news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Parks and playgrounds deserted amid new Guetersloh outbreak

Given that all the schools and nurseries are closed in Guetersloh - the north-west German district at the centre of the country 's latest COVID-19 outbreak - you might expect to see lots of children around .
But the playgrounds are empty .
Maybe parents are worried about taking their children out since lockdown measures were reimposed here after 1,500 workers tested positive for coronavirus at a nearby meat factory .
We did bump into one father on paternity leave with his baby who said those who have to work , like his brother and sister-in-law , have it hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seven .
They have to work .
The nurseries have only just opened again and now they 're shut , '' he said .
Along with nurseries - bars , gyms , swimming pools and cinemas are closed again .
Businesses only just trying to recoup money lost during the height of the crisis are now facing more losses .
And people are praying this latest lockdown only lasts a week as currently promised .
People tell us they are prepared to go along with the measures - keeping to their household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But everyone we spoke to is angry .
They claim the virus was able to spread at the plant because the many migrant workers employed there live in cramped conditions .
They also accuse the state governor of not acting fast enough .
A young woman selling strawberries from a van with protective plastic at the window said : `` Those workers shop in the same supermarket as me .
They go to the same places as me .
Why was n't there a lockdown sooner ? ''
One of her customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and rocks were thrown at her car .
People from Guetersloh were not wanted .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker These are the first residents in Germany to experience the joy and relief of an easing of lockdown only to see it introduced again .
The hope is that others wo n't have to go through the same if the virus spreads outside this area .

Given that all the schools and nurseries are closed in Guetersloh - the north-west German district at the centre of the country's latest COVID-19 outbreak - you might expect to see lots of children around.
But the playgrounds are empty.
Maybe parents are worried about taking their children out since lockdown measures were reimposed here after 1,500 workers tested positive for coronavirus at a nearby meat factory.
Image: A truck advertising pork toasties stands at the temporarily closed Toennies meat packaging plant
We did bump into one father on paternity leave with his baby who said those who have to work, like his brother and sister-in-law, have it hard.
"They have children of three and seven. They have to work. The nurseries have only just opened again and now they're shut," he said.
Along with nurseries - bars, gyms, swimming pools and cinemas are closed again. Businesses only just trying to recoup money lost during the height of the crisis are now facing more losses.
And people are praying this latest lockdown only lasts a week as currently promised.
People tell us they are prepared to go along with the measures - keeping to their household or mixing with just one person outside. But everyone we spoke to is angry.
They claim the virus was able to spread at the plant because the many migrant workers employed there live in cramped conditions. They also accuse the state governor of not acting fast enough.
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Image: The headquarters of abattoir company Toennies in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck
A young woman selling strawberries from a van with protective plastic at the window said: "Those workers shop in the same supermarket as me. They go to the same places as me. Why wasn't there a lockdown sooner?"
One of her customers said a friend travelled out of the area and rocks were thrown at her car. People from Guetersloh were not wanted.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
These are the first residents in Germany to experience the joy and relief of an easing of lockdown only to see it introduced again.
The hope is that others won't have to go through the same if the virus spreads outside this area.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Surge in demand for wine and cooking sauces during lockdown

Wine merchant Naked Wines and cooking sauce maker Premier Foods have reported a surge in demand during the lockdown .
Naked said sales were up 81 % in April and May compared to the same period last year as the pandemic drove `` significantly accelerated trading patterns '' .
Meanwhile , Bisto and Mr Kipling maker Premier Foods said sales since the end of March were up by about 20 % , driven by demand for cooking sauces , gravy and baking ingredients .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it disclosed its first annual results since spinning off bricks-and-mortar retailer Majestic - reporting a loss of £5.4m as it invested in attracting new customers .
The results covered the year to 30 March , a period when revenues rose by 14 % .
The first two months of the subsequent financial year saw sales climb by 81 % .
However , the company said there was `` considerable uncertainty '' about how long the trend would last and a `` high likelihood of a consumer downturn '' in the latter part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Devlin said that in the longer term Naked was well positioned to benefit from a shift in consumer behaviour .
`` I believe the enduring impact of COVID-19 will be to accelerate trends towards direct , online models in categories like wine , '' he said .
Premier Foods reported a profit of £53.6m for the year to 28 March as revenues grew 2.8 % to £847.1m - growth which accelerated towards the end of the period as customers stockpiled goods .
Sharwood 's and Loyd Grossman branded cooking sauces as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were among those to benefit , the company said .
One of the group 's smaller brands , McDougall 's flour , saw `` very marked increases in demand as more consumers turned to baking at home '' , it added .
Chief executive Alex Whitehouse said : `` One of the most prevalent trends we have seen during the lockdown is that Britain has got cooking again , with particularly high levels of demand for items relating to meal preparation , including cooking sauces , gravy and baking ingredients . ''
Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial year had seen `` particularly strong trading , with group revenues set to increase approximately 20 % compared to the prior year , as it continues to see elevated levels of demand for its grocery brands during the COVID-19 pandemic '' .
It said that while it remained unclear how consumer habits would change as lockdown measures ease , it now expects to beat previous revenue and profit expectations for the full year .

Wine merchant Naked Wines and cooking sauce maker Premier Foods have reported a surge in demand during the lockdown.
Naked said sales were up 81% in April and May compared to the same period last year as the pandemic drove "significantly accelerated trading patterns".
Meanwhile, Bisto and Mr Kipling maker Premier Foods said sales since the end of March were up by about 20%, driven by demand for cooking sauces, gravy and baking ingredients.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The update from Naked Wines came as it disclosed its first annual results since spinning off bricks-and-mortar retailer Majestic - reporting a loss of £5.4m as it invested in attracting new customers.
The results covered the year to 30 March, a period when revenues rose by 14%. The first two months of the subsequent financial year saw sales climb by 81%.
However, the company said there was "considerable uncertainty" about how long the trend would last and a "high likelihood of a consumer downturn" in the latter part of the 2020-21 period.
Chief executive Nick Devlin said that in the longer term Naked was well positioned to benefit from a shift in consumer behaviour.
"I believe the enduring impact of COVID-19 will be to accelerate trends towards direct, online models in categories like wine," he said.
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Shares closed up 8.4%.
Image: Premier Foods said consumers have turned to baking at home
Premier Foods reported a profit of £53.6m for the year to 28 March as revenues grew 2.8% to £847.1m - growth which accelerated towards the end of the period as customers stockpiled goods.
Sharwood's and Loyd Grossman branded cooking sauces as well as Ambrosia custard and rice pudding products were among those to benefit, the company said.
One of the group's smaller brands, McDougall's flour, saw "very marked increases in demand as more consumers turned to baking at home", it added.
Chief executive Alex Whitehouse said: "One of the most prevalent trends we have seen during the lockdown is that Britain has got cooking again, with particularly high levels of demand for items relating to meal preparation, including cooking sauces, gravy and baking ingredients."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 The end of the UK's 'long hibernation'
Premier said the first quarter of the current financial year had seen "particularly strong trading, with group revenues set to increase approximately 20% compared to the prior year, as it continues to see elevated levels of demand for its grocery brands during the COVID-19 pandemic".
It said that while it remained unclear how consumer habits would change as lockdown measures ease, it now expects to beat previous revenue and profit expectations for the full year.
Shares closed up almost 15%.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Where does undrunk Guinness go? Here's a clue: it will still make you feel merry

Thousands of pints of Guinness that were n't drunk during lockdown are being used to fertilise Christmas trees instead .
Guinness 's flagship brewery at St James 's Gate in Dublin usually produces 720 million litres a year - the equivalent of 39 pints per second .
But at the start of the coronavirus shutdown , operations had to be scaled back to the bare minimum required to keep yeast stocks alive .
Pubs , bars and restaurants across Ireland and Great Britain had to return their undrunk Guinness to the brew house - but instead of them being thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nurture Christmas and willow trees instead .
Some is also being used to create a bio-gas , which bosses hope could help power the brewery in the future .
Asked how much was handed back to them , director of operations at St James 's Gate Aidan Crowe said : `` You 'd probably make me cry if I started to add it all up , but it 's hundreds of thousands of kegs and we 've still got some products to decant and we 've still got some markets that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So a lot of beer and a lot of kegs . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With lockdown easing and pubs reopening , Guinness 's owners Diageo have launched a £12.6m fund to help landlords get back on their feet and make their venues `` COVID-19-secure '' .
In the UK , £28m of funding is being made available to help pubs implement social distancing measures .
Landlords can apply for the scheme to help pay for personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene measures .
Pubs in Ireland will get £12.6m ( €16m ) of the cash , Diageo said .
After beer and stout stocks were reduced to their lowest levels since the 1916 Easter Rising rebellion in March , operations are ramping up again , Mr Crowe said .
While the brewery produced solely canned products for supermarkets during the lockdown , the focus is back on draft pints , he added .
He said : `` We 've got to be prepared for different eventualities .
If it 's slower than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for that .
If it 's significantly busier than we expect , we 've got to be ready for that too .
And we are ready , we will be ready .
`` It 's a much nicer set of challenges to be trying to manage than the challenges that we had back in March when everything was being ramped down . ''

Thousands of pints of Guinness that weren't drunk during lockdown are being used to fertilise Christmas trees instead.
Guinness's flagship brewery at St James's Gate in Dublin usually produces 720 million litres a year - the equivalent of 39 pints per second.
But at the start of the coronavirus shutdown, operations had to be scaled back to the bare minimum required to keep yeast stocks alive.
Pubs, bars and restaurants across Ireland and Great Britain had to return their undrunk Guinness to the brew house - but instead of them being thrown away - they are now being used to nurture Christmas and willow trees instead.
Some is also being used to create a bio-gas, which bosses hope could help power the brewery in the future.
Asked how much was handed back to them, director of operations at St James's Gate Aidan Crowe said: "You'd probably make me cry if I started to add it all up, but it's hundreds of thousands of kegs and we've still got some products to decant and we've still got some markets that haven't finished returning their beer to us.
"So a lot of beer and a lot of kegs."
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With lockdown easing and pubs reopening, Guinness's owners Diageo have launched a £12.6m fund to help landlords get back on their feet and make their venues "COVID-19-secure".
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In the UK, £28m of funding is being made available to help pubs implement social distancing measures.
Landlords can apply for the scheme to help pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) among other hygiene measures.
Pubs in Ireland will get £12.6m (€16m) of the cash, Diageo said.
Image: The Guinness returned to the brewery is also being used to make a bio-gas
After beer and stout stocks were reduced to their lowest levels since the 1916 Easter Rising rebellion in March, operations are ramping up again, Mr Crowe said.
While the brewery produced solely canned products for supermarkets during the lockdown, the focus is back on draft pints, he added.
He said: "We've got to be prepared for different eventualities. If it's slower than we expect, we've got to be ready for that. If it's significantly busier than we expect, we've got to be ready for that too. And we are ready, we will be ready.
"It's a much nicer set of challenges to be trying to manage than the challenges that we had back in March when everything was being ramped down."


news--2020-06-23--Couples moving at a faster pace as relationships intensify in lockdown, experts say

The coronavirus lockdown has led to a wave of `` turbo relationships '' where couples have moved at a much faster pace than they would have otherwise , experts say .
New couples who have started living together during lockdown have seen their relationships intensify , with a few months together sometimes feeling like several years of commitment , according to research by the relationships charity Relate and eharmony dating website .
The findings come after deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries urged couples to `` test the strength '' of their relationships and move in together at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The study of more than 2,000 over-18s in the UK found that almost two thirds ( 63 % ) said their relationships had strengthened after living together during lockdown , while 58 % said they now know they want to be with their partner forever .
More than half of couples ( 59 % ) felt more committed to their partner after dealing with the pandemic together .
In more established couples , 42 % welcomed the quality time they had been able to spend with their partner .
The lockdown has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third of respondents saying two months together had felt like two years of commitment .
The same proportion said they had reached common relationship milestones sooner .
Eharmony relationship expert Rachael Lloyd said that while the pandemic has `` seriously tested '' relationships , many new couples are coping well .
`` What 's really interesting is the creation of so-called turbo relationships whereby couples who 'd never usually move at such speed may have found themselves living together within weeks of meeting - and largely thriving , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With couples feeling closer than ever during lockdown , some may fear their relationships could change as things return to a more normal way of life .
Relate counsellor Peter Saddington said : `` In wider periods of societal unrest , couples often pull together .
The combination of more time spent together , heightened anxiety levels and the removal of common routines - like seeing friends - is an intense mix .
`` And , whilst many of the consequences of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember we are living through a unique set of circumstances .
`` If your relationship does n't continue at the same pace or feelings lessen post-lockdown , that does n't spell disaster .
Communication is vital to allow couples to navigate what feels right when normal life resumes . ''
Some couples have fared worse than others , with around one in seven ( 14 % ) realising their relationship is over .
Singletons have also faced struggles , with two in five single people saying they felt lonely in lockdown and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad for their mental health .
Many have been embracing online dating as a way to deal with loneliness .
Sign ups to eharmony rose 50 % year-on-year in April and May , while communication has increased by a third due to its video date feature .
Meanwhile , nearly a third of single adults said the lockdown period had made them realise they are happier alone .

The coronavirus lockdown has led to a wave of "turbo relationships" where couples have moved at a much faster pace than they would have otherwise, experts say.
New couples who have started living together during lockdown have seen their relationships intensify, with a few months together sometimes feeling like several years of commitment, according to research by the relationships charity Relate and eharmony dating website.
The findings come after deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries urged couples to "test the strength" of their relationships and move in together at the beginning of the lockdown in March.
Image: A young couple hugs in a London park during lockdown
The study of more than 2,000 over-18s in the UK found that almost two thirds (63%) said their relationships had strengthened after living together during lockdown, while 58% said they now know they want to be with their partner forever.
More than half of couples (59%) felt more committed to their partner after dealing with the pandemic together.
In more established couples, 42% welcomed the quality time they had been able to spend with their partner.
The lockdown has also accelerated some relationships, with more than a third of respondents saying two months together had felt like two years of commitment.
The same proportion said they had reached common relationship milestones sooner.
Eharmony relationship expert Rachael Lloyd said that while the pandemic has "seriously tested" relationships, many new couples are coping well.
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"What's really interesting is the creation of so-called turbo relationships whereby couples who'd never usually move at such speed may have found themselves living together within weeks of meeting - and largely thriving," she said.
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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With couples feeling closer than ever during lockdown, some may fear their relationships could change as things return to a more normal way of life.
Relate counsellor Peter Saddington said: "In wider periods of societal unrest, couples often pull together. The combination of more time spent together, heightened anxiety levels and the removal of common routines - like seeing friends - is an intense mix.
"And, whilst many of the consequences of these turbo relationships are encouraging, people must remember we are living through a unique set of circumstances.
"If your relationship doesn't continue at the same pace or feelings lessen post-lockdown, that doesn't spell disaster. Communication is vital to allow couples to navigate what feels right when normal life resumes."
Some couples have fared worse than others, with around one in seven (14%) realising their relationship is over.
Singletons have also faced struggles, with two in five single people saying they felt lonely in lockdown and more than a third saying lockdown had been bad for their mental health.
Many have been embracing online dating as a way to deal with loneliness.
Sign ups to eharmony rose 50% year-on-year in April and May, while communication has increased by a third due to its video date feature.
Meanwhile, nearly a third of single adults said the lockdown period had made them realise they are happier alone.


news--2020-06-24--UK weather: Heatwave health alert sees Britain's most vulnerable warned over soaring temperatures an

UK weather: Heatwave health alert sees Britain's most vulnerable warned over soaring temperatures and UV levels

The Met Office has issued a hot weather warning as temperatures went past 30C ( 86F ) in some parts of the country today .
The public have been advised to take care in the sun , with the most vulnerable - many of whom have been shielding during the coronavirus lockdown - urged to protect themselves amid the `` exceptionally hot weather forecast this week '' .
The level was raised to three by the Met Office for the West and East Midlands , which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stay hydrated where possible .
Today is the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures reached 31C ( 87.8F ) at Heathrow Airport .
It is the highest temperature of 2020 but does not beat the June record of 35.6C ( 96F ) set in 1976 in Southampton when Britain was hotter than Miami and Cuba .
Warnings have been issued about UV levels which are set to be exceptionally high in the coming days .
Public Health England ( PHE ) warned that older people , very young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most at risk from the soaring temperatures .
Emer O'Connell , consultant in public health at PHE , urged people to check on the vulnerable , as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus .
She said : `` You will need to do things differently this year , for example keeping in touch by phone .
`` If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather , follow government guidance on how to do this safely .
`` The most important advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool . ''
Health minister Jo Churchill encouraged people to apply sunscreen regularly and use protective wear .
She added : `` Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat , and provide support where needed , continuing to follow social distancing guidance . ''
The Met Office also advised people to close curtains on rooms that face the sun and avoid excess alcohol .
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels would reach eight across many parts of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some areas of Devon and Cornwall .
He said : `` That 's about as high as it gets really in the UK .
`` The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we 're so close to the solstice .
`` We 've got peak sun strength , clear skies , plenty of sunshine - it 's the perfect ingredients for high UV . ''
People have flocked to beaches during the warmer weather this week after months of lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker However , the public are being advised to be aware of spending more time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures , including queuing for supermarkets .
Dr Lynn Thomas , medical director at St John Ambulance , said : `` You could end up in the sun for longer than expected on what would normally be a quick journey , such as queuing to enter the supermarket , so you should be prepared to look after yourself and others . ''
She added : `` Heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs , such as headache and dizziness . ''

The Met Office has issued a hot weather warning as temperatures went past 30C (86F) in some parts of the country today.
The public have been advised to take care in the sun, with the most vulnerable - many of whom have been shielding during the coronavirus lockdown - urged to protect themselves amid the "exceptionally hot weather forecast this week".
The level was raised to three by the Met Office for the West and East Midlands, which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
Image: Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Weymouth
People have also been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible.
Today is the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures reached 31C (87.8F) at Heathrow Airport.
It is the highest temperature of 2020 but does not beat the June record of 35.6C (96F) set in 1976 in Southampton when Britain was hotter than Miami and Cuba.
Warnings have been issued about UV levels which are set to be exceptionally high in the coming days.
Public Health England (PHE) warned that older people, very young children and those with underlying health conditions were the most at risk from the soaring temperatures.
Emer O'Connell, consultant in public health at PHE, urged people to check on the vulnerable, as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus.
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She said: "You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone.
"If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely.
"The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool."
Health minister Jo Churchill encouraged people to apply sunscreen regularly and use protective wear.
She added: "Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat, and provide support where needed, continuing to follow social distancing guidance."
The Met Office also advised people to close curtains on rooms that face the sun and avoid excess alcohol.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels would reach eight across many parts of the country, and possibly reach level nine in some areas of Devon and Cornwall.
Image: People swimming in the sea in Weymouth as UK temperatures soar
He said: "That's about as high as it gets really in the UK.
"The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we're so close to the solstice.
"We've got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine - it's the perfect ingredients for high UV."
People have flocked to beaches during the warmer weather this week after months of lockdown.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, the public are being advised to be aware of spending more time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures, including queuing for supermarkets.
Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John Ambulance, said: "You could end up in the sun for longer than expected on what would normally be a quick journey, such as queuing to enter the supermarket, so you should be prepared to look after yourself and others."
She added: "Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two of the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs, such as headache and dizziness."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Police data understated how many lockdown fines were issued to BAME people

Chief constables have admitted their rush to publish data on lockdown fines may have understated how many were given to BAME people .
However , they denied it hid a deeper problem of racism in police forces across England and Wales .
Martin Hewitt , chair of the National Police Chiefs Council , told MPs : `` It does not and that 's unfair .
This came in very quickly and we brought the data from all forces into one place and decided to be open with it every two weeks .
`` We made corrections and are now analysing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what it tells us . ''
Yvette Cooper , the chair of the Home Affairs Committee , said she was `` really shocked '' police chiefs did n't have accurate data collection and analysis at the start of the lockdown in March , when officers began handing out fines for lockdown breaches .
Publicly available data suggests that black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people have been at least 50 % more likely to receive coronavirus lockdown fines in England than those who are white .
Analysis between 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of fines handed to white people was about 20 per every 100,000 in the population .
Bur for those from BAME backgrounds , this rose to 30 fines per 100,000 people .
Ms Cooper said one set of early NPCC figures revealed 16 % of fines were given to black and minority ethnic people , with 15.5 % of the UK 's population from a BAME background .
But it later emerged that the true figure for fines was actually 21 % .
Assistant Commissioner Hewitt said the ethnicity of those fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces .
He said : `` That illustrates why it 's important to analyse the data .
We put the data out because it was novel , but that was the danger . ''
Mr Hewitt was also challenged by MPs over the use of police stop-and-search powers , which have historically been used more against people from BAME backgrounds .
He denied an accusation that police forces , who have been given more stop-and-search powers , were `` addicted '' to its use .
`` There is a question over disproportionality in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need a greater level of understanding and are talking to our communities , '' he added .
He defended stop and search as an important crime fighting tool , but said it was one of several options and not a cure-all in solving crime .
One MP quoted a previous witness to the committee who claimed that racism in the police service was `` alive and kicking '' .
Mr Hewitt said : `` I refute that racism is rife in the police service .
There are people who hold racist views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We reflect the society we serve . ''
MPs said Home Office figures had revealed that black people were eight times as likely to be tasered than white people .
Police forces have been given £16m in the past year to train and arm more officers with the electronic stun guns .
Ian Hopkins , chief constable of Greater Manchester , said : `` Taser training is very comprehensive . ''
And he told MPs about delays in a police watchdog investigation into the tasering by one of his officers of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son .
He said the Independent Office for Police Conduct probe into the arrest of Desmond Ziggy Mombeyarara , 34 , at a Manchester petrol station in May will take up to six months .
His force was criticised after brief footage of the incident was shared widely on social media .
Mr Hopkins said : `` One of the real issues that I 've got is the length of time still that some of these investigations take .
The only narrative that is out there is that short clip on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IOPC on 10 June that says that investigation is going to take three to six months .
That was already nearly a month after it occurred .
`` So I think we have to do something different in terms of being able to do these things much more quickly , in being able to get out a much more balanced narrative . ''

Chief constables have admitted their rush to publish data on lockdown fines may have understated how many were given to BAME people.
However, they denied it hid a deeper problem of racism in police forces across England and Wales.
Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, told MPs: "It does not and that's unfair. This came in very quickly and we brought the data from all forces into one place and decided to be open with it every two weeks.
"We made corrections and are now analysing the data and we will be confident in what it tells us."
Image: Police officers have patrolled beaches during lockdown
Yvette Cooper, the chair of the Home Affairs Committee, said she was "really shocked" police chiefs didn't have accurate data collection and analysis at the start of the lockdown in March, when officers began handing out fines for lockdown breaches.
Publicly available data suggests that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people have been at least 50% more likely to receive coronavirus lockdown fines in England than those who are white.
Analysis between 27 March and 8 June suggested that the number of fines handed to white people was about 20 per every 100,000 in the population.
Bur for those from BAME backgrounds, this rose to 30 fines per 100,000 people.
Ms Cooper said one set of early NPCC figures revealed 16% of fines were given to black and minority ethnic people, with 15.5% of the UK's population from a BAME background. But it later emerged that the true figure for fines was actually 21%.
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Assistant Commissioner Hewitt said the ethnicity of those fined was not always recorded by some police forces.
He said: "That illustrates why it's important to analyse the data. We put the data out because it was novel, but that was the danger."
Mr Hewitt was also challenged by MPs over the use of police stop-and-search powers, which have historically been used more against people from BAME backgrounds.
He denied an accusation that police forces, who have been given more stop-and-search powers, were "addicted" to its use.
"There is a question over disproportionality in the use of stop and search. We need a greater level of understanding and are talking to our communities," he added.
He defended stop and search as an important crime fighting tool, but said it was one of several options and not a cure-all in solving crime.
One MP quoted a previous witness to the committee who claimed that racism in the police service was "alive and kicking".
Mr Hewitt said: "I refute that racism is rife in the police service. There are people who hold racist views, like there are in any organisation. We reflect the society we serve."
MPs said Home Office figures had revealed that black people were eight times as likely to be tasered than white people.
Police forces have been given £16m in the past year to train and arm more officers with the electronic stun guns.
Image: Three members of the public exercise as police vans patrol in Primrose Hill. Pic: Alex Lentati/LNP/Shutterstock
Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester, said: "Taser training is very comprehensive."
And he told MPs about delays in a police watchdog investigation into the tasering by one of his officers of a man in front of his distressed young son.
He said the Independent Office for Police Conduct probe into the arrest of Desmond Ziggy Mombeyarara, 34, at a Manchester petrol station in May will take up to six months.
His force was criticised after brief footage of the incident was shared widely on social media.
Mr Hopkins said: "One of the real issues that I've got is the length of time still that some of these investigations take. The only narrative that is out there is that short clip on social media.
"I had an update from the IOPC on 10 June that says that investigation is going to take three to six months. That was already nearly a month after it occurred.
"So I think we have to do something different in terms of being able to do these things much more quickly, in being able to get out a much more balanced narrative."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: 'Circulating air' may have spread COVID-19 to 1,500 German meat plant staff

An outbreak of coronavirus that infected more than 1,500 people at a German slaughterhouse may have been spread by `` circulating air '' .
Experts fear COVID-19 can be spread inside facilities like the Toennies meat plant in Guetersloh because of the systems they use to pump out cool , moist air inside enclosed rooms .
Martin Exner , director of the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Bonn , said : `` What has not been known so far is that under such conditions circulating air can keep an aerosol moving .
`` And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been overlooked so far .
That is the crucial message I have to report here now . ''
Mr Exner said outbreaks at meat plants in Germany , the US , Britain and France showed the need to reconsider how such factories are set up .
`` I think this will have a lot of consequences for the meat processing and poultry processing industry , '' he said .
Meanwhile authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia , Germany 's most populous state , have faced criticism over their handling of the outbreak at the slaughterhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and neighbouring Warendorf , which are home to 670,000 inhabitants .
But critics argue governor Armin Laschet should have acted sooner .
Centre-left opposition leader Thomas Kutschaty said : `` Today , Rheda-Wiedenbrueck is the biggest hotspot in the whole of Europe .
`` The state could have used a government that intervened quickly and decisively , and did n't wait a week to prevent a second wave of infections rolling over all of Germany and Europe .
`` Now we can only hope that it is not already too late . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contender for the leadership of chancellor Angela Merkel 's centre-right party - and possibly to succeed her as Germany 's leader - has been a vocal advocate of easing coronavirus restrictions .
Abour 600 tests have been carried out in the region on people who did not work at the slaughterhouse .
And of the 230 results already received , 229 were negative and in the remaining case the result was unclear .
Sven-Georg Adenauer , the head of the regional administration in Guetersloh , said the results provided `` a small glimmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed into the population '' .

An outbreak of coronavirus that infected more than 1,500 people at a German slaughterhouse may have been spread by "circulating air".
Experts fear COVID-19 can be spread inside facilities like the Toennies meat plant in Guetersloh because of the systems they use to pump out cool, moist air inside enclosed rooms.
Martin Exner, director of the Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Bonn, said: "What has not been known so far is that under such conditions circulating air can keep an aerosol moving.
"And that this is another risk factor that has been overlooked so far. That is the crucial message I have to report here now."
Mr Exner said outbreaks at meat plants in Germany, the US, Britain and France showed the need to reconsider how such factories are set up.
"I think this will have a lot of consequences for the meat processing and poultry processing industry," he said.
Meanwhile authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, have faced criticism over their handling of the outbreak at the slaughterhouse
Image: More than 1,500 people working at the plant near Guetersloh are believed to have contracted COVID-19
Lockdown measures have been reimposed in Guetersloh and neighbouring Warendorf, which are home to 670,000 inhabitants.
But critics argue governor Armin Laschet should have acted sooner.
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Centre-left opposition leader Thomas Kutschaty said: "Today, Rheda-Wiedenbrueck is the biggest hotspot in the whole of Europe.
"The state could have used a government that intervened quickly and decisively, and didn't wait a week to prevent a second wave of infections rolling over all of Germany and Europe.
"Now we can only hope that it is not already too late."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Germany: Rise in virus numbers 'linked to meat industry'
Mr Laschet, who is also a contender for the leadership of chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right party - and possibly to succeed her as Germany's leader - has been a vocal advocate of easing coronavirus restrictions.
Abour 600 tests have been carried out in the region on people who did not work at the slaughterhouse.
And of the 230 results already received, 229 were negative and in the remaining case the result was unclear.
Sven-Georg Adenauer, the head of the regional administration in Guetersloh, said the results provided "a small glimmer of hope that the virus hasn't passed into the population".


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Prince William visits team working on 'incredibly exciting' Oxford vaccine trial

Prince William has visited the Oxford University team working to find a vaccine against COVID-19 , describing the work as `` incredibly exciting '' and `` fascinating '' .
The Duke of Cambridge toured the laboratory where the vaccine has been produced and was also shown where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers .
Wearing a face mask , protective coat and goggles , he spoke to experts including Professor Sarah Gilbert , who developed the vaccine , and Professor Andrew Pollard , who is leading the clinical trial team .
The prince also met members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , asking one female volunteer : `` Were you just a willing guinea pig ? ''
As Professor Pollard paid tribute to the `` crucially important '' volunteers , William remarked : `` You 're in good hands , I 'm sure . ''
More than 4,000 volunteers are already enrolled in the UK to test whether the vaccine is effective against coronavirus , with enrolment of a further 10,000 people planned .
This week , trials have begun in Brazil and South Africa , after scientists warned coronavirus was no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine to be tested effectively .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said earlier this week the Oxford study , supported by drugmaker AstraZeneca , was `` probably '' the `` most advanced '' in the world .
While visiting the labs , Prince William said people would `` breathe a huge sigh of relief '' if it was announced the team had `` cracked it '' by making a successful vaccine .
`` People want there to be some sort of finality to it , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel if the vaccine was not successful , to which Professor Gilbert said she was hopeful they would `` see something '' .
`` The only question is how good it is and how long it will last , '' she said .
Professor Pollard highlighted the enormity of the challenge , telling the prince : `` It 's success for the country and the world if these vaccines work , not for us . ''
A day before the visit , the Duke of Cambridge took part in a video call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxford University 's vice chancellor Professor Louise Richardson .
The prince told them : `` It 's the most incredibly exciting and very welcome project that you 're all doing which is why it 's fascinating . ''
He congratulated those involved and said his family was proud of the team 's efforts , telling them `` please keep up the good work '' .
Mr Soriot previously said he expects to have the results of the clinical trials by August or September .
He believes the vaccine will provide protection against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Prince William has visited the Oxford University team working to find a vaccine against COVID-19, describing the work as "incredibly exciting" and "fascinating".
The Duke of Cambridge toured the laboratory where the vaccine has been produced and was also shown where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers.
Wearing a face mask, protective coat and goggles, he spoke to experts including Professor Sarah Gilbert, who developed the vaccine, and Professor Andrew Pollard, who is leading the clinical trial team.
Image: The royal spoke to leading scientists from the Oxford trial team
The prince also met members of the public taking part in the trial, asking one female volunteer: "Were you just a willing guinea pig?"
As Professor Pollard paid tribute to the "crucially important" volunteers, William remarked: "You're in good hands, I'm sure."
More than 4,000 volunteers are already enrolled in the UK to test whether the vaccine is effective against coronavirus, with enrolment of a further 10,000 people planned.
This week, trials have begun in Brazil and South Africa, after scientists warned coronavirus was no longer prevalent enough in the UK for the vaccine to be tested effectively.
The government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said earlier this week the Oxford study, supported by drugmaker AstraZeneca, was "probably" the "most advanced" in the world.
While visiting the labs, Prince William said people would "breathe a huge sigh of relief" if it was announced the team had "cracked it" by making a successful vaccine.
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Image: Prince William speaks to a volunteer
"People want there to be some sort of finality to it," he said.
The prince asked how the team would feel if the vaccine was not successful, to which Professor Gilbert said she was hopeful they would "see something".
"The only question is how good it is and how long it will last," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Oxford Uni 'moving very quickly' on vaccine
Professor Pollard highlighted the enormity of the challenge, telling the prince: "It's success for the country and the world if these vaccines work, not for us."
A day before the visit, the Duke of Cambridge took part in a video call with AstraZeneca's chief executive Pascal Soriot and Oxford University's vice chancellor Professor Louise Richardson.
The prince told them: "It's the most incredibly exciting and very welcome project that you're all doing which is why it's fascinating."
He congratulated those involved and said his family was proud of the team's efforts, telling them "please keep up the good work".
Mr Soriot previously said he expects to have the results of the clinical trials by August or September.
He believes the vaccine will provide protection against the disease "for about a year".


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Prepare now for real risk of COVID-19 second peak, PM warned

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the `` real risk '' of a second wave of coronavirus .
Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter .
The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians , Surgeons , GPs and Nursing , as a further 154 deaths were confirmed by the government on Wednesday .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chair of the British Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` far from having gone away '' and `` we must now prepare and be prepared as well as we can for the possibilities of further outbreaks and a second spike '' .
He added : `` To do that we have to be absolutely prepared and do that in a way that is n't about party politics and bring experts together and use the learning of the last few months and rapidly assimilate that learning into actions that can safeguard our future . ''
Calum Semple , a scientist who sits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGE but speaking in a personal capacity , also told Sky News the lockdown easing measures are `` political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence '' .
`` We provide evidence and often we provide likely scenarios , '' he said .
`` Ultimately though ministers have to decide what their decisions are .
`` What you saw in the last couple of days was ministerial decisions around changing the shielding , and changing the regulations around distancing and activities , opening up pubs .
`` These were political decisions albeit backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process takes into account wider factors than just the evidence . ''
It follows the prime minister 's announcement of a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule , as he gave the green light for pubs , restaurants , hotels , hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July .
In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal , the health leaders call for a `` rapid and forward-looking assessment '' of the state of national preparedness in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict , the available evidence indicates that local flare ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk , '' they said .
`` Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place , but substantial challenges remain .
`` The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic , but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir David King , a former chief scientific adviser , told Sky News that easing of lockdown announced by the PM was `` extraordinarily risky '' .
He also warned of the risk of a second wave of coronavirus , saying : `` We know the winter is a likely period when the virus takes off again .
We must therefore aim to get completely rid of the virus from this country before the winter .
`` If we move too quickly , which is what I think is being proposed here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave becomes very significant . ''
Sir David said England still lacked an effective test and trace system , which means it is `` travelling in the dark '' as lockdown is eased further .
Asked if he thinks the government went against the advice of their scientists in announcing a further easing of lockdown , Sir David says : `` I think this is definitely a political decision . ''
Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep `` one-metre plus '' apart from others , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transmitting COVID-19 .
`` Where it is possible to keep two metres apart , people should , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` But where it is not , we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus , meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
These include wearing a face mask on public transport , handwashing , screens , being outside and limiting time spent with others .
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoors , provided social distancing is maintained .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed , but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones .
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time .
`` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing .
`` I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We have been clear that we will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and will give the NHS whatever it needs , as we have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dedication of NHS staff , hospitals have not been overwhelmed and intensive care capacity continues to meet the needs of patients .
`` Effective local management of any outbreak is the first line of protection against a second wave .
`` In the event the local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks , the government would reintroduce measures if necessary to contain the virus and stop it spreading to the wider population . ''

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the "real risk" of a second wave of coronavirus.
Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter.
The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Surgeons, GPs and Nursing, as a further 154 deaths were confirmed by the government on Wednesday.
Image: Most parts of the UK are starting to ease lockdown measures
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association, told Sky News COVID-19 is "far from having gone away" and "we must now prepare and be prepared as well as we can for the possibilities of further outbreaks and a second spike".
He added: "To do that we have to be absolutely prepared and do that in a way that isn't about party politics and bring experts together and use the learning of the last few months and rapidly assimilate that learning into actions that can safeguard our future."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 The key events of three months in lockdown
Calum Semple, a scientist who sits on the government's advisory group known as SAGE but speaking in a personal capacity, also told Sky News the lockdown easing measures are "political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence".
"We provide evidence and often we provide likely scenarios," he said.
"Ultimately though ministers have to decide what their decisions are.
"What you saw in the last couple of days was ministerial decisions around changing the shielding, and changing the regulations around distancing and activities, opening up pubs.
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"These were political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence. The decision process takes into account wider factors than just the evidence."
Image: The two-metre rule is being reduced in England
It follows the prime minister's announcement of a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule, as he gave the green light for pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July.
In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal, the health leaders call for a "rapid and forward-looking assessment" of the state of national preparedness in the event of a renewed flare-up.
"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," they said.
"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain.
"The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic, but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared to contain a second phase."
Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser, told Sky News that easing of lockdown announced by the PM was "extraordinarily risky".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 How pubs and cinemas will reopen on 4 July
He also warned of the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, saying: "We know the winter is a likely period when the virus takes off again. We must therefore aim to get completely rid of the virus from this country before the winter.
"If we move too quickly, which is what I think is being proposed here, the risk of running into a second wave becomes very significant."
Sir David said England still lacked an effective test and trace system, which means it is "travelling in the dark" as lockdown is eased further.
Image: 'Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should,' the PM says
Asked if he thinks the government went against the advice of their scientists in announcing a further easing of lockdown, Sir David says: "I think this is definitely a political decision."
Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep "one-metre plus" apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Easing lockdown now 'extraordinarily risky'
"Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should," Mr Johnson said.
"But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus, meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission."
These include wearing a face mask on public transport, handwashing, screens, being outside and limiting time spent with others.
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different households indoors, provided social distancing is maintained.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed, but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones.
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time.
"I would be surprised and delighted if we weren't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring," England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing.
"I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Whitty sees current situation going into next year
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have been clear that we will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and will give the NHS whatever it needs, as we have done throughout this unprecedented pandemic.
"Thanks to the dedication of NHS staff, hospitals have not been overwhelmed and intensive care capacity continues to meet the needs of patients.
"Effective local management of any outbreak is the first line of protection against a second wave.
"In the event the local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks, the government would reintroduce measures if necessary to contain the virus and stop it spreading to the wider population."


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Gyms and leisure centres could reopen within weeks - with safety measures in place

Indoor gyms and leisure facilities in England could reopen in the middle of July , a minister has told Sky News .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said it is `` absolutely our aspiration '' for them to open their doors for the first time in four months within a matter of weeks .
Boris Johnson announced a major easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday .
The prime minister said that pubs and restaurants would be among a raft of businesses able to reopen from 4 July , provided a range of COVID-19 safety measures are in place .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also revealed that the two-metre social distancing rule would be cut to `` one-metre plus '' from that date .
He said that `` difficult judgements '' had been made in deciding which firms were able to reopen .
Industry bosses criticised the `` completely illogical '' decision to keep indoor gyms closed , warning that letting pubs and restaurants reopen but keeping exercise facilities closed could increase people 's risk of catching the virus .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Mr Sharma said the government `` completely understands the frustrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People have made enormous sacrifices .
We 've required very many businesses to have closed since 23 March , '' he said .
`` Talking to individual business owners , I know they are itching to get back .
But what I also hear from businesses is they understand why we 're doing this in a phased and cautious manner . ''
Asked about the possibility of gyms and leisure facilities reopening , Mr Sharma said : `` If we continue to meet the [ five ] tests and we continue to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is absolutely our aspiration to do that .
`` I do n't take any joy as business secretary in seeing large swathes of the economy closed .
But at the same time , I want to ensure that we reopen in a safe way .
`` You made the distinction between pubs and gyms , there is a difference .
`` If you 're in a gym you 're going to be exerting yourself more , the chances of aerosol dispersion from you is going to be higher .
`` In certain close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is higher . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Duncan Bannatyne , the founder of Bannatyne Health Clubs , said it was a `` big disappointment '' that gyms will not be reopening on 4 July .
Mr Bannatyne told Sky News he had written to 40 MPs who have one of his health clubs in their constituency , inviting them to have a look round and view the safety measures he has implemented to make the premises safe .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visit .
`` The scientists may think that everybody is jammed together at the gym , because they have n't bothered to come and look round our health clubs or anybody else 's health clubs , '' Mr Bannatyne said .

Indoor gyms and leisure facilities in England could reopen in the middle of July, a minister has told Sky News.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said it is "absolutely our aspiration" for them to open their doors for the first time in four months within a matter of weeks.
Boris Johnson announced a major easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 The key events of three months in lockdown
The prime minister said that pubs and restaurants would be among a raft of businesses able to reopen from 4 July, provided a range of COVID-19 safety measures are in place.
In an address to MPs, Mr Johnson also revealed that the two-metre social distancing rule would be cut to "one-metre plus" from that date.
He said that "difficult judgements" had been made in deciding which firms were able to reopen.
Industry bosses criticised the "completely illogical" decision to keep indoor gyms closed, warning that letting pubs and restaurants reopen but keeping exercise facilities closed could increase people's risk of catching the virus.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Mr Sharma said the government "completely understands the frustrations that many businesses have".
"People have made enormous sacrifices. We've required very many businesses to have closed since 23 March," he said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM explains 'one-metre plus' rule
"Talking to individual business owners, I know they are itching to get back. But what I also hear from businesses is they understand why we're doing this in a phased and cautious manner."
Asked about the possibility of gyms and leisure facilities reopening, Mr Sharma said: "If we continue to meet the [five] tests and we continue to keep the R rate below one, that is absolutely our aspiration to do that.
"I don't take any joy as business secretary in seeing large swathes of the economy closed. But at the same time, I want to ensure that we reopen in a safe way.
"You made the distinction between pubs and gyms, there is a difference.
"If you're in a gym you're going to be exerting yourself more, the chances of aerosol dispersion from you is going to be higher.
"In certain close contact environments, of course the risk is higher."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Duncan Bannatyne, the founder of Bannatyne Health Clubs, said it was a "big disappointment" that gyms will not be reopening on 4 July.
Mr Bannatyne told Sky News he had written to 40 MPs who have one of his health clubs in their constituency, inviting them to have a look round and view the safety measures he has implemented to make the premises safe.
He said only one replied and came for a visit.
"The scientists may think that everybody is jammed together at the gym, because they haven't bothered to come and look round our health clubs or anybody else's health clubs," Mr Bannatyne said.


news--2020-06-24--Robert Jenrick to release documents on controversial £1bn property deal approval after pressure

The housing secretary has bowed to pressure to release documents related to his controversial approval of a £1bn property development involving a Tory Party donor .
Robert Jenrick said most of the papers would be published later on Wednesday , after Labour held a debate calling for all correspondence on the Westferry Printworks Development in east London to be put into the public domain .
He has faced accusations of `` cash for favours '' after it emerged the developer , former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond , had personally given the Conservative Party £12,000 two weeks after the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the timing of the decision - just a day before a new community infrastructure levy came into force - would have saved Mr Desmond 's Northern and Shell company up to £50m .
The party claims the cabinet minister overruled his advisers to reduce the amount of affordable housing required in the development , potentially saving Mr Desmond a further £106m .
Mr Jenrick originally approved the plan in January this year , overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector .
He subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did was `` unlawful by reason of apparent bias '' .
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019 .
Earlier this month , the housing secretary told the Commons that Mr Desmond had tried to raise the scheme with him during the dinner , but he had told the businessman he could not discuss it .
Mr Jenrick said he took the decision to approve the scheme `` in good faith with an open mind '' , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were followed '' .
However Mr Desmond told The Sunday Times last weekend that he had shown Mr Jenrick a promotional video for the scheme on his mobile phone during the fundraiser at the Savoy Hotel .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Jenrick said there was `` nothing rotten '' about the deal and he would release `` most '' of the documents to the benchmark of what would normally be released under the Freedom of Information Act .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the allegations against him `` a series of totally inaccurate statements and comments '' .
`` This was a decision taken with an open mind , '' he added .

The housing secretary has bowed to pressure to release documents related to his controversial approval of a £1bn property development involving a Tory Party donor.
Robert Jenrick said most of the papers would be published later on Wednesday, after Labour held a debate calling for all correspondence on the Westferry Printworks Development in east London to be put into the public domain.
He has faced accusations of "cash for favours" after it emerged the developer, former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond, had personally given the Conservative Party £12,000 two weeks after the scheme for 1,500 homes was approved.
Image: The Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, east London
Labour said the timing of the decision - just a day before a new community infrastructure levy came into force - would have saved Mr Desmond's Northern and Shell company up to £50m.
The party claims the cabinet minister overruled his advisers to reduce the amount of affordable housing required in the development, potentially saving Mr Desmond a further £106m.
Mr Jenrick originally approved the plan in January this year, overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector.
He subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council, admitting that what he did was "unlawful by reason of apparent bias".
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019.
Image: Developer Richard Desmond is a Tory Party donor
Earlier this month, the housing secretary told the Commons that Mr Desmond had tried to raise the scheme with him during the dinner, but he had told the businessman he could not discuss it.
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Mr Jenrick said he took the decision to approve the scheme "in good faith with an open mind", and he was confident that "all the rules were followed".
However Mr Desmond told The Sunday Times last weekend that he had shown Mr Jenrick a promotional video for the scheme on his mobile phone during the fundraiser at the Savoy Hotel.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Jenrick said there was "nothing rotten" about the deal and he would release "most" of the documents to the benchmark of what would normally be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, he called the allegations against him "a series of totally inaccurate statements and comments".
"This was a decision taken with an open mind," he added.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: UK deaths rise 55 in one day to hit 336

A total of 336 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 55 since yesterday .
In England , 46 people died following a COVID-19 diagnosis , bringing the total to 303 .
The Department of Health and Social Care says 6,650 people have tested positive for coronavirus across the UK as of 9am on Monday morning - an increase of 967 from the day before .
Scotland and Wales also reported another four deaths each , taking the totals to 14 and 16 respectively .
Northern Ireland reported one more death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's increase in deaths across the UK was 48 .
Boris Johnson 's daily afternoon briefing did not take place , but he will address the nation at 8.30pm .
It appears `` much tougher '' measures will be announced , said Sky 's chief political correspondent Jon Craig .
The prime minister said yesterday he was considering tighter restrictions after thousands of people congregated in parks and tourist hotspots , going against advice to stay two metres ( 6.5ft ) apart .
All British travellers abroad have also been advised by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately because `` international travel is becoming highly limited '' .
MPs have today been debating the Coronavirus Bill to give authorities greater powers to stop the virus spreading .
It is being fast-tracked through parliament and is expected to become law by the end of this week .
The government is also looking at converting London 's Excel Centre into a makeshift hospital with about 4,000 beds .
A team of military planners visited the exhibition venue over the weekend , the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) said .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run by the NHS .
The Army will also help deliver protective equipment after health workers warned they did not have enough items such as masks and protective suits .
Train timetables have also been curtailed and carriage numbers reduced for the start of the new week .
However , many services into London remained full and people were pictured packing into Tube carriages .
The transport secretary tweeted that he plans to make some trains just for key workers so they have safe space .
In other moves , 1.5 million letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ordering them to stay at home as part of a so-called `` shielding '' process .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shops including Next and Greggs have become the latest to announce they are shutting all stores , after McDonald 's took the same decision yesterday .
Pupils were also at home for the first day on Monday after schools and colleges shut until further notice on Friday .
Children whose parents are deemed key workers , such as NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A total of 336 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 55 since yesterday.
In England, 46 people died following a COVID-19 diagnosis, bringing the total to 303.
The Department of Health and Social Care says 6,650 people have tested positive for coronavirus across the UK as of 9am on Monday morning - an increase of 967 from the day before.
Scotland and Wales also reported another four deaths each, taking the totals to 14 and 16 respectively.
Northern Ireland reported one more death, taking its total to three.
Sunday's increase in deaths across the UK was 48.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 London Underground still crowded
Image: London's Battersea Park was still busy on Monday
Boris Johnson's daily afternoon briefing did not take place, but he will address the nation at 8.30pm.
It appears "much tougher" measures will be announced, said Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.
The prime minister said yesterday he was considering tighter restrictions after thousands of people congregated in parks and tourist hotspots, going against advice to stay two metres (6.5ft) apart.
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All British travellers abroad have also been advised by the Foreign Office to return to the UK immediately because "international travel is becoming highly limited".
MPs have today been debating the Coronavirus Bill to give authorities greater powers to stop the virus spreading.
It is being fast-tracked through parliament and is expected to become law by the end of this week.
The government is also looking at converting London's Excel Centre into a makeshift hospital with about 4,000 beds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
A team of military planners visited the exhibition venue over the weekend, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
However, Sky News understands it would still be run by the NHS.
The Army will also help deliver protective equipment after health workers warned they did not have enough items such as masks and protective suits.
Train timetables have also been curtailed and carriage numbers reduced for the start of the new week.
However, many services into London remained full and people were pictured packing into Tube carriages.
The transport secretary tweeted that he plans to make some trains just for key workers so they have safe space.
In other moves, 1.5 million letters are being sent to elderly and vulnerable people ordering them to stay at home as part of a so-called "shielding" process.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Shops including Next and Greggs have become the latest to announce they are shutting all stores, after McDonald's took the same decision yesterday.
Pupils were also at home for the first day on Monday after schools and colleges shut until further notice on Friday.
Children whose parents are deemed key workers, such as NHS staff, have remained at school.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Central bank stimulus limits losses as West nears lockdown

New central bank intervention has challenged renewed stock market losses as business activity across the Western world winds down because of coronavirus .
There were widespread equity falls across Asia overnight and in Monday morning trading across Europe linked to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Chief among the worries is the shut down of normal life as we know it , given the withdrawal of everyday services such as flights , bars , restaurants and shops - with McDonald 's among the latest chains to announce closure plans .
In addition to the efforts to fight the virus , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2trn package of support for the US economy planned by Donald Trump 's White House .
Nerves grew after the Senate rejected the package on the grounds it was too corporate heavy - with not enough for individuals .
The FTSE 100 endured early losses - of up to 5 % - but these were challenged when America 's treasury secretary said a deal was `` very close '' and news emerged of further stimulus from the US central bank .
The Federal Reserve announcement , which included up to $ 300bn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more US government debt `` in the amounts needed '' to support activity , was aimed at offsetting the `` tremendous hardship '' caused by coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
However , the package was not enough to stem the bleeding completely as the FTSE was 3.8 % down by the close , at 4,993 , while the Dow was 3 % down .
The New York Stock Exchange was operating digital-only trading for the first time after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for safety reasons .
Of UK-listed firms reporting on Monday , Royal Dutch Shell overcame early losses to gain 6 % after it revealed a battle plan to free up $ 8bn- $ 9bn of free cash flow through reductions in costs and spending - with its share buyback programme among the casualties .
ITV said it was abandoning its dividend commitment but admitted it was too early to put figures on the hit to revenues and profits from falling advertising revenues and production delays .
Go Ahead and First Group also released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement that rail franchise agreements were to be suspended to support operators .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Officials said companies were to be paid a small management fee to run services , with all revenue and cost risk transferred to the government .
Rail and bus operator Stagecoach said it was unlikely to pay further dividends in its current financial year and had also ceased all non-essential spending .
Market watchers pointed the finger for the latest falls at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns are imposed - ceasing all but essential services for consumers and businesses .
Analysts at US bank Morgan Stanley wrote : `` Further deterioration in the COVID-19 outbreak is severely damaging the global economy .
`` We expect global growth to dip close to GFC ( global financial crisis ) lows , and US growth to a 74-year low in 2020 .
Germany was to reveal its package of support for businesses and individuals later on Monday that is understood to total EUR800bn .
In the UK , the government confirmed its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medium-sized firms borrow up to £5m .
Further measures to help larger firms have been promised while the Treasury was also expected to bolster its package of financial help for workers , announced on Friday , by revealing aid for the country 's five million self-employed .
Ipek Ozkardeskaya , senior analyst at Swissquote Bank , said of the market reaction : `` Global equities continue falling into a bottomless pit as the coronavirus death toll rises , bringing along more travel restrictions and lockdowns across the globe .
`` And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by central banks and governments wo n't suffice to better the investor mood , if we do n't see a worldwide peak in coronavirus cases . ''

New central bank intervention has challenged renewed stock market losses as business activity across the Western world winds down because of coronavirus.
There were widespread equity falls across Asia overnight and in Monday morning trading across Europe linked to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Chief among the worries is the shut down of normal life as we know it, given the withdrawal of everyday services such as flights, bars, restaurants and shops - with McDonald's among the latest chains to announce closure plans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 'We will use tougher measures if necessary'
In addition to the efforts to fight the virus, there were also investor concerns for a near $2trn package of support for the US economy planned by Donald Trump's White House.
Nerves grew after the Senate rejected the package on the grounds it was too corporate heavy - with not enough for individuals.
The FTSE 100 endured early losses - of up to 5% - but these were challenged when America's treasury secretary said a deal was "very close" and news emerged of further stimulus from the US central bank.
The Federal Reserve announcement, which included up to $300bn of lending to businesses and the purchase of more US government debt "in the amounts needed" to support activity, was aimed at offsetting the "tremendous hardship" caused by coronavirus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
However, the package was not enough to stem the bleeding completely as the FTSE was 3.8% down by the close, at 4,993, while the Dow was 3% down.
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The New York Stock Exchange was operating digital-only trading for the first time after its physical floor operation was shut down for safety reasons.
Of UK-listed firms reporting on Monday, Royal Dutch Shell overcame early losses to gain 6% after it revealed a battle plan to free up $8bn-$9bn of free cash flow through reductions in costs and spending - with its share buyback programme among the casualties.
Image: ITV is curbing production and has abandoned its guidance for the current financial year
ITV said it was abandoning its dividend commitment but admitted it was too early to put figures on the hit to revenues and profits from falling advertising revenues and production delays.
Go Ahead and First Group also released statements to accompany a Department for Transport announcement that rail franchise agreements were to be suspended to support operators.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Officials said companies were to be paid a small management fee to run services, with all revenue and cost risk transferred to the government.
Rail and bus operator Stagecoach said it was unlikely to pay further dividends in its current financial year and had also ceased all non-essential spending.
Market watchers pointed the finger for the latest falls at deteriorating forecasts for global economic output as lockdowns are imposed - ceasing all but essential services for consumers and businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Americans told to stay at home
Analysts at US bank Morgan Stanley wrote: "Further deterioration in the COVID-19 outbreak is severely damaging the global economy.
"We expect global growth to dip close to GFC (global financial crisis) lows, and US growth to a 74-year low in 2020.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Germany was to reveal its package of support for businesses and individuals later on Monday that is understood to total EUR800bn.
In the UK, the government confirmed its loan guarantee scheme had opened for small and medium-sized firms
borrow up to £5m.
Further measures to help larger firms have been promised while the Treasury was also expected to bolster its package of financial help for workers, announced on Friday, by revealing aid for the country's five million self-employed.
Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said of the market reaction: "Global equities continue falling into a bottomless pit as the coronavirus death toll rises, bringing along more travel restrictions and lockdowns across the globe.
"And it appears that the colossal support packages mobilised by central banks and governments won't suffice to better the investor mood, if we don't see a worldwide peak in coronavirus cases."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Could one of these four drugs help treat COVID-19?

The World Health Organisation has launched an international drug trial to find the best treatment for the coronavirus .
Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said four drugs that are already used to treat other conditions will now be tested on COVID-19 patients .
The SOLIDARITY trial will take place in more than 10 countries around the world , with hospitals in each country able to treat patients with one of the four drugs .
Participating hospitals can then report their patient 's progress directly to the WHO .
Dr Ghebreyesus said the trial is designed to provide `` simplified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been overloaded to participate . ''
He added : `` This large , international study is designed to generate the robust data we need to show which treatments are the most effective . ''
Among the four drugs chosen by the WHO for further investigation are a drug developed to treat ebola , an antimalarial , and two HIV drugs .
Here 's what we know about the four drugs being tested .
Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that was originally developed to tackle ebola .
It proved ineffective against that disease - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill found that the drug could inhibit the coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS .
Scientists are therefore hopeful that it could also inhibit the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
Remdesivir works by targeting the enzyme that the coronavirus uses to replicate itself , as the virus can not spread once this enzyme is disabled .
Evidence from COVID-19 patients who have used the drug suggests it does help some people , and clinical trials are already under way in China and the US .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its potential effectiveness to be gathered in countries around the world .
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are antimalarial drugs that have been used for decades .
Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of chloroquine and has the advantage of being less poisonous at high doses than the original drug .
Like remdesivir , both drugs have been found to be effective on the coronavirus that causes SARS , where they work by preventing the virus from entering cells and replicating .
Research by a group of virologists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that chloroquine successfully stopped the spread of the new coronavirus in human cells in the laboratory .
Tests on COVID-19 patients have already taken place in hospitals in France and China , but trials have been small or have not published all their data .
More tests are therefore needed in order to work out if the drug really is effective .
Ritonavir and lopinavir are two antiviral drugs which are combined to produce the HIV drug kaletra .
Lopinavir works by inhibiting an important HIV enzyme , but is broken down quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ritonavir to help it last longer .
The drug can also work to inhibit the enzymes of coronaviruses and has had some success in in combating the coronavirus that causes MERS .
A small trial of the drug has already been carried out in China with little success .
However , in that trial , it was only used on seriously ill patients and therefore the drug could still be effective if it was administered sooner after diagnosis .
A combination of lopinavir and ritonavir plus interferon beta The SOLIDARITY trial will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be improved by the addition of interferon-beta , a molecule involved in regulating inflammation in the body .
The additional drug has been used in combination with lopinavir and ritonavir to treat monkeys who have been infected with MERS .
The combination of the three drugs is already being tested on MERS patients in Saudi Arabia , but its impact on COVID-19 patients is not yet known .
Why these four drugs ?
Sky 's science correspondent Thomas Moore said : `` These are all drugs that are already in use for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to be safe in humans and it will speed up the clinical trials .
`` The big question is whether these drugs are worth using even when patients are so sick that they have been admitted to hospital .
`` Generally speaking , antiviral treatments are most effective when used within the first couple of days of developing symptoms , so it could be that in future that one or more of these treatments are handed out to patients much earlier in the disease , while they are self-isolating .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first place . ''

The World Health Organisation has launched an international drug trial to find the best treatment for the coronavirus.
Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said four drugs that are already used to treat other conditions will now be tested on COVID-19 patients.
The SOLIDARITY trial will take place in more than 10 countries around the world, with hospitals in each country able to treat patients with one of the four drugs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
Participating hospitals can then report their patient's progress directly to the WHO.
Dr Ghebreyesus said the trial is designed to provide "simplified procedures to enable even hospitals that have been overloaded to participate."
He added: "This large, international study is designed to generate the robust data we need to show which treatments are the most effective."
Among the four drugs chosen by the WHO for further investigation are a drug developed to treat ebola, an antimalarial, and two HIV drugs.
Here's what we know about the four drugs being tested.
Image: The four drugs could all target the coronavirus that causes people to get COVID-19.
Remdesivir
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Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that was originally developed to tackle ebola.
It proved ineffective against that disease - but in 2017, researchers at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill found that the drug could inhibit the coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS.
Scientists are therefore hopeful that it could also inhibit the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Remdesivir works by targeting the enzyme that the coronavirus uses to replicate itself, as the virus cannot spread once this enzyme is disabled.
Evidence from COVID-19 patients who have used the drug suggests it does help some people, and clinical trials are already under way in China and the US.
But the SOLIDARITY trial will allow more data on its potential effectiveness to be gathered in countries around the world.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are antimalarial drugs that have been used for decades.
Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of chloroquine and has the advantage of being less poisonous at high doses than the original drug.
Like remdesivir, both drugs have been found to be effective on the coronavirus that causes SARS, where they work by preventing the virus from entering cells and replicating.
Research by a group of virologists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and published in the Nature journal, found that chloroquine successfully stopped the spread of the new coronavirus in human cells in the laboratory.
Tests on COVID-19 patients have already taken place in hospitals in France and China, but trials have been small or have not published all their data.
More tests are therefore needed in order to work out if the drug really is effective.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Boris Johnson has warned the British public not to ignore social distancing measures while out in parks and open spaces
A combination of ritonavir and lopinavir
Ritonavir and lopinavir are two antiviral drugs which are combined to produce the HIV drug kaletra.
Lopinavir works by inhibiting an important HIV enzyme, but is broken down quickly in the body and so is combined with ritonavir to help it last longer.
The drug can also work to inhibit the enzymes of coronaviruses and has had some success in in combating the coronavirus that causes MERS.
A small trial of the drug has already been carried out in China with little success.
However, in that trial, it was only used on seriously ill patients and therefore the drug could still be effective if it was administered sooner after diagnosis.
A combination of lopinavir and ritonavir plus interferon beta
The SOLIDARITY trial will also look at whether the HIV drugs can be improved by the addition of interferon-beta, a molecule involved in regulating inflammation in the body.
The additional drug has been used in combination with lopinavir and ritonavir to treat monkeys who have been infected with MERS.
The combination of the three drugs is already being tested on MERS patients in Saudi Arabia, but its impact on COVID-19 patients is not yet known.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Analysis: Just how serious could COVID-19 cases be?
Why these four drugs?
Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore said: "These are all drugs that are already in use for other medical conditions, so they're known to be safe in humans and it will speed up the clinical trials.
"The big question is whether these drugs are worth using even when patients are so sick that they have been admitted to hospital.
"Generally speaking, antiviral treatments are most effective when used within the first couple of days of developing symptoms, so it could be that in future that one or more of these treatments are handed out to patients much earlier in the disease, while they are self-isolating.
"That might reduce the number needing hospital treatment in the first place."