news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Evictions of asylum seekers paused to stop spread of COVID-19

The Home Office has paused all evictions of asylum seekers for three months as part of efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus .
No one will be removed from government-supported accommodation until at least June , even if their claim or appeal has been rejected .
The concession means that asylum seekers due for deportation will continue receiving support in the UK .
The British Red Cross says the move will ensure nearly 50,000 people are not threatened with losing their homes in the coming months as the coronavirus crisis continues .
In a letter sent to the humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said `` we must do all we can to ensure that people remain in their homes and do not travel or move around unnecessarily '' .
The pause also means that asylum seekers who have had their claim accepted will not be forced to find alternative accommodation within the usual 28-day window .
Alex Fraser , UK director of refugee support at the British Red Cross , said : `` It 's very welcome news that the Home Office will temporarily halt all evictions from asylum accommodation .
`` Nobody should be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is an important first step to ensuring that people are able to protect themselves , their families and their communities . ''
Asylum support payments will also be granted to all those who have applied for them , including those who have had their claim rejected .
The move is likely to increase pressure on the asylum system , though , with the Home Office admitting it may lead to `` some difficult decisions at very short notice '' .
Additional housing will also be needed , including contingency accommodation to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms of COVID-19 .
The global pandemic has also presented challenges to the system through which foreign nationals are removed from the UK .
In recent weeks , more than 300 people who were due to be deported have been released from immigration removal centres , according to detention charities .
Those working in the humanitarian sector say it is not known how many of these detainees have been released for health reasons and how many are currently unable to be deported to their country of origin because of border restrictions brought on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Home Office said : `` It is right that we protect the public from dangerous criminals , which is why the vast majority of detainees still in immigration removal centres are foreign national offenders . ''
Support group Detention Action said additional protective measures for those in removal centres will also now be brought in .
But a cross-bench group of MPs has written to the home secretary saying the measures being put in place to protect detainees are `` inadequate '' and have come `` far too late '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Immigration Detention and SNP MP Alison Thewliss said : `` We believe the Home Office may have put detainees , many of whom suffer from poor health - including the conditions that put people at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 - at unnecessary additional risk of contracting and/or transmitting the disease . ''
A Home Office spokesperson said : `` The safety and health of people in our accommodation and the communities in which they live is of the utmost importance .
`` As part of government measures to fight coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do not travel unnecessarily no one will be asked to leave asylum accommodation over the next three months .
`` We will continue to adjust our processes and procedures where necessary and appropriate . ''

The Home Office has paused all evictions of asylum seekers for three months as part of efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus.
No one will be removed from government-supported accommodation until at least June, even if their claim or appeal has been rejected.
The concession means that asylum seekers due for deportation will continue receiving support in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Govt announces annual leave changes
The British Red Cross says the move will ensure nearly 50,000 people are not threatened with losing their homes in the coming months as the coronavirus crisis continues.
In a letter sent to the humanitarian organisation, Home Office minister Chris Philp said "we must do all we can to ensure that people remain in their homes and do not travel or move around unnecessarily".
The pause also means that asylum seekers who have had their claim accepted will not be forced to find alternative accommodation within the usual 28-day window.
Alex Fraser, UK director of refugee support at the British Red Cross, said: "It's very welcome news that the Home Office will temporarily halt all evictions from asylum accommodation.
"Nobody should be at risk of homelessness and destitution, and this is an important first step to ensuring that people are able to protect themselves, their families and their communities."
Asylum support payments will also be granted to all those who have applied for them, including those who have had their claim rejected.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Nightingale Hospital begins to take shape
The move is likely to increase pressure on the asylum system, though, with the Home Office admitting it may lead to "some difficult decisions at very short notice".
Additional housing will also be needed, including contingency accommodation to allow asylum seekers to self-isolate if they show symptoms of COVID-19.
The global pandemic has also presented challenges to the system through which foreign nationals are removed from the UK.
In recent weeks, more than 300 people who were due to be deported have been released from immigration removal centres, according to detention charities.
Those working in the humanitarian sector say it is not known how many of these detainees have been released for health reasons and how many are currently unable to be deported to their country of origin because of border restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
Writing on Twitter, the Home Office said: "It is right that we protect the public from dangerous criminals, which is why the vast majority of detainees still in immigration removal centres are foreign national offenders."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Theme park becomes drive-thru testing centre
Support group Detention Action said additional protective measures for those in removal centres will also now be brought in.
But a cross-bench group of MPs has written to the home secretary saying the measures being put in place to protect detainees are "inadequate" and have come "far too late".
Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Immigration Detention and SNP MP Alison Thewliss said: "We believe the Home Office may have put detainees, many of whom suffer from poor health - including the conditions that put people at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 - at unnecessary additional risk of contracting and/or transmitting the disease."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The safety and health of people in our accommodation and the communities in which they live is of the utmost importance.
"As part of government measures to fight coronavirus and ensure people remain in their homes and do not travel unnecessarily no one will be asked to leave asylum accommodation over the next three months.
"We will continue to adjust our processes and procedures where necessary and appropriate."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: NHS could have prevented 'chaos and panic', says Lancet editor

The NHS could have prevented `` chaos and panic '' and was `` wholly unprepared '' for the coronavirus pandemic , the editor of one of the world 's most prestigious medical journals has said .
Writing in The Lancet , Dr Richard Horton said warnings issued to bosses in the health service about a possible outbreak such as COVID-19 were ignored .
He said his own journal on 20 January pointed to the risk of a global pandemic , saying `` preparedness plans should be readied for deployment at short notice , including securing supply chains of pharmaceuticals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary human resources to deal with the consequences of a global outbreak of this magnitude '' .
Dr Horton has also said the government 's `` Contain , Delay , Mitigate , Research '' plan was unsuccessful .
`` It failed , in part , because ministers did n't follow the World Health Organisation 's advice to 'test , test , test ' every suspected case .
`` They did n't isolate and quarantine .
They did n't contact trace '' , he said .
`` These basic principles of public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reasons that remain opaque . ''
He added that : `` The result has been chaos and panic across the NHS . ''
On Saturday it was confirmed another 260 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total to 1,019 .
The vast majority of those deaths are in England .
The government has defended its strategy in the face of critics who said they acted too slowly .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who have both tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach is led by scientific evidence , and they have stressed that it is key to implement measures such as social distancing at the appropriate time , rather than too soon .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Sky News on Saturday : `` We have followed a clear plan , underpinned by scientific evidence , to contain , delay , research and mitigate the outbreak .
`` We acted swiftly to contain the spread of the virus and our world-class surveillance , including intensive contact tracing and quarantining of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly - and targeted contract tracing continues .
It added that it has tested `` well over 100,000 people '' , and that it has `` already set out plans to increase testing capacity to 25,000 a day '' .
Earlier this week , it was reported that almost 4,000 NHS workers signed a letter in the Sunday Times calling on the prime minister to `` protect the lives of the life-savers '' , and resolve the `` unacceptable shortage of protective equipment '' .
Today 's statement from the government continued : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months and we are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak .
`` On Thursday alone , over 21 million face masks , nine million aprons , 20 million gloves and 700,000 eye protectors were delivered to frontline workers . ''
Grant Shapps , the transport secretary , told Sky News earlier this month : `` We are just being entirely science-led . ''
Dr Horton has also expressed concerns over the government 's new measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` This plan , agreed far too late in the course of the outbreak , has left the NHS wholly unprepared for the surge of severely and critically ill patients that will soon come , '' he said .
Dr Horton said that he asked NHS workers to contact him with their experiences and the messages that came back have been `` as distressing as they have been horrifying '' .
Some of the comments he cited include : `` Forget lockdown - we are going into meltdown '' ; `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' ; `` I do n't feel safe .
I do n't feel protected '' ; `` we are literally making it up as we go along '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus briefing on Friday , cabinet minister Michael Gove said hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend - `` dramatically '' scaling up next week , to find out if they have coronavirus .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and social care to `` have security in the knowledge that they can safely return to work if their test is negative '' .
`` This is absolutely crucial to our response to - and fight against - coronavirus , '' he added .
It was also previously announced that the Army would be brought in to help get deliveries of protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus pandemic .

The NHS could have prevented "chaos and panic" and was "wholly unprepared" for the coronavirus pandemic, the editor of one of the world's most prestigious medical journals has said.
Writing in The Lancet, Dr Richard Horton said warnings issued to bosses in the health service about a possible outbreak such as COVID-19 were ignored.
He said his own journal on 20 January pointed to the risk of a global pandemic, saying "preparedness plans should be readied for deployment at short notice, including securing supply chains of pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment, hospital supplies and the necessary human resources to deal with the consequences of a global outbreak of this magnitude".
Dr Horton has also said the government's "Contain, Delay, Mitigate, Research" plan was unsuccessful.
"It failed, in part, because ministers didn't follow the World Health Organisation's advice to 'test, test, test' every suspected case.
"They didn't isolate and quarantine. They didn't contact trace", he said.
"These basic principles of public health and infectious disease control were ignored, for reasons that remain opaque."
He added that: "The result has been chaos and panic across the NHS."
On Saturday it was confirmed another 260 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 1,019.
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The vast majority of those deaths are in England.
The government has defended its strategy in the face of critics who said they acted too slowly.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who have both tested positive for the virus, have repeatedly said their approach is led by scientific evidence, and they have stressed that it is key to implement measures such as social distancing at the appropriate time, rather than too soon.
Image: Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have both tested positive for the virus
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Sky News on Saturday: "We have followed a clear plan, underpinned by scientific evidence, to contain, delay, research and mitigate the outbreak.
"We acted swiftly to contain the spread of the virus and our world-class surveillance, including intensive contact tracing and quarantining of early cases, helped to slow it significantly - and targeted contract tracing continues.
It added that it has tested "well over 100,000 people", and that it has "already set out plans to increase testing capacity to 25,000 a day".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 NHS staff beg public to stay at home
Earlier this week, it was reported that almost 4,000 NHS workers signed a letter in the Sunday Times calling on the prime minister to "protect the lives of the life-savers", and resolve the "unacceptable shortage of protective equipment".
Today's statement from the government continued: "The NHS has been mobilising for months and we are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak.
"On Thursday alone, over 21 million face masks, nine million aprons, 20 million gloves and 700,000 eye protectors were delivered to frontline workers."
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, told Sky News earlier this month: "We are just being entirely science-led."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 UK approach is led by science, says govt
Dr Horton has also expressed concerns over the government's new measures, which include a lockdown imposed on Monday.
"This plan, agreed far too late in the course of the outbreak, has left the NHS wholly unprepared for the surge of severely and critically ill patients that will soon come," he said.
Dr Horton said that he asked NHS workers to contact him with their experiences and the messages that came back have been "as distressing as they have been horrifying".
Some of the comments he cited include: "Forget lockdown - we are going into meltdown"; "total carnage"; "humanitarian crisis"; "I don't feel safe. I don't feel protected"; "we are literally making it up as we go along".
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Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, cabinet minister Michael Gove said hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend - "dramatically" scaling up next week, to find out if they have coronavirus.
He said it would allow those working in health and social care to "have security in the knowledge that they can safely return to work if their test is negative".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Gove: 'Virus does not discriminate'
"This is absolutely crucial to our response to - and fight against - coronavirus," he added.
It was also previously announced that the Army would be brought in to help get deliveries of protective equipment to frontline NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Cancer patients missing out on 'vital' treatment due to COVID-19

One of the country 's leading oncologists has told Sky News cancer patients are missing out on `` vital '' treatment during the coronavirus outbreak .
The warning comes after the National Health Service said non-urgent operations will have to be put on hold so hospitals can focus on battling the COVID-19 pandemic .
Professor Karol Sikora , chief medical officer at Rutherford Health , is making his multi-million pound specialist cancer treatment centres available to NHS patients so their treatment can continue uninterrupted .
He told Sky News : `` We hear stories of people in category one and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority for continuing treatment , not being able to get treatment and this is a tragedy .
`` They know that their lives not just in the next few months but over the next few years may be impaired because they 've missed out on vital treatments . ''
The coronavirus emergency is threatening to overwhelm the NHS .
Beth Purvis has just been told her cancer operation has been cancelled .
The mother-of-two was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 .
The illness later spread to her lungs .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was clear for just over a year .
Earlier this year , a further tumour popped up in my right lung .
`` They were going to operate ... but they phoned me to say they 'd suspended all surgical procedures .
They have n't given any rescheduling info . ''
The NHS says its hospitals need to balance the need for treatment against the risk posed to patients with weakened immune systems .
Ms Purvis accepts that and says she understands the coronavirus emergency must be a priority but knowing her treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety .
`` I was absolutely devastated , I burst into tears .
I was losing hope of ever being clear of cancer again .
`` It might be that the operation is no longer viable , depending on how the cancer behaves .
But when I think about it logically and rationally , I can see why they 've made the decision because I can see I would be high risk and they clearly need all the equipment to look after people who are at risk of coronavirus .
`` It does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotionally .
I feel emotionally drained . ''
NHS guidelines say that emergency admissions , cancer treatment and other clinically urgent care should continue unaffected .
But as the virus spreads across the country , oncologists - like other doctors - will be forced to make tough decisions .
Mr Zaed Hamady , consultant surgeon at Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and vice president of The Association for Cancer Surgery , told Sky News the government had allowed NHS Trusts to make agreements with private healthcare providers so some cancer patients could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that not all cancer treatment is urgent and some procedures can safely be put on hold but warned there will be delays and cancellations .
`` Of course it 's a difficult time for everybody , particularly cancer patients .
As cancer doctors , we anticipate that beds will be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients .
`` Most of our patients will need a higher level of care and we anticipate that these beds will be occupied by COVID-19 patients .
The effort is coming from many directions , from Trust level , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Department of Health . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government is turning to the private sector to expand capacity .
It needs more beds , ventilators and trained staff .
Rutherford cancer centres already take on NHS patients at their clinics across the country .
Mike Moran , the chief executive officer of Rutherford Health PLC , said there is capacity to take on more .
`` This is about making sure that we do what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the opportunity to continue their treatment either with the NHS or with a private organisation .
`` We will fall into line exactly the same as private hospitals and the independent healthcare providers network have negotiated that agreement with the government . ''

One of the country's leading oncologists has told Sky News cancer patients are missing out on "vital" treatment during the coronavirus outbreak.
The warning comes after the National Health Service said non-urgent operations will have to be put on hold so hospitals can focus on battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Karol Sikora, chief medical officer at Rutherford Health, is making his multi-million pound specialist cancer treatment centres available to NHS patients so their treatment can continue uninterrupted.
Image: Karol Sikora is making his specialist cancer treatment centres available to NHS patients
He told Sky News: "We hear stories of people in category one and two priority, they're the highest priority for continuing treatment, not being able to get treatment and this is a tragedy.
"They know that their lives not just in the next few months but over the next few years may be impaired because they've missed out on vital treatments."
The coronavirus emergency is threatening to overwhelm the NHS.
Beth Purvis has just been told her cancer operation has been cancelled. The mother-of-two was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. The illness later spread to her lungs.
"I had a couple of operations and I was clear for just over a year. Earlier this year, a further tumour popped up in my right lung.
"They were going to operate... but they phoned me to say they'd suspended all surgical procedures. They haven't given any rescheduling info."
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The NHS says its hospitals need to balance the need for treatment against the risk posed to patients with weakened immune systems.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Theme park becomes drive-thru testing centre
Ms Purvis accepts that and says she understands the coronavirus emergency must be a priority but knowing her treatment has been suspended is causing her great anxiety.
"I was absolutely devastated, I burst into tears. I was losing hope of ever being clear of cancer again.
"It might be that the operation is no longer viable, depending on how the cancer behaves. But when I think about it logically and rationally, I can see why they've made the decision because I can see I would be high risk and they clearly need all the equipment to look after people who are at risk of coronavirus.
"It doesn't make it easier to cope with emotionally. I feel emotionally drained."
Image: A leading oncologist has said cancer patients cannot afford to miss 'vital' treatments
NHS guidelines say that emergency admissions, cancer treatment and other clinically urgent care should continue unaffected.
But as the virus spreads across the country, oncologists - like other doctors - will be forced to make tough decisions.
Mr Zaed Hamady, consultant surgeon at Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and vice president of The Association for Cancer Surgery, told Sky News the government had allowed NHS Trusts to make agreements with private healthcare providers so some cancer patients could continue their treatment there.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Nightingale Hospital begins to take shape
He explained that not all cancer treatment is urgent and some procedures can safely be put on hold but warned there will be delays and cancellations.
"Of course it's a difficult time for everybody, particularly cancer patients. As cancer doctors, we anticipate that beds will be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.
"Most of our patients will need a higher level of care and we anticipate that these beds will be occupied by COVID-19 patients. The effort is coming from many directions, from Trust level, as well as centrally, the royal colleges and the Department of Health."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government is turning to the private sector to expand capacity. It needs more beds, ventilators and trained staff.
Rutherford cancer centres already take on NHS patients at their clinics across the country.
Mike Moran, the chief executive officer of Rutherford Health PLC, said there is capacity to take on more.
"This is about making sure that we do what's right for cancer patients and cancer patients have the opportunity to continue their treatment either with the NHS or with a private organisation.
"We will fall into line exactly the same as private hospitals and the independent healthcare providers network have negotiated that agreement with the government."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Fears for indigenous tribes after doctor in Amazon tests positive

There are fears remote indigenous communities could be decimated by the coronavirus after a doctor working with an Amazon tribe was confirmed to have the disease .
The doctor had been working with the Tikunas , a tribe of more than 30,000 people who live in the upper Amazon near Brazil 's borders with Colombia and Peru .
Brazil 's health ministry said the doctor , who has not been named , had returned to the tribe on 18 March after a vacation .
He had no symptoms at that stage and had been wearing protective gear , including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day , he isolated himself and was confirmed as having COVID-19 a week later .
Eight members of the tribe have been isolated in their homes and are being monitored , the health ministry said .
It is the first known case of the virus being in an indigenous village , sparking fears it could prove especially lethal for Brazil 's 850,000 indigenous people .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Many tribe members have weak immune systems due to diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a third of deaths among Brazil 's indigenous people are caused by respiratory illnesses .
COVID-19 is the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus .
Smallpox and the flu are among the diseases that have devastated such tribes and , more recently , the 2016 H1N1 epidemic killed hundreds of people from Brazil 's Guaran tribe .
Their close and communal style of living also means isolation is difficult for anyone with symptoms of a contagious disease .

There are fears remote indigenous communities could be decimated by the coronavirus after a doctor working with an Amazon tribe was confirmed to have the disease.
The doctor had been working with the Tikunas, a tribe of more than 30,000 people who live in the upper Amazon near Brazil's borders with Colombia and Peru.
Brazil's health ministry said the doctor, who has not been named, had returned to the tribe on 18 March after a vacation.
He had no symptoms at that stage and had been wearing protective gear, including a face mask.
After developing a fever that day, he isolated himself and was confirmed as having COVID-19 a week later.
Eight members of the tribe have been isolated in their homes and are being monitored, the health ministry said.
It is the first known case of the virus being in an indigenous village, sparking fears it could prove especially lethal for Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Many tribe members have weak immune systems due to diseases such as hepatitis B and diabetes, while a third of deaths among Brazil's indigenous people are caused by respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19 is the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.
Smallpox and the flu are among the diseases that have devastated such tribes and, more recently, the 2016 H1N1 epidemic killed hundreds of people from Brazil's Guaran tribe.
Their close and communal style of living also means isolation is difficult for anyone with symptoms of a contagious disease.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Trump decides against NY quarantine as infant dies after contracting virus

US President Donald Trump appears to have changed his mind about the possibility of imposing a quarantine on New York , New Jersey and Connecticut .
He wrote on Twitter : `` On the recommendation of the White House coronavirus task force , and upon consultation with the governors of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , I have asked the CDC to issue a strong travel advisory , to be administered by the governors , in consultation with the federal government .
A quarantine will not be necessary . ''
It came just hours after he had told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see New York quarantined because it 's a hot spot - New York , New Jersey , maybe one or two other places ... certain parts of Connecticut quarantined .
I 'm thinking about that right now . ''
He went on : `` We might not have to do it but there is a possibility that sometime today we 'll do a quarantine , short term , two weeks for New York , probably New Jersey , certain parts of Connecticut . ''
The number of deaths in New York has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of cases now recorded at 52,318 , most of them in New York City .
Mr Trump 's words came shortly before it was confirmed that a child under the age of one had died in Chicago after contracting the virus .
Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr Ngozi Ezike said : `` There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant .
A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death .
`` We must do everything we can to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect ourselves , but to protect those around us . ''
Meanwhile , the governor of New York , Andrew Cuomo , said the price of ventilators in the US had almost doubled from $ 25,000 to $ 45,000 - driven up because each state is competing against the others to buy them .
Insisting the US has merely been reactive and failed to plan ahead , he said : `` We have been behind this virus from day one . ''
Saying he is trying to stockpile medical supplies before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` You do n't win on defence , you win on offence .
You have to get ahead of this . ''
Mr Cuomo also insisted the pandemic was `` not a sprint my friends , this is a marathon '' but also said people should try and `` find a silver lining in all of this '' .
`` Who 's painting their house because they never had time to paint their house before , who 's working on a project that they never got to - who 's reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , who 's writing a book ? ''
He continued : `` I 've had conversations with my daughters , hours-long conversations where it 's just us , just us talking , no place to go , she does n't have to go to work , she does n't have to run out , and they 're priceless .
`` You 'll never get the opportunity in life to do that again .
We 're going to get through this and they 're going to go off and find a boyfriend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's terrible and I 'm not trying to say it 's not a terrible circumstance , but even in a terrible circumstance , if you look hard enough , you can find a little ray , a few rays of light , and people are doing it and I think we all should .
`` It 's going to be a marathon , but we 're going to get through it . ''
Meanwhile , non-coronavirus patients on the west coast of the US are set to be transferred onto a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles to help the city 's overburdened hospitals .
A handful of patients will be taken to the USNS Mercy , one of the navy 's two hospital ships , on Saturday as the Californian city struggles to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak .
The captain of the ship , which has 1,100 hospital beds , said they would gradually take on more patients over time to free up space in hospitals for coronavirus patients .
The Mercy 's 1,000 sailors , of which two-thirds are medical staff , have spent the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time many of them have worked together .
California 's 40 million residents were placed on lockdown on 19 March , with its governor estimating 56 % of the state 's population would be infected over eight weeks .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It is the third hardest hit state in the country , after New York and New Jersey , with a total of 4,905 coronavirus cases confirmed and 102 deaths in California by Thursday evening .
Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , with 1,482 confirmed cases and 26 deaths .
On Friday the US overtook China and Italy in the number of confirmed cases , which reached 104,860 on Saturday and 1,581 deaths .
The country now has just over 17 % of the world 's 615,519 cases .
The US navy 's other hospital ship , the USNS Comfort , is preparing to leave Virginia on Saturday to head to New York City which is the worst hit area of the US .

US President Donald Trump appears to have changed his mind about the possibility of imposing a quarantine on New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
He wrote on Twitter: "On the recommendation of the White House coronavirus task force, and upon consultation with the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, I have asked the CDC to issue a strong travel advisory, to be administered by the governors, in consultation with the federal government. A quarantine will not be necessary."
It came just hours after he had told reporters: "Some people would like to see New York quarantined because it's a hot spot - New York, New Jersey, maybe one or two other places... certain parts of Connecticut quarantined. I'm thinking about that right now."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Trump was considering quarantine of New York
He went on: "We might not have to do it but there is a possibility that sometime today we'll do a quarantine, short term, two weeks for New York, probably New Jersey, certain parts of Connecticut."
The number of deaths in New York has risen from 519 to 728, with the number of cases now recorded at 52,318, most of them in New York City.
Mr Trump's words came shortly before it was confirmed that a child under the age of one had died in Chicago after contracting the virus.
Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr Ngozi Ezike said: "There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.
"We must do everything we can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. If not to protect ourselves, but to protect those around us."
Meanwhile, the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, said the price of ventilators in the US had almost doubled from $25,000 to $45,000 - driven up because each state is competing against the others to buy them.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 US states bidding against each other for ventilators
Insisting the US has merely been reactive and failed to plan ahead, he said: "We have been behind this virus from day one."
Saying he is trying to stockpile medical supplies before the expected peak in a fortnight, he said: "You don't win on defence, you win on offence. You have to get ahead of this."
Mr Cuomo also insisted the pandemic was "not a sprint my friends, this is a marathon" but also said people should try and "find a silver lining in all of this".
"Who's painting their house because they never had time to paint their house before, who's working on a project that they never got to - who's reading a book that they never got to do, who's writing a book?"
He continued: "I've had conversations with my daughters, hours-long conversations where it's just us, just us talking, no place to go, she doesn't have to go to work, she doesn't have to run out, and they're priceless.
"You'll never get the opportunity in life to do that again. We're going to get through this and they're going to go off and find a boyfriend and do whatever they do.
"Yes, it's terrible and I'm not trying to say it's not a terrible circumstance, but even in a terrible circumstance, if you look hard enough, you can find a little ray, a few rays of light, and people are doing it and I think we all should.
"It's going to be a marathon, but we're going to get through it."
Meanwhile, non-coronavirus patients on the west coast of the US are set to be transferred onto a US navy hospital ship moored off Los Angeles to help the city's overburdened hospitals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 A look inside US hospital ship
A handful of patients will be taken to the USNS Mercy, one of the navy's two hospital ships, on Saturday as the Californian city struggles to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The captain of the ship, which has 1,100 hospital beds, said they would gradually take on more patients over time to free up space in hospitals for coronavirus patients.
Image: About two thirds of the Mercy's 1,000 sailors are medical staff
The Mercy's 1,000 sailors, of which two-thirds are medical staff, have spent the last week training at sea as it is the first time many of them have worked together.
California's 40 million residents were placed on lockdown on 19 March, with its governor estimating 56% of the state's population would be infected over eight weeks.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It is the third hardest hit state in the country, after New York and New Jersey, with a total of 4,905 coronavirus cases confirmed and 102 deaths in California by Thursday evening.
Los Angeles has been the state's hardest hit city, with 1,482 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.
On Friday the US overtook China and Italy in the number of confirmed cases, which reached 104,860 on Saturday and 1,581 deaths.
Image: New York's normally busy Times Square was empty on Saturday morning
The country now has just over 17% of the world's 615,519 cases.
The US navy's other hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, is preparing to leave Virginia on Saturday to head to New York City which is the worst hit area of the US.


news--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: US cities put into lockdown as COVID-19 cases worldwide overtake China

New York 's mayor has ordered restaurants , bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as the city battles to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
Bill de Blasio also moved to close nightclubs , cinemas , theatres and concert venues .
In a written statement , he said : `` This is not a decision I make lightly .
`` These places are part of the heart and soul of our city .
They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker .
But our city is facing an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wartime mentality . ''
Similarly in Los Angeles , Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars , nightclubs , entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March .
Mr Garcetti said restaurants will be closed to the public but will be allowed to do takeaway and delivery .
Supermarkets will remain open .
Illinois , Ohio , Massachusetts and Washington state are also among places that ordered bars to close and restaurants to stop dine-in services .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Health officials have advised people to distance themselves from each other socially , with some states banning gatherings with more than a certain number of people .
The decision comes just hours after Donald Trump urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak , telling Americans to `` take it easy '' and `` relax '' .
During a briefing , the president also hailed the `` very good news '' that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
US officials have recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths linked to the virus .
Sky 's US correspondent , Greg Milam , said cities and states had decided `` it 's up to them to deal with it '' amid criticism of Mr Trump 's response .
The new measures came as the confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world surpassed 169,000 - meaning there have now been more confirmed cases outside than inside China , where the figure stands at over 81,000 .
Globally , more than 6,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
China , Italy , Iran , South Korea and Spain are the countries with the most cases .
Further restrictions and border closures are continuing to be announced around the world .
Spain has enforced a nationwide quarantine , while Austria 's chancellor said his government was limiting people 's movement nationwide .
This came shortly after the country 's Tyrol province followed Italy and Spain in barring people from leaving their homes except for essential errands and work .
Neighbouring Slovenia said it would shut down all public transport starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food shops and pharmacies .
Estonia and Latvia confirmed they would close their borders to foreign nationals , except residents , from Tuesday .
Turkey has put aside quarantine beds for more than 10,000 people returning from pilgrimage to Islam 's holy sites in Saudi Arabia .
It has also suspended mass prayers in mosques .
Italy , the worst-hit European country with more than 21,000 infections and 1,400 deaths , wound its nearly week-old lockdown still tighter .
The transport ministry banned passengers from taking ferries to the island of Sardinia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which many in the worst-affected north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south .
Nearby Morocco has suspended all international flights and announced it will close all mosques from Monday along with restaurants , theatres and sports clubs .
Takeaway food and shops selling essentials are exempt .
Somalia confirmed its first case of coronavirus - a Somali national who travelled from China last week - after they tested positive for COVID-19 .
France , which has reported 4,500 cases and 91 deaths , went ahead with nationwide elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite a crackdown on public gatherings .
The state of Bavaria in neighbouring Germany , which had reported nearly 3,800 cases and eight deaths nationwide as of Saturday , also went ahead with municipal elections .
German newspaper Bild has since reported that the government is looking to close restaurants , non-essential shops and ban church services as part of a new wave of measures to tackle the outbreak .
Meanwhile , German airline Lufthansa has said it will cut 90 % of its long-haul flights from Tuesday and the country 's Bundesliga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on hold until 2 April at the very least .
There were tough steps being taken in South East Asia too , with soldiers and police sealing the densely populated Philippine capital Manila from most domestic travellers , in one of the region 's most drastic containment measures .
In Indonesia , President Joko Widodo asked all people to work , study and worship from home .
Malaysia said it would restrict travel , ban public gatherings , and close schools , universities and shops from Wednesday .
In China , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving on overseas flights were routed to a converted exhibition centre for initial checks before being shuttled off to their homes or other quarantine locations .
In the Middle East , Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem 's al Aqsa mosque , Islam 's third-holiest site , would be closed indefinitely due to concerns about the outbreak , with prayers continuing to be held on the sprawling esplanade outside .
Iran said it had nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths , while Egypt has reported 110 cases , including two fatalities .
Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious corruption charges , which was supposed to begin this week , was postponed for two months because of restrictions on public gatherings .
Guatemala has logged its first fatality from coronavirus as nations in South and Central America ramped up measures to contain the infection , with Panama banning entry of non-resident foreigners and Honduras closing its borders to passenger traffic for a week .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The leaders of Argentina and Peru also announced border closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cancelled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the spread of coronavirus .
South Africa declared a national state of disaster and warned the outbreak could have a `` potentially lasting '' impact and banned gatherings of more than 100 people .
Kenya suspended travel from any country with reported COVID-19 cases .
In west Africa , Ghana will ban entry from Tuesday to anyone who has been to a country with more than 200 coronavirus cases in the past 14 days , unless they are an official resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Namibia ordered schools to close for a month after recording its first two cases .
Djibouti , which has no confirmed case of COVID-19 , has suspended all international flights and Tanzania cancelled flights to India and suspended school games .
• Virus has infected more than 169,000 people worldwide and killed over 6,500 • Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday , its biggest one day rise • Britain will isolate older people `` within weeks '' and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus • Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chiefs the epidemic in the UK could last until spring 2021 • As of 9am on Monday , 1,543 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK • Figures from Sunday show 35 people in the UK have died since being diagnosed • More major retailers shut stores in the US including Nike , Under Armour , and Lululemon Athletica Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm

New York's mayor has ordered restaurants, bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as the city battles to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Bill de Blasio also moved to close nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert venues.
In a written statement, he said: "This is not a decision I make lightly.
Image: Restaurants are closed to dine-in customers
Image: Restaurants in New York have been made to close
"These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."
Similarly in Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March.
Mr Garcetti said restaurants will be closed to the public but will be allowed to do takeaway and delivery. Supermarkets will remain open.
Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts and Washington state are also among places that ordered bars to close and restaurants to stop dine-in services.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Health officials have advised people to distance themselves from each other socially, with some states banning gatherings with more than a certain number of people.
Advertisement
The decision comes just hours after Donald Trump urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak, telling Americans to "take it easy" and "relax".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 How Italians are coping under lockdown
During a briefing, the president also hailed the "very good news" that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0% to 0.25%.
US officials have recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths linked to the virus.
Sky's US correspondent, Greg Milam, said cities and states had decided "it's up to them to deal with it" amid criticism of Mr Trump's response.
The new measures came as the confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world surpassed 169,000 - meaning there have now been more confirmed cases outside than inside China, where the figure stands at over 81,000.
Globally, more than 6,500 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19. China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Spain are the countries with the most cases.
Further restrictions and border closures are continuing to be announced around the world.
Spain has enforced a nationwide quarantine, while Austria's chancellor said his government was limiting people's movement nationwide.
This came shortly after the country's Tyrol province followed Italy and Spain in barring people from leaving their homes except for essential errands and work.
Neighbouring Slovenia said it would shut down all public transport starting today and planned to shut all but food shops and pharmacies.
Estonia and Latvia confirmed they would close their borders to foreign nationals, except residents, from Tuesday.
Turkey has put aside quarantine beds for more than 10,000 people returning from pilgrimage to Islam's holy sites in Saudi Arabia. It has also suspended mass prayers in mosques.
Image: People wave and clap their hands next to a Italian flags during a lockdown 'flash mob' in Rome
Italy, the worst-hit European country with more than 21,000 infections and 1,400 deaths, wound its nearly week-old lockdown still tighter.
The transport ministry banned passengers from taking ferries to the island of Sardinia, and also banned overnight train trips - which many in the worst-affected north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south.
Nearby Morocco has suspended all international flights and announced it will close all mosques from Monday along with restaurants, theatres and sports clubs. Takeaway food and shops selling essentials are exempt.
Somalia confirmed its first case of coronavirus - a Somali national who travelled from China last week - after they tested positive for COVID-19.
France, which has reported 4,500 cases and 91 deaths, went ahead with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on public gatherings.
Image: Restaurants in Paris have also been closed
The state of Bavaria in neighbouring Germany, which had reported nearly 3,800 cases and eight deaths nationwide as of Saturday, also went ahead with municipal elections.
German newspaper Bild has since reported that the government is looking to close restaurants, non-essential shops and ban church services as part of a new wave of measures to tackle the outbreak.
Meanwhile, German airline Lufthansa has said it will cut 90% of its long-haul flights from Tuesday and the country's Bundesliga and second division football leagues will be put on hold until 2 April at the very least.
There were tough steps being taken in South East Asia too, with soldiers and police sealing the densely populated Philippine capital Manila from most domestic travellers, in one of the region's most drastic containment measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Other European countries are continuing to impose strict measures
In Indonesia, President Joko Widodo asked all people to work, study and worship from home.
Malaysia said it would restrict travel, ban public gatherings, and close schools, universities and shops from Wednesday.
In China, where the virus was first detected, those arriving on overseas flights were routed to a converted exhibition centre for initial checks before being shuttled off to their homes or other quarantine locations.
In the Middle East, Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem's al Aqsa mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, would be closed indefinitely due to concerns about the outbreak, with prayers continuing to be held on the sprawling esplanade outside.
Iran said it had nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths, while Egypt has reported 110 cases, including two fatalities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial on serious corruption charges, which was supposed to begin this week, was postponed for two months because of restrictions on public gatherings.
Guatemala has logged its first fatality from coronavirus as nations in South and Central America ramped up measures to contain the infection, with Panama banning entry of non-resident foreigners and Honduras closing its borders to passenger traffic for a week.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The leaders of Argentina and Peru also announced border closures.
Several African governments have closed borders, cancelled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the spread of coronavirus.
South Africa declared a national state of disaster and warned the outbreak could have a "potentially lasting" impact and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
Kenya suspended travel from any country with reported COVID-19 cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Americans rush to board final planes to US
In west Africa, Ghana will ban entry from Tuesday to anyone who has been to a country with more than 200 coronavirus cases in the past 14 days, unless they are an official resident or Ghanaian national.
In southern Africa, Namibia ordered schools to close for a month after recording its first two cases.
Djibouti, which has no confirmed case of COVID-19, has suspended all international flights and Tanzania cancelled flights to India and suspended school games.
In other developments:
Virus has infected more than 169,000 people worldwide and killed over 6,500
Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, its biggest one day rise
Britain will isolate older people "within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus
"within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus Public Health England (PHE) warned health chiefs the epidemic in the UK could last until spring 2021
As of 9am on Monday, 1,543 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK
Figures from Sunday show 35 people in the UK have died since being diagnosed
show 35 people in the UK have died since being diagnosed More major retailers shut stores in the US including Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon Athletica
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: NHS workers offered free cars and bikes to keep them safe during outbreak

NHS workers are being offered free cars and bikes to help them get to work .
Many frontline staff had expressed concern they could be infected on crowded public transport so several British companies have offered to help keep them safe .
Brompton Bikes have set up a bike hire scheme free of charge for key NHS workers .
Hundreds of healthcare staff across the UK have registered , and the company anticipates up to a thousand bikes could be loaned out .
Managing director of Brompton Bike Hire , Julian Scriven , described the feedback he 'd received as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News : `` At the moment trying to keep the country moving is important and if we 're thinking long-term as a business , surely getting everyone past COVID-19 as smoothly as possible , keeping the NHS up , is by far the most important business priority we could have . ''
The scheme is already being used by staff at several London hospitals , including St Bartholomew 's .
Chief cardiac physiologist Zoe Carter has recently signed up .
She said : `` Since the COVID crisis started my biggest fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tube due to the risk of getting an infection from there .
The roads are quiet and I 'm managing to exercise before and after a busy day at work . ''
Cardiac centre general manager Jonathan Kelly helped set the scheme up .
He said : `` It 's helping a lot of staff here , it 's helping a lot of staff across London .
I think over 200 staff are using it .
And for staff who live further afield I think the free parking has helped get staff in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The government came under pressure after 400,000 people signed a petition to scrap hospital parking charges for frontline NHS staff .
In Wales , all NHS staff have been offered free rail travel to help them get to work more easily .
Across the UK , British transport companies have been doing their bit to help healthcare workers .
MG Motor UK have offered 100 electric cars on free loans for up to six months for frontline NHS staff .
Daniel Gregorious , head of sales and marketing at MG Motor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud British brand , MG is more than just a car manufacturer .
Together with our dealer network , we want to do our bit to help the country to come through this uncertain time . ''
The company has already sent out cars to staff in South Wales and South Cumbria .
Jaguar Land Rover is another company keen to help .
In partnership with the Red Cross they have deployed vehicles around the world including the UK .
The firm has also donated protective equipment including glasswear to the Royal Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finbar McFall , told Sky News they were keen to use fleet vehicles which were currently unable to operate .
`` We wanted to say a heartfelt thank-you to all those brave men and women in the NHS and those charities and emergency services who are now in the frontline in the battle against this virus .
We are hugely grateful . ''

NHS workers are being offered free cars and bikes to help them get to work.
Many frontline staff had expressed concern they could be infected on crowded public transport so several British companies have offered to help keep them safe.
Brompton Bikes have set up a bike hire scheme free of charge for key NHS workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 NHS heroes: Keeping our pharmacies going
Hundreds of healthcare staff across the UK have registered, and the company anticipates up to a thousand bikes could be loaned out.
Managing director of Brompton Bike Hire, Julian Scriven, described the feedback he'd received as "heart-warming".
Mr Scriven told Sky News: "At the moment trying to keep the country moving is important and if we're thinking long-term as a business, surely getting everyone past COVID-19 as smoothly as possible, keeping the NHS up, is by far the most important business priority we could have."
The scheme is already being used by staff at several London hospitals, including St Bartholomew's.
Chief cardiac physiologist Zoe Carter has recently signed up. She said: "Since the COVID crisis started my biggest fear was my travel to work on the Tube due to the risk of getting an infection from there. The roads are quiet and I'm managing to exercise before and after a busy day at work."
Cardiac centre general manager Jonathan Kelly helped set the scheme up. He said: "It's helping a lot of staff here, it's helping a lot of staff across London. I think over 200 staff are using it. And for staff who live further afield I think the free parking has helped get staff in without having to use the crowded tubes."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 NHS worker thanks public for support
The government came under pressure after 400,000 people signed a petition to scrap hospital parking charges for frontline NHS staff.
In Wales, all NHS staff have been offered free rail travel to help them get to work more easily.
Across the UK, British transport companies have been doing their bit to help healthcare workers.
MG Motor UK have offered 100 electric cars on free loans for up to six months for frontline NHS staff.
Daniel Gregorious, head of sales and marketing at MG Motor UK, said: "As a proud British brand, MG is more than just a car manufacturer. Together with our dealer network, we want to do our bit to help the country to come through this uncertain time."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Nation applauds coronavirus health workers
The company has already sent out cars to staff in South Wales and South Cumbria.
Jaguar Land Rover is another company keen to help.
In partnership with the Red Cross they have deployed vehicles around the world including the UK.
The firm has also donated protective equipment including glasswear to the Royal Bolton Hospital.
JLR's marketing director, Finbar McFall, told Sky News they were keen to use fleet vehicles which were currently unable to operate. "We wanted to say a heartfelt thank-you to all those brave men and women in the NHS and those charities and emergency services who are now in the frontline in the battle against this virus. We are hugely grateful."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: The South African township where people just won't follow the lockdown rules

This is what I observed after spending the day in Alexandra , an impoverished and badly overcrowded township in Johannesburg .
The highly restrictive , 21-day lock-down ordered by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa will not work .
It will not work because a significant percentage of the population can not or will not follow the rules and regulations stipulated by the shutdown , which has been put in place in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The South African government should refocus its approach and prepare with urgency for the worst case scenario where tens of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexandra , nothing else makes sense .
We began the day outside the Freedom Supermarket , where a 500m queue began at the front door .
Across the road , a similarly lengthy line ended at a metal gate which stood in front of the local bank .
Attempting to keep order was a solitary policeman , who screamed and pleaded with the shoppers to spread themselves out .
`` Please , one metre away , keep one metre away . ''
No one seemed to pay much notice .
The people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Africa .
The authorities have recorded an explosive rise in the number cases , increasing from 200 to over 1000 in seven days .
But residents also need to eat and they are permitted to buy food or medicine at the shops .
Still , the lockdown is not supposed to work like this .
There was no social distancing in Alexandra and there were few facemasks or hand sanitizers to be seen .
Plus , I could only spot one policeman on the scene .
`` Not easy at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy at all , '' he muttered .
I spoke to one shopper called Tirello , in front of the Freedom Supermarket .
`` We are out now , going shopping , we are meeting different people .
If I am infected , maybe this man [ in front of me ] is not infected and I am spreading the virus to him .
It is not going to work .
It is not going to work . ''
The authorities changed tack in the afternoon .
Several hundred soldiers were bussed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's residents indoors .
We tagged along with one detachment through a particularly rough part of `` Alex '' and it was clear the residents did not want them around .
`` Go away , go away , '' they yelled .
`` We do n't need this . ''
The rules and regulations are strict .
Anyone caught outside their home faces six months in jail - or a fine - or both .
But they are not taking this seriously in the townships .
`` The police minister says you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' I said to one man , who was drinking a beer in the street .
`` I am staying in one room with five others , how can I stay in there all day ?
They must just come and arrest us , '' he replied .
The residents ebbed and flowed around the troops as they made their way down the township 's sodden tracks .
Some took shelter in the alleyways and others perched on roofs .
But when the soldiers had passed , the people retook the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some members of the infantry unit began to lose their patience .
A woman in uniform targeted a man in a deckchair with a well-aimed slap and a barrage of expletives .
A few minutes later , a soldier walked up to a resident and aimed a punch at his head and swift kick at his legs .
It looked like a show of strength but in reality , it was a telling sign of weakness .
Alexandra Township , like many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policed and its residents will not self-isolate .
When the virus takes root here , as it almost certainly will , the national healthcare system will crack .
South Africa possesses 1,000 intensive care beds .
The population of Alexandra alone is estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 .
Some 16,000 beds at 52 quarantine sites have been identified across South Africa , `` as part of the government 's preparations '' , but this does not go anywhere near enough .
You only need to visit `` Alex '' to see it .

This is what I observed after spending the day in Alexandra, an impoverished and badly overcrowded township in Johannesburg.
The highly restrictive, 21-day lock-down ordered by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa will not work.
It will not work because a significant percentage of the population cannot or will not follow the rules and regulations stipulated by the shutdown, which has been put in place in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: Soldiers have been bussed into Alexandra to try and police the lockdown
Image: People have been queuing up in the street during the lockdown
The South African government should refocus its approach and prepare with urgency for the worst case scenario where tens of thousands of people fall seriously ill.
After 12 hours in Alexandra, nothing else makes sense.
We began the day outside the Freedom Supermarket, where a 500m queue began at the front door.
Across the road, a similarly lengthy line ended at a metal gate which stood in front of the local bank.
Attempting to keep order was a solitary policeman, who screamed and pleaded with the shoppers to spread themselves out.
"Please, one metre away, keep one metre away."
Advertisement
No one seemed to pay much notice.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The people of Alexandra know what the coronavirus is doing in South Africa. The authorities have recorded an explosive rise in the number cases, increasing from 200 to over 1000 in seven days.
But residents also need to eat and they are permitted to buy food or medicine at the shops.
Still, the lockdown is not supposed to work like this. There was no social distancing in Alexandra and there were few facemasks or hand sanitizers to be seen. Plus, I could only spot one policeman on the scene.
"Not easy at all, not easy at all, not easy at all," he muttered.
Image: The people of Alexandra have been largely ignoring the lockdown measures
I spoke to one shopper called Tirello, in front of the Freedom Supermarket.
"We are out now, going shopping, we are meeting different people. If I am infected, maybe this man [in front of me] is not infected and I am spreading the virus to him. It is not going to work. It is not going to work."
The authorities changed tack in the afternoon.
Several hundred soldiers were bussed into Alexandra with orders to keep the township's residents indoors.
Image: Tirello has said the lockdown measures are 'not going to work'
We tagged along with one detachment through a particularly rough part of "Alex" and it was clear the residents did not want them around.
"Go away, go away," they yelled. "We don't need this."
The rules and regulations are strict. Anyone caught outside their home faces six months in jail - or a fine - or both. But they are not taking this seriously in the townships.
Image: Crowds of people have been seen gathered outside the Freedom Supermarket
"The police minister says you could go to jail for being out here," I said to one man, who was drinking a beer in the street.
"I am staying in one room with five others, how can I stay in there all day? They must just come and arrest us," he replied.
The residents ebbed and flowed around the troops as they made their way down the township's sodden tracks.
Some took shelter in the alleyways and others perched on roofs. But when the soldiers had passed, the people retook the streets.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Some members of the infantry unit began to lose their patience. A woman in uniform targeted a man in a deckchair with a well-aimed slap and a barrage of expletives.
A few minutes later, a soldier walked up to a resident and aimed a punch at his head and swift kick at his legs.
It looked like a show of strength but in reality, it was a telling sign of weakness. Alexandra Township, like many other impoverished communities, cannot be policed and its residents will not self-isolate.
When the virus takes root here, as it almost certainly will, the national healthcare system will crack. South Africa possesses 1,000 intensive care beds. The population of Alexandra alone is estimated at 200,000 to 300,000.
Some 16,000 beds at 52 quarantine sites have been identified across South Africa, "as part of the government's preparations", but this does not go anywhere near enough.
You only need to visit "Alex" to see it.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: What's it like to be treated for COVID-19 in intensive care? A survivor's story

A man who was rushed into intensive care after contracting COVID-19 has told Sky News how his terrifying ordeal began when a bad cough turned into a collapsed lung .
Matt Dockray 's wife called 999 after he `` literately could n't get off the couch '' and was struggling to sit upright .
Once in hospital , doctors found one of his lungs had collapsed and the other one `` was n't doing great at all '' .
The 39-year-old was on his own , because family could not enter his room , and struggling to understand what medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suits and speaking through masks .
The deepest breath he could take was a `` really strong sniff '' and `` nothing would inflate '' .
Those around him in ITU were not 80 or 90-year-olds , he said .
`` These were young kids - there were people the same age as me . ''
Matt , from Marlow in Buckinghamshire , initially thought he had a cold or flu rather than COVID-19 .
The Aston Villa fan first noticed symptoms when he headed to Wembley for the League Cup final against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a `` bad dry cough '' and a `` bit of a headache '' .
He realised it was more serious after his parents sent him a device which measured his heart rate and oxygen saturation - which should have been at least 96 % .
Matt 's was down to 88 % .
By the time he was admitted to hospital nine days ago he had a `` real hacking cough to the point where you wanted to be sick '' .
`` Then you lose all sense of taste or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And a really bad temperature .
It 's definitely the worst I 've ever felt with anything . ''
After arriving at hospital he was taken to an isolation room and `` two guys came in dressed in hazmat suits with a ventilator pack on the back '' .
Matt said they `` took swabs straight away '' and `` just became increasingly concerned '' .
He continued : `` It was like something out of a movie .
You 've got no family with you , you do n't know what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you , and you ca n't hear people properly because they 're talking through masks .
`` It was very , very terrifying . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Once in intensive care he was `` hooked up to every machine '' and could hear `` every alarm and bell going off '' .
He added : `` My lung had collapsed and was failing , my other lung was n't doing great at all , and with everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the next stage was to put you on a ventilator . ''
But a ventilator is for support rather than treatment , he explained .
`` And I think that was the most terrifying part .
There 's no real treatment for [ COVID-19 ] , there 's no medication .
`` You 're expecting them to put a nice IV in and [ give you ] a drug to make everything better . ''
In the end , Matt was not put on a ventilator , but had oxygen forced into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked his stats `` from a distance '' .
There was a man opposite him whose family would `` come up to the glass , one at a time '' .
`` That guy lasted probably two to three days , and did n't make it , '' Matt said .
When he started to get better he could `` feel everything switching back on '' .
The nurses were `` absolutely fantastic '' and taught him `` how to breathe again '' , he said .

A man who was rushed into intensive care after contracting COVID-19 has told Sky News how his terrifying ordeal began when a bad cough turned into a collapsed lung.
Matt Dockray's wife called 999 after he "literately couldn't get off the couch" and was struggling to sit upright.
Once in hospital, doctors found one of his lungs had collapsed and the other one "wasn't doing great at all".
Image: One of Matt's lungs collapsed and the other one 'wasn't doing great at all'
The 39-year-old was on his own, because family could not enter his room, and struggling to understand what medics were saying because they were wearing hazmat suits and speaking through masks.
The deepest breath he could take was a "really strong sniff" and "nothing would inflate".
Those around him in ITU were not 80 or 90-year-olds, he said. "These were young kids - there were people the same age as me."
Matt, from Marlow in Buckinghamshire, initially thought he had a cold or flu rather than COVID-19.
The Aston Villa fan first noticed symptoms when he headed to Wembley for the League Cup final against Manchester City on 1 March. He had a "bad dry cough" and a "bit of a headache".
He realised it was more serious after his parents sent him a device which measured his heart rate and oxygen saturation - which should have been at least 96%.
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Matt's was down to 88%.
By the time he was admitted to hospital nine days ago he had a "real hacking cough to the point where you wanted to be sick".
"Then you lose all sense of taste or smell," he added.
"And a really bad temperature. It's definitely the worst I've ever felt with anything."
After arriving at hospital he was taken to an isolation room and "two guys came in dressed in hazmat suits with a ventilator pack on the back".
Matt said they "took swabs straight away" and "just became increasingly concerned".
He continued: "It was like something out of a movie. You've got no family with you, you don't know what's going on, no one can explain to you, and you can't hear people properly because they're talking through masks.
"It was very, very terrifying."
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
Once in intensive care he was "hooked up to every machine" and could hear "every alarm and bell going off".
He added: "My lung had collapsed and was failing, my other lung wasn't doing great at all, and with everything that was going on and my symptoms, the next stage was to put you on a ventilator."
But a ventilator is for support rather than treatment, he explained.
"And I think that was the most terrifying part. There's no real treatment for [COVID-19], there's no medication.
"You're expecting them to put a nice IV in and [give you] a drug to make everything better."
In the end, Matt was not put on a ventilator, but had oxygen forced into him via a nasal cannula while doctors checked his stats "from a distance".
There was a man opposite him whose family would "come up to the glass, one at a time".
"That guy lasted probably two to three days, and didn't make it," Matt said.
When he started to get better he could "feel everything switching back on".
The nurses were "absolutely fantastic" and taught him "how to breathe again", he said.
Matt was discharged on Thursday.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: China is building a 'fortress' to make sure coronavirus is now a foreign problem

If you want to know just how seriously they are still taking coronavirus , cross its borders .
On Thursday , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would ban all foreigners from entering in 24 hours ' time - we need to get to Beijing .
Our team was in Seoul and the screening process for COVID-19 started there .
At the check-in counter , our temperatures were taken - anything above 37C meant no boarding , and being locked out of our homes and workplace for weeks , maybe longer .
Each stage was more stringent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing full personal protective equipment ( PPE ) - suits , masks , goggles and splash guards .
There were four more temperature checks before we were allowed on the plane .
On board , all the Air China cabin crew were in full PPE too , their names written on the back of their suits and cartoons they had drawn .
During the short flight , they took our temperature again .
We landed at Dalian , a seaside city about halfway between Beijing and Seoul .
The Chinese government is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital that the quarantine process started there ; the Citadel must be protected .
When we landed , customs officials boarded - again , they were suited up - and with thermometers once more in hand , before allowing us off the plane , row by row .
They were scenes that would be impossible to imagine two months ago and even now they feel other-worldly .
The arrival hall was even further in the realm of the unreal : more than 50 officials , customs and police , all in full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desks and manning checkpoints .
Every passenger was interviewed at length about their travel history and possible symptoms .
Then each of us was taken into a medical screening room for the COVID-19 test .
This was uncomfortable , a swab at the back of the throat , then at the back of the nose , enough to make the eyes water .
It was an extraordinary operation , late on a Friday night , and a stark contrast to European cities where people are allowed off flights with perhaps a temperature check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authoritarian state with deep pockets can achieve .
But it was also remarkably efficient and even considerate - two words I never thought I would use to describe Chinese bureaucracy , or Chinese airports for that matter .
We made it through immigration about two hours after we landed , and only four hours before the ban came into effect .
We were in China but we would not be going to Beijing .
A new policy .
We were driven in buses to a local hotel in Dalian requisitioned by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , and checked into tired rooms where we will spend the next 14 days .
Everyone pays for their stay , 340 RMB ( about £40 ) per night .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It includes meals , which are delivered three times a day , left outside the door ; if you are quick you can see the hazmat suit that delivered the food scurry off to a safe distance .
Twice a day the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our temperature - thermometers are provided .
Our COVID-19 tests came back negative .
We will have another in 10 days ' time .
Inaction and cover-up marred China 's response to the outbreak inside its borders .
Now the virus is a foreign menace , they will go to every length to keep it at bay .

China is building a fortress against coronavirus.
If you want to know just how seriously they are still taking coronavirus, cross its borders.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would ban all foreigners from entering in 24 hours' time - we need to get to Beijing.
Image: Sky's Tom Cheshire and the team were travelling to Beijing from Seoul
Image: At a hotel in Dalian, staff were wearing full personal protective equipment
Our team was in Seoul and the screening process for COVID-19 started there.
At the check-in counter, our temperatures were taken - anything above 37C meant no boarding, and being locked out of our homes and workplace for weeks, maybe longer.
Each stage was more stringent. At the boarding gate, officials were wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) - suits, masks, goggles and splash guards.
There were four more temperature checks before we were allowed on the plane.
Image: The Sky team were among the last foreign nationals to arrive in China before a ban was enforced
Image: Chinese customs officers board the plane on arrival
On board, all the Air China cabin crew were in full PPE too, their names written on the back of their suits and cartoons they had drawn. During the short flight, they took our temperature again.
We landed at Dalian, a seaside city about halfway between Beijing and Seoul.
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The Chinese government is so anxious to avoid new COVID-19 cases in the capital that the quarantine process started there; the Citadel must be protected.
When we landed, customs officials boarded - again, they were suited up - and with thermometers once more in hand, before allowing us off the plane, row by row.
Image: China continues to enforce strict measures despite a sharp decrease in new cases
They were scenes that would be impossible to imagine two months ago and even now they feel other-worldly.
The arrival hall was even further in the realm of the unreal: more than 50 officials, customs and police, all in full suits and goggles, sitting at interview desks and manning checkpoints.
Every passenger was interviewed at length about their travel history and possible symptoms.
Then each of us was taken into a medical screening room for the COVID-19 test.
This was uncomfortable, a swab at the back of the throat, then at the back of the nose, enough to make the eyes water.
Image: The test for COVID-19 included a swab at the back of the throat
Image: The 'uncomfortable' test included a swab at the back of the nose
It was an extraordinary operation, late on a Friday night, and a stark contrast to European cities where people are allowed off flights with perhaps a temperature check at best.
That is what an authoritarian state with deep pockets can achieve.
But it was also remarkably efficient and even considerate - two words I never thought I would use to describe Chinese bureaucracy, or Chinese airports for that matter.
We made it through immigration about two hours after we landed, and only four hours before the ban came into effect.
We were in China but we would not be going to Beijing. A new policy.
We were driven in buses to a local hotel in Dalian requisitioned by the government, flanked by hazmat suits at every point, and checked into tired rooms where we will spend the next 14 days.
Everyone pays for their stay, 340 RMB (about £40) per night.
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 with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It includes meals, which are delivered three times a day, left outside the door; if you are quick you can see the hazmat suit that delivered the food scurry off to a safe distance.
Twice a day the phone rings and they ask to take our temperature - thermometers are provided.
Our COVID-19 tests came back negative. We will have another in 10 days' time.
Inaction and cover-up marred China's response to the outbreak inside its borders.
Now the virus is a foreign menace, they will go to every length to keep it at bay.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: NHS staff, police and public being coughed on by people claiming to have COVID-19

Police across the country are clamping down on people deliberately coughing on others during the coronavirus pandemic .
On separate occasions , NHS staff have been coughed at on purpose , a pensioner was spat on by a teenager , a man is accused of spitting blood in police officer 's faces and another is accused of coughing on an officer while claiming he had coronavirus .
As the UK was placed on lockdown on Monday evening , police were given sweeping powers to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel during the COVID-19 crisis .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease to assault others .
Police in Warrington , Cheshire , have promised to prosecute a group of teenagers who claimed to have coronavirus and deliberately coughed at NHS staff .
Sergeant Hillyard of Cheshire Police said : `` The youths will be prosecuted as will their parental guardians .
`` This is an absolutely abhorrent incident involving abuse of our NHS heroes .
`` I will once again urge all parents and persons with parental responsibility to make sure that their children STAY INSIDE .
You too can and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children inside . ''
In Tameside , Greater Manchester , a 14-year-old boy has been charged with assault after a 66-year-old woman was coughed on and spat at .
Officers were called just before 8.30pm on Tuesday to a report that earlier that evening a boy had been coughing and shouting `` coronavirus '' at a woman in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre .
The boy , who can not be named for legal reasons , is set to appear at Tameside Youth Court on 7 April .
In Withington , also in Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of spitting blood in four police officers ' faces as they responded to reports of a woman being assaulted on Thursday .
He was charged with four counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent , with regards to the spitting , and one count of stalking and one count of battery relating to the woman .
Konneh was refused bail , did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 24 April .
Man being arrested coughed at officer and said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another man , Mateusz Rejewski , 33 , allegedly coughed at an officer on Thursday while claiming he had coronavirus .
The officer , who was detaining the suspect for breaching a dispersal order , is now self-isolating as a precaution .
Rejewski , of no fixed abode , has been charged with one count of common assault on an emergency service worker and one count of breaching a dispersal notice .
He is in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates ' Court on 28 April .

Police across the country are clamping down on people deliberately coughing on others during the coronavirus pandemic.
On separate occasions, NHS staff have been coughed at on purpose, a pensioner was spat on by a teenager, a man is accused of spitting blood in police officer's faces and another is accused of coughing on an officer while claiming he had coronavirus.
As the UK was placed on lockdown on Monday evening, police were given sweeping powers to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel during the COVID-19 crisis.
They have seen an increasing number of people using the disease to assault others.
Image: Police said the kids and their parents will be prosecuted
Teenagers coughed at NHS staff
Police in Warrington, Cheshire, have promised to prosecute a group of teenagers who claimed to have coronavirus and deliberately coughed at NHS staff.
Sergeant Hillyard of Cheshire Police said: "The youths will be prosecuted as will their parental guardians.
"This is an absolutely abhorrent incident involving abuse of our NHS heroes.
"I will once again urge all parents and persons with parental responsibility to make sure that their children STAY INSIDE. You too can and will be prosecuted if you fail to keep your children inside."
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Teenager coughed at pensioner while shouting 'coronavirus'
In Tameside, Greater Manchester, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with assault after a 66-year-old woman was coughed on and spat at.
Officers were called just before 8.30pm on Tuesday to a report that earlier that evening a boy had been coughing and shouting "coronavirus" at a woman in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is set to appear at Tameside Youth Court on 7 April.
Image: A man reportedly spat blood in four officers' faces
Man spat blood in four police officers' faces
In Withington, also in Greater Manchester, Samuel Konneh, 38, is accused of spitting blood in four police officers' faces as they responded to reports of a woman being assaulted on Thursday.
He was charged with four counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, with regards to the spitting, and one count of stalking and one count of battery relating to the woman.
Konneh was refused bail, did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 24 April.
Man being arrested coughed at officer and said he had coronavirus
In central Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens, another man, Mateusz Rejewski, 33, allegedly coughed at an officer on Thursday while claiming he had coronavirus.
The officer, who was detaining the suspect for breaching a dispersal order, is now self-isolating as a precaution.
Rejewski, of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of common assault on an emergency service worker and one count of breaching a dispersal notice.
He is in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on 28 April.