animals have also suggested this may also be true for other forms of coronavirus.
Hormones are also believed to play a major role with oestrogen being shown to increase antiviral responses of immune cells. Scientists have also discovered many genes that regulate the immune system are encoded on the X chromosome (of which men have one, and women have two).
Sarah Hawkes, professor of global public health at University College London (UCL) and co-director of Global Health 50/50, has said we will only be able to get a clearer picture when sex-disaggregated data is more widely available.
She told CNN: "If I was designing clinical guidelines, I would very much want to understand why some people seem to have a much higher risk of mortality than others.
"It might for example lead to a difference in the way in which we administer clinical guidelines amongst people who have pre-existing health conditions that lead to risk of death along with those with chronic lung disease, who are more likely to be men."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: How the US is becoming the new epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic

The United States is quickly becoming the new epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic , with cases in the country rising rapidly .
There are now at least 83,000 cases in the US and around 1,300 people have died from the coronavirus in the country .
On Thursday , the country overtook China and Italy to become the place with the most reported cases of the disease .
The large number of cases is in part due to the size of the United States , as it has a population of around 330 million , around five times larger than both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China has a larger population than the US , so the size of the country is clearly only one factor .
The density of the population is also important , as the disease has spread quickest through cities like Milan and London where people live close together .
Crucially , it 's not just the number of cases in the US that will be worrying health authorities .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker More important still is the rate at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is this measure that suggests the US is the new epicentre of the pandemic .
As recently as a week ago the US had just 25,000 cases , but that number has more than tripled in the last seven days .
On Thursday , more than 18,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in a single day .
Of late the number of cases in the US has doubled every 3.7 days , although in some places the rate is much higher .
This means the number of cases is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could continue to grow exponentially .
Growth like this is particularly dangerous , as it can cause a surge in demand for medical care - and the country 's health system may struggle to meet this demand .
One place where the number of cases has risen quickly is the state of New York .
Around 45 % of the country 's confirmed cases are from the state , with at least 37,877 people infected with the disease .
There have also been 385 deaths from the virus in New York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state has been in lockdown for a week to try to slow the spread of the disease , but so far this has had a limited effect .
Since the 100th case was recorded in New York the number of cases has doubled on average every 2.2 days , although it has now slowed slightly to doubling around every four days .
Cases in New Jersey and Michigan are also doubling rapidly , meaning cases in all three states are likely to escalate .
The current surge of cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in the number of deaths in the country .
China , Italy , Spain and Iran have all had more deaths than the US , despite having fewer cases .
However , the outbreak in the US is relatively recent , with the vast majority of cases only being reported in the last week .
This means that the number of deaths in the country should be expected to rise rapidly over the next week , as there is a delay between people being diagnosed with the disease and the virus proving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York , where the number of deaths is doubling every two days .
At the moment the US is only leading the way in terms of the number of cases , but if the number of deaths does continue to rise , it could top anything seen so far in Asia or Europe .
Then the country will unquestionably be the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic .

The United States is quickly becoming the new epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases in the country rising rapidly.
There are now at least 83,000 cases in the US and around 1,300 people have died from the coronavirus in the country.
On Thursday, the country overtook China and Italy to become the place with the most reported cases of the disease.
The large number of cases is in part due to the size of the United States, as it has a population of around 330 million, around five times larger than both the UK and Italy.
However, China has a larger population than the US, so the size of the country is clearly only one factor.
The density of the population is also important, as the disease has spread quickest through cities like Milan and London where people live close together.
Crucially, it's not just the number of cases in the US that will be worrying health authorities.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
More important still is the rate at which the number of cases is increasing - and it is this measure that suggests the US is the new epicentre of the pandemic.
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As recently as a week ago the US had just 25,000 cases, but that number has more than tripled in the last seven days.
On Thursday, more than 18,000 new coronavirus cases were reported in a single day.
Of late the number of cases in the US has doubled every 3.7 days, although in some places the rate is much higher.
This means the number of cases is likely to double again in the next few days and could continue to grow exponentially.
Growth like this is particularly dangerous, as it can cause a surge in demand for medical care - and the country's health system may struggle to meet this demand.
One place where the number of cases has risen quickly is the state of New York.
Around 45% of the country's confirmed cases are from the state, with at least 37,877 people infected with the disease.
There have also been 385 deaths from the virus in New York, a third of the United States total.
The state has been in lockdown for a week to try to slow the spread of the disease, but so far this has had a limited effect.
Since the 100th case was recorded in New York the number of cases has doubled on average every 2.2 days, although it has now slowed slightly to doubling around every four days.
Cases in New Jersey and Michigan are also doubling rapidly, meaning cases in all three states are likely to escalate.
The current surge of cases of COVID-19 in the US has not yet been seen in the number of deaths in the country.
China, Italy, Spain and Iran have all had more deaths than the US, despite having fewer cases.
However, the outbreak in the US is relatively recent, with the vast majority of cases only being reported in the last week.
This means that the number of deaths in the country should be expected to rise rapidly over the next week, as there is a delay between people being diagnosed with the disease and the virus proving fatal.
This can already be seen in New York, where the number of deaths is doubling every two days.
At the moment the US is only leading the way in terms of the number of cases, but if the number of deaths does continue to rise, it could top anything seen so far in Asia or Europe.
Then the country will unquestionably be the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Firefighters to deliver food, drive ambulances and retrieve bodies

Firefighters will be able to deliver food and medicine , drive ambulances and retrieve bodies to help the UK get through the coronavirus pandemic .
Fire service bosses say a new agreement between their various organising bodies reflects the `` scale of the national crisis and the urgency of the response required '' .
It comes as the number of people in the UK to have died with coronavirus reached 584 on Thursday , with almost 12,000 people infected .
Firefighters will continue to prioritise their main responsibilities , including emergencies such as fires and traffic collisions .
But bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests made by Local Resilience Forums and Strategic Co-ordination Groups .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Any firefighters involved in coronavirus-related tasks will be trained and given the appropriate personal protective equipment , according to the Fire Brigades Union , which announced the move .
The agreement , between the union , fire chiefs , and fire and rescue employers , will be in place for two months but it can be extended or shortened .
There are around 48,000 firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Matt Wrack , FBU general secretary , said : `` We face a public health crisis unparalleled in our lifetimes .
`` The coronavirus outbreak is now a humanitarian emergency and firefighters rightly want help their communities .
`` To get through this , we must find ways to work together with other emergency services .
Firefighters are fantastic at teamwork , are experienced in driving emergency vehicles and , as a service rooted in the community , may be best placed to deliver essential items to the most vulnerable .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this outbreak could be overwhelming and firefighters , who often handle terrible situations and incidents , are ready to step in to assist with body retrieval .
`` Firefighters and control staff have always stepped in when the public has been in danger and this crisis is no different .
The strain on all emergency services will be great , but we can and will get through it together . ''
Roy Wilsher , chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council , said : `` All fire services are working to protect communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide range of capabilities and skills to ensure community reassurance and support ; doing what they can to support people through this crisis . ''
Cllr Nick Chard , fire and rescue service employers , said : `` We can immediately step up our assistance to support our over stretched public sector colleagues , especially ambulance services , with our can do attitude and sense of community spirit . ''

Firefighters will be able to deliver food and medicine, drive ambulances and retrieve bodies to help the UK get through the coronavirus pandemic.
Fire service bosses say a new agreement between their various organising bodies reflects the "scale of the national crisis and the urgency of the response required".
It comes as the number of people in the UK to have died with coronavirus reached 584 on Thursday, with almost 12,000 people infected.
Firefighters will continue to prioritise their main responsibilities, including emergencies such as fires and traffic collisions.
But bosses will meet weekly to talk about additional requests made by Local Resilience Forums and Strategic Co-ordination Groups.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Any firefighters involved in coronavirus-related tasks will be trained and given the appropriate personal protective equipment, according to the Fire Brigades Union, which announced the move.
The agreement, between the union, fire chiefs, and fire and rescue employers, will be in place for two months but it can be extended or shortened.
There are around 48,000 firefighters and emergency control staff in the UK.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Distressed mum-to-be issues virus warning
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "We face a public health crisis unparalleled in our lifetimes.
"The coronavirus outbreak is now a humanitarian emergency and firefighters rightly want help their communities.
"To get through this, we must find ways to work together with other emergency services. Firefighters are fantastic at teamwork, are experienced in driving emergency vehicles and, as a service rooted in the community, may be best placed to deliver essential items to the most vulnerable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 UK lockdown '10 days too late'
"Many fear the loss of life in this outbreak could be overwhelming and firefighters, who often handle terrible situations and incidents, are ready to step in to assist with body retrieval.
"Firefighters and control staff have always stepped in when the public has been in danger and this crisis is no different. The strain on all emergency services will be great, but we can and will get through it together."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Royal children salute NHS carers
Roy Wilsher, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: "All fire services are working to protect communities during COVID-19 and they will use their wide range of capabilities and skills to ensure community reassurance and support; doing what they can to support people through this crisis."
Cllr Nick Chard, fire and rescue service employers, said: "We can immediately step up our assistance to support our over stretched public sector colleagues, especially ambulance services, with our can do attitude and sense of community spirit."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: 'June? Seriously?' - Self-employed urge financial aid to be given sooner

The chancellor is being urged to speed up his £9bn coronavirus bailout for the self-employed , amid fears that waiting until June for handouts could cause serious hardship .
Self-employed workers have called on Rishi Sunak to explain how they will pay their bills for the next three months , while senior MPs and union leaders are urging him to make the aid available much earlier .
While his pledge to match the 80 % of earnings offered to PAYE employees has been widely welcomed , he is facing claims that many will struggle to manage on Universal Credit payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also claims that the delay in the coronavirus bailout for the self-employed could set the jobless total soaring and kill off start-up businesses .
Under enormous political pressure to match his aid package for salaried employees , announced last Friday , the chancellor and his officials faced a race against time to announce a plan for the self-employed .
As a result , even Mr Sunak 's supporters admit the scheme - drawn up in haste in less than a week - has its faults .
While many self-employed workers expressed relief at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also anger and anxiety that compensation of 80 % of profits , worth up to £2,500 a month , could be three months away .
Keri Hudson , 30 , a social media consultant from Bristol , welcomed the financial aid package but said : `` June ?
Seriously ?
It 's ridiculous .
It 's going to be very difficult for a lot of people . ''
Louise Barina , a production manager from London , said : `` After having spoken to our landlord , he has outright said no , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our rent . ''
And casting director Sally McCleery , from Brighton , said : `` We 're going to have to really watch the pennies until June . ''
Labour 's outgoing shadow chancellor John McDonnell warned : `` My worry is that if people can not get access to the scheme until June it will simply be too late for millions .
`` People need support in the coming days and fortnight .
Asking people to rely on Universal Credit when more than 130,000 people are queuing online will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a real risk that without support until June the self-employed will feel they have to keep working , putting their own and others ' health at risk . ''
Labour MP Rachel Reeves , who chairs the Business Select Committee of MPs , said the chancellor 's announcement would be welcomed by many of the nation 's millions of self-employed workers .
But she added : `` The wait until June for this grant will , however , be an agonising one for many and I would urge the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this vital support . ''
Former Labour minister Stephen Timms , who chairs the Work and Pensions Select Committee , said : `` This package for the self-employed is hugely welcome - but may not kick in until June .
`` Few will have enough in the bank to tide them over until then , so they 'll have to rely on Universal Credit in the meantime . ''
From the unions , the TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady welcomed the package , but backed calls for it to be implemented much earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the self-employed facing a collapse in their earnings , the chancellor is right to act .
`` This is a welcome step forward for self-employed and freelance workers across the economy , from construction to the creative industries .
`` It 's vital that support reaches workers as soon as possible .
Many are already dealing with severe hardship . ''
Roy Rickhuss , general secretary of the Community union , said : `` Waiting until June will be too long for many of the self-employed who already are struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of priority , we urge the government to ensure the systems to deliver the self-employed income support scheme are ready and in place as soon as possible to ensure cash gets into the pockets of freelancers and the self-employed urgently . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But there was strong support for the chancellor from business leaders .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn of the CBI said : `` Given the complexity of the task , it 's understandable this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Marshall of the British Chambers of Commerce said : `` The chancellor 's announcement offers a lifeline to the vast majority of the UK 's five million self-employed people who have seen their livelihoods vanish overnight .
`` We welcome the scale of this scheme and recognise the complexities involved in its design .
It is now critical that the government delivers this practical support to people on the ground as soon as possible . ''

The chancellor is being urged to speed up his £9bn coronavirus bailout for the self-employed, amid fears that waiting until June for handouts could cause serious hardship.
Self-employed workers have called on Rishi Sunak to explain how they will pay their bills for the next three months, while senior MPs and union leaders are urging him to make the aid available much earlier.
While his pledge to match the 80% of earnings offered to PAYE employees has been widely welcomed, he is facing claims that many will struggle to manage on Universal Credit payments of £94.25 until June.
There are also claims that the delay in the coronavirus bailout for the self-employed could set the jobless total soaring and kill off start-up businesses.
Under enormous political pressure to match his aid package for salaried employees, announced last Friday, the chancellor and his officials faced a race against time to announce a plan for the self-employed.
As a result, even Mr Sunak's supporters admit the scheme - drawn up in haste in less than a week - has its faults.
While many self-employed workers expressed relief at Mr Sunak's proposals, there was also anger and anxiety that compensation of 80% of profits, worth up to £2,500 a month, could be three months away.
Keri Hudson, 30, a social media consultant from Bristol, welcomed the financial aid package but said: "June? Seriously? It's ridiculous. It's going to be very difficult for a lot of people."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Chancellor announces help for self-employed
Louise Barina, a production manager from London, said: "After having spoken to our landlord, he has outright said no, that we can't get a delay on our rent."
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And casting director Sally McCleery, from Brighton, said: "We're going to have to really watch the pennies until June."
Labour's outgoing shadow chancellor John McDonnell warned: "My worry is that if people cannot get access to the scheme until June it will simply be too late for millions.
"People need support in the coming days and fortnight. Asking people to rely on Universal Credit when more than 130,000 people are queuing online will be worrying to many people.
"So there is a real risk that without support until June the self-employed will feel they have to keep working, putting their own and others' health at risk."
Image: Pubs and non-essential shops have closed their doors to the public nationwide
Labour MP Rachel Reeves, who chairs the Business Select Committee of MPs, said the chancellor's announcement would be welcomed by many of the nation's millions of self-employed workers.
But she added: "The wait until June for this grant will, however, be an agonising one for many and I would urge the government to do all they can do bring forward this vital support."
Former Labour minister Stephen Timms, who chairs the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: "This package for the self-employed is hugely welcome - but may not kick in until June.
"Few will have enough in the bank to tide them over until then, so they'll have to rely on Universal Credit in the meantime."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Royal children salute NHS carers
From the unions, the TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady welcomed the package, but backed calls for it to be implemented much earlier.
She said: "With so many of the self-employed facing a collapse in their earnings, the chancellor is right to act.
"This is a welcome step forward for self-employed and freelance workers across the economy, from construction to the creative industries.
"It's vital that support reaches workers as soon as possible. Many are already dealing with severe hardship."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 UK lockdown '10 days too late'
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said: "Waiting until June will be too long for many of the self-employed who already are struggling to make ends meet.
"As a matter of priority, we urge the government to ensure the systems to deliver the self-employed income support scheme are ready and in place as soon as possible to ensure cash gets into the pockets of freelancers and the self-employed urgently."
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But there was strong support for the chancellor from business leaders.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn of the CBI said: "Given the complexity of the task, it's understandable this will take time to deliver."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Inside London's coronavirus super-hospital
And Adam Marshall of the British Chambers of Commerce said: "The chancellor's announcement offers a lifeline to the vast majority of the UK's five million self-employed people who have seen their livelihoods vanish overnight.
"We welcome the scale of this scheme and recognise the complexities involved in its design. It is now critical that the government delivers this practical support to people on the ground as soon as possible."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Woman jailed for claiming she had COVID-19 and coughing in policeman's face

A woman has been been jailed after claiming she had the coronavirus and coughing in a policeman 's face .
Joanne Turner , 35 , became abusive when officers spoke to her after she had kicked and damaged a car outside Norwich train station at around 11pm on Wednesday .
Turner , from Norwich , admitted assaulting an emergency worker at Norwich Magistrates ' Court on Thursday .
She also admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place and criminal damage .
Norfolk Police said she was jailed for 12 weeks .
Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency services is unacceptable at any time .
`` However , this sentence reflects the seriousness of threats and acts of coughing to put others in fear of contracting COVID-19 .
`` This should act as a clear warning that there will be serious consequences for anyone who behaves in such a threatening way towards others during this pandemic . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes as the military could be brought in to bolster police numbers during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth of officers expected to be absent in the government 's worst-case scenario .
National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) chairman Martin Hewitt said members of the armed forces would take up back office roles which would not involve interaction with the public in order to free up officers for frontline policing .
The body also revealed officers had already issued some fines to people breaching lockdown rules , less than 24 hours after new laws came into force .

A woman has been been jailed after claiming she had the coronavirus and coughing in a policeman's face.
Joanne Turner, 35, became abusive when officers spoke to her after she had kicked and damaged a car outside Norwich train station at around 11pm on Wednesday.
Turner, from Norwich, admitted assaulting an emergency worker at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
She also admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place and criminal damage.
Norfolk Police said she was jailed for 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Police argue with man defying lockdown
Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall said: "Any abuse and threatening behaviour towards the emergency services is unacceptable at any time.
"However, this sentence reflects the seriousness of threats and acts of coughing to put others in fear of contracting COVID-19.
"This should act as a clear warning that there will be serious consequences for anyone who behaves in such a threatening way towards others during this pandemic."
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It comes as the military could be brought in to bolster police numbers during the coronavirus crisis, with up to a fifth of officers expected to be absent in the government's worst-case scenario.
National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) chairman Martin Hewitt said members of the armed forces would take up back office roles which would not involve interaction with the public in order to free up officers for frontline policing.
The body also revealed officers had already issued some fines to people breaching lockdown rules, less than 24 hours after new laws came into force.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: JLR Midlands plant to stay shut until August

One of Jaguar Land Rover 's key British plants will remain closed until at least mid-August as the industry grapples with sluggish demand amid the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News understands that JLR , Britain 's biggest carmaker , has informed suppliers that its Castle Bromwich site in the Midlands will not resume production until 10 August at the earliest .
The extended shutdown at the plant , which produces Jaguar XE , XF and F-Type Jaguars , reflects torrid conditions across the sector , with Bentley Motors becoming the latest manufacturer to confirm permanent job losses on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker JLR , which is owned by the Indian group Tata Motors , said the bulk of returning consumer demand for its cars is taking place in China , where it manufactures the XEL and XFL models for the local market .
Castle Bromwich , which is the base for just over 2,000 JLR employees , has also been designated as the production site for the all-electric Jaguar XJ .
The company 's timetable for resuming production at its factories around the world has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflects the stuttering nature of demand for cars among consumers .
A JLR spokeswoman said on Friday : `` Small pockets of business-critical activity are taking place at Castle Bromwich as Jaguar Land Rover prepares for new model year introductions .
`` In China , we are beginning to see recovery in vehicle sales and customers are returning to our showrooms .
`` Our joint venture plant in China resumed production in the middle of February .
`` As countries are relaxing distancing guidelines and retailers are reopening around the world , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our other plants in due course .
`` We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the guidance of all relevant authorities in the markets in which we operate . ''
JLR is developing its plans as the company continues talks with the government about a massive taxpayer support package .
The negotiations , which Sky News revealed last month , are understood to be aimed at securing funding worth as much as £2bn .
JLR employs approximately 38,000 people in the UK , operating three main production sites : at Castle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Halewood on Merseyside .
Approximately 20,000 of its employees have been furloughed under the government 's emergency wage subsidy programme , although about 2000 employees at the Solihull site returned to work last month .
More than 4,000 automotive industry jobs - at Aston Martin Lagonda , Bentley , car dealer Lookers and McLaren Group - have been lost in the last fortnight alone .

One of Jaguar Land Rover's key British plants will remain closed until at least mid-August as the industry grapples with sluggish demand amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News understands that JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, has informed suppliers that its Castle Bromwich site in the Midlands will not resume production until 10 August at the earliest.
The extended shutdown at the plant, which produces Jaguar XE, XF and F-Type Jaguars, reflects torrid conditions across the sector, with Bentley Motors becoming the latest manufacturer to confirm permanent job losses on Friday.
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JLR, which is owned by the Indian group Tata Motors, said the bulk of returning consumer demand for its cars is taking place in China, where it manufactures the XEL and XFL models for the local market.
Castle Bromwich, which is the base for just over 2,000 JLR employees, has also been designated as the production site for the all-electric Jaguar XJ.
The company's timetable for resuming production at its factories around the world has caused anxiety among some suppliers, but reflects the stuttering nature of demand for cars among consumers.
A JLR spokeswoman said on Friday: "Small pockets of business-critical activity are taking place at Castle Bromwich as Jaguar Land Rover prepares for new model year introductions.
"In China, we are beginning to see recovery in vehicle sales and customers are returning to our showrooms.
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"Our joint venture plant in China resumed production in the middle of February.
"As countries are relaxing distancing guidelines and retailers are reopening around the world, we will confirm the restart of production at our other plants in due course.
"We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the guidance of all relevant authorities in the markets in which we operate."
JLR is developing its plans as the company continues talks with the government about a massive taxpayer support package.
The negotiations, which Sky News revealed last month, are understood to be aimed at securing funding worth as much as £2bn.
JLR employs approximately 38,000 people in the UK, operating three main production sites: at Castle Bromwich and Solihull in the Midlands, and Halewood on Merseyside.
Approximately 20,000 of its employees have been furloughed under the government's emergency wage subsidy programme, although about 2000 employees at the Solihull site returned to work last month.
More than 4,000 automotive industry jobs - at Aston Martin Lagonda, Bentley, car dealer Lookers and McLaren Group - have been lost in the last fortnight alone.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Doctor whose mum nearly died in care home says Scotland guidance 'immoral'

A doctor has claimed his mother was left for dead as a result of Scottish government guidance on treatment for care home residents .
The cardiologist , who asked not to be named , has described official advice discouraging hospital transfer for care home residents as `` immoral '' .
The Scottish Government insists it has never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital .
But critics have accused it of trying to rewrite history .
Speaking to Sky News , the 44 year-old said his mother only received life-saving hospital treatment after he urged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's one of the darkest things I 've seen in my 11 years practising medicine .
The care home said hospital transfers for patients from a nursing home with COVID-19 was not something they were allowed to do .
For reasons that are completely unclear to me , there 's been this blanket decision .
`` There is no doubt in my mind that lives have been lost because of this .
What you 're doing is taking the most vulnerable individuals in our society and you 're standing back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's immoral . ''
Sky News contacted the Edinburgh GP practice which makes clinical decisions on residents at the nursing home in question .
When asked about the government guidance on hospital transfers for care home residents , a spokesman said : `` I interpreted that guidance as saying we should be avoiding sending people to hospital . ''
On 13 March , the Scottish government issued clinical guidance on managing COVID-19 cases for nursing home and residential care residents , which included the following advice : `` It is not advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital for ongoing management but are managed within their current setting . ''
The guidance was updated and changed on 15 May , stating : `` Every effort should be made to deliver care and treatment to individuals within their homely setting .
`` Where this is not possible and in the best interests of the individual , a transfer to hospital may be necessary to meet their care needs and in keeping with their choices . ''
In response to the doctor 's claims , a Scottish government spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outset taken firm action to protect care home staff and residents .
The reported claim is not true .
`` Our guidance has never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital .
Decisions about care and treatment , including hospital admission , should always be based on an individual clinical basis , based on the person 's best interests and in consultation with the individual or their families and representatives .
`` Where someone is receiving ongoing stable long-term care it is advised that this be managed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News subsequently asked how the 13 March guidance squares with their response that they never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital .
A spokesman replied : `` Our guidance has been consistent that care home residents have and will be admitted to hospital if that is the clinical advice . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ian Murray , shadow Scottish secretary and Labour MP for Edinburgh South , told Sky News : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfers appears to be a direct contradiction of the 13 March guidance .
`` Who can say how many lives might have been saved if there was n't this blanket guidance in place .
The Scottish government do n't even keep records of how many care home COVID patients have been admitted to hospital . ''
`` If there is now an attempt to pretend that the guidance meant anything other than to stop , or at least limit , hospital admissions from care homes then that 's a gross insult to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practitioners charged with following and interpreting that guidance . ''

A doctor has claimed his mother was left for dead as a result of Scottish government guidance on treatment for care home residents.
The cardiologist, who asked not to be named, has described official advice discouraging hospital transfer for care home residents as "immoral".
Image: James Matthews (left) is seen speaking to the doctor (right) who nearly lost his mother to coronavirus
The Scottish Government insists it has never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital. But critics have accused it of trying to rewrite history.
Speaking to Sky News, the 44 year-old said his mother only received life-saving hospital treatment after he urged that she be transferred.
He said: "It's one of the darkest things I've seen in my 11 years practising medicine. The care home said hospital transfers for patients from a nursing home with COVID-19 was not something they were allowed to do. For reasons that are completely unclear to me, there's been this blanket decision.
"There is no doubt in my mind that lives have been lost because of this. What you're doing is taking the most vulnerable individuals in our society and you're standing back and almost rolling the dice. I think it's immoral."
Sky News contacted the Edinburgh GP practice which makes clinical decisions on residents at the nursing home in question.
When asked about the government guidance on hospital transfers for care home residents, a spokesman said: "I interpreted that guidance as saying we should be avoiding sending people to hospital."
On 13 March, the Scottish government issued clinical guidance on managing COVID-19 cases for nursing home and residential care residents, which included the following advice: "It is not advised that residents in long term care are admitted to hospital for ongoing management but are managed within their current setting."
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The guidance was updated and changed on 15 May, stating: "Every effort should be made to deliver care and treatment to individuals within their homely setting.
"Where this is not possible and in the best interests of the individual, a transfer to hospital may be necessary to meet their care needs and in keeping with their choices."
In response to the doctor's claims, a Scottish government spokesman said: "The Scottish government has from the outset taken firm action to protect care home staff and residents. The reported claim is not true.
Image: The Scottish government said it has never discouraged for care home residents with COVID-19 to not go to hospital
"Our guidance has never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital. Decisions about care and treatment, including hospital admission, should always be based on an individual clinical basis, based on the person's best interests and in consultation with the individual or their families and representatives.
"Where someone is receiving ongoing stable long-term care it is advised that this be managed in their current residence if possible."
Sky News subsequently asked how the 13 March guidance squares with their response that they never advised that care home residents should not be transferred to hospital.
A spokesman replied: "Our guidance has been consistent that care home residents have and will be admitted to hospital if that is the clinical advice."
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Ian Murray, shadow Scottish secretary and Labour MP for Edinburgh South, told Sky News: "The suggestion there was no advice against hospital transfers appears to be a direct contradiction of the 13 March guidance.
"Who can say how many lives might have been saved if there wasn't this blanket guidance in place. The Scottish government don't even keep records of how many care home COVID patients have been admitted to hospital."
"If there is now an attempt to pretend that the guidance meant anything other than to stop, or at least limit, hospital admissions from care homes then that's a gross insult to care home residents, staff and the medical practitioners charged with following and interpreting that guidance."


news--2020-06-05--Undiagnosed coronavirus 'likely explanation for some excess deaths among elderly people'

Undiagnosed coronavirus is a `` likely explanation '' for some of the excess deaths not linked to COVID-19 in elderly people with other health conditions in England and Wales , the Office for National Statistics has said .
This is said to be particularly the case in excess deaths among women and those in care homes .
The ONS has looked at possible explanations for the number of non-coronavirus excess fatalities , and found a number of death certificates in England and Wales have stated that more information would be provided later .
Some of the certificates have since been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This supports the theory that COVID-19 is under-diagnosed at present on death certificates . ''
Deaths involving COVID-19 could also have been recorded as non-coronavirus deaths if the person had a severe underlying condition that was exacerbated by the disease - including deaths due to conditions such as chronic lower respiratory disease , dementia and Alzheimer 's .
Separately , the fact that deaths related to asthma and diabetes are occurring at a `` significantly higher rate compared to the five-year average '' could indicate that some people with these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent death taking place , due to extra pressures on the healthcare system .
The ONS added that it is `` plausible '' that some of these deaths are because undiagnosed COVID-19 had `` exacerbated the pre-existing condition '' .
The figures have also confirmed a huge rise in the death rate in England and Wales since the start of the epidemic .
The data shows there have been 46,380 more deaths registered between 7 March and 1 May than the five-year average .
That 's higher than the daily total released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 40,000 .
It reflects the high number of undiagnosed cases of COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The data shows there has been a spike in the number of deaths attributed to dementia - 5400 - which is likely to include care home residents whose lives may have been cut short by the virus .
The death rate figures have been released as ONS data also suggested the number of people with coronavirus has more than halved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rate of infection , or R number , carried out for the government 's scientific advisory group for emergencies ( SAGE ) show it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK .
This is below the key threshold of 1 , indicating that the spread of the virus is slowing .

Undiagnosed coronavirus is a "likely explanation" for some of the excess deaths not linked to COVID-19 in elderly people with other health conditions in England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics has said.
This is said to be particularly the case in excess deaths among women and those in care homes.
The ONS has looked at possible explanations for the number of non-coronavirus excess fatalities, and found a number of death certificates in England and Wales have stated that more information would be provided later.
Some of the certificates have since been updated to mention COVID-19.
The ONS said: "This supports the theory that COVID-19 is under-diagnosed at present on death certificates."
Deaths involving COVID-19 could also have been recorded as non-coronavirus deaths if the person had a severe underlying condition that was exacerbated by the disease - including deaths due to conditions such as chronic lower respiratory disease, dementia and Alzheimer's.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
Separately, the fact that deaths related to asthma and diabetes are occurring at a "significantly higher rate compared to the five-year average" could indicate that some people with these conditions are not receiving care fast enough to prevent death taking place, due to extra pressures on the healthcare system.
The ONS added that it is "plausible" that some of these deaths are because undiagnosed COVID-19 had "exacerbated the pre-existing condition".
The figures have also confirmed a huge rise in the death rate in England and Wales since the start of the epidemic.
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The data shows there have been 46,380 more deaths registered between 7 March and 1 May than the five-year average.
That's higher than the daily total released by the government which currently stands at around 40,000.
It reflects the high number of undiagnosed cases of COVID-19.
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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The data shows there has been a spike in the number of deaths attributed to dementia - 5400 - which is likely to include care home residents whose lives may have been cut short by the virus.
The death rate figures have been released as ONS data also suggested the number of people with coronavirus has more than halved in the last week.
New estimates of the rate of infection, or R number, carried out for the government's scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE) show it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK.
This is below the key threshold of 1, indicating that the spread of the virus is slowing.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: CPS asked to review evidence in death of rail worker Belly Mujinga from COVID-19 after

Coronavirus: CPS asked to review evidence in death of rail worker Belly Mujinga from COVID-19 after 'spitting attack'

The Crown Prosecution Service has been asked to review evidence into the coronavirus-related death of a train ticket collector who was allegedly spat at .
British Transport Police ( BTP ) said the review into Belly Mujinga 's death is in `` recognition of wider public interest '' after more than a million people signed an online petition in support of seeking justice for her family .
The 47-year-old rail worker died from COVID-19 in April , a few weeks after the incident at London 's Victoria station , leaving a widower and an 11-year-old daughter .
BTP said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident did not lead to the worker 's death and decided not to refer the case to the CPS .
On Friday , BTP said it had invited the CPS to conduct an independent review of the available evidence , and whether there were any further lines of inquiry .
`` We can assure the public that we have comprehensively reviewed all the available evidence and have not identified any offences or behaviour that meets the threshold for prosecution , '' BTP said in a statement .
Ms Mujinga 's husband , Lusamba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition and said the family had been on a `` roller-coaster of emotions '' .
He said the public reaction to the case took the family by surprise , adding it had come amid anger over the killing of George Floyd in the US .
He said : `` On Wednesday , thousands of people protested in London to cry out loud that black lives matter .
Black lives do matter .
Belly 's life mattered .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our daughter , our friends and family , to Belly 's colleagues , and now it matters to many thousands of you out there .
`` We were there , united in our anger and our grief .
United in our determination to be heard and in our determination to get change .
We want justice for Belly . ''
Angie Doll , managing director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express , said : `` While the conclusion of the British Transport Police investigation found no evidence of spitting , any loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is one too many .
`` Our absolute focus remains on keeping all of our colleagues safe , and we continue to follow all government health advice to protect them .
We thank our key workers for their commitment at this incredibly challenging time for our country . ''

The Crown Prosecution Service has been asked to review evidence into the coronavirus-related death of a train ticket collector who was allegedly spat at.
British Transport Police (BTP) said the review into Belly Mujinga's death is in "recognition of wider public interest" after more than a million people signed an online petition in support of seeking justice for her family.
The 47-year-old rail worker died from COVID-19 in April, a few weeks after the incident at London's Victoria station, leaving a widower and an 11-year-old daughter.
Image: Belly Mujinga and her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay
BTP said they interviewed a 57-year-old man but said the incident did not lead to the worker's death and decided not to refer the case to the CPS.
On Friday, BTP said it had invited the CPS to conduct an independent review of the available evidence, and whether there were any further lines of inquiry.
"We can assure the public that we have comprehensively reviewed all the available evidence and have not identified any offences or behaviour that meets the threshold for prosecution," BTP said in a statement.
Ms Mujinga's husband, Lusamba, thanked those who have signed the petition and said the family had been on a "roller-coaster of emotions".
He said the public reaction to the case took the family by surprise, adding it had come amid anger over the killing of George Floyd in the US.
He said: "On Wednesday, thousands of people protested in London to cry out loud that black lives matter. Black lives do matter. Belly's life mattered.
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"It mattered to me, to our daughter, our friends and family, to Belly's colleagues, and now it matters to many thousands of you out there.
"We were there, united in our anger and our grief. United in our determination to be heard and in our determination to get change. We want justice for Belly."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 Mother dies with COVID-19 after being spat at
Angie Doll, managing director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express, said: "While the conclusion of the British Transport Police investigation found no evidence of spitting, any loss of one of our dedicated colleagues from coronavirus is one too many.
"Our absolute focus remains on keeping all of our colleagues safe, and we continue to follow all government health advice to protect them. We thank our key workers for their commitment at this incredibly challenging time for our country."


news--2020-05-26--Warner Music looks to raise $1.82bn in Nasdaq IPO

Warner Music Group is looking to raise up to $ 1.82bn in its initial public offering , which could make it the year 's largest IPO .
The world 's third-largest music recording label set a price target of $ 23 ( £18.60 ) to $ 26 ( £21 ) per share with existing shareholders set to sell 70 million shares .
This would value the company at up to $ 13.26bn ( £10.7bn ) .
Warner Music is majority owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik 's Access Industries , and is home to thousands of artists , including Ed Sheeran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It posted a $ 74m ( £60m ) net loss in the quarter ending 31 March , compared with a $ 67m ( £54m ) profit at the same time last year , according to its filing document earlier this month .
It was among a number of companies to delay its IPO in March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
But in recent weeks , a small number of companies have been testing investor appetite , including US insurance comparison website SelectQuote which raised $ 360m ( £291m ) from its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to price its IPO on 2 June .

Warner Music Group is looking to raise up to $1.82bn in its initial public offering, which could make it the year's largest IPO.
The world's third-largest music recording label set a price target of $23 (£18.60) to $26 (£21) per share with existing shareholders set to sell 70 million shares.
This would value the company at up to $13.26bn (£10.7bn).
Warner Music is majority owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik's Access Industries, and is home to thousands of artists, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Kenny Rogers and Madonna.
It posted a $74m (£60m) net loss in the quarter ending 31 March, compared with a $67m (£54m) profit at the same time last year, according to its filing document earlier this month.
It was among a number of companies to delay its IPO in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But in recent weeks, a small number of companies have been testing investor appetite, including US insurance comparison website SelectQuote which raised $360m (£291m) from its IPO last week.
Warner Music Group is expected to price its IPO on 2 June.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Supercar maker McLaren axes quarter of workforce

The supercar maker McLaren Group is to axe a quarter of its workforce as it races to shore up its balance sheet amid a row with bondholders .
Sky News has learnt that the Surrey-based owner of one of Formula One 's most historic names will announce on Tuesday that 1,200 jobs across its operations will be lost as the coronavirus pandemic hammers the automotive industry .
The cuts will be the latest announced across the sector , with Nissan , the Japanese car manufacturer , reportedly planning to announce up to 20,000 redundancies this week .
McLaren will brief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeks to borrow up to £275m against the value of its classic car collection and spectacular Surrey headquarters .
The redundancies equate to more than 25 % of the group 's workforce of just over 4,000 - and will be spread across its F1 , road-car and Applied Technologies operations .
One insider said it was being undertaken to make McLaren `` appropriately sized for the new reality '' .
The looming F1 cost cap , which will be introduced next year , is expected to be cited as one of the factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen revenues stall at its road-car business , although it - along with the rest of the F1 paddock - has been given a boost by Boris Johnson 's decision to allow two Grands Prix to take place at Silverstone in July by exempting the sport 's personnel from quarantine restrictions .
In a statement issued in response to an enquiry from Sky News , Paul Walsh , the company 's executive chairman , said it was `` undoubtedly a challenging time for our company , and particularly our people , but especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Walsh added that the company had already `` undertaken dramatic cost-saving measures across all areas of the business '' .
The announcement comes on the same day that rival luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda announced that it was replacing its chief executive , and just 72 hours after Sky News revealed that Jaguar Land Rover was in talks with the government about a mammoth loan from taxpayers .
McLaren 's effort to raise new debt by issuing bonds is being assembled by JP Morgan , its investment banking adviser .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , amid objections from existing bondholders about the removal of their security over historic cars driven by the likes of Ayrton Senna , the former F1 world champion , and Bruce McLaren , the group 's founder .
McLaren 's drive to access new funding has been accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected .
Sky News revealed this month that McLaren had approached the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) with the funding request after seeing sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 crisis .
The government is said to have rejected the initial approach from McLaren on the basis that it had not yet demonstrated that it had exhausted alternative sources of financing .
In March , the company 's shareholders , who are led by Mumtalakat , Bahrain 's sovereign wealth fund , injected £300m of equity into McLaren .
Smaller shareholders , including Mansour Ojjeh , a wealthy Saudi Arabian-born businessman , also participated in the fundraising .
On a call with investors last month , Paul Buddin , McLaren 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are looking at a number of very credible sources , and that includes all [ those we ] might be expected to ask , including government , including third parties . ''
A significant chunk of McLaren 's workforce has been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
The company is a major British exporter , supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain .
It is also a major investor in UK technology research and development .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said last week that there remained strong customer demand and an appetite for investment into McLaren 's Racing and Applied Technology businesses .
Talks between the company and Whitehall are said to be ongoing despite the initial snub , and it remains possible that some form of taxpayer funding agreement might be reached .
Mr Walsh 's arrival has stoked speculation that McLaren 's principally Bahrain-based shareholders will eventually consider taking the company public - although such a move is unlikely for at least three years .
If any public listing does take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pursue a valuation of well over £2bn .
McLaren 's on-track operations , which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race , account for roughly 20 % of the group 's annual revenues .
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace , the cybersecurity software provider , and upgraded British American Tobacco to a `` principal partnership '' - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport .
McLaren 's road-car division , which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most expensive cars , with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver .
The unit , which is run by Mike Flewitt , represents the majority of the group 's sales .
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis , the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history .
He became one of Britain 's best-known businessmen , expanding McLaren 's technology ventures into a wide range of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders .
He had presented to McLaren 's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors , but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues .

The supercar maker McLaren Group is to axe a quarter of its workforce as it races to shore up its balance sheet amid a row with bondholders.
Sky News has learnt that the Surrey-based owner of one of Formula One's most historic names will announce on Tuesday that 1,200 jobs across its operations will be lost as the coronavirus pandemic hammers the automotive industry.
The cuts will be the latest announced across the sector, with Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer, reportedly planning to announce up to 20,000 redundancies this week.
Image: The cuts will be the latest announced across the sector
McLaren will brief employees on the proposed cuts as it seeks to borrow up to £275m against the value of its classic car collection and spectacular Surrey headquarters.
The redundancies equate to more than 25% of the group's workforce of just over 4,000 - and will be spread across its F1, road-car and Applied Technologies operations.
One insider said it was being undertaken to make McLaren "appropriately sized for the new reality".
The looming F1 cost cap, which will be introduced next year, is expected to be cited as one of the factors behind the restructuring.
The company has seen revenues stall at its road-car business, although it - along with the rest of the F1 paddock - has been given a boost by Boris Johnson's decision to allow two Grands Prix to take place at Silverstone in July by exempting the sport's personnel from quarantine restrictions.
In a statement issued in response to an enquiry from Sky News, Paul Walsh, the company's executive chairman, said it was "undoubtedly a challenging time for our company, and particularly our people, but especially those whose jobs may be affected".
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Mr Walsh added that the company had already "undertaken dramatic cost-saving measures across all areas of the business".
The announcement comes on the same day that rival luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda announced that it was replacing its chief executive, and just 72 hours after Sky News revealed that Jaguar Land Rover was in talks with the government about a mammoth loan from taxpayers.
McLaren's effort to raise new debt by issuing bonds is being assembled by JP Morgan, its investment banking adviser.
The plan has run into trouble, however, amid objections from existing bondholders about the removal of their security over historic cars driven by the likes of Ayrton Senna, the former F1 world champion, and Bruce McLaren, the group's founder.
McLaren's drive to access new funding has been accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected.
Sky News revealed this month that McLaren had approached the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with the funding request after seeing sales of its supercars evaporate as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The government is said to have rejected the initial approach from McLaren on the basis that it had not yet demonstrated that it had exhausted alternative sources of financing.
In March, the company's shareholders, who are led by Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, injected £300m of equity into McLaren.
Smaller shareholders, including Mansour Ojjeh, a wealthy Saudi Arabian-born businessman, also participated in the fundraising.
On a call with investors last month, Paul Buddin, McLaren's chief financial officer, told investors: "We are looking at a number of very credible sources, and that includes all [those we] might be expected to ask, including government, including third parties."
A significant chunk of McLaren's workforce has been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The company is a major British exporter, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain.
It is also a major investor in UK technology research and development.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sources said last week that there remained strong customer demand and an appetite for investment into McLaren's Racing and Applied Technology businesses.
Talks between the company and Whitehall are said to be ongoing despite the initial snub, and it remains possible that some form of taxpayer funding agreement might be reached.
Mr Walsh's arrival has stoked speculation that McLaren's principally Bahrain-based shareholders will eventually consider taking the company public - although such a move is unlikely for at least three years.
If any public listing does take place, McLaren's investors are likely to pursue a valuation of well over £2bn.
McLaren's on-track operations, which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race, account for roughly 20% of the group's annual revenues.
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace, the cybersecurity software provider, and upgraded British American Tobacco to a "principal partnership" - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport.
McLaren's road-car division, which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive, makes some of the world's most expensive cars, with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver.
The unit, which is run by Mike Flewitt, represents the majority of the group's sales.
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis, the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history.
He became one of Britain's best-known businessmen, expanding McLaren's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships.
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders.
He had presented to McLaren's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors, but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Police 'break up birthday party' at Tory MP Rob Roberts's house

The family of a Conservative MP have been reminded of the coronavirus lockdown guidelines following reports police broke up an illegal birthday party at his house .
Delyn MP Rob Roberts confirmed his family were `` reminded of the guidance set out by the government '' , which still currently forbids people to visit others in their homes .
He added he was `` 200 miles away '' in London at the time .
The Daily Mirror reported that two people were asked to leave Mr Roberts 's home in North Wales on Bank Holiday Monday following a visit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of a possible breach of COVID-19 regulations we visited an address at Ty ' n y Coed , Mold , yesterday , '' superintendent Mark Pierce of North Wales Police told the newspaper .
`` When we called at the property two people visiting the house left following advice and no further action was taken . ''
According to the Daily Mirror , there were balloons and banners outside the house on Monday marking a 40th birthday , said to be the age of Mr Roberts 's wife .
In a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homophobia , Biphobia and Transphobia earlier this month , Mr Roberts revealed he was now `` no longer afraid to be who I am '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He posted : `` I may have alluded to it before , but never said it .
I 'm no longer afraid to be who I am .
`` On this day , it feels particularly poignant and a good time to say it . ''
Mr Roberts won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election .
In a Facebook post on Monday , the MP backed the prime minister 's embattled adviser Dominic Cummings , who is facing calls to resign over allegations he breached lockdown rules .
Following Mr Cummings 's news conference on Monday , Mr Roberts said : `` I believe that he seemed to be entirely acting in the best interests of his child as a responsible husband and father . ''
In a previous Facebook post earlier on Monday , Mr Roberts had said there were `` many questions '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be answered .
`` Of course it is right that we can not have one rule for one and another for the rest , '' he wrote .
`` I have asked for a proper investigation into the situation and whatever the outcome that should be the end of the matter .
`` If Mr Cummings has acted inappropriately according to an investigation , then he should go . ''

The family of a Conservative MP have been reminded of the coronavirus lockdown guidelines following reports police broke up an illegal birthday party at his house.
Delyn MP Rob Roberts confirmed his family were "reminded of the guidance set out by the government", which still currently forbids people to visit others in their homes.
He added he was "200 miles away" in London at the time.
The Daily Mirror reported that two people were asked to leave Mr Roberts's home in North Wales on Bank Holiday Monday following a visit by police.
"In response to two reports of a possible breach of COVID-19 regulations we visited an address at Ty'n y Coed, Mold, yesterday," superintendent Mark Pierce of North Wales Police told the newspaper.
"When we called at the property two people visiting the house left following advice and no further action was taken."
According to the Daily Mirror, there were balloons and banners outside the house on Monday marking a 40th birthday, said to be the age of Mr Roberts's wife.
In a series of tweets marking the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia earlier this month, Mr Roberts revealed he was now "no longer afraid to be who I am".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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He posted: "I may have alluded to it before, but never said it. I'm no longer afraid to be who I am.
"On this day, it feels particularly poignant and a good time to say it."
Mr Roberts won the Delyn seat from Labour at December's general election.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the MP backed the prime minister's embattled adviser Dominic Cummings, who is facing calls to resign over allegations he breached lockdown rules.
Following Mr Cummings's news conference on Monday, Mr Roberts said: "I believe that he seemed to be entirely acting in the best interests of his child as a responsible husband and father."
In a previous Facebook post earlier on Monday, Mr Roberts had said there were "many questions" about Mr Cummings's actions that needed to be answered.
"Of course it is right that we cannot have one rule for one and another for the rest," he wrote.
"I have asked for a proper investigation into the situation and whatever the outcome that should be the end of the matter.
"If Mr Cummings has acted inappropriately according to an investigation, then he should go."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Dominic Cummings was 'wise' to test his eyesight with trip to Barnard Castle - Gove

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings after the senior aide said he had tested his eyesight with a 30-minute drive to a beauty spot during lockdown .
Mr Gove said Mr Cummings was `` wise '' to make the trip with his wife and child from Durham to Barnard Castle as he wanted to `` make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel '' before driving back to London .
Mr Cummings is under pressure from 20 Tory MPs , bishops and NHS staff to resign for claiming he had `` exceptional circumstances '' for travelling from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' farm in County Durham at the end of March to seek childcare help .
His refusal to apologise in the face of hypocrisy claims at an unprecedented Downing Street news conference after days of denials from Number 10 has raised more questions about his travels .
Explaining his visit to Barnard Castle the day before he drove back to London , Mr Cummings said : `` My wife was very worried , particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease .
`` She did not want to risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given how ill I had been .
We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely , we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town .
`` We did not visit the castle , we did not walk around the town .
We parked by a river .
My wife and I discussed the situation , we agreed that I could drive safely , we should turn around and go home . ''
The drive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife 's birthday , however , and police chiefs have said if he was feeling unwell and his eyesight may have been impaired he should not have been driving .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Defending the move , Mr Gove told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road ... '' I can understand why he just just wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wheel . ''
Mr Cummings also faces further scrutiny on what he told the prime minister and when about his decision to self-isolate in Durham rather than at home in London .
`` At some point during the first week where we were both sick and in bed , I mentioned to him what I had done , '' said Mr Cummings .
`` Unsurprisingly , given the condition we were in , neither of us remember the conversation in any detail . ''
Later , asked what he knew about Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - who spent a week in hospital with coronavirus - said he had a lot on his plate at the time .
But he backed Mr Cummings ' eyesight claim .
`` I 'm finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years - because I think of the likely effects of this thing , '' said the PM .
`` So I 'm inclined to think that 's very , very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus . ''
Attempting to divert attention from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has announced that thousands of high street shops , department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure .
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June and shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets , will be able to reopen from 15 June .
But as Mr Cummings continues to dominate headlines , the government is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the number of dead continuing to rise and the latest test numbers falling below the 100,000-a-day target .

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings after the senior aide said he had tested his eyesight with a 30-minute drive to a beauty spot during lockdown.
Mr Gove said Mr Cummings was "wise" to make the trip with his wife and child from Durham to Barnard Castle as he wanted to "make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel" before driving back to London.
Mr Cummings is under pressure from 20 Tory MPs, bishops and NHS staff to resign for claiming he had "exceptional circumstances" for travelling from his home in London to his parents' farm in County Durham at the end of March to seek childcare help.
His refusal to apologise in the face of hypocrisy claims at an unprecedented Downing Street news conference after days of denials from Number 10 has raised more questions about his travels.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:11 In full: Dominic Cummings' statement
Explaining his visit to Barnard Castle the day before he drove back to London, Mr Cummings said: "My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.
"She did not want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been. We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely, we drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town.
"We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town. We parked by a river. My wife and I discussed the situation, we agreed that I could drive safely, we should turn around and go home."
The drive to Barnard Castle was on Mr Cummings' wife's birthday, however, and police chiefs have said if he was feeling unwell and his eyesight may have been impaired he should not have been driving.
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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Defending the move, Mr Gove told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "He was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 - an inevitably busy road...
"I can understand why he just just wanted to make sure he was comfortable behind the wheel."
Mr Cummings also faces further scrutiny on what he told the prime minister and when about his decision to self-isolate in Durham rather than at home in London.
"At some point during the first week where we were both sick and in bed, I mentioned to him what I had done," said Mr Cummings. "Unsurprisingly, given the condition we were in, neither of us remember the conversation in any detail."
Later, asked what he knew about Mr Cummings' travels, the prime minister - who spent a week in hospital with coronavirus - said he had a lot on his plate at the time. But he backed Mr Cummings' eyesight claim.
"I'm finding that I have to wear spectacles for the first time in years - because I think of the likely effects of this thing," said the PM. "So I'm inclined to think that's very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
Attempting to divert attention from the row over Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson has announced that thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure.
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June and shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be able to reopen from 15 June.
But as Mr Cummings continues to dominate headlines, the government is still battling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of dead continuing to rise and the latest test numbers falling below the 100,000-a-day target.