news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Trump dismisses claims that early warnings were ignored

President Donald Trump hit back at US public health adviser Dr Anthony Fauci after he claimed early warnings of coronavirus ' effect on the US were rebuffed by the administration .
Dr Fauci , who has become the de facto medical spokesman for the US during the coronavirus pandemic , said recommendations given to Mr Trump were `` often '' taken but `` sometimes '' not .
In response the president branded the comments as `` fake news '' and later said a decision will be made `` shortly '' on when the US economy would be reopened , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and the federal government rather than state governors .
On Sunday , the New York Times reported administration officials warned the president of the severity of the virus in January , but were told they were being alarmist by Mr Trump .
The story added that social distancing measures were recommended by officials back in February , but only implemented by the president last month , and early intelligence reports of the virus ' likely spread to the US and subsequent financial losses were predicted in January .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But Mr Trump - who regularly dismisses reports in the New York Times and other media outlets in the US - rejected the statements from Dr Fauci , stating he implemented a travel ban to and from China `` long before '' advice was given by his officials .
After Dr Fauci 's interview , Republican DeAnna Lorraine criticised his comments and urged for him to be sacked .
She tweeted : `` Fauci is now saying that had Trump listened to the medical experts earlier he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was telling people on February 29th that there was nothing to worry about and it posed no threat to the US public at large .
Time to # FireFauci ... '' In response , Mr Trump quoted the tweet and said : `` Sorry Fake News , it 's all on tape .
I banned China long before people spoke up . ''
Later on , he tweeted : `` For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion , some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governors decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government .
Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect ... .
`` ... .It is the decision of the President , and for many good reasons .
With that being said , the Administration and I are working closely with the Governors , and this will continue .
A decision by me , in conjunction with the Governors and input from others , will be made shortly ! ''
During an interview on CNN on Sunday , Dr Fauci appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
When asked why the administration did not act when he and other officials advised , Dr Fauci said : `` You know … as I have said many times , we look at it from a pure health standpoint .
We make a recommendation .
Often , the recommendation is taken .
Sometimes , it 's not .
`` …It is what it is .
We are where we are right now . ''
Host Jake Tapper then asked if Dr Fauci thought `` lives could have been saved if social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had started [ in the ] third week of February , instead of mid-March '' .
In response , he said : `` It 's very difficult to go back and say that .
I mean , obviously , you could logically say , that if you had a process that was ongoing , and you started mitigation earlier , you could have saved lives .
Obviously , no one is going to deny that .
`` But what goes into those kinds of decisions is complicated .
But you 're right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had , right from the very beginning , shut everything down , it may have been a little bit different .
But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then . ''
The controversy is one of many issues that has arisen in the US during the pandemic over the past few weeks .
Today it was confirmed that a sailor who tested positive for COVID-19 on the crisis-hit USS Theodore Roosevelt has since died .
The ship , which has a crew of approximately 4,860 , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 585 workers testing positive for COVID-19 as of today .
It follows the sacking of the ship 's captain , Brett E Crozier , who was removed from his post by acting US Navy secretary Thomas Modly for writing a memo stating his concerns for the safety of his crew after the outbreak .
The memo was later leaked and published in the media and Mr Modly was recorded stating Mr Crozier was `` stupid '' for writing it .
Mr Modly then resigned from his own post five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crozier for writing the letter but later said he did n't want his career ruined over a single mistake .
Navy officials have not ruled out the possibility of reinstating him .
More than 4,000 crew members have now been evacuated from the ship and moved to shore .
Four crew members were admitted to hospital over the weekend with COVID-19 symptoms .

President Donald Trump hit back at US public health adviser Dr Anthony Fauci after he claimed early warnings of coronavirus' effect on the US were rebuffed by the administration.
Dr Fauci, who has become the de facto medical spokesman for the US during the coronavirus pandemic, said recommendations given to Mr Trump were "often" taken but "sometimes" not.
In response the president branded the comments as "fake news" and later said a decision will be made "shortly" on when the US economy would be reopened, adding that the call will be made by him and the federal government rather than state governors.
Image: Dr Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
On Sunday, the New York Times reported administration officials warned the president of the severity of the virus in January, but were told they were being alarmist by Mr Trump.
The story added that social distancing measures were recommended by officials back in February, but only implemented by the president last month, and early intelligence reports of the virus' likely spread to the US and subsequent financial losses were predicted in January.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But Mr Trump - who regularly dismisses reports in the New York Times and other media outlets in the US - rejected the statements from Dr Fauci, stating he implemented a travel ban to and from China "long before" advice was given by his officials.
After Dr Fauci's interview, Republican DeAnna Lorraine criticised his comments and urged for him to be sacked.
She tweeted: "Fauci is now saying that had Trump listened to the medical experts earlier he could've saved more lives. Fauci was telling people on February 29th that there was nothing to worry about and it posed no threat to the US public at large. Time to #FireFauci..."
Advertisement
In response, Mr Trump quoted the tweet and said: "Sorry Fake News, it's all on tape. I banned China long before people spoke up."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Later on, he tweeted: "For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government. Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect....
"....It is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons. With that being said, the Administration and I are working closely with the Governors, and this will continue. A decision by me, in conjunction with the Governors and input from others, will be made shortly!"
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
During an interview on CNN on Sunday, Dr Fauci appeared to back up the New York Times report.
When asked why the administration did not act when he and other officials advised, Dr Fauci said: "You know … as I have said many times, we look at it from a pure health standpoint. We make a recommendation. Often, the recommendation is taken. Sometimes, it's not.
"…It is what it is. We are where we are right now."
Host Jake Tapper then asked if Dr Fauci thought "lives could have been saved if social distancing, physical distancing, stay-at-home measures had started [in the] third week of February, instead of mid-March".
In response, he said: "It's very difficult to go back and say that. I mean, obviously, you could logically say, that if you had a process that was ongoing, and you started mitigation earlier, you could have saved lives. Obviously, no one is going to deny that.
"But what goes into those kinds of decisions is complicated. But you're right. I mean, obviously, if we had, right from the very beginning, shut everything down, it may have been a little bit different. But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then."
Image: The USS Theodore Roosevelt in Da Nang, Vietnam, on 5 March
The controversy is one of many issues that has arisen in the US during the pandemic over the past few weeks.
Today it was confirmed that a sailor who tested positive for COVID-19 on the crisis-hit USS Theodore Roosevelt has since died.
The ship, which has a crew of approximately 4,860, has been hit hard by the virus, with a total of 585 workers testing positive for COVID-19 as of today.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Hydroxychloroquine: Hype or the real deal?
It follows the sacking of the ship's captain, Brett E Crozier, who was removed from his post by acting US Navy secretary Thomas Modly for writing a memo stating his concerns for the safety of his crew after the outbreak.
The memo was later leaked and published in the media and Mr Modly was recorded stating Mr Crozier was "stupid" for writing it. Mr Modly then resigned from his own post five days later.
President Trump initially criticised Mr Crozier for writing the letter but later said he didn't want his career ruined over a single mistake. Navy officials have not ruled out the possibility of reinstating him.
More than 4,000 crew members have now been evacuated from the ship and moved to shore. Four crew members were admitted to hospital over the weekend with COVID-19 symptoms.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Michael Gove given special permission to test daughter with COVID-19 symptoms

Senior minister Michael Gove is no longer self-isolating after he was given special permission to have his daughter tested for the coronavirus - and the result came back negative .
It comes after he was spotted jogging just days into the two-week period when a person should stay home if a member of their household has displayed symptoms .
He and other senior politicians are due to decide whether to extend or change the coronavirus lockdown by Thursday , as the UK death toll grew to over 10,000 .
Mr Gove , minister for the Cabinet Office , announced he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his daughter developed COVID-19 symptoms .
But he was photographed running in a south London park on Easter Sunday , raising questions about whether he was obeying NHS guidance that anyone self-isolating should only exercise at home .
After the revelation , it transpired that England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , had advised that Mr Gove ’ s daughter should be tested for the virus - which happened on Tuesday .
The result came back negative the following day .
A source close to Mr Gove said that meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied to the family '' .
`` Michael has followed the relevant advice and guidance at every stage and will continue to do so , '' they added .
The news may anger those calling for quicker and increased testing of frontline NHS workers .
Ministers have been accused of being too slow to check whether health and social care staff have the virus - either meaning they are unaware they are passing it to patients , or stuck at home but without actually having it .
Prof Whitty admitted last week : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead in terms of its ability to do testing for the virus and there 's a lot to learn from that and we 've been trying to learn the lessons from that . ''
Although the UK government has not made an official decision about whether to extend the lockdown , Wales and Scotland have already signalled it will remain in place for the immediate future .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not working while he recovers at his countryside mansion Chequers with his pregnant fiancee , having been discharged from hospital after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone either way '' .

Senior minister Michael Gove is no longer self-isolating after he was given special permission to have his daughter tested for the coronavirus - and the result came back negative.
It comes after he was spotted jogging just days into the two-week period when a person should stay home if a member of their household has displayed symptoms.
He and other senior politicians are due to decide whether to extend or change the coronavirus lockdown by Thursday, as the UK death toll grew to over 10,000.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Health Secretary tackled over lack of care home testing
Mr Gove, minister for the Cabinet Office, announced he was going into self-isolation last Monday after his daughter developed COVID-19 symptoms.
But he was photographed running in a south London park on Easter Sunday, raising questions about whether he was obeying NHS guidance that anyone self-isolating should only exercise at home.
After the revelation, it transpired that England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, had advised that Mr Gove’s daughter should be tested for the virus - which happened on Tuesday.
The result came back negative the following day.
A source close to Mr Gove said that meant "the household isolation rules no longer applied to the family".
"Michael has followed the relevant advice and guidance at every stage and will continue to do so," they added.
Advertisement
The news may anger those calling for quicker and increased testing of frontline NHS workers.
Ministers have been accused of being too slow to check whether health and social care staff have the virus - either meaning they are unaware they are passing it to patients, or stuck at home but without actually having it.
Prof Whitty admitted last week: "We all know that Germany got ahead in terms of its ability to do testing for the virus and there's a lot to learn from that and we've been trying to learn the lessons from that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:09 PM: 'It could have gone either way'
Although the UK government has not made an official decision about whether to extend the lockdown, Wales and Scotland have already signalled it will remain in place for the immediate future.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not working while he recovers at his countryside mansion Chequers with his pregnant fiancee, having been discharged from hospital after admitting his coronavirus infection "could have gone either way".


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Parents not taking sick children to hospital over COVID-19 fears, says leading doctor

Parents of seriously ill children are not taking them to hospital because of fears over the coronavirus , according to a leading doctor .
Dr Sanjay Patel , a consultant in paediatric infectious diseases at Southampton Children 's Hospital , said fewer children were being brought to the emergency department with conditions such as appendicitis , dehydration and sepsis - but those who are being brought in are more severely ill .
He said some parents were not seeking help as they were worried their child could contract COVID-19 in hospital , while others assume that all illnesses are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Patel said : `` These are extremely challenging and worrying times for families and I ca n't stress how important it is to follow the government advice about social distancing in order to slow down the speed of COVID-19 .
`` However , I 'm really worried there is a very real risk that some children with illnesses such as appendicitis , dehydration or even sepsis are not being brought to see healthcare professionals as quickly as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing fewer children than we would expect to see at this time of year , particularly through our emergency department , and those we are seeing who do not have COVID-19 are more severely unwell .
`` We 've seen evidence of this in Hampshire as well as across the country . ''
Dr Patel has helped to develop national guidance on children 's health which will allow parents to assess when they should seek medical help .
A red , amber and green traffic light system advises them when they should seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance , produced in conjunction with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health , parents should take their child to A & E or call 999 if they have any of the following symptoms : • Becomes pale , mottled and feels abnormally cold to the touch • Has pauses in their breathing ( apnoeas ) , has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting • Severe difficulty in breathing , becoming agitated or unresponsive • Is going blue round the lips • Has a fit/seizure • Becomes extremely distressed ( crying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very lethargic ( difficult to wake ) or unresponsive • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure ( the 'glass test ' ) • Has testicular pain , especially in teenage boys Parents should contact their GP surgery or call NHS 111 if their child has any of the following symptoms : • Is finding it hard to breathe including drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs , at their neck or between their ribs ( recession ) or head bobbing • Seems dehydrated ( dry mouth , sunken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing less urine than usual ) • Is becoming drowsy ( excessively sleepy ) or irritable ( unable to settle them with toys , TV , food or picking up ) - especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain • Babies under three months of age with a temperature above 38C ( 100.4F ) • Infants three to six months of age with a temperature above 39C ( 102.2F ) • For all infants and children with a fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Is getting worse or if you are worried • Has persistent vomiting and/or persistent severe abdominal pain • Has blood in their poo or wee • Any limb injury causing reduced movement , persistent pain or head injury causing persistent crying or drowsiness The guidance acknowledges that access to a healthcare professional may be delayed , so if symptoms persist for four hours or more and parents have been unable to speak to a GP or 111 , they should take their child to the nearest A & E .
Dr Patel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message about COVID-19 is so powerful and parents are putting most children 's illnesses down to this .
`` It is really important for parents to recognise that COVID-19 is not causing severe infection and illness in most children . ''
He added : `` If your child is unwell do n't assume they have COVID-19 , please take a look at the resources we 've developed and if your child has any of the red or amber features seek help urgently . ''

Parents of seriously ill children are not taking them to hospital because of fears over the coronavirus, according to a leading doctor.
Dr Sanjay Patel, a consultant in paediatric infectious diseases at Southampton Children's Hospital, said fewer children were being brought to the emergency department with conditions such as appendicitis, dehydration and sepsis - but those who are being brought in are more severely ill.
He said some parents were not seeking help as they were worried their child could contract COVID-19 in hospital, while others assume that all illnesses are being caused by coronavirus.
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
Dr Patel said: "These are extremely challenging and worrying times for families and I can't stress how important it is to follow the government advice about social distancing in order to slow down the speed of COVID-19.
"However, I'm really worried there is a very real risk that some children with illnesses such as appendicitis, dehydration or even sepsis are not being brought to see healthcare professionals as quickly as they would be normally.
"We are seeing fewer children than we would expect to see at this time of year, particularly through our emergency department, and those we are seeing who do not have COVID-19 are more severely unwell.
"We've seen evidence of this in Hampshire as well as across the country."
Dr Patel has helped to develop national guidance on children's health which will allow parents to assess when they should seek medical help.
Advertisement
A red, amber and green traffic light system advises them when they should seek urgent medical advice.
According to the guidance, produced in conjunction with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, parents should take their child to A&E or call 999 if they have any of the following symptoms:
• Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to the touch
• Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas), has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting
• Severe difficulty in breathing, becoming agitated or unresponsive
• Is going blue round the lips
• Has a fit/seizure
• Becomes extremely distressed (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused, very lethargic (difficult to wake) or unresponsive
• Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the 'glass test')
• Has testicular pain, especially in teenage boys
Parents should contact their GP surgery or call NHS 111 if their child has any of the following symptoms:
• Is finding it hard to breathe including drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs (recession) or head bobbing
• Seems dehydrated (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, drowsy or passing less urine than usual)
• Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) - especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
• Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
• Babies under three months of age with a temperature above 38C (100.4F)
• Infants three to six months of age with a temperature above 39C (102.2F)
• For all infants and children with a fever above 38C for more than five days
• Is getting worse or if you are worried
• Has persistent vomiting and/or persistent severe abdominal pain
• Has blood in their poo or wee
• Any limb injury causing reduced movement, persistent pain or head injury causing persistent crying or drowsiness
The guidance acknowledges that access to a healthcare professional may be delayed, so if symptoms persist for four hours or more and parents have been unable to speak to a GP or 111, they should take their child to the nearest A&E.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:57 Queen records first ever Easter message
Dr Patel added: "We know that the message about COVID-19 is so powerful and parents are putting most children's illnesses down to this.
"It is really important for parents to recognise that COVID-19 is not causing severe infection and illness in most children."
He added: "If your child is unwell don't assume they have COVID-19, please take a look at the resources we've developed and if your child has any of the red or amber features seek help urgently."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus tests: Slots for key workers booked out within an hour

Key workers trying to get a test for coronavirus are facing a longer wait after all of the slots were booked up within an hour of the government website reopening this morning .
It is the second day in a row that requests for home testing kits and appointments for drive-thru tests have had to be stopped because demand reached capacity in England and Wales .
There is still some availability for drive-thru tests in Scotland .
More bookings will be released throughout the day for those in England , the government has said , and bookings will reopen at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million key workers and anyone in their households are eligible for coronavirus tests if they have symptoms of the illness .
Testing capacity was increased from 40,000 to 51,000 on Thursday , meaning the UK is `` ahead of our plans '' to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April , the government has said .
Here is a simple guide to who qualifies as a key worker , how they can book a test , and what it involves .
Who can be tested ?
The government has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority .
However , in England key workers with symptoms of coronavirus and people who live with them and have symptoms can now be tested .
The government has said testing is most effective within three days of symptoms , a high temperature or a new continuous cough developing .
Employers have been able to register and refer key workers who are self-isolating since Thursday .
The government has published a list of essential workers which includes all NHS and social care staff from doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply chain workers .
Teachers , firefighters , local and national government staff , supermarket workers , police and delivery drivers are just some of the other roles included on the list .
Some utilities , communication and financial services staff are also included .
The full list is here .
Essential workers can enter their details online here .
They will then receive an email or text the same day inviting them to book a test .
They will be able to choose between booking an appointment at one of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent a home test kit .
But the government has stressed kit numbers will initially be limited , so it is encouraging people to attend a regional test site if they can .
Mr Hancock said people who can not go online can book a test through their employer .
Where will the tests take place ?
The government says it is planning to have 50 drive-through testing sites by the end of April with the aim that most people will not have to drive for more than 45 minutes to get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service for home testing kits has been designed with industry partners , including Royal Mail and Amazon .
Are you a key worker applying for a COVID-19 test ?
Get in touch with Sky News : : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A network of new mobile testing units designed by army engineers is being set up to travel to care homes , police stations , prisons and other sites where there is demand for testing .
Packages of satellite test kits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes across England to enable testing of symptomatic residents .
What does the test involve ?
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat , and can be done by the person themselves or by someone else .
What happens next ?
Completed samples will be sent to a testing laboratory where they are analysed .
The government is aiming for test results from drive-through sites to be sent by text within 48 hours and home testing kit results within 72 hours of collection .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps that need to be taken after receiving their results .

Key workers trying to get a test for coronavirus are facing a longer wait after all of the slots were booked up within an hour of the government website reopening this morning.
It is the second day in a row that requests for home testing kits and appointments for drive-thru tests have had to be stopped because demand reached capacity in England and Wales.
There is still some availability for drive-thru tests in Scotland.
More bookings will be released throughout the day for those in England, the government has said, and bookings will reopen at 8am each day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Tests for essential workers
At least 10 million key workers and anyone in their households are eligible for coronavirus tests if they have symptoms of the illness.
Testing capacity was increased from 40,000 to 51,000 on Thursday, meaning the UK is "ahead of our plans" to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April, the government has said.
Here is a simple guide to who qualifies as a key worker, how they can book a test, and what it involves.
Who can be tested?
The government has said testing patients for the virus remains the priority.
Advertisement
However, in England key workers with symptoms of coronavirus and people who live with them and have symptoms can now be tested.
The government has said testing is most effective within three days of symptoms, a high temperature or a new continuous cough developing.
Employers have been able to register and refer key workers who are self-isolating since Thursday.
Who qualifies as a key worker?
The government has published a list of essential workers which includes all NHS and social care staff from doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers and carers to support staff and supply chain workers.
Teachers, firefighters, local and national government staff, supermarket workers, police and delivery drivers are just some of the other roles included on the list.
Some utilities, communication and financial services staff are also included. The full list is here.
How do I arrange a test?
Essential workers can enter their details online here.
They will then receive an email or text the same day inviting them to book a test.
They will be able to choose between booking an appointment at one of more than 30 regional drive-through test sites or being sent a home test kit.
But the government has stressed kit numbers will initially be limited, so it is encouraging people to attend a regional test site if they can.
Mr Hancock said people who cannot go online can book a test through their employer.
Where will the tests take place?
The government says it is planning to have 50 drive-through testing sites by the end of April with the aim that most people will not have to drive for more than 45 minutes to get to a regional testing site.
A delivery service for home testing kits has been designed with industry partners, including Royal Mail and Amazon.
Are you a key worker applying for a COVID-19 test? Get in touch with Sky News:
Email - news@sky.com
'Your Report' on Sky News apps
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A network of new mobile testing units designed by army engineers is being set up to travel to care homes, police stations, prisons and other sites where there is demand for testing.
Packages of satellite test kits will also be sent directly to care homes across England to enable testing of symptomatic residents.
What does the test involve?
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, and can be done by the person themselves or by someone else.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 How Clap for Carers first started
What happens next?
Completed samples will be sent to a testing laboratory where they are analysed.
The government is aiming for test results from drive-through sites to be sent by text within 48 hours and home testing kit results within 72 hours of collection.
People will be given advice on any next steps that need to be taken after receiving their results.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Health Secretary Matt Hancock donates to trial of COVID-19 plasma treatment

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has donated plasma to a clinical trial which is hoped will lead to the treatment of thousands of people battling coronavirus .
The cabinet minister , who is among a number of MPs to have contracted COVID-19 including the Prime Minister Boris Johnson , has encouraged other to take part in the medical research , saying it is `` painless '' .
It comes after approval was given to a national study , which will examine whether plasma collected from donors who have recovered from coronavirus can help severely ill patients struggling to produce their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plasma was used as an effective treatment during the 2003 outbreak of SARS ( severe acute respiratory syndrome ) .
In parallel , the government is increasing the nationwide collection of plasma to enable its rapid roll-out if the treatment is shown to work .
The aim is to have enough plasma to treat 5,000 coronavirus patients a week .
Plasma is the largest single component of blood and is the liquid in which the red and white blood cells , and platelets are suspended .
In a tweet , picturing Mr Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This hugely important clinical trial will help our NHS treat # coronavirus patients using plasma .
If you 're asked , please take part .
It 's painless . ''
He added : `` The UK has world-leading life sciences and research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease .
`` Hundreds of people are participating in national trials already for potential treatments and the scaling up of convalescent plasma collection means thousands could potentially benefit from it in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Jonathan Van Tam , deputy chief medical officer , said : `` The UK is leading the world 's largest trials to find a treatment for COVID-19 , with over 7,000 people so far involved testing a range of medicines ; we hope to add convalescent plasma to this list shortly .
`` Convalescent plasma has been used as an effective treatment for emerging infections in the past , and this step forward underpins our science-backed approach to fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transplant will contact people in England who have recovered and may be able to donate , the Department of Health said .
People who have had a confirmed positive test result and who are willing to donate , can also provide their details through the NHS Blood and Transplant website at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk .
Blood is taken from one arm and circulated through a machine that separates out the plasma , and then returned to the donor .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has donated plasma to a clinical trial which is hoped will lead to the treatment of thousands of people battling coronavirus.
The cabinet minister, who is among a number of MPs to have contracted COVID-19 including the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has encouraged other to take part in the medical research, saying it is "painless".
It comes after approval was given to a national study, which will examine whether plasma collected from donors who have recovered from coronavirus can help severely ill patients struggling to produce their own antibodies against the disease.
Image: Convalescent plasma was used as an effective treatment during the SARS outbreak
So-called convalescent plasma was used as an effective treatment during the 2003 outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
In parallel, the government is increasing the nationwide collection of plasma to enable its rapid roll-out if the treatment is shown to work.
The aim is to have enough plasma to treat 5,000 coronavirus patients a week.
Plasma is the largest single component of blood and is the liquid in which the red and white blood cells, and platelets are suspended.
Image: Blood is circulated through a machine that separates out the plasma
In a tweet, picturing Mr Hancock giving a donation, he wrote: "This hugely important clinical trial will help our NHS treat #coronavirus patients using plasma. If you're asked, please take part. It's painless."
He added: "The UK has world-leading life sciences and research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease.
Advertisement
"Hundreds of people are participating in national trials already for potential treatments and the scaling up of convalescent plasma collection means thousands could potentially benefit from it in the future."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Jonathan Van Tam, deputy chief medical officer, said: "The UK is leading the world's largest trials to find a treatment for COVID-19, with over 7,000 people so far involved testing a range of medicines; we hope to add convalescent plasma to this list shortly.
"Convalescent plasma has been used as an effective treatment for emerging infections in the past, and this step forward underpins our science-backed approach to fighting this virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Drones to be trialled for medical delivery
NHS Blood and Transplant will contact people in England who have recovered and may be able to donate, the Department of Health said.
People who have had a confirmed positive test result and who are willing to donate, can also provide their details through the NHS Blood and Transplant website at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.
Blood is taken from one arm and circulated through a machine that separates out the plasma, and then returned to the donor.
The process takes about 45 minutes.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: UK hospital deaths rise by 813, taking total to 20,319

Another 813 people have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19 , taking the total to 20,319 , says the Department of Health .
The majority of the coronavirus-related fatalities - 18,084 ( a rise of 711 ) - are in England .
Scotland 's daily figures showed that another 47 people have died there , taking the total to 1,231 .
Wales has reported a further 23 deaths , giving a total of 774 , and Northern Ireland 's hospital deaths have increased by 16 to 294 .
On 28 March , NHS England 's medical director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown rules , with the aim of keeping the number of deaths below 20,000 .
`` If it is less than 20,000 ... that would be a good result , though every death is a tragedy , but we should not be complacent about that , '' he said .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , also said less than six weeks ago that it would be a `` good outcome '' if COVID-19 fatalities in the UK could be held below 20,000 .
However , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals , it is likely the country would have passed that mark days ago .
The figures published by NHS England show 8 April continues to have the highest number for the most hospital deaths on a single day - 855 .
Speaking during Saturday 's government news conference , Prof Powis said : `` It 's a very sad say for the nation .
20,000 deaths is clearly 20,000 deaths too many .
`` When Sir Patrick Vallance and I made that comment a number of weeks ago , what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new virus , a global pandemic , a once-in-a-century global health crisis , and this was going to be a huge challenge , not just for the UK but for every country . ''
He added : `` Even in countries that got on top of this early on , we are unfortunately beginning to see new infections .
`` The first thing to emphasise is this unfortunately is not going to be something we get over in the next few weeks .
This is something that we are going to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through over the months ahead . ''
Professor Powis said `` this is not a sprint , this is a marathon '' and said that moving past the 20,000 deaths mark `` just reminds everybody ... that it is still absolutely critical that we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines '' .
`` Because we are seeing the benefits of following those guidelines , and we will only continue to see the benefit , we will only continue to see reductions in deaths , if we all continue to do that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine at the University of East Anglia and an adviser to the World Health Organisation , said the UK could end up having one of the highest mortality rates in Europe .
He warned : `` Our deaths are increasing more rapidly than any other country really apart from the US .
But the US is still a long way behind us in terms of deaths per one million of the population . ''
The UK is now the fifth country to have reported more than 20,000 deaths in hospitals relating to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spain and France .
Although international comparisons are difficult because of differing methodologies , the number will be significant due to the government 's words .
It comes as for the second day in a row , the government had to stop requests from key workers for home testing kits and appointments for drive-through tests .
At least 10 million key workers and anyone in their households are eligible for coronavirus tests if they have symptoms of the illness .
Testing capacity was increased from 40,000 to 51,000 on Thursday , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans '' to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April , the government has said .

Another 813 people have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19, taking the total to 20,319, says the Department of Health.
The majority of the coronavirus-related fatalities - 18,084 (a rise of 711) - are in England.
Scotland's daily figures showed that another 47 people have died there, taking the total to 1,231.
Wales has reported a further 23 deaths, giving a total of 774, and Northern Ireland's hospital deaths have increased by 16 to 294.
Image: Stephen Powis, medical director of NHS England
On 28 March, NHS England's medical director Professor Stephen Powis urged people to respect the lockdown rules, with the aim of keeping the number of deaths below 20,000.
"If it is less than 20,000... that would be a good result, though every death is a tragedy, but we should not be complacent about that," he said.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, also said less than six weeks ago that it would be a "good outcome" if COVID-19 fatalities in the UK could be held below 20,000.
However, as the reported deaths only relate to those in hospitals, it is likely the country would have passed that mark days ago.
The figures published by NHS England show 8 April continues to have the highest number for the most hospital deaths on a single day - 855.
Advertisement
Speaking during Saturday's government news conference, Prof Powis said: "It's a very sad say for the nation. 20,000 deaths is clearly 20,000 deaths too many.
"When Sir Patrick Vallance and I made that comment a number of weeks ago, what we were emphasising was that this is a new virus, a global pandemic, a once-in-a-century global health crisis, and this was going to be a huge challenge, not just for the UK but for every country."
He added: "Even in countries that got on top of this early on, we are unfortunately beginning to see new infections.
"The first thing to emphasise is this unfortunately is not going to be something we get over in the next few weeks. This is something that we are going to have to continue to have to work our way through over the months ahead."
Professor Powis said "this is not a sprint, this is a marathon" and said that moving past the 20,000 deaths mark "just reminds everybody... that it is still absolutely critical that we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines".
"Because we are seeing the benefits of following those guidelines, and we will only continue to see the benefit, we will only continue to see reductions in deaths, if we all continue to do that."
Dr Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia and an adviser to the World Health Organisation, said the UK could end up having one of the highest mortality rates in Europe.
He warned: "Our deaths are increasing more rapidly than any other country really apart from the US. But the US is still a long way behind us in terms of deaths per one million of the population."
The UK is now the fifth country to have reported more than 20,000 deaths in hospitals relating to the pandemic, behind the US, Italy, Spain and France.
Although international comparisons are difficult because of differing methodologies, the number will be significant due to the government's words.
It comes as for the second day in a row, the government had to stop requests from key workers for home testing kits and appointments for drive-through tests.
At least 10 million key workers and anyone in their households are eligible for coronavirus tests if they have symptoms of the illness.
Testing capacity was increased from 40,000 to 51,000 on Thursday, meaning the UK is "ahead of our plans" to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April, the government has said.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Intensive care patients given iPads to speak to relatives

Thousands of coronavirus patients will benefit from a new project where they are given iPads to communicate with relatives while in intensive care .
Patients across the country have used the devices as relatives are banned from many wards which are filling up fast during the COVID-19 outbreak .
The `` iComms for ICUs Project '' has so far delivered 200 iPads across the country which has helped over 1,000 people , but they plan to distribute many more .
In the most tragic cases the devices will be used by patients saying goodbye to their loved ones for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project 's founder , told Sky News : `` It must be so frustrating as a medic , when your job is all about making people better , but at the end , in very difficult , harrowing circumstances , you ca n't help them with that one thing they want more than anything else - which is to be able to talk to their loved ones .
`` So actually for the staff , there 's a little element of being able to lighten the load for them . ''
The project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 39 , who fought for his life after being struck down with coronavirus .
Mr Dockray , who was strapped to a ventilator , told Sky News that at one point he thought he may never be with his family ever again .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He continued : `` You are completely cut off from anything outside .
You ca n't speak to anyone , there 's no friends there , and no one can hold your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a little room , left by yourself .
`` The technology is a hand-hold .
It is that conversation where someone can say ' I love you ' or ' I 'm thinking about you ' which a text message does n't do .
`` There 's nothing more than that virtual hug just to let you know that they 're thinking of you , and it 's OK. '' It sets your tears off , but it makes a huge difference .
It helps you a lot . ''
Mr Dockray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her son , has said video calling was crucial for her while he was in care .
She said : `` It meant the world to me as your mum .
It was heartbreaking .
I went away and cried afterwards .
But to actually see you , especially when you ca n't touch you , or go to the hospital and see you , to see you on the screen , it gave us hope . ''
His father added : `` If we 'd just had the sound , without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see you , all we 'd have really heard was how bad your breathing was and how terrible you were .
So to be able to see you at the same time made a big difference . ''
Dr Rowan Burnstein , an intensive care unit consultant at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge , said : `` We use them for the initial contact with families and show them what 's happening in intensive care .
`` Once the patients are settled we can allow the family to see their loved ones and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient 's ear .
`` Once the patients start waking up , they can use the iPads themselves as a communication tool with nurses to show if they are in pain . ''

Thousands of coronavirus patients will benefit from a new project where they are given iPads to communicate with relatives while in intensive care.
Patients across the country have used the devices as relatives are banned from many wards which are filling up fast during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The "iComms for ICUs Project" has so far delivered 200 iPads across the country which has helped over 1,000 people, but they plan to distribute many more.
In the most tragic cases the devices will be used by patients saying goodbye to their loved ones for the last time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Drones to be trialled for medical delivery
Maeve Bradbury, the project's founder, told Sky News: "It must be so frustrating as a medic, when your job is all about making people better, but at the end, in very difficult, harrowing circumstances, you can't help them with that one thing they want more than anything else - which is to be able to talk to their loved ones.
"So actually for the staff, there's a little element of being able to lighten the load for them."
The project will help people similar to Matt Dockray, 39, who fought for his life after being struck down with coronavirus.
Mr Dockray, who was strapped to a ventilator, told Sky News that at one point he thought he may never be with his family ever again.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
He continued: "You are completely cut off from anything outside. You can't speak to anyone, there's no friends there, and no one can hold your hand. You're in isolation, in a little room, left by yourself.
"The technology is a hand-hold. It is that conversation where someone can say 'I love you' or 'I'm thinking about you' which a text message doesn't do.
"There's nothing more than that virtual hug just to let you know that they're thinking of you, and it's OK.
"It sets your tears off, but it makes a huge difference. It helps you a lot."
Image: Matt Dockray, 39, used an iPad to communicate with his family while in intensive care
Mr Dockray's mother, who feared the worst for her son, has said video calling was crucial for her while he was in care.
She said: "It meant the world to me as your mum. It was heartbreaking. I went away and cried afterwards. But to actually see you, especially when you can't touch you, or go to the hospital and see you, to see you on the screen, it gave us hope."
His father added: "If we'd just had the sound, without the video, without being able to see you, all we'd have really heard was how bad your breathing was and how terrible you were. So to be able to see you at the same time made a big difference."
Image: Dr Rowan Burnstein said patients can also use the iPads to communicate with nurses
Dr Rowan Burnstein, an intensive care unit consultant at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge, said: "We use them for the initial contact with families and show them what's happening in intensive care.
"Once the patients are settled we can allow the family to see their loved ones and we can bring the iPad up to the patient's ear.
"Once the patients start waking up, they can use the iPads themselves as a communication tool with nurses to show if they are in pain."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson will be back at work in Downing Street on Monday

Boris Johnson will be back at work in Downing Street on Monday and is `` raring to go '' in the battle against coronavirus , he has told cabinet colleagues .
Just over a fortnight after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday following treatment for COVID-19 , the prime minister will be `` back to his normal schedule '' as he grapples with the dilemma of when to ease the lockdown .
Depending on doctors ' advice , Mr Johnson , who has been recuperating at Chequers , may host Monday 's daily Downing Street news conference and possibly take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday .
`` He is 'raring to go ' and will be back Monday , '' a Downing Street source told Sky News .
`` He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , and getting back to his normal schedule . ''
The source added : `` Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK 's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our fight against the disease .
`` The summit marked a tightening of grip from the prime minister , who held a series of calls and Zoom meetings with key figures throughout the week .
`` Mr Johnson hosted a daily video call with the Foreign Secretary , Dominic Raab , and his Number 10 team at 3pm each day , where he was briefed on the latest plans .
`` He also held lengthy discussions with the Chief Medical Officer , Chris Whitty , and the Chief Scientific Adviser , Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkably swift return to his full schedule will delight cabinet ministers and Tory MPs who fear there has been a power vacuum at the heart of government during his absence battling against his illness .
There have been claims that in his absence there has been no clear strategy on when and how to ease the lockdown restrictions and suggestions that cabinet ministers are deeply split on what to do next .
But the PM 's early comeback will alarm those who have been arguing that he needs a long period of rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of running the government during a major national and international crisis .
There have been signs during the past week , however , that he was making a speedy recovery .
He spoke by telephone with President Donald Trump , who said afterwards : `` He called me a few days ago .
He sounded incredible . ''
The prime minister also held his first audience with the Queen for three weeks , suggesting he was regaining full fitness and ready to return to work full time .
Mr Johnson 's planned return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortnight after he was discharged from St Thomas 's Hospital , under a mile from Downing Street , after seven nights , three of which were spent in intensive care .
It has been a tumultuous and dramatic six weeks , even by Mr Johnson 's standards , and has seen him - in his own words - come close to death .
Last month , the prime minister seemed relaxed about the possibility of being infected with coronavirus , leading critics - and some colleagues - to warn that he was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
On 3 March , he said at a Downing Street news conference : `` I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody , you 'll be pleased to know , and I continue to shake hands . ''
But on 27 March he announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Downing Street said he had noticed mild symptoms the previous afternoon and received the test results at midnight .
In a video message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm working from home and self-isolating and that 's entirely the right thing to do .
`` But , be in no doubt that I can continue thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus . ''
Questions were raised about why the PM had adopted a business-as-usual approach to governing after putting the rest of the UK on lockdown and Mr Johnson was accused of not following his own advice .
The following Thursday , 2 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared on the steps of 10 Downing Street joining in with a national applause for the NHS , with the PM telling those gathered : `` I am not allowed out really , I am just standing here . ''
Then the next day , 3 April , looking seriously unwell , Mr Johnson was seen in a video urging people to stay home and not break social distancing rules as the weather warmed up , even if they were going `` a bit stir crazy '' .
Shortly after the PM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson 's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds - who lives with him in the No 11 flat - shared a photograph of herself self-isolating in Camberwell , south London , with the couple 's dog Dilyn .
Then on 4 April , Ms Symonds tweeted : `` I 've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of coronavirus .
I have n't needed to be tested and , after seven days of rest , I feel stronger and I 'm on the mend . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was on Sunday 5 April that Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been admitted to `` a London NHS hospital '' for tests as a `` precautionary step '' as his coronavirus symptoms persisted .
The next morning , Mr Johnson tweeted : `` Last night , on the advice of my doctor , I went into hospital for some routine tests as I 'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
I 'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team , as we work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone safe .
`` I 'd like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time .
You are the best of Britain .
`` Stay safe everyone , and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Then that evening , Monday April 6 , Downing Street announced the shock news that the PM 's condition had worsened and , on the advice of his medical team , he had been moved to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital .
Downing Street said the PM 's condition was stable and he was in `` good spirits '' following his first night in intensive care , but he would need to remain there for `` close monitoring '' .
At that time , concerns were raised over how many decisions his stand-in Mr Raab was allowed to make , as the foreign secretary suggested that the scheduled review of the nation 's lockdown restrictions would now not go ahead .
Downing Street later confirmed the review would take place after the three-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a second night in intensive care , the prime minister was said to be `` responding to treatment '' and remained in a stable condition .
On 8 April , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the daily coronavirus briefing that Mr Johnson was still in intensive care , but had been sitting up in bed and engaging with his clinical team .
And after he spent a `` good night '' in intensive care , Downing Street said the prime minister 's condition was continuing to improve .
At the daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , Mr Raab , who earlier chaired a meeting of the Cobra committee , prompted more concerns when he said he had not spoken to the PM since taking over his responsibilities .
`` We in the government have got this covered , '' Mr Raab said , adding : `` I 've got all the authority I need to make the relevant decisions - whether it 's through chairing cabinet updates , chairing Cobra , or indeed the morning meetings of senior ministers . ''
Later that day after three nights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had been moved back to the ward at St Thomas 's .
On Easter Saturday , Downing Street said the PM was continuing to recover in hospital and he was now able to do `` short walks '' between rests , but did not confirm how long Mr Johnson was expected to remain in hospital .
On Easter Sunday , Downing Street said the PM was continuing `` to make very good progress '' .
Mr Johnson thanked NHS staff at St Thomas 's for saving his life , issuing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't thank them enough .
I owe them my life . ''
Later , Downing Street said he had been discharged from hospital and would continue his recovery at Chequers .
Number 10 also said the PM would be taking a break from work while he recovered .
A relieved Ms Symonds said she could not `` thank our magnificent NHS enough '' , adding there had been times in the past week that had been `` very dark indeed '' .

Boris Johnson will be back at work in Downing Street on Monday and is "raring to go" in the battle against coronavirus, he has told cabinet colleagues.
Just over a fortnight after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday following treatment for COVID-19, the prime minister will be "back to his normal schedule" as he grapples with the dilemma of when to ease the lockdown.
Depending on doctors' advice, Mr Johnson, who has been recuperating at Chequers, may host Monday's daily Downing Street news conference and possibly take on the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
"He is 'raring to go' and will be back Monday," a Downing Street source told Sky News.
"He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and getting back to his normal schedule."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM 'in good shape', says Hancock
The source added: "Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried out so far on the next phase of our fight against the disease.
"The summit marked a tightening of grip from the prime minister, who held a series of calls and Zoom meetings with key figures throughout the week.
"Mr Johnson hosted a daily video call with the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, and his Number 10 team at 3pm each day, where he was briefed on the latest plans.
"He also held lengthy discussions with the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 PM praises NHS staff in message on 12 April
Mr Johnson's remarkably swift return to his full schedule will delight cabinet ministers and Tory MPs who fear there has been a power vacuum at the heart of government during his absence battling against his illness.
There have been claims that in his absence there has been no clear strategy on when and how to ease the lockdown restrictions and suggestions that cabinet ministers are deeply split on what to do next.
But the PM's early comeback will alarm those who have been arguing that he needs a long period of rest before plunging back into the gruelling regime of running the government during a major national and international crisis.
There have been signs during the past week, however, that he was making a speedy recovery. He spoke by telephone with President Donald Trump, who said afterwards: "He called me a few days ago. He sounded incredible."
The prime minister also held his first audience with the Queen for three weeks, suggesting he was regaining full fitness and ready to return to work full time.
Mr Johnson's planned return to work was revealed less than a fortnight after he was discharged from St Thomas's Hospital, under a mile from Downing Street, after seven nights, three of which were spent in intensive care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'A tragic and terrible milestone'
It has been a tumultuous and dramatic six weeks, even by Mr Johnson's standards, and has seen him - in his own words - come close to death.
Last month, the prime minister seemed relaxed about the possibility of being infected with coronavirus, leading critics - and some colleagues - to warn that he was not taking the threat of the disease seriously enough.
On 3 March, he said at a Downing Street news conference: "I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody, you'll be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands."
But on 27 March he announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Downing Street said he had noticed mild symptoms the previous afternoon and received the test results at midnight.
In a video message on Twitter, Mr Johnson said: "I'm working from home and self-isolating and that's entirely the right thing to do.
"But, be in no doubt that I can continue thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus."
Image: Boris Johnson was in intensive care at St Thomas's Hospital
Questions were raised about why the PM had adopted a business-as-usual approach to governing after putting the rest of the UK on lockdown and Mr Johnson was accused of not following his own advice.
The following Thursday, 2 April, Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared on the steps of 10 Downing Street joining in with a national applause for the NHS, with the PM telling those gathered: "I am not allowed out really, I am just standing here."
Then the next day, 3 April, looking seriously unwell, Mr Johnson was seen in a video urging people to stay home and not break social distancing rules as the weather warmed up, even if they were going "a bit stir crazy".
Shortly after the PM's announcement of his illness on 27 March, Mr Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds - who lives with him in the No 11 flat - shared a photograph of herself self-isolating in Camberwell, south London, with the couple's dog Dilyn.
Then on 4 April, Ms Symonds tweeted: "I've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of coronavirus. I haven't needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I'm on the mend."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It was on Sunday 5 April that Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been admitted to "a London NHS hospital" for tests as a "precautionary step" as his coronavirus symptoms persisted.
The next morning, Mr Johnson tweeted: "Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.
"I'd like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.
"Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives."
Then that evening, Monday April 6, Downing Street announced the shock news that the PM's condition had worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he had been moved to the intensive care unit at St Thomas's Hospital.
Downing Street said the PM's condition was stable and he was in "good spirits" following his first night in intensive care, but he would need to remain there for "close monitoring".
At that time, concerns were raised over how many decisions his stand-in Mr Raab was allowed to make, as the foreign secretary suggested that the scheduled review of the nation's lockdown restrictions would now not go ahead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 PM's call made quite an impression on Trump...
Downing Street later confirmed the review would take place after the three-week mark originally committed to by the PM.
After a second night in intensive care, the prime minister was said to be "responding to treatment" and remained in a stable condition.
On 8 April, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the daily coronavirus briefing that Mr Johnson was still in intensive care, but had been sitting up in bed and engaging with his clinical team.
And after he spent a "good night" in intensive care, Downing Street said the prime minister's condition was continuing to improve.
At the daily coronavirus press briefing the next day, 9 April, Mr Raab, who earlier chaired a meeting of the Cobra committee, prompted more concerns when he said he had not spoken to the PM since taking over his responsibilities.
"We in the government have got this covered," Mr Raab said, adding: "I've got all the authority I need to make the relevant decisions - whether it's through chairing cabinet updates, chairing Cobra, or indeed the morning meetings of senior ministers."
Later that day after three nights in intensive care, Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been moved back to the ward at St Thomas's.
On Easter Saturday, Downing Street said the PM was continuing to recover in hospital and he was now able to do "short walks" between rests, but did not confirm how long Mr Johnson was expected to remain in hospital.
On Easter Sunday, Downing Street said the PM was continuing "to make very good progress". Mr Johnson thanked NHS staff at St Thomas's for saving his life, issuing a short statement, saying: "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life."
Later, Downing Street said he had been discharged from hospital and would continue his recovery at Chequers. Number 10 also said the PM would be taking a break from work while he recovered.
A relieved Ms Symonds said she could not "thank our magnificent NHS enough", adding there had been times in the past week that had been "very dark indeed".


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Dominic Cummings attended meetings of scientific advisory group

Boris Johnson 's chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , has attended meetings with senior scientists advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak , Downing Street has said .
However , it denied a newspaper report that he is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which has helped to shape the British response to the pandemic .
The Guardian reported that Mr Cummings and Ben Warner , a data scientist who worked with him on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum , were among 23 attendees at a key SAGE meeting when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the report said .
Opposition parties have said political advisers have no business attending SAGE meetings and have called for its deliberations to be opened up to wider scrutiny .
Members of the group , which provides scientific and technical advice to support decision makers during emergencies , have not been made public .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News : `` We need to understand if Mr Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate . ''
He pointed to questions about the timing of the decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , including calling the lockdown and controversially allowing major events to be held , such as the Cheltenham Festival .
Mr Ashworth said : `` The best way to clear all of this up is for the government to be completely transparent with us .
`` They need to publish the minutes of the SAGE committee so we can all understand the advice the government has had and then fully understand the judgements the government has made based on that advice .
`` So let 's have clarity , let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way this issue can be cleared up . ''
Sir David King , a former government chief scientific adviser , said he was `` shocked '' to find that there were political figures involved in SAGE meetings .
He told The Guardian : `` If you are giving science advice , your advice should be free of any political bias .
`` That is just so critically important . ''
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed in a strongly-worded statement that Mr Cummings and Dr Warner had attended or listened in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any way affected the group 's advice .
The spokesman said : `` It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on ' or members of SAGE .
`` Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual .
`` They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions .
`` Occasionally they ask questions or offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has not released a list of SAGE members or attendees , but individual members can disclose they are part of the group .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the current chief scientific adviser who chairs SAGE , said in a letter to parliament earlier this month that the decision not to disclose its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure ( CPNI ) .
He said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members while protecting them from `` lobbying and other forms of unwanted influence which may hinder their ability to give impartial advice '' .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England and a member of SAGE , told MPs on Friday that neither he nor Sir Patrick had any objection `` in principle '' to details of the membership being released .
He told the Commons Science and Technology Committee the CPNI advice was based on the fact that SAGE was a sub-committee of Cobra - the government 's civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security-related issues .
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the disclosure underlined the need for a public inquiry into the government 's handling of the pandemic .
He said : `` The public needs to have confidence that it is expert advice that is guiding government decisions , not dubious political advisers .
The lack of transparency is an absolute outrage .
`` To get to the truth and to give Boris Johnson the opportunity to answer some serious questions , it is clear that there will need to be an independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the pandemic . ''
Richard Horton , the editor of The Lancet medical journal , tweeted : `` If it is true that Dominic Cummings attended meetings of SAGE , then the government led by Boris Johnson has utterly corrupted independent scientific advice . ''

Boris Johnson's chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, has attended meetings with senior scientists advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak, Downing Street has said.
However, it denied a newspaper report that he is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which has helped to shape the British response to the pandemic.
The Guardian reported that Mr Cummings and Ben Warner, a data scientist who worked with him on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum, were among 23 attendees at a key SAGE meeting when a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March, the report said.
Opposition parties have said political advisers have no business attending SAGE meetings and have called for its deliberations to be opened up to wider scrutiny.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Cummings 'should not be' at SAGE meetings - Davis
Members of the group, which provides scientific and technical advice to support decision makers during emergencies, have not been made public.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News: "We need to understand if Mr Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate."
He pointed to questions about the timing of the decisions taken by the government in response to the pandemic, including calling the lockdown and controversially allowing major events to be held, such as the Cheltenham Festival.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Labour call for transparency over SAGE meetings
Mr Ashworth said: "The best way to clear all of this up is for the government to be completely transparent with us.
"They need to publish the minutes of the SAGE committee so we can all understand the advice the government has had and then fully understand the judgements the government has made based on that advice.
Advertisement
"So let's have clarity, let's have transparency. I think that is the best way this issue can be cleared up."
Sir David King, a former government chief scientific adviser, said he was "shocked" to find that there were political figures involved in SAGE meetings.
He told The Guardian: "If you are giving science advice, your advice should be free of any political bias.
"That is just so critically important."
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed in a strongly-worded statement that Mr Cummings and Dr Warner had attended or listened in to SAGE meetings, but denied they had in any way affected the group's advice.
The spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE.
"Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual.
"They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions.
"Occasionally they ask questions or offer help when scientists mention problems in Whitehall."
: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has not released a list of SAGE members or attendees, but individual members can disclose they are part of the group.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the current chief scientific adviser who chairs SAGE, said in a letter to parliament earlier this month that the decision not to disclose its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
He said that it helped safeguard the personal security of members while protecting them from "lobbying and other forms of unwanted influence which may hinder their ability to give impartial advice".
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England and a member of SAGE, told MPs on Friday that neither he nor Sir Patrick had any objection "in principle" to details of the membership being released.
He told the Commons Science and Technology Committee the CPNI advice was based on the fact that SAGE was a sub-committee of Cobra - the government's civil contingencies committee - and sometimes dealt with security-related issues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 'I miss my wife but I have to be in hospital'
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the disclosure underlined the need for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.
He said: "The public needs to have confidence that it is expert advice that is guiding government decisions, not dubious political advisers. The lack of transparency is an absolute outrage.
"To get to the truth and to give Boris Johnson the opportunity to answer some serious questions, it is clear that there will need to be an independent inquiry to officially review the government's response to the pandemic."
Richard Horton, the editor of The Lancet medical journal, tweeted: "If it is true that Dominic Cummings attended meetings of SAGE, then the government led by Boris Johnson has utterly corrupted independent scientific advice."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Will government accept COVID-19 deaths so it can lift the lockdown?

Shops in cities and towns across the UK have been closed since lockdown measures were introduced on 23 March Britain has been under lockdown for a month .
All of our lives have been disrupted by coronavirus , thousands of lives have been lost .
It has brought enormous grief to families up and down the country , it has required enormous sacrifice and engendered great endeavour from those not just trying to save lives , but from the millions of people caring for the elderly , stacking the supermarket shelves and delivering supplies to hospitals and homes .
Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from COVID-19 are doubling every 16 days , against the two to three days at the beginning of the lockdown .
Hospital admissions are down 10 % across the country and 30 % in London .
The transmission rate ( the R number ) is now below one , which means a person with the disease is causing less than one new infection .
That means the epidemic is currently in decline - for now .
The epidemic is moving to a new phase and decisions will soon have to be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown and when .
A global pandemic that has shut down not just the UK but much of the world .
Some believe our crisis has been much deeper than it needed to be .
`` I think what history will say looking at the course of this pandemic so far is that there was a big difference between the way Asian scientists view this and Western British and American scientists did , '' says Jeremy Hunt , the former health secretary , who now chairs the Health Select Committee .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of like a very nasty flu and basically there 's nothing you can do to stop the spreading throughout the population , until you get a vaccine .
Whereas in Asia they thought , this is a form of SARS , a deadly virus , and it has to be stopped at all costs . ''
This was the approach the UK government took until there was a handbrake turn in mid-March when epidemiologists at Imperial College London , whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government 's strategy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the virus ( the mitigation model ) rather than trying to reverse the epidemic growth ( the suppression model ) would overwhelm the NHS .
Demand for intensive care beds would be exceeded eight times over and there could be a quarter of a million deaths .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Falling into step with most other countries around the world , the UK moved pretty swiftly into lockdown .
And now , as governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , a new consensus is emerging around how to live with COVID-19 .
Managing it will involve testing , tracing and isolating the disease , and some of the social distancing measures we 're now getting used to will have to stick .
Wherever the government , the aim is the same - no one wants a second wave .
`` The best thing to do is look around the world and see the countries that have managed to exit the very draconian lockdown there without raising the risk of their populations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They 've all done it by replacing a blanket lockdown with a system where anyone with COVID-19 symptoms gets tested immediately , anyone who has got it is quarantined immediately , and that is best international practice . ''
Politicians in Westminster are still refusing to have an open conversation with the public about how we move from strict lockdown to a gradual easing of restrictions , or whether this might begin from 7 May when the current three-week lockdown is up for review .
But the health secretary did confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing , a strategy the government abandoned on 12 March when it decided ( for a few days only ) to let the virus spread through society , is the strategy once more .
`` Test , track and trace , done effectively , can help suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser social distancing rules . ''
But the big political discussion under way is how the government tries to balance controlling the disease with unlocking the economy once more .
Will politicians decide to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as NHS capacity is n't overwhelmed , or try to push new cases as low as possible to control and vanquish the virus ?
Put bluntly , will politicians accept a certain level of COVID-19 deaths in order to release social restrictions and stimulate the economy ?
These are , says Mr Hancock , political decisions that cabinet ministers must make in the coming weeks .
`` Ultimately these judgements are made by the cabinet on the advice of the scientists . ''
But the cabinet is not united on how quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown .
Others , including those in the Treasury , have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy .
The longer the lockdown , the worse the damage .
`` It 's clearly the case that the economic consequences of the lockdown and continuing the lockdown are staggeringly bad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shrink over the next two or three months more than it has essentially ever shrunk before , '' explains Paul Johnson , the director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies .
`` We are spending tens and tens of billions of pounds supporting the economy , supporting jobs , supporting people 's incomes and the economy is shrinking very fast .
We 're going to end up at the end of this year with a deficit of £250bn perhaps , which is about £200bn more than we were expecting . ''
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will suffer from a long lockdown ; our health will too .
The chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , as well as politicians , have been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems .
`` The real worry is people are not going to their GP , when they 've got a lump in their breast , '' says Mr Hunt .
`` In my area , referrals under the two-week cancer target are down by three quarters .
So that could mean potentially we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we would ordinarily have got , so that 's another reason to try and get back to a semblance of normality . ''
There is also a long-term health cost as most people suffer from chronic disease and mental health problems as by-products of the lockdown and the deprivation , isolation and anxiety it causes .
`` We 've seen this tension between economy and health .
We have economists saying it 's not such a big deal and health people saying we need to lock down , and this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because actually the economy affects lives , '' argues Devi Sridhar , professor and chair of global public health at the Edinburgh University Medical School .
`` If you want to get through this faster , the fastest way to do it is to keep numbers low .
And so I feel like everyone wants the same thing , which is if you keep numbers low you can re-open the economy , you can re-open society , in a way that is safe because you can do tests , trace , isolate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number of cases . ''
Government insiders are clear on one thing : they can not , will not , risk a second wave of the epidemic .
`` That would be devastating , '' says one Whitehall figure .
`` Easing restrictions is going to have to be very gradual .
Think of it as a hot air balloon .
If you throw off all the weights at once it will shoot up .
We are looking for a very gradual lift-off . ''
Across departments , officials and ministers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a rather grim reality - that restrictions in some form or another might have to be in place for a year or even more as the world awaits a vaccine .
There is a planning team working on a 12-month assumption that school children will have to socially distance - that could mean primary children going to school in shifts through the week to keep the class sizes down and the interactions limited .
Other officials are looking at plans to stagger the start of work days to spread out rush hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their workplaces .
Working out how we might begin to ease the restrictions is only one part of the political challenge .
The other is how to convince the public it is safe to leave their homes .
Take schools .
Up to 40 % of primary school children are still eligible to attend school under the key worker and vulnerable children criteria but data out from the Department of Education this week showed just 0.9 % of children who normally attend school turned up .
Key workers are finding alternative care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting their children at risk by sending them to school .
Late to lockdown , the government has pushed the stay at home , save lives message hard .
It now has to try and shift that mindset .
As one minister put it to me : `` The messaging has been stay at home and live or go outside and risk death .
We have to tilt that narrative . ''
We are a long way from normal .
With no vaccine in sight , we will have to co-exist with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many months yet .
The question is how much infection and death can we bear to live with ?
The cost of this crisis will be counted in both currency and lives - the question now for the government is how much can we afford ?

Politicians have a choice to make as the cost of the COVID-19 crisis will be counted in both currency and lives.
Shops in cities and towns across the UK have been closed since lockdown measures were introduced on 23 March
Britain has been under lockdown for a month. All of our lives have been disrupted by coronavirus, thousands of lives have been lost.
It has brought enormous grief to families up and down the country, it has required enormous sacrifice and engendered great endeavour from those not just trying to save lives, but from the millions of people caring for the elderly, stacking the supermarket shelves and delivering supplies to hospitals and homes.
Finally those efforts are paying off. Hospital deaths from COVID-19 are doubling every 16 days, against the two to three days at the beginning of the lockdown. Hospital admissions are down 10% across the country and 30% in London. The transmission rate (the R number) is now below one, which means a person with the disease is causing less than one new infection.
That means the epidemic is currently in decline - for now.
The epidemic is moving to a new phase and decisions will soon have to be made about how we come out of the lockdown and when.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:00 Coronavirus: Life in lockdown
A global pandemic that has shut down not just the UK but much of the world. Some believe our crisis has been much deeper than it needed to be.
"I think what history will say looking at the course of this pandemic so far is that there was a big difference between the way Asian scientists view this and Western British and American scientists did," says Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, who now chairs the Health Select Committee.
"In the West we tended to say this is kind of like a very nasty flu and basically there's nothing you can do to stop the spreading throughout the population, until you get a vaccine. Whereas in Asia they thought, this is a form of SARS, a deadly virus, and it has to be stopped at all costs."
This was the approach the UK government took until there was a handbrake turn in mid-March when epidemiologists at Imperial College London, whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government's strategy on handling the virus, concluded that trying to slow the spread of the virus (the mitigation model) rather than trying to reverse the epidemic growth (the suppression model) would overwhelm the NHS.
Advertisement
Demand for intensive care beds would be exceeded eight times over and there could be a quarter of a million deaths.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Falling into step with most other countries around the world, the UK moved pretty swiftly into lockdown. And now, as governments begin to emerge from those draconian social measures, a new consensus is emerging around how to live with COVID-19.
Managing it will involve testing, tracing and isolating the disease, and some of the social distancing measures we're now getting used to will have to stick. Wherever the government, the aim is the same - no one wants a second wave.
"The best thing to do is look around the world and see the countries that have managed to exit the very draconian lockdown there without raising the risk of their populations catching COVID-19," says Mr Hunt.
"They've all done it by replacing a blanket lockdown with a system where anyone with COVID-19 symptoms gets tested immediately, anyone who has got it is quarantined immediately, and that is best international practice."
Politicians in Westminster are still refusing to have an open conversation with the public about how we move from strict lockdown to a gradual easing of restrictions, or whether this might begin from 7 May when the current three-week lockdown is up for review.
But the health secretary did confirm on Thursday that mass testing and contract tracing, a strategy the government abandoned on 12 March when it decided (for a few days only) to let the virus spread through society, is the strategy once more.
"Test, track and trace, done effectively, can help suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser social distancing rules."
But the big political discussion under way is how the government tries to balance controlling the disease with unlocking the economy once more.
Will politicians decide to allow a tolerable level of community transmission so long as NHS capacity isn't overwhelmed, or try to push new cases as low as possible to control and vanquish the virus?
Put bluntly, will politicians accept a certain level of COVID-19 deaths in order to release social restrictions and stimulate the economy?
These are, says Mr Hancock, political decisions that cabinet ministers must make in the coming weeks.
"Ultimately these judgements are made by the cabinet on the advice of the scientists."
But the cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted. The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown.
Others, including those in the Treasury, have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy. The longer the lockdown, the worse the damage.
"It's clearly the case that the economic consequences of the lockdown and continuing the lockdown are staggeringly bad. We know that the economy is likely to shrink over the next two or three months more than it has essentially ever shrunk before," explains Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies.
"We are spending tens and tens of billions of pounds supporting the economy, supporting jobs, supporting people's incomes and the economy is shrinking very fast. We're going to end up at the end of this year with a deficit of £250bn perhaps, which is about £200bn more than we were expecting."
And it's not just the economy that will suffer from a long lockdown; our health will too. The chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, as well as politicians, have been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems.
"The real worry is people are not going to their GP, when they've got a lump in their breast," says Mr Hunt.
"In my area, referrals under the two-week cancer target are down by three quarters. So that could mean potentially we're missing three quarters of the cancers that we would ordinarily have got, so that's another reason to try and get back to a semblance of normality."
There is also a long-term health cost as most people suffer from chronic disease and mental health problems as by-products of the lockdown and the deprivation, isolation and anxiety it causes.
"We've seen this tension between economy and health. We have economists saying it's not such a big deal and health people saying we need to lock down, and this is the wrong debate we should be having, because actually the economy affects lives," argues Devi Sridhar, professor and chair of global public health at the Edinburgh University Medical School.
"If you want to get through this faster, the fastest way to do it is to keep numbers low. And so I feel like everyone wants the same thing, which is if you keep numbers low you can re-open the economy, you can re-open society, in a way that is safe because you can do tests, trace, isolate, which only works if you have a small number of cases."
Image: Professor Chris Whitty has been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems
Government insiders are clear on one thing: they cannot, will not, risk a second wave of the epidemic.
"That would be devastating," says one Whitehall figure. "Easing restrictions is going to have to be very gradual. Think of it as a hot air balloon. If you throw off all the weights at once it will shoot up. We are looking for a very gradual lift-off."
Across departments, officials and ministers are working up options. They are based on a rather grim reality - that restrictions in some form or another might have to be in place for a year or even more as the world awaits a vaccine.
There is a planning team working on a 12-month assumption that school children will have to socially distance - that could mean primary children going to school in shifts through the week to keep the class sizes down and the interactions limited. Other officials are looking at plans to stagger the start of work days to spread out rush hour and even alternating days when staff come to their workplaces.
Working out how we might begin to ease the restrictions is only one part of the political challenge. The other is how to convince the public it is safe to leave their homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Hospital staff line up for surgeon's hearse
Take schools. Up to 40% of primary school children are still eligible to attend school under the key worker and vulnerable children criteria but data out from the Department of Education this week showed just 0.9% of children who normally attend school turned up.
Key workers are finding alternative care for kids because they are scared of putting their children at risk by sending them to school.
Late to lockdown, the government has pushed the stay at home, save lives message hard. It now has to try and shift that mindset. As one minister put it to me: "The messaging has been stay at home and live or go outside and risk death. We have to tilt that narrative."
We are a long way from normal. With no vaccine in sight, we will have to co-exist with some level of coronavirus in our society for many months yet.
The question is how much infection and death can we bear to live with? The cost of this crisis will be counted in both currency and lives - the question now for the government is how much can we afford?