news--2020-02-11--'You deserve the coronavirus': Chinese people in UK abused over outbreak

Chinese people in the UK say they are facing increasing levels of racist abuse - and some have had `` coronavirus '' shouted at them in the street .
One Chinese community group in Birmingham received a Facebook message that said : `` The disgusting , barbaric animal cruelty you people do - you all deserve to get the virus . ''
Chinese students in Cardiff have told Sky News they have faced abuse while walking to their lectures .
Robin Zhang , a postgraduate , said : `` Four guys , standing next to the door , shouting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were walking together , saying : 'Hey !
Coronavirus ! '
`` They were doing the gesture covering their nose and their mouth with the collar of their shirt and then laughing out loud . ''
His friend , Lucy Jhu , added : `` I feel very sad - I did n't know how to react at that time .
I think the virus is a problem that everyone has to face .
I really wish people could fight against the virus together . ''
Even as they spoke to Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , someone shouted abuse at their friend Sarah Tan .
Sarah is from Wuhan , the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak of COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus - and was wearing a face mask at the time .
She said : `` My parents worry about me and want me to wear a mask even when I 'm in the UK ...
I 'm really frustrated that somebody just shouted coronavirus . ''
Cardiff University said in a statement it is aware of discriminatory behaviour relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment , violence or abuse very seriously , and encourages students and staff to report it .
There are about 400,000 Chinese people living in England and Wales and , in the past few weeks , there have been reports of coronavirus-related abuse in other cities too , including Newcastle , York and Manchester .
Kate Gordon runs the Chinese Community Centre in Birmingham and she says a number of abusive messages have been directed at the organisation and its members .
She said a young British-Chinese girl who was born in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of teenage boys .
Ms Gordon told Sky News that the abuse has forced some community centre workers to change their daily routine , adding : `` We are very aware now that if we 're standing on a tram or a train or a bus and we 're coughing or sniffing people are looking at us and we feel very conscious .
`` And some of us have started to change our work hours so we 're not travelling during peak hours - so we 're sort of almost self-quarantining , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Liu Xiaoming , China 's ambassador to the UK , told Sky News last week : `` There are some cases of hatred , discrimination against Chinese nationals .
First , we have raised this issue with the British government and with the police .
`` We also issued advice , warning advice to Chinese citizens either living here or travelling to this country . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the British-Chinese community .
`` This is not about one part of the world it 's about making sure we have a proper response . ''
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK continues to rise , many Chinese people - already worried about families in China - see life becoming even more difficult .
• Deaths from the virus pass 1,100 ; total cases near 45,000 • 2,015 new cases confirmed on 11 February - the fewest since 30 January • An A & E worker at Worthing Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two prisoners being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail • Another 39 test positive on Diamond Princess ship off Japan , bringing total to 169 • British man believed to be a `` superspreader '' identified as businessman Steve Walsh • The only deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines • Bank of England governor says virus `` already bigger than SARS '' from economic perspective

Chinese people in the UK say they are facing increasing levels of racist abuse - and some have had "coronavirus" shouted at them in the street.
One Chinese community group in Birmingham received a Facebook message that said: "The disgusting, barbaric animal cruelty you people do - you all deserve to get the virus."
Chinese students in Cardiff have told Sky News they have faced abuse while walking to their lectures.
Image: Sky News has been shown some of the abuse sent to the Chinese community
Robin Zhang, a postgraduate, said: "Four guys, standing next to the door, shouting at me and my friend Lucy, we were walking together, saying: 'Hey! Coronavirus!'
"They were doing the gesture covering their nose and their mouth with the collar of their shirt and then laughing out loud."
His friend, Lucy Jhu, added: "I feel very sad - I didn't know how to react at that time. I think the virus is a problem that everyone has to face. I really wish people could fight against the virus together."
Even as they spoke to Sky News in Cardiff's St Mary's Street, someone shouted abuse at their friend Sarah Tan.
Image: Lucy Jhu says she felt 'very sad' after someone shouted 'coronavirus' at her in the street
Sarah is from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak of COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus - and was wearing a face mask at the time.
She said: "My parents worry about me and want me to wear a mask even when I'm in the UK... I'm really frustrated that somebody just shouted coronavirus."
Advertisement
Cardiff University said in a statement it is aware of discriminatory behaviour relating to COVID-19, takes any form of racial harassment, violence or abuse very seriously, and encourages students and staff to report it.
Image: There have been reports of coronavirus-related abuse nationwide
There are about 400,000 Chinese people living in England and Wales and, in the past few weeks, there have been reports of coronavirus-related abuse in other cities too, including Newcastle, York and Manchester.
Kate Gordon runs the Chinese Community Centre in Birmingham and she says a number of abusive messages have been directed at the organisation and its members.
She said a young British-Chinese girl who was born in the UK was recently targeted by a group of teenage boys.
Ms Gordon told Sky News that the abuse has forced some community centre workers to change their daily routine, adding: "We are very aware now that if we're standing on a tram or a train or a bus and we're coughing or sniffing people are looking at us and we feel very conscious.
"And some of us have started to change our work hours so we're not travelling during peak hours - so we're sort of almost self-quarantining, just to avoid this negative and hostile environment."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the UK, told Sky News last week: "There are some cases of hatred, discrimination against Chinese nationals. First, we have raised this issue with the British government and with the police.
"We also issued advice, warning advice to Chinese citizens either living here or travelling to this country."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I deplore any attacks on Chinese communities, on the British-Chinese community.
"This is not about one part of the world it's about making sure we have a proper response."
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the UK continues to rise, many Chinese people - already worried about families in China - see life becoming even more difficult.
Latest developments:


news--2020-02-10--Coronavirus threat level raised after person under quarantine 'threatens to abscond'

The spread of coronavirus has been declared a `` serious and imminent threat '' to the British public after a patient in isolation threatened to `` abscond '' .
The announcement by Matt Hancock gives the government additional powers to forcibly quarantine people with coronavirus , which originated in a market in Wuhan , China .
A government source said `` there was someone who was threatening to abscond from Arrowe Park '' , a hospital where Britons evacuated from Wuhan are in isolation - despite all of them signing a contract agreeing to a 14 day quarantine period which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be free to leave quarantine and can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat to public health , the Department of Health added .
Hours after the announcement , the confirmed number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose to eight .
A statement said : `` The Secretary of State has made regulations to ensure that the public are protected as far as possible from the transmission of the virus .
`` The Secretary of State declares that the incidence or transmission of novel coronavirus constitutes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the measures outlined in these regulations are considered as an effective means of delaying or preventing further transmission of the virus . ''
Mr Hancock has designated Arrowe Park Hospital in the Wirral , and Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes , where dozens of Britons evacuated from Wuhan have been transferred to , as `` isolation '' facilities .
Wuhan and Hubei province have also been declared an `` infected area '' by the health secretary .
The Department of Health clarified that the risk to the public `` has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak as a `` serious and imminent threat '' it makes it easier , legally , for health professionals to keep those in isolation at the two sites safe , as well as people across the country .
• The global number of deaths is 910 , with 908 in China , including an American and a Japanese person • British citizens flown on a second evacuation flight from Wuhan on Sunday are being quarantined at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes • A British man infected in Singapore could be a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least seven confirmed cases in England , France and Spain • A British family of four is being tested in Majorca after coming into contact with the man in France • A total of 97 people died of coronavirus in China on Sunday - the largest in a single day since the outbreak was detected in mid-December , denting optimism the death control measures are fighting the outbreak • On Sunday , 3,062 new virus cases were reported in China - a 15 % increase from the day before , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • More than 360 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China , with two deaths • The total number of deaths exceeds the 774 killed by the 2002/3 SARS outbreak • Confirmed cases of the new virus vastly exceed the 8,098 infected by SARS Thousands of people remain quarantined on cruise ships docked in Japan and Hong Kong , with 60 more people on Monday testing positive for coronavirus on the Diamond Princess in Yokohama , bringing the total from the ship to 130 .
Despite the increase in cases , people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese New Year holiday on Monday , but public transport remained quiet with temperature checks in place .
A team of experts from the World Health Organisation , led by SARS expert Dr Bruce Aylward , is arriving in Beijing on Monday to help assess the latest outbreak .
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke to President Xi Jinping and Chinese ministers in late January and agreed to send an international mission , but it has taken nearly two weeks to get the government 's green light on who was allowed to @ @

The spread of coronavirus has been declared a "serious and imminent threat" to the British public after a patient in isolation threatened to "abscond".
The announcement by Matt Hancock gives the government additional powers to forcibly quarantine people with coronavirus, which originated in a market in Wuhan, China.
A government source said "there was someone who was threatening to abscond from Arrowe Park", a hospital where Britons evacuated from Wuhan are in isolation - despite all of them signing a contract agreeing to a 14 day quarantine period which ends on Thursday.
Image: An ambulance carries passengers away from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan as 60 more were diagnosed with coronavirus
Those in quarantine will not be free to leave quarantine and can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat to public health, the Department of Health added.
Hours after the announcement, the confirmed number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose to eight.
A statement said: "The Secretary of State has made regulations to ensure that the public are protected as far as possible from the transmission of the virus.
"The Secretary of State declares that the incidence or transmission of novel coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health, and the measures outlined in these regulations are considered as an effective means of delaying or preventing further transmission of the virus."
Mr Hancock has designated Arrowe Park Hospital in the Wirral, and Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes, where dozens of Britons evacuated from Wuhan have been transferred to, as "isolation" facilities.
Wuhan and Hubei province have also been declared an "infected area" by the health secretary.
Advertisement
The Department of Health clarified that the risk to the public "has not changed" and by declaring the outbreak as a "serious and imminent threat" it makes it easier, legally, for health professionals to keep those in isolation at the two sites safe, as well as people across the country.
The latest coronavirus outbreak updates:
The global number of deaths is 910, with 908 in China, including an American and a Japanese person
British citizens flown on a second evacuation flight from Wuhan on Sunday are being quarantined at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes
in Milton Keynes A British man infected in Singapore could be a "superspreader" as he is linked to at least seven confirmed cases in England, France and Spain
as he is linked to at least seven confirmed cases in England, France and Spain A British family of four is being tested in Majorca after coming into contact with the man in France
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Josh Skarratts was on a list of 200 Britons and foreign nationals evacuated out of Wuhan but his hopes were dashed by his clothes.
A total of 97 people died of coronavirus in China on Sunday - the largest in a single day since the outbreak was detected in mid-December, denting optimism the death control measures are fighting the outbreak
On Sunday, 3,062 new virus cases were reported in China - a 15% increase from the day before, bringing the total to 40,171, including 27 foreigners
More than 360 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China, with two deaths
The total number of deaths exceeds the 774 killed by the 2002/3 SARS outbreak
Confirmed cases of the new virus vastly exceed the 8,098 infected by SARS
Thousands of people remain quarantined on cruise ships docked in Japan and Hong Kong, with 60 more people on Monday testing positive for coronavirus on the Diamond Princess in Yokohama, bringing the total from the ship to 130.
Despite the increase in cases, people in China trickled back to work after the Chinese New Year holiday on Monday, but public transport remained quiet with temperature checks in place.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Shoppers in Hong Kong panic buy amid rumours of shortages due to the new coronavirus.
Image: Vietnamese citizens evacuated from Wuhan are checked by officials at Van Don airport in Vietnam
A team of experts from the World Health Organisation, led by SARS expert Dr Bruce Aylward, is arriving in Beijing on Monday to help assess the latest outbreak.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke to President Xi Jinping and Chinese ministers in late January and agreed to send an international mission, but it has taken nearly two weeks to get the government's green light on who was allowed to go.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: World Health Organisation urges 'extreme caution' over infection slowdown

An apparent slowdown in the spread of the coronavirus epidemic should be treated with `` extreme caution '' , according to the head of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
`` This outbreak could still go in any direction , '' the WHO 's director general , Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , said .
Earlier , China reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in two weeks .
The country 's national health commission said 2,015 new cases were counted on Tuesday , the second straight daily decline and down from nearly 3,900 a week ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases worldwide of the disease , now named COVID-19 , which has killed more than 1,100 people in China .
The country has locked down an unprecedented 60 million people in an effort to curb the spread of the virus , which has hit hardest in the city of Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province .
Following a two-day meeting on science and innovation into measures to tackle the new viral outbreak , Dr Tedros welcomed the `` positive response of the research community '' .
He thanked the experts for meeting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concrete plans and commitment to work together '' .
He added that a WHO-led advance team that travelled to China earlier this week had made `` good progress '' on the composition and scope of its work .
The head of the WHO 's emergency programme , Mike Ryan , also said the stabilisation of new case numbers in China was reassuring , as was the apparently less aggressive and less accelerated behaviour of the virus outside of Hubei province .
`` [ That ] is to a great extent due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told the briefing .
`` That ... gives us an opportunity for containment . ''
He added that it was still too early `` to predict the beginning , the middle or end of the epidemic '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A number of major events have been postponed or cancelled , including the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix , due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Organisers of the Mobile World Congress ( MWC ) have confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled after a growing number of firms pulled out over coronavirus fears .

An apparent slowdown in the spread of the coronavirus epidemic should be treated with "extreme caution", according to the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"This outbreak could still go in any direction," the WHO's director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said.
Earlier, China reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in two weeks.
Image: Medical staff collect samples from Chinese paramilitary police officers
The country's national health commission said 2,015 new cases were counted on Tuesday, the second straight daily decline and down from nearly 3,900 a week ago.
There have now been more than 45,000 cases worldwide of the disease, now named COVID-19, which has killed more than 1,100 people in China.
The country has locked down an unprecedented 60 million people in an effort to curb the spread of the virus, which has hit hardest in the city of Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province.
Following a two-day meeting on science and innovation into measures to tackle the new viral outbreak, Dr Tedros welcomed the "positive response of the research community".
Image: China has reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in two weeks
He thanked the experts for meeting at short notice "to come up with concrete plans and commitment to work together".
He added that a WHO-led advance team that travelled to China earlier this week had made "good progress" on the composition and scope of its work.
Advertisement
The head of the WHO's emergency programme, Mike Ryan, also said the stabilisation of new case numbers in China was reassuring, as was the apparently less aggressive and less accelerated behaviour of the virus outside of Hubei province.
"[That] is to a great extent due to a huge public health operation in China," he told the briefing.
"That... gives us an opportunity for containment."
He added that it was still too early "to predict the beginning, the middle or end of the epidemic".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A number of major events have been postponed or cancelled, including the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) have confirmed the technology show in Barcelona has been cancelled after a growing number of firms pulled out over coronavirus fears.


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Greggs to reopen 20 stores in 'controlled trial'

Greggs has announced plans to reopen 20 stores as part of a `` controlled trial '' .
The bakery chain - best known for its pasties , sausage rolls and newer vegan alternatives - says the outlets are going to reopen on 4 May .
Only takeaways and deliveries are going to be offered , and the trial will involve shorter trading hours and a limited product range .
Greggs is the latest high street retailer to explore reopening its shops .
Last week , B & Q opened more than half of its British stores while introducing social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus risks .
Elsewhere , shoe repair and key cutting chain Timpson is opening up 40 supermarket-based sites this week , and John Lewis it is `` working hard on a blueprint to reopen our shops '' next month .
Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside said he hopes the trial - which is set to take place over two weeks in the Newcastle area - will inform the business about what changes need to be made to operate safety .
In a letter to staff , Mr Whiteside said this could pave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 franchise shops , with new operational measures in place from 8 June .
He wrote : `` We expect it will only be possible to open this many shops if the government has taken a first step in relaxing the lockdown , which could be to open the schools .
`` This timing may change depending on future government announcements . ''
Greggs has a total of 2,050 stores in the UK and the company intends to reopen all of them by 1 July , which is when the government 's furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcements come as Boris Johnson said he understood the frustration of businesses about the lockdown , but underlined the need to carry on to avoid a new spike in COVID-19 cases .
Rivals such as Burger King , Pret a Manger and KFC have already reopened a small number of sites for takeaway and delivery .
Other businesses - from carmakers Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover to construction giants Taylor Wimpey - have also revealed plans so start work over the last week .
Traffic levels in the country crept up by 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though lockdown rules have not been eased .

Greggs has announced plans to reopen 20 stores as part of a "controlled trial".
The bakery chain - best known for its pasties, sausage rolls and newer vegan alternatives - says the outlets are going to reopen on 4 May.
Only takeaways and deliveries are going to be offered, and the trial will involve shorter trading hours and a limited product range.
Image: Greggs intends to reopen all 2,050 of its stores in the UK by 1 July
Greggs is the latest high street retailer to explore reopening its shops.
Last week, B&Q opened more than half of its British stores while introducing social distancing measures to protect workers and customers from coronavirus risks.
Elsewhere, shoe repair and key cutting chain Timpson is opening up 40 supermarket-based sites this week, and John Lewis it is "working hard on a blueprint to reopen our shops" next month.
Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside said he hopes the trial - which is set to take place over two weeks in the Newcastle area - will inform the business about what changes need to be made to operate safety.
Image: The reopened stores will have a limited product range and shorter trading hours
In a letter to staff, Mr Whiteside said this could pave the way for reopening 700 stores, including 150 franchise shops, with new operational measures in place from 8 June.
He wrote: "We expect it will only be possible to open this many shops if the government has taken a first step in relaxing the lockdown, which could be to open the schools.
Advertisement
"This timing may change depending on future government announcements."
Greggs has a total of 2,050 stores in the UK and the company intends to reopen all of them by 1 July, which is when the government's furlough scheme is due to end.
The announcements come as Boris Johnson said he understood the frustration of businesses about the lockdown, but underlined the need to carry on to avoid a new spike in COVID-19 cases.
Image: Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside hopes the trial will lead to more shops reopening
Rivals such as Burger King, Pret a Manger and KFC have already reopened a small number of sites for takeaway and delivery.
Other businesses - from carmakers Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover to construction giants Taylor Wimpey - have also revealed plans so start work over the last week.
Traffic levels in the country crept up by 3% compared with last week, even though lockdown rules have not been eased.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Italy to ease lockdown as daily deaths drop to lowest since March

The Italian government has announced measures to ease the country 's lockdown as the country appears to be regaining control from the coronavirus pandemic .
Italian authorities reported 260 deaths linked to COVID-19 on Sunday , the fewest daily deaths since 14 March , bringing the country 's total to 26,644 .
In an evening briefing on Sunday , Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that manufacturing and construction companies would be able to resume business from Monday 4 May , with retail trade reopening a fortnight later on 18 May .
Addressing reporters through a video link , Mr Conte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire manufacturing sector will reopen , the entire building sector too and also the entire wholesale sector linked to the manufacture and the building sectors .
`` This is a very important passage , but we are doing it with a very articulate and well-structured plan written in this new decree .
We are allowing this reopening only under the condition that all companies will be strictly compliant with all security protocols . ''
Travel will remain limited to within specific regions and only for work or health reasons , but people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as they respect social distancing guidelines and wear a mask .
But those who have a fever over 37.5C ( 99.5 F ) will be obliged to stay at home .
Parties , even among family members , will continue to be prohibited - but people will be allowed to do outdoor exercise a little further from their home in groups not exceeding two adults and two children , and keeping social distancing of one metre .
Indoor sports are to be allowed , as long as participants keep at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reopen although the numbers of people inside will be controlled .
Funerals are also going to be allowed in the country , which has seen a high number of deaths over a short period , although they will be limited to 15 of the deceased 's closest relatives .
It is recommended that funerals are celebrated outdoors .
Mass is still prohibited .
Mr Conte said bars and restaurants , as well as hairdressers and beauticians , can reopen on 1 June , but schools would remain closed until September .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't respect the distance , if we do n't respect the precautions , the epidemic curve can rise again and spin out of control .
`` We will have more of our people dying and at that stage the damages for our economy would be irreversible .
Allow me to say that if you love Italy , you keep the distance . ''
Italy 's third lockdown deadline is just a week away .
That will take 60 million Italians to nearly eight weeks in lockdown .
Only now are they hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to normality .
We 've become used to the government loosening lockdown measures incredibly slowly , outlining conditions in great detail , and this time is no different .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Until now it 's been an endless horizon of lockdown and that has perhaps been the hardest thing .
The Italian government has been in tough talks this week to determine the best course of action for so-called `` Phase 2 '' of this crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ night on Thursday , the announcement expected on Friday took until Sunday evening .
That is a clear sign of a government which is taking a very cautious approach to the lifting of lockdown measures .
Italy 's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told Sky News life ca n't return to normal until a vaccine is found .
He also told us it 's too early to predict whether travel will resume by the summer .
Italians are under no illusion that life will return to normal anytime soon .
Throughout this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for the lockdown measures to be lifted .
People here seem resigned to it , they seem to understand the gravity of what the country 's facing .
The trauma Italy has been through in the last two months means the government is lifting lockdown extremely cautiously .
And as tough as it is for Italians , they 've lived this trauma and understand this is a national necessity .
Few here are demanding normality back , they just want something to aim for .
Tonight , they finally have a limited @ @ @ @ @

The Italian government has announced measures to ease the country's lockdown as the country appears to be regaining control from the coronavirus pandemic.
Italian authorities reported 260 deaths linked to COVID-19 on Sunday, the fewest daily deaths since 14 March, bringing the country's total to 26,644.
In an evening briefing on Sunday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that manufacturing and construction companies would be able to resume business from Monday 4 May, with retail trade reopening a fortnight later on 18 May.
Addressing reporters through a video link, Mr Conte said: "From 4 May the entire manufacturing sector will reopen, the entire building sector too and also the entire wholesale sector linked to the manufacture and the building sectors.
"This is a very important passage, but we are doing it with a very articulate and well-structured plan written in this new decree. We are allowing this reopening only under the condition that all companies will be strictly compliant with all security protocols."
Travel will remain limited to within specific regions and only for work or health reasons, but people will now be allowed to visit close relatives as long as they respect social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.
But those who have a fever over 37.5C (99.5 F) will be obliged to stay at home.
Parties, even among family members, will continue to be prohibited - but people will be allowed to do outdoor exercise a little further from their home in groups not exceeding two adults and two children, and keeping social distancing of one metre.
Indoor sports are to be allowed, as long as participants keep at least two metres apart, and public parks will reopen although the numbers of people inside will be controlled.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 Sally Lockwood drives through a deserted Rome
Funerals are also going to be allowed in the country, which has seen a high number of deaths over a short period, although they will be limited to 15 of the deceased's closest relatives.
It is recommended that funerals are celebrated outdoors. Mass is still prohibited.
Mr Conte said bars and restaurants, as well as hairdressers and beauticians, can reopen on 1 June, but schools would remain closed until September.
But the PM warned: "If we don't respect the distance, if we don't respect the precautions, the epidemic curve can rise again and spin out of control.
"We will have more of our people dying and at that stage the damages for our economy would be irreversible. Allow me to say that if you love Italy, you keep the distance."
Image: The Italian Air Force flies over a deserted Rome
Analysis by Sky correspondent Sally Lockwood:
Italy's third lockdown deadline is just a week away. That will take 60 million Italians to nearly eight weeks in lockdown. Only now are they hearing the gradual measures that may offer some return to normality.
We've become used to the government loosening lockdown measures incredibly slowly, outlining conditions in great detail, and this time is no different.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Until now it's been an endless horizon of lockdown and that has perhaps been the hardest thing. The Italian government has been in tough talks this week to determine the best course of action for so-called "Phase 2" of this crisis.
But even after talks lasting throughout the night on Thursday, the announcement expected on Friday took until Sunday evening. That is a clear sign of a government which is taking a very cautious approach to the lifting of lockdown measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Italy's medical community in state of trauma
Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told Sky News life can't return to normal until a vaccine is found. He also told us it's too early to predict whether travel will resume by the summer.
Italians are under no illusion that life will return to normal anytime soon. Throughout this crisis I've yet to hear one person demand for the lockdown measures to be lifted. People here seem resigned to it, they seem to understand the gravity of what the country's facing.
The trauma Italy has been through in the last two months means the government is lifting lockdown extremely cautiously. And as tough as it is for Italians, they've lived this trauma and understand this is a national necessity.
Few here are demanding normality back, they just want something to aim for. Tonight, they finally have a limited framework to work towards.


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Record a song with Sting among prizes for Sotheby's relief auction

Hillary Clinton , Sting and Sacha Baron Cohen are among the famous faces offering prizes in a coronavirus relief auction to help the vulnerable during the pandemic .
Sotheby 's and Google have joined forces for the virtual auction , which will be held via Google Meet video calls in adherence to the current social distancing rules .
Money raised from the auction will be donated to the International Rescue Committee 's ( IRC ) work to help mitigate and respond to the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winning bidders will have a chance to spend time with leading figures from all walks of culture , business , politics and science , with prizes including intimate conversations and `` virtual '' drinks to lessons and tutorials .
The opportunity to record a song with 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting is up for grabs , as well as a coffee and chat with former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton .
Other experiences include a Shakespearian acting lesson from Sir Patrick Stewart , a chance to hang out with actor and comedian Sacha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The Strokes .
Downton Abbey fans will be pleased to hear that a virtual visit to the famed Highclere Castle , where the hit TV series was filmed , with writer and creator Julian Fellowes and actors Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern , is also among the prizes .
Those interested in politics can have a chat with former UK foreign secretary David Miliband , while space fans can meet with Apollo 9 astronaut Russell Schweickart - the first spacewalker of the Apollo programme .
Sotheby 's chief executive Charles F Stewart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are proud to contribute to pandemic relief at this extraordinary time .
`` Many of our clients around the world have enquired about supporting COVID-19 relief efforts and , with the partnership of Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this unique auction event of virtual experiences , we are looking forward to supporting the efforts of the International Rescue Committee . ''
Mr Milliband , who is president and chief executive of the IRC , added : `` With those most vulnerable in need of all the help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to thank Sotheby 's , Google and all the luminaries who have agreed to participate and donate their time for this auction in support of IRC 's front-line efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities across the US and Europe . ''
The auction will run from 1-8 May .

Hillary Clinton, Sting and Sacha Baron Cohen are among the famous faces offering prizes in a coronavirus relief auction to help the vulnerable during the pandemic.
Sotheby's and Google have joined forces for the virtual auction, which will be held via Google Meet video calls in adherence to the current social distancing rules.
Money raised from the auction will be donated to the International Rescue Committee's (IRC) work to help mitigate and respond to the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Winning bidders will have a chance to spend time with leading figures from all walks of culture, business, politics and science, with prizes including intimate conversations and "virtual" drinks to lessons and tutorials.
The opportunity to record a song with 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting is up for grabs, as well as a coffee and chat with former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Other experiences include a Shakespearian acting lesson from Sir Patrick Stewart, a chance to hang out with actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and a conversation about music with The Strokes.
Image: A coffee with Hillary Clinton is among the prizes
Downton Abbey fans will be pleased to hear that a virtual visit to the famed Highclere Castle, where the hit TV series was filmed, with writer and creator Julian Fellowes and actors Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, is also among the prizes.
Those interested in politics can have a chat with former UK foreign secretary David Miliband, while space fans can meet with Apollo 9 astronaut Russell Schweickart - the first spacewalker of the Apollo programme.
Advertisement
Sotheby's chief executive Charles F Stewart said of the auction: "We are proud to contribute to pandemic relief at this extraordinary time.
"Many of our clients around the world have enquired about supporting COVID-19 relief efforts and, with the partnership of Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this unique auction event of virtual experiences, we are looking forward to supporting the efforts of the International Rescue Committee."
Mr Milliband, who is president and chief executive of the IRC, added: "With those most vulnerable in need of all the help that we can give, we would like to thank Sotheby's, Google and all the luminaries who have agreed to participate and donate their time for this auction in support of IRC's front-line efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities across the US and Europe."
The auction will run from 1-8 May.


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: 'The new normal' - What life might look like in the near future

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has drawn up a roadmap for easing the lockdown in England - but Downing Street has stressed `` it is not going to be a case of flicking a switch '' to lift all restrictions at once .
People will have to get used to a `` new normal '' due to coronavirus , with social distancing measures set to remain in place for `` some time '' , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said .
But what might that `` new normal '' look like ?
Although garden centres have already reopened in England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be permitted to open their doors from 1 June in England .
Other non-essential retailers can open from 15 June in England .
Both these store types will follow the same social distancing and hygiene measures as seen in supermarkets , which have remained open throughout the COVID-19 crisis .
This includes 2m queues , one-way systems , the use of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) as well as plastic screens at tills to ensure there is no physical contact between staff and shoppers .
The British Retail Consortium has advised retailers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toilets and changing rooms .
Other measures include separate entrances and exits , discouraging cash payments and increased cleaning and hygiene habits .
One option suggested by the government is the use of `` fixed teams '' or `` partnering '' .
This is the practise of reducing the number of people each person has contact with , so each person works with only a few others .
Another step is encouraging staggered breaks at work .
For factories and warehouses , the only people on site will be those who are unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , office staff will likely continue to work remotely , while others return and work under social distancing measures and with protective steps taken , such as freely available hand sanitiser .
As well as protecting those at work , pressure will be put on companies to monitor the wellbeing of staff at home , such as ensuring they do not feel isolated .
Floor layouts will be changed and the number of staff on the premises will be limited to ensure the 2m rule is adhered to .
Another option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to work side-to-side or back-to-back , as opposed to having people face each other .
Carmakers including Jaguar Land Rover , Aston Martin and Nissan have announced the gradual resumption of production at plants , which will also require physical distancing rules in place .
They could follow in the footsteps of Volkswagen which overhauled its procedures in Germany to include extra hygiene measures .
Workers have been told to measure their temperature and get changed into their overalls at home to prevent crowding in factory changing rooms .
Extra markings have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that workers are better able to adhere to a 1.5m social distancing rule ( although it is likely to remain 2m in the UK ) , and staff have been given extra time to disinfect their tools and surfaces .
Redesigned dining rooms , kitchens and beer gardens may be the way out of the lockdown for customer-facing businesses like pubs , cafes and restaurants , provided they can guarantee customers and staff stick to the 2m social distancing rule .
More and more catering businesses are opening up for takeaway , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being some of the bigger names reopening for delivery and drive through .
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging .
Nonetheless , an emphasis is given on increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning in the government guidance , as well as minimising access to walk-in pantries , fridges and freezers .
Some aspects of working in restaurants , cafes and pubs might mean social distancing guidelines can not be followed in full and so solutions to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be found .
A common factor in the catering industry is the use of uniforms worn by staff .
Storage and washing could be done by the company , rather than individuals .
Another change that we can expect to become used to is businesses sharing their risk assessments online - the government has said it expects all businesses with more than 50 workers to put theirs on their website and has suggested all businesses share their risk assessment findings with the company 's workforce .
Schools in England are set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the caveat that to do so safely might not be possible for all schools across the country .
This phased return and acknowledgement that schools need to be treated broadly on a case-by-case basis is something that will likely continue as lockdown eases .
Prime Minster Boris Johnson said on 24 May : `` This is going to be tough .
`` What we will do is make sure that we stagger things , we pace things and we work directly with you , with local authorities , to make sure that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for schools to reopen by the next academic year in September 2020 .
But in the short term , back to school will remain something for those in reception , years one and six , nurseries and other early years providers .
Secondary schools , sixth forms and colleges will then provide `` face-to-face contact '' from 15 June for Year 10 , Year 12 and equivalent further education students aged 16 to 19 to help them prepare for exams next year .
• Reducing the size of classes and keeping children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Staggered break and lunch times , as well as drop offs and pickups • Increasing the frequency of cleaning , reducing the used of shared items and utilising Ms Sturgeon has suggested the easing of measures could include the possibility of people joining a social `` bubble '' containing small groups of friends and family from different households for gatherings , even if that was only possible outdoors .
An immediate first step might be allowing two households to join up together as one such `` bubble '' .
The first non-journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily coronavirus briefings , after members of the public were invited to submit questions , was a grandmother wanting to know if she would be allowed to `` hug '' her family when the lockdown is relaxed .
Lynn , from Skipton in North Yorkshire , said : `` I 'm missing my grandchildren so much .
Please can you let me know if , after the five criteria are met , is being able to hug our closest family one of the first steps out of lockdown ? ''
Answering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Chris Whitty said older and vulnerable people may continue to have to be shielded from the virus .
In England , people are allowed to meet up with one person outside of their household in an open space , such as a park .
This could be broadened in the future to include meeting in people 's gardens - if they have one .
Mr Raab told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast earlier this month that salons in England will not be opening until 4 July `` at the very earliest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark have allowed hair and beauty salons and tattoo parlours to resume business - but while taking all possible precautions such as wearing a face mask and gloves during treatments .
Hairdressers , barbers and masseurs who come within two metres of customers have been advised to wear masks and transparent plastic face shields , and wash or disinfect their hands before and after each client .
Some similar procedures were already in place at British salons in the early stages of the pandemic , with hand sanitisers made available , hand towels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from waiting areas , and all gowns , towels , styling stations , hairdressing tools , chairs , tills , door handles and handrails deep cleaned after every use .
Thorough cleaning and shift work were key to reopening , Denmark 's business minister Simon Kollerup said , adding : `` It goes without saying that you can not avoid contact with a masseur or hairdresser .
But the new guidelines need to reduce our infection . ''
Sky News correspondent Adam Parsons had his hair cut in Brussels as the lockdown eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the norm has changed - including having to wear a mask , wearing a disinfected gown and his hairdresser wearing a visor .
Similar social distancing and hygiene measures are likely to be applied by opticians , vets , dental centres and GP surgeries which have already changed the way they operate .
Veterinary practices are operating a closed-door policy , with pet-owners having to call first for advice or book a telephone or video consultation with a vet .
Measures are also in place to make sure animals can be handed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vision Express , Boots and Specsavers are currently only offering essential eye care , urgent dental hubs ( UDCs ) have been set up for emergencies , and most GPs are now offering appointments with patients over the phone or holding video consultation .
GPs do remain open for face-to-face consultations if needed .
An easing of the lockdown may not necessarily lead to a surge in face-to-face appointments .
Some people may continue to receive remote care once restrictions are lifted because of the technological advances that have been made during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to reopen sites or have announced when operations will resume .
Among them is Taylor Wimpey , which has said it is using `` detailed new site operating protocols developed in compliance with strict social distancing requirements '' .
Its chief executive Pete Redfern said : `` We are now confident that we have clear plans and processes in place so we can safely start back on site in a phased way . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health and Safety Executive to increase site visits to ensure social distancing measures are in force .
New guidance from the Construction Leadership Council states that where workers are required to work within two metres of each other , they should `` work side by side , or facing away from each other , rather than face to face '' .
When this is impossible , workers should `` keep this to 15 minutes or less where possible '' .
Unite has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma , claiming procedures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versions and saying this `` undermines the safety of workers on construction sites and may even become a contributory factor to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities '' .
A small number of jury trials have begun to take place , with Justice Secretary Robert Buckland suggesting how courts could employ social distancing measures in the future .
He said : `` We 'll have to use , for example , two courts where we would have used one in the past , so that jurors can retire into a safe space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the court . ''
On 17 May , Mr Buckland confirmed the construction of temporary `` Nightingale courts '' to tackle a massive backlog of legal cases in England and Wales was being actively considered .
Cancelling summer breaks and sitting in the evenings is also under consideration .
Ryanair was among the first airlines to say it will begin flying more regularly .
It intends to run 40 % of flights from July and will be rolling out new measures to try to make that possible .
One of the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to check their temperature at home before leaving for the airport , with the airline warning another test could be done at the terminal as a condition of being let on a plane .
Ryanair customers will need to check-in online and use a self-service kiosk for their hold bags .
The idea of keeping the middle seat free on planes is something that has been floated , with EasyJet 's chief executive Johan Lundgren commenting in April that it was a step his airline was considering in the hopes of reassuring customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least three quarters to 80 % of their seats to begin making a profit and the middle seat `` solution '' is not wide enough to enable people to socially distance , nor does it protect passengers from those in front and behind them .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced overseas arrivals into the UK will have to self isolate for 14 days from 8 June .
It will affect anyone arriving by plane , train or ferry But some people , including medical professionals and lorry drivers , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be asked to fill in a form on arrival , which will include their contact information and an address where they will have to remain for two weeks .
If the traveller does not have somewhere to stay , accommodation will be arranged by the government .
Health officials will perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the measures and fines of up to £1,000 will be given .
The government will review the measures every three weeks .
Public transport remains operational , but the habits of people of getting from A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
The prime minister has pledged `` a huge amount of planning '' to help people get to work by other means `` than by mass transit '' .
Mr Johnson suggested one means could be encouraging more people to use bicycles to get to work in a `` new golden age for cycling '' .
The PM has also spoken of running a `` bigger and more expansive '' London Underground service so that `` people can observe social distancing '' .
Britons have been encouraged to wear face coverings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings will be `` useful '' to `` give people confidence they can go back to work '' .
There are plans for the Premier League to return next month - without fans .
Clubs are currently training in socially distant sessions but will vote on Wednesday whether to resume contact training .
Players are looking for reassurance that contact training does not pose an increased risk to either their safety , or the safety of their relatives .
Those with pregnant partners or vulnerable relatives have raised particular concerns .
Culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally have been in talks with the Premier League , with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community .
`` But , of course , any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance . ''
Tips around the country are starting to reopen after some councils noted an increase in fly-tipping during the lockdown .
Only cars will be permitted on site , and users have been warned queuing times will be `` significantly higher '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the exception of Blue Badge holders ) will be allowed and social distancing rules of at least 2m will apply .
Staff will not be able to assist with unloading .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has drawn up a roadmap for easing the lockdown in England - but Downing Street has stressed "it is not going to be a case of flicking a switch" to lift all restrictions at once.
People will have to get used to a "new normal" due to coronavirus, with social distancing measures set to remain in place for "some time", Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said.
But what might that "new normal" look like?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
Shops and non-essential businesses
Although garden centres have already reopened in England and Wales, other outdoor retail spaces will be permitted to open their doors from 1 June in England.
Other non-essential retailers can open from 15 June in England.
Both these store types will follow the same social distancing and hygiene measures as seen in supermarkets, which have remained open throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
This includes 2m queues, one-way systems, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as plastic screens at tills to ensure there is no physical contact between staff and shoppers.
The British Retail Consortium has advised retailers to consider closing and restricting access to toilets and changing rooms.
Advertisement
Other measures include separate entrances and exits, discouraging cash payments and increased cleaning and hygiene habits.
One option suggested by the government is the use of "fixed teams" or "partnering". This is the practise of reducing the number of people each person has contact with, so each person works with only a few others.
Another step is encouraging staggered breaks at work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 No return to business as usual for retail
Factories
For factories and warehouses, the only people on site will be those who are unable to do their work from home.
For example, office staff will likely continue to work remotely, while others return and work under social distancing measures and with protective steps taken, such as freely available hand sanitiser.
As well as protecting those at work, pressure will be put on companies to monitor the wellbeing of staff at home, such as ensuring they do not feel isolated.
Floor layouts will be changed and the number of staff on the premises will be limited to ensure the 2m rule is adhered to. Another option that will be explored will be encouraging people to work side-to-side or back-to-back, as opposed to having people face each other.
Carmakers including Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and Nissan have announced the gradual resumption of production at plants, which will also require physical distancing rules in place.
They could follow in the footsteps of Volkswagen which overhauled its procedures in Germany to include extra hygiene measures. Workers have been told to measure their temperature and get changed into their overalls at home to prevent crowding in factory changing rooms.
Extra markings have been put on the factory floor so that workers are better able to adhere to a 1.5m social distancing rule (although it is likely to remain 2m in the UK), and staff have been given extra time to disinfect their tools and surfaces.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 The locals pulling together to save pub
Restaurants, cafes and pubs
Redesigned dining rooms, kitchens and beer gardens may be the way out of the lockdown for customer-facing businesses like pubs, cafes and restaurants, provided they can guarantee customers and staff stick to the 2m social distancing rule.
More and more catering businesses are opening up for takeaway, with the likes of Nandos and McDonald's being some of the bigger names reopening for delivery and drive through.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.
Nonetheless, an emphasis is given on increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning in the government guidance, as well as minimising access to walk-in pantries, fridges and freezers.
Some aspects of working in restaurants, cafes and pubs might mean social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full and so solutions to mitigate as much risk as possible will need to be found.
A common factor in the catering industry is the use of uniforms worn by staff. Storage and washing could be done by the company, rather than individuals.
Another change that we can expect to become used to is businesses sharing their risk assessments online - the government has said it expects all businesses with more than 50 workers to put theirs on their website and has suggested all businesses share their risk assessment findings with the company's workforce.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Concern for pupils as schools remain closed
Schools
Schools in England are set to partially reopen from 1 June, with the caveat that to do so safely might not be possible for all schools across the country.
This phased return and acknowledgement that schools need to be treated broadly on a case-by-case basis is something that will likely continue as lockdown eases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:29 Ex-Ofsted chief supports reopening of schools
Prime Minster Boris Johnson said on 24 May: "This is going to be tough.
"What we will do is make sure that we stagger things, we pace things and we work directly with you, with local authorities, to make sure that there is a plan."
The aim is for schools to reopen by the next academic year in September 2020.
But in the short term, back to school will remain something for those in reception, years one and six, nurseries and other early years providers.
Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will then provide "face-to-face contact" from 15 June for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent further education students aged 16 to 19 to help them prepare for exams next year.
Guidance for schools returning on 1 June include:
• Reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others
• Staggered break and lunch times, as well as drop offs and pickups
• Increasing the frequency of cleaning, reducing the used of shared items and utilising
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 Lockdown road: Friends and family
Meeting relatives and friends
Ms Sturgeon has suggested the easing of measures could include the possibility of people joining a social "bubble" containing small groups of friends and family from different households for gatherings, even if that was only possible outdoors.
An immediate first step might be allowing two households to join up together as one such "bubble".
The first non-journalist to ask a question at the government's daily coronavirus briefings, after members of the public were invited to submit questions, was a grandmother wanting to know if she would be allowed to "hug" her family when the lockdown is relaxed.
Lynn, from Skipton in North Yorkshire, said: "I'm missing my grandchildren so much. Please can you let me know if, after the five criteria are met, is being able to hug our closest family one of the first steps out of lockdown?"
Answering the question, chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty said older and vulnerable people may continue to have to be shielded from the virus.
In England, people are allowed to meet up with one person outside of their household in an open space, such as a park. This could be broadened in the future to include meeting in people's gardens - if they have one.
Hair and beauty
Mr Raab told Sky's Kay Burley @ Breakfast earlier this month that salons in England will not be opening until 4 July "at the very earliest".
Some countries like Switzerland and Denmark have allowed hair and beauty salons and tattoo parlours to resume business - but while taking all possible precautions such as wearing a face mask and gloves during treatments.
Hairdressers, barbers and masseurs who come within two metres of customers have been advised to wear masks and transparent plastic face shields, and wash or disinfect their hands before and after each client.
Image: Salons in England will not be opening until 4 July 'at the very earliest'
Some similar procedures were already in place at British salons in the early stages of the pandemic, with hand sanitisers made available, hand towels replaced with disposable ones, magazines removed from waiting areas, and all gowns, towels, styling stations, hairdressing tools, chairs, tills, door handles and handrails deep cleaned after every use.
Thorough cleaning and shift work were key to reopening, Denmark's business minister Simon Kollerup said, adding: "It goes without saying that you cannot avoid contact with a masseur or hairdresser. But the new guidelines need to reduce our infection."
Sky News correspondent Adam Parsons had his hair cut in Brussels as the lockdown eased slightly, reminding him of how quickly the norm has changed - including having to wear a mask, wearing a disinfected gown and his hairdresser wearing a visor.
Dentists, opticians, vets and GP surgeries
Similar social distancing and hygiene measures are likely to be applied by opticians, vets, dental centres and GP surgeries which have already changed the way they operate.
Veterinary practices are operating a closed-door policy, with pet-owners having to call first for advice or book a telephone or video consultation with a vet. Measures are also in place to make sure animals can be handed over safely without contact.
Opticians such as Vision Express, Boots and Specsavers are currently only offering essential eye care, urgent dental hubs (UDCs) have been set up for emergencies, and most GPs are now offering appointments with patients over the phone or holding video consultation. GPs do remain open for face-to-face consultations if needed.
An easing of the lockdown may not necessarily lead to a surge in face-to-face appointments. Some people may continue to receive remote care once restrictions are lifted because of the technological advances that have been made during the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:20 How house building giant is getting back to work
Construction
Some firms and house-builders have started to reopen sites or have announced when operations will resume.
Among them is Taylor Wimpey, which has said it is using "detailed new site operating protocols developed in compliance with strict social distancing requirements".
Its chief executive Pete Redfern said: "We are now confident that we have clear plans and processes in place so we can safely start back on site in a phased way."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, construction union Unite has called for the Health and Safety Executive to increase site visits to ensure social distancing measures are in force.
New guidance from the Construction Leadership Council states that where workers are required to work within two metres of each other, they should "work side by side, or facing away from each other, rather than face to face".
When this is impossible, workers should "keep this to 15 minutes or less where possible".
Unite has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma, claiming procedures have been "watered-down" compared with previous versions and saying this "undermines the safety of workers on construction sites and may even become a contributory factor to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities".
Courts
A small number of jury trials have begun to take place, with Justice Secretary Robert Buckland suggesting how courts could employ social distancing measures in the future.
He said: "We'll have to use, for example, two courts where we would have used one in the past, so that jurors can retire into a safe space and also be spaced out and distanced within the court."
On 17 May, Mr Buckland confirmed the construction of temporary "Nightingale courts" to tackle a massive backlog of legal cases in England and Wales was being actively considered.
Cancelling summer breaks and sitting in the evenings is also under consideration.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Flights virtually empty across the world
Flights and travel
Ryanair was among the first airlines to say it will begin flying more regularly. It intends to run 40% of flights from July and will be rolling out new measures to try to make that possible.
One of the number of rules is that passengers will need to check their temperature at home before leaving for the airport, with the airline warning another test could be done at the terminal as a condition of being let on a plane.
Ryanair customers will need to check-in online and use a self-service kiosk for their hold bags.
The idea of keeping the middle seat free on planes is something that has been floated, with EasyJet's chief executive Johan Lundgren commenting in April that it was a step his airline was considering in the hopes of reassuring customers.
However, airlines need to fill at least three quarters to 80% of their seats to begin making a profit and the middle seat "solution" is not wide enough to enable people to socially distance, nor does it protect passengers from those in front and behind them.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced overseas arrivals into the UK will have to self isolate for 14 days from 8 June.
It will affect anyone arriving by plane, train or ferry But some people, including medical professionals and lorry drivers, will be exempt from the measure.
Travellers will be asked to fill in a form on arrival, which will include their contact information and an address where they will have to remain for two weeks.
If the traveller does not have somewhere to stay, accommodation will be arranged by the government.
Health officials will perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the measures and fines of up to £1,000 will be given.
The government will review the measures every three weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 UK air traffic now vs one year ago
Transport
Public transport remains operational, but the habits of people of getting from A to B may have dramatically changed in lockdown.
The prime minister has pledged "a huge amount of planning" to help people get to work by other means "than by mass transit".
Mr Johnson suggested one means could be encouraging more people to use bicycles to get to work in a "new golden age for cycling".
The PM has also spoken of running a "bigger and more expansive" London Underground service so that "people can observe social distancing".
Britons have been encouraged to wear face coverings on public transport.
The PM has said face coverings will be "useful" to "give people confidence they can go back to work".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 Football clubs making their extra time count
Football
There are plans for the Premier League to return next month - without fans.
Clubs are currently training in socially distant sessions but will vote on Wednesday whether to resume contact training.
Players are looking for reassurance that contact training does not pose an increased risk to either their safety, or the safety of their relatives. Those with pregnant partners or vulnerable relatives have raised particular concerns.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "I personally have been in talks with the Premier League, with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community.
"But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Fly-tipping soars during lockdown
Recycling centres
Tips around the country are starting to reopen after some councils noted an increase in fly-tipping during the lockdown.
Only cars will be permitted on site, and users have been warned queuing times will be "significantly higher".
Just one person per vehicle (with the exception of Blue Badge holders) will be allowed and social distancing rules of at least 2m will apply. Staff will not be able to assist with unloading.


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Widow resurrects old village tradition to lift spirits during lockdown

Scarecrows dressed up as key workers are brightening daily lockdown walks in a Surrey village .
Around 30 of the adult-sized stuffed figures have popped up in front gardens in Capel , about 30 miles south of London , in a bid to cheer people up during isolation .
The community is honouring many of the unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic in the quirky tribute , including police officers , postmen , farmers , rubbish collectors , as well as doctors and nurses .
The scarecrows are dressed up in a range of uniforms , complete with accessories including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgical gloves .
`` We needed to cheer up the village and get people to have a laugh as they went around on their daily exercise , '' said Sally Wyborn , who came up with the idea .
The concept of giant dolls is not new to the village of Capel , with locals making them every summer to advertise a fete and open gardens .
However the village had not made them for nine years following the death of Ms Wyborn 's husband .
It was only when Britain went into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop to social interactions with people , that Ms Wyborn had the idea to reintroduce the scarecrows to community life .
`` In one of my mad moments , I suddenly thought why do n't we resurrect the scarecrows , everybody 's got time to make them , '' the 78-year-old told Reuters .
Word of the suggestion was put out on email and social media , and scarecrows soon lined the main street and side roads .
They will be there for the foreseeable future as Britons have little clarity on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Wyborn added : `` Until it 's all over .
Leave them out until we come out of lockdown and then watch the party . ''
Boris Johnson declared on Monday that the lockdown must stay in place and that he `` can not spell out now how fast , or slow , or when changes will be made '' .
The prime minister said modifications would be announced in due course `` with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said people will have to get used to a `` new normal '' due to coronavirus - with social distancing measures set to remain in place for `` some time '' .

Scarecrows dressed up as key workers are brightening daily lockdown walks in a Surrey village.
Around 30 of the adult-sized stuffed figures have popped up in front gardens in Capel, about 30 miles south of London, in a bid to cheer people up during isolation.
The community is honouring many of the unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic in the quirky tribute, including police officers, postmen, farmers, rubbish collectors, as well as doctors and nurses.
Image: A scarecrow represents a police officer in one front garden in Capel, Surrey
Image: Giant dolls representing key workers have lined the main street
The scarecrows are dressed up in a range of uniforms, complete with accessories including wigs, face masks, stethoscopes and surgical gloves.
"We needed to cheer up the village and get people to have a laugh as they went around on their daily exercise," said Sally Wyborn, who came up with the idea.
The concept of giant dolls is not new to the village of Capel, with locals making them every summer to advertise a fete and open gardens.
However the village had not made them for nine years following the death of Ms Wyborn's husband.
It was only when Britain went into lockdown on 23 March, putting a stop to social interactions with people, that Ms Wyborn had the idea to reintroduce the scarecrows to community life.
"In one of my mad moments, I suddenly thought why don't we resurrect the scarecrows, everybody's got time to make them," the 78-year-old told Reuters.
Advertisement
Image: NHS workers have been honoured in the quirky tribute
Word of the suggestion was put out on email and social media, and scarecrows soon lined the main street and side roads.
They will be there for the foreseeable future as Britons have little clarity on how and when the lockdown will be eased.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Wyborn added: "Until it's all over. Leave them out until we come out of lockdown and then watch the party."
Boris Johnson declared on Monday that the lockdown must stay in place and that he "cannot spell out now how fast, or slow, or when changes will be made".
The prime minister said modifications would be announced in due course "with the maximum possible transparency", while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said people will have to get used to a "new normal" due to coronavirus - with social distancing measures set to remain in place for "some time".


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Govt facing court over COVID-19 with prison system facing 'catastrophe'

The government is facing court action next week to force it to release thousands of prisoners to help ease a growing coronavirus crisis in the country 's prisons .
Two of the UK 's leading prison reform charities have given the Ministry of Justice ( MoJ ) until Monday to begin implementing a faster prisoner release system , after moves to free up to 4,000 inmates stalled .
Frances Crook , chief executive of the Howard League , one of the charities leading the action , said : `` The rate of infection is accelerating , and the window of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ministers must rise to this challenge and act immediately to avert a public health catastrophe . ''
It comes as an international study warned of a `` ticking time bomb '' within prisons around the world struggling to cope with coronavirus .
Because of chronic overcrowding , many prisons have been left unable to implement social distancing and personal hygiene control measures .
The report by Prison Reform International warned the prison system globally is set to be `` devastated by the virus because of overcrowding and underfunding '' in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in the majority of UK prisons .
Latest figures from the MoJ have revealed 300 inmates across 69 prisons have tested positive for the virus .
However , the number of suspected cases is far higher , with almost every prison in the country reporting inmates and staff with coronavirus-type symptoms .
The Prison Officers Association ( POA ) , which represents the vast majority of UK prison staff , told Sky News up to 6,000 members were absent , either with coronavirus symptoms , or because they were self-isolating .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families in several prisons , who paint a picture of fear and growing anger on the inside , with prisoners forced into lockdown and having little opportunity to keep themselves or their cells clean .
One inmate at a jail in Northumbria , who we have agreed not to name , said there were many suspected cases of coronavirus on his prison wing .
He said : `` I 'm really scared I 'm going to get this disease .
We all are .
`` Lots in here have already got it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time now .
I ca n't eat , ca n't sleep .
My head 's all over the place . ''
The prisoner said prison officers had little in the way of personal protective equipment .
`` It 's even more frightening , as no one took control and officers have n't got a clue and ca n't or wo n't answer any of our questions .
`` The place is filthy and we 're locked in our cells all the time now .
It feels like a f***ing coffin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing unrest within prisons if the situation continues .
`` People are freaking out , they 're hurting themselves and others to get put into solitary , because even solitary is safer than sharing a cell .
It 's mental man . ''
On social media , prisoners families are sharing videos of staff carrying body bags from several prisons .
The MoJ has said the deaths are not coronavirus-related , but that has done little to ease anxieties among inmates and loved ones who believe they are not being told about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison system .
Across the country , prisoners are only allowed out of their cells for 30 minutes a day to shower , exercise , collect food and phone family .
Other videos show prisoners complaining at the lack of social distancing among those who are allowed outside for brief periods of exercise .
On 4 April Justice Secretary Robert Buckland promised to reduce the prison population in England and Wales by up to 4,000 , through a scheme to release prisoners with less than two months left to run on their sentences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and posed no danger to the public .
However , the programme was halted , with fewer than a 100 inmates freed , after it was revealed six offenders were released by mistake .
The scheme , which has now restarted , has been criticised for being too bureaucratic and restrictive , with measures including the electronic tagging of all those released , which is adding to the delays .
Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce , whose partner is serving a prison term at HMP Manchester , said she was desperately worried for him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When I did n't hear from him for over a week , I thought the worst had happened . ''
She said she realised that there may not be a lot of public sympathy for prisoners , but that for their families , it is incredibly difficult .
`` It feels like we 've been given a brand new sentence , but now it 's a death sentence .
`` Right across Europe , they 're releasing prisoners to help save lives , why are n't we ? ''
The Prison Governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 - 15,000 inmates would need to be released to allow authorities to implement an effective social distancing policy and stop prisoners from having to share cells .
Steve Gillan , general secretary of the POA warned that coronavirus was yet to peak within the UK prison system and called on the justice secretary to speed up the release of inmates .
`` It needs to move a lot quicker to free up those spaces , because we already know that prisons are grossly overcrowded and when you 've got two or three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's a recipe for disaster . ''
Mr Gillan said many prison staff felt they were the forgotten front line service .
He said he knew of prison officers so concerned about spreading the disease to loved ones , that they had now taken to sleeping in tents or garden sheds , so as not to put them at risk .

The government is facing court action next week to force it to release thousands of prisoners to help ease a growing coronavirus crisis in the country's prisons.
Two of the UK's leading prison reform charities have given the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) until Monday to begin implementing a faster prisoner release system, after moves to free up to 4,000 inmates stalled.
Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League, one of the charities leading the action, said: "The rate of infection is accelerating, and the window of opportunity to protect people is vanishing.
"Ministers must rise to this challenge and act immediately to avert a public health catastrophe."
It comes as an international study warned of a "ticking time bomb" within prisons around the world struggling to cope with coronavirus.
Because of chronic overcrowding, many prisons have been left unable to implement social distancing and personal hygiene control measures.
The report by Prison Reform International warned the prison system globally is set to be "devastated by the virus because of overcrowding and underfunding" in more than a 100 countries.
COVID-19 has now been confirmed in the majority of UK prisons.
Latest figures from the MoJ have revealed 300 inmates across 69 prisons have tested positive for the virus.
Advertisement
However, the number of suspected cases is far higher, with almost every prison in the country reporting inmates and staff with coronavirus-type symptoms.
The Prison Officers Association (POA), which represents the vast majority of UK prison staff, told Sky News up to 6,000 members were absent, either with coronavirus symptoms, or because they were self-isolating.
Sky News has spoken to inmates and their families in several prisons, who paint a picture of fear and growing anger on the inside, with prisoners forced into lockdown and having little opportunity to keep themselves or their cells clean.
One inmate at a jail in Northumbria, who we have agreed not to name, said there were many suspected cases of coronavirus on his prison wing.
He said: "I'm really scared I'm going to get this disease. We all are.
Image: Video was posted on social media claiming to show staff carrying body bags
"Lots in here have already got it. I'm locked in my cell all the time now. I can't eat, can't sleep. My head's all over the place."
The prisoner said prison officers had little in the way of personal protective equipment.
"It's even more frightening, as no one took control and officers haven't got a clue and can't or won't answer any of our questions.
"The place is filthy and we're locked in our cells all the time now. It feels like a f***ing coffin in here."
And he warned of growing unrest within prisons if the situation continues.
"People are freaking out, they're hurting themselves and others to get put into solitary, because even solitary is safer than sharing a cell. It's mental man."
On social media, prisoners families are sharing videos of staff carrying body bags from several prisons.
The MoJ has said the deaths are not coronavirus-related, but that has done little to ease anxieties among inmates and loved ones who believe they are not being told about the true extent of the outbreak within the prison system.
Across the country, prisoners are only allowed out of their cells for 30 minutes a day to shower, exercise, collect food and phone family.
Other videos show prisoners complaining at the lack of social distancing among those who are allowed outside for brief periods of exercise.
On 4 April Justice Secretary Robert Buckland promised to reduce the prison population in England and Wales by up to 4,000, through a scheme to release prisoners with less than two months left to run on their sentences, providing they had been risk assessed and posed no danger to the public.
However, the programme was halted, with fewer than a 100 inmates freed, after it was revealed six offenders were released by mistake.
The scheme, which has now restarted, has been criticised for being too bureaucratic and restrictive, with measures including the electronic tagging of all those released, which is adding to the delays.
Image: Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce
Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce, whose partner is serving a prison term at HMP Manchester, said she was desperately worried for him.
"Of course I'm scared, I'm petrified. Absolutely petrified.
"I've cried, I feel helpless. When I didn't hear from him for over a week, I thought the worst had happened."
She said she realised that there may not be a lot of public sympathy for prisoners, but that for their families, it is incredibly difficult.
"It feels like we've been given a brand new sentence, but now it's a death sentence.
"Right across Europe, they're releasing prisoners to help save lives, why aren't we?"
The Prison Governors Association and the POA have said between 10,000 - 15,000 inmates would need to be released to allow authorities to implement an effective social distancing policy and stop prisoners from having to share cells.
Steve Gillan, general secretary of the POA warned that coronavirus was yet to peak within the UK prison system and called on the justice secretary to speed up the release of inmates.
"It needs to move a lot quicker to free up those spaces, because we already know that prisons are grossly overcrowded and when you've got two or three people sharing a cell designed for one, it's a recipe for disaster."
Mr Gillan said many prison staff felt they were the forgotten front line service.
He said he knew of prison officers so concerned about spreading the disease to loved ones, that they had now taken to sleeping in tents or garden sheds, so as not to put them at risk.


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson knows he'll have to give the public more in the coming days

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street and his return to work is undoubtedly a moment of success in this grim coronavirus crisis .
The prime minister has survived this horrible disease , but sadly tens of thousands of others have not .
He was away for three weeks and the country he leads has changed beyond recognition .
We are passing through the peak of this COVID-19 pandemic and we are all counting the cost - some much more than others .
With the UK now into a sixth week of lockdown , political consensus - and public support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to move on , but Mr Johnson marked his return to Number 10 by managing lockdown expectations .
Likening the virus to a mugger , the prime minister said this was the moment `` we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor '' .
But he warned that easing up social restrictions now would bring `` not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster '' .
He said : `` I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this conflict . ''
The big question now is what comes next ?
If the government has the answers , it is not willing to share them with the public quite yet .
The government has set out five tests for adjusting the lockdown .
These are that the NHS has capacity to provide critical care across the UK ; there is a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus ; the rate of infection has decreased to manageable levels across the board ; operational issues on testing and PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not risk a second peak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Crucial to all of the five tests is controlling , detecting , and lowering transmission rates .
The prime minister said on Monday that he can not risk letting the reproduction rate of coronavirus in the UK go back over one .
The R0 rate measures the rate of transmission .
If the reproduction rate is above one , the disease will spread .
An R0 rate of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infect three other people , and they would then each go on , combined , to each infect another nine people and so on .
Conversely if the R0 rate is 0.5 , it means two people with the disease infect one other person , or 10 people only infect five .
While hospital admissions are falling and the growth in new cases and deaths is slowing , Professor Chris Whitty , NHS England 's chief medical officer , warned on Monday that the R0 rate - which he said was at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one - gives the government `` some room for manoeuvre but does n't give a huge room for manoeuvre '' .
So when it comes to lifting restrictions , Prof Whitty said the job of the scientists sitting on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , is to tell ministers how much the R0 value will go up by with each decision they take in lifting the lockdown .
The hard choices are stacking up .
Prof Whitty suggested on Monday that the more children who return to school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
Which bit of lockdown will be lifted first ?
Will the government prioritise kids returning to school , workplaces , or bars and restaurants ?
Will our social lives be sacrificed in order to try to get people back to work ?
Even if the government can begin to flex the lockdown come 7 May when the next review comes around , life will not return to normal anytime soon .
Living with coronavirus will require rewiring our lives for some time yet .
Prof Whitty was also clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to run '' when I asked him about a likely overall death toll , which is already above 20,000 - and that figure does n't include deaths in care homes and the community .
`` I 'm really cautious about putting out these kind of absolute numbers , because this could go in a lot of different ways over the next many months until such time as we have a clear exit that has a vaccine or drugs or some other route that allows us to be able to say now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Another route back to a more normal way of life will be through testing .
Mr Hancock told me on Monday that the 100,000 daily tests promised by the end of this month will be enough to roll out his `` test , track and trace '' plan as part of the next stage of the coronavirus response .
This is critical given that the health secretary has also made it clear that this system could be key in allowing `` lesser '' social distancing rules .
Managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task but so too will be managing political consensus and the public mood , as the government looks towards months of hard choices and potentially unpopular measures .
The political consensus is beginning to fray with Conservative backbenchers now pressing the government publicly to give a roadmap for the release from lockdown .
`` People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel , '' said Sir Graham Brady , chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers .
Mark Francois , chairman of the eurosceptic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister is 'going to have to exercise the Judgment of Solomon '' .
He added : `` If he lifts the restrictions too quickly and there is a virulent second outbreak the country will be unforgiving .
`` But if he runs the lockdown too long there may not be much of an economy left to rescue . ''
Normal life feels a world away and the prime minister was guarded on Monday about what comes next .
But he knows he 'll have to give the public more in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no easy answers .
Heavy is the head that wears the crown .

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street and his return to work is undoubtedly a moment of success in this grim coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister has survived this horrible disease, but sadly tens of thousands of others have not.
He was away for three weeks and the country he leads has changed beyond recognition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 'I ask you to contain your impatience'
We are passing through the peak of this COVID-19 pandemic and we are all counting the cost - some much more than others.
With the UK now into a sixth week of lockdown, political consensus - and public support - is beginning to fray.
Many want to move on, but Mr Johnson marked his return to Number 10 by managing lockdown expectations.
Likening the virus to a mugger, the prime minister said this was the moment "we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor".
But he warned that easing up social restrictions now would bring "not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster".
He said: "I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict."
Advertisement
The big question now is what comes next?
If the government has the answers, it is not willing to share them with the public quite yet.
The government has set out five tests for adjusting the lockdown.
These are that the NHS has capacity to provide critical care across the UK; there is a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus; the rate of infection has decreased to manageable levels across the board; operational issues on testing and PPE are in hand; and any adjustments will not risk a second peak.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Crucial to all of the five tests is controlling, detecting, and lowering transmission rates.
The prime minister said on Monday that he cannot risk letting the reproduction rate of coronavirus in the UK go back over one.
The R0 rate measures the rate of transmission.
If the reproduction rate is above one, the disease will spread.
An R0 rate of three would mean that every infected person would infect three other people, and they would then each go on, combined, to each infect another nine people and so on.
Conversely if the R0 rate is 0.5, it means two people with the disease infect one other person, or 10 people only infect five.
While hospital admissions are falling and the growth in new cases and deaths is slowing, Professor Chris Whitty, NHS England's chief medical officer, warned on Monday that the R0 rate - which he said was at the "middle point" between 0.5 to one - gives the government "some room for manoeuvre but doesn't give a huge room for manoeuvre".
So when it comes to lifting restrictions, Prof Whitty said the job of the scientists sitting on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), is to tell ministers how much the R0 value will go up by with each decision they take in lifting the lockdown.
The hard choices are stacking up.
Prof Whitty suggested on Monday that the more children who return to school, the less the government can ease other rules.
Which bit of lockdown will be lifted first? Will the government prioritise kids returning to school, workplaces, or bars and restaurants?
Will our social lives be sacrificed in order to try to get people back to work?
Even if the government can begin to flex the lockdown come 7 May when the next review comes around, life will not return to normal anytime soon.
Living with coronavirus will require rewiring our lives for some time yet.
Prof Whitty was also clear that the coronavirus pandemic "has got a very long way to run" when I asked him about a likely overall death toll, which is already above 20,000 - and that figure doesn't include deaths in care homes and the community.
"I'm really cautious about putting out these kind of absolute numbers, because this could go in a lot of different ways over the next many months until such time as we have a clear exit that has a vaccine or drugs or some other route that allows us to be able to say now we can stop people dying from this," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 How lockdown fatigue is setting in
Another route back to a more normal way of life will be through testing.
Mr Hancock told me on Monday that the 100,000 daily tests promised by the end of this month will be enough to roll out his "test, track and trace" plan as part of the next stage of the coronavirus response.
This is critical given that the health secretary has also made it clear that this system could be key in allowing "lesser" social distancing rules.
Managing the disease will be an extremely difficult task but so too will be managing political consensus and the public mood, as the government looks towards months of hard choices and potentially unpopular measures.
The political consensus is beginning to fray with Conservative backbenchers now pressing the government publicly to give a roadmap for the release from lockdown.
"People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel," said Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers.
Mark Francois, chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group, said the prime minister is 'going to have to exercise the Judgment of Solomon".
He added: "If he lifts the restrictions too quickly and there is a virulent second outbreak the country will be unforgiving.
"But if he runs the lockdown too long there may not be much of an economy left to rescue."
Our sixth week of lockdown.
Normal life feels a world away and the prime minister was guarded on Monday about what comes next.
But he knows he'll have to give the public more in the coming days.
And he knows too there are no easy answers. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.