news--2020-05-14--Matt Bellamy on going solo, lockdown and what's next for Muse

Muse frontman Matt Bellamy had prepared himself for a break this year after finishing the band 's ambitious Simulation Theory tour in 2019 .
The coronavirus pandemic has certainly led to that break being strictly enforced and Bellamy , who it 's no surprise to hear confessing has been guilty of making work for himself , always wanting to push things forward , says he is slowly learning to appreciate the joy of chilling out .
On the phone from home in Los Angeles , having swapped Devon for sunny California a while ago , the lead singer of Muse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bands of the 21st century , is reflecting on how much the world has changed since the band last stepped off stage in South America seven months ago .
Creatively , despite taking time away from Muse , the global COVID-19 lockdown has inspired the singer to put out his second solo track , Tomorrow 's World , written and produced during this moment in history ; social distancing and isolation from others the `` new normal '' now after almost eight weeks .
With the title borrowed from the BBC science series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bellamy says as a child watching in the '80s , the `` wild futuristic predictions of what life would be like now '' stayed with him .
It seems apt for the star of the band often described as intergalactic , whose live performances are a cocktail of sci-fi , outer space , pyrotechnics and musical bombast ; however , it 's fair to say most people 's futuristic predictions did not envisage the situation we find ourselves in now .
As someone taking an interest in what 's happening on both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel about how the pandemic has been dealt with ?
`` Leaders do their best to give off some kind of air they have control and they know , and then we pick them apart because we can clearly tell they do n't know , '' he says .
`` The question I guess you can ask to people who are very critical of the government is , do you really want them to tell you the truth ?
Which is that they 've got no idea where this is going ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opinion on Donald Trump pretty clear .
`` It 's a little bit chaotic and it 's not that clear , '' he says of the UK 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` But that is the nature of what this virus is .
`` There 's still a lot of unknowns .
And I think when you 're dealing with unknowns - simultaneous to the fact that people really want their governments to know and to give decisive instructions - there 's a recipe for disbalance , where governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , 'we do n't actually really know what 's going on ' .
`` The truth is that even the people we elected to be in control and in charge , they do n't really know ... and I think that 's the scariest part of it .
`` I think things could have been handled better .
The dithering about whether to lock down or not probably will be seen as a mistake in the long-term , particularly in the UK .
`` And over here , obviously the leader is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he hears any conspiracy theory or any kind of alt-theory about some medication , you know , he 'll speak about it publicly and without realising it 's not actually tested or anything like that .
`` There 's definitely some very specific examples that I think both leaders have completely fumbled the ball .
But at the same time , leadership overall at this point is difficult because everyone 's dealing with unknowns . ''
Taking a year off from Muse after eight albums , 20 million records sold worldwide and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bellamy 's break also sees him getting ready for the birth of his second child ; his wife , the model Elle Evans Bellamy , is due to give birth in just a few weeks ' time , and he also has a son with his former girlfriend , Hollywood actress Kate Hudson .
His mum is also living with the couple , having flown out to California from the UK just before flight bans were announced .
`` It 's basically been me , my mum , my wife and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share with my ex-partner and I get him for a week off , week on type thing , so I 've become a pretty good primary school teacher , '' Bellamy says .
The couple are `` feeling pretty good '' about the pregnancy now , he says , despite concerns when lockdown was first announced .
`` It was quite worrying because there was a period of time where the doctor 's offices were all shut down and everybody went into sort of hibernation mode .
`` And there was a while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't allow the husbands to go in with the wives giving birth , so we were quite nervous about that .
But that 's kind of relaxed a little bit now , which is good . ''
So before Bellamy has a newborn to look after , he has released Tomorrow 's World , which catches him in a reflective mood .
It 's about making the most of the unexpected things lockdown has given us .
`` It was kind of spontaneous , '' he says .
`` In terms of solo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record deal .
It 's just me on my own making music and putting stuff out there .
`` Muse had decided to take a year off ; we did a lot heavy touring last year and the years before as well .
`` Our plan was to just take a break this year , which is good because myself and also Chris , the bass player , he 's recently just had a baby as well , so it was nice to take a break for that .
Muse is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album and do a big tour either next year , or 2022 more likely at this point .
`` So , yes , this year was going to be a quiet year anyway and then when the lockdown happened it really kind of doubled down on that .
It 's like , 'oh , I really am taking a year off ' .
`` For me , I just started playing the piano and doing music at home .
And I guess I just started thinking , what kind of music would I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` The answer is probably quite ethereal or a bit more kind of soundtracky sounding… solo stuff in terms of piano , acoustic guitar , maybe , and generally just a lot softer , a lot less bombastic , a lot less kind of in your face , in the way that Muse music is . ''
Whether music or films , Bellamy says he believes there will be lots of artists inspired by this moment in time .
`` When you 're in the state of being a little bit sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most writers would say it 's hard to really concentrate , to get ideas finished .
But you do absorb a lot , you absorb a lot of ideas .
And what tends to happen with writers , I think , is that once something like this passes , the ideas are going to flow in a big way .
`` I think a lot of people - everyone from film script writers to novelists and music composers and so on - will probably find that during the initial lockdown period , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's difficult to create during that time , but you 're absorbing so much that will come out at a later date . ''
Bellamy says that for him , life in enforced isolation has taught him to let go a little bit .
`` I think I 've probably had unnecessary tendencies to work in the past .
I would n't say workaholic but I 'd say I 've always had a natural inclination towards making work for myself .
`` Muse has always done a lot of touring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I look into that , a lot of that was me… I was quite a driver of everything , and when that 's not available I 've sort of been forced to realise that actually I ca n't work .
`` I think slowing down the pace of life has been something that I found surprisingly enjoyable .
In the past , I 've always been a bit more keen to be on the move , travel , get things happening , make stuff happen .
Whereas during this time , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just take time to cook a dinner or whatever it is , or learn how to grow… I do n't know , a carrot .
Stuff like that .
`` I guess I 've realised that we do n't actually need that much to enjoy life .
You do n't need to be rushing around in traffic jams , flying all over the place , you know , chasing this , that and the other .
I think that could be something , I 'm hoping will be a newfound appreciation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a bit . ''
Unsurprisingly music is something that helps Bellamy through difficult times .
`` There 's certain songs or pieces of music that really sort of resonate that there 's other people out there who have the same feelings .
For me , music is the best way you can sort of feel someone else 's emotions and feel connected - to someone who 's not around you . ''
Another project Bellamy has been working on in recent weeks is The Jaded Hearts Group , his `` supergroup '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blur ) , Miles Kane ( The Last Shadow Puppets ) , Nic Cester ( Jet ) , Sean Payne ( The Zutons ) and guitarist Jamie Davis .
What started off as a Beatles covers band ( one which managed to get actual Beatle Paul McCartney on stage with them within just a few gigs ) , they have now moved on to different sources of inspiration and plan to release an album later this year .
So the question I have to ask is : like all good covers bands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Absolutely , '' Bellamy laughs .
`` We are 100 % available for weddings .
Give us a call , we 'll be there . ''
Matt Bellamy 's new solo track Tomorrow 's World is out now

Muse frontman Matt Bellamy had prepared himself for a break this year after finishing the band's ambitious Simulation Theory tour in 2019.
The coronavirus pandemic has certainly led to that break being strictly enforced and Bellamy, who it's no surprise to hear confessing has been guilty of making work for himself, always wanting to push things forward, says he is slowly learning to appreciate the joy of chilling out.
On the phone from home in Los Angeles, having swapped Devon for sunny California a while ago, the lead singer of Muse, one of the most successful British bands of the 21st century, is reflecting on how much the world has changed since the band last stepped off stage in South America seven months ago.
Image: Bellamy (front) and Muse are taking a break this year. Pic: Jeff Forney
Creatively, despite taking time away from Muse, the global COVID-19 lockdown has inspired the singer to put out his second solo track, Tomorrow's World, written and produced during this moment in history; social distancing and isolation from others the "new normal" now after almost eight weeks.
With the title borrowed from the BBC science series that ran for almost 40 years, Bellamy says as a child watching in the '80s, the "wild futuristic predictions of what life would be like now" stayed with him.
It seems apt for the star of the band often described as intergalactic, whose live performances are a cocktail of sci-fi, outer space, pyrotechnics and musical bombast; however, it's fair to say most people's futuristic predictions did not envisage the situation we find ourselves in now.
As someone taking an interest in what's happening on both sides of the Atlantic, how does Bellamy feel about how the pandemic has been dealt with?
"Leaders do their best to give off some kind of air they have control and they know, and then we pick them apart because we can clearly tell they don't know," he says.
"The question I guess you can ask to people who are very critical of the government is, do you really want them to tell you the truth? Which is that they've got no idea where this is going?"
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Bellamy remains fairly diplomatic, although makes his opinion on Donald Trump pretty clear.
"It's a little bit chaotic and it's not that clear," he says of the UK's handling of the coronavirus outbreak. "But that is the nature of what this virus is.
"There's still a lot of unknowns. And I think when you're dealing with unknowns - simultaneous to the fact that people really want their governments to know and to give decisive instructions - there's a recipe for disbalance, where governments can't say the truth. Which is, 'we don't actually really know what's going on'.
"The truth is that even the people we elected to be in control and in charge, they don't really know... and I think that's the scariest part of it.
"I think things could have been handled better. The dithering about whether to lock down or not probably will be seen as a mistake in the long-term, particularly in the UK.
"And over here, obviously the leader is an absolute buffoon, who as soon as he hears any conspiracy theory or any kind of alt-theory about some medication, you know, he'll speak about it publicly and without realising it's not actually tested or anything like that.
"There's definitely some very specific examples that I think both leaders have completely fumbled the ball. But at the same time, leadership overall at this point is difficult because everyone's dealing with unknowns."
Image: The musician and his wife Elle Evans Bellamy are expecting a baby
Taking a year off from Muse after eight albums, 20 million records sold worldwide and numerous Grammy, Brit and MTV awards, Bellamy's break also sees him getting ready for the birth of his second child; his wife, the model Elle Evans Bellamy, is due to give birth in just a few weeks' time, and he also has a son with his former girlfriend, Hollywood actress Kate Hudson.
His mum is also living with the couple, having flown out to California from the UK just before flight bans were announced.
"It's basically been me, my mum, my wife and also I've got an eight-year-old son I share with my ex-partner and I get him for a week off, week on type thing, so I've become a pretty good primary school teacher," Bellamy says.
The couple are "feeling pretty good" about the pregnancy now, he says, despite concerns when lockdown was first announced.
"It was quite worrying because there was a period of time where the doctor's offices were all shut down and everybody went into sort of hibernation mode.
"And there was a while when the hospitals here in LA wouldn't allow the husbands to go in with the wives giving birth, so we were quite nervous about that. But that's kind of relaxed a little bit now, which is good."
Image: Bellamy is also a member of covers 'supergroup' The Jaded Hearts Club. Pic: Wilko Wilkinson
So before Bellamy has a newborn to look after, he has released Tomorrow's World, which catches him in a reflective mood. It's about making the most of the unexpected things lockdown has given us.
"It was kind of spontaneous," he says. "In terms of solo stuff, I don't even have a record deal. It's just me on my own making music and putting stuff out there.
"Muse had decided to take a year off; we did a lot heavy touring last year and the years before as well.
"Our plan was to just take a break this year, which is good because myself and also Chris, the bass player, he's recently just had a baby as well, so it was nice to take a break for that. Muse is going to probably get together to make an album and do a big tour either next year, or 2022 more likely at this point.
"So, yes, this year was going to be a quiet year anyway and then when the lockdown happened it really kind of doubled down on that. It's like, 'oh, I really am taking a year off'.
"For me, I just started playing the piano and doing music at home. And I guess I just started thinking, what kind of music would I do if it wasn't for Muse?
"The answer is probably quite ethereal or a bit more kind of soundtracky sounding… solo stuff in terms of piano, acoustic guitar, maybe, and generally just a lot softer, a lot less bombastic, a lot less kind of in your face, in the way that Muse music is."
Whether music or films, Bellamy says he believes there will be lots of artists inspired by this moment in time.
"When you're in the state of being a little bit sort of anxious and worried, I think most writers would say it's hard to really concentrate, to get ideas finished. But you do absorb a lot, you absorb a lot of ideas. And what tends to happen with writers, I think, is that once something like this passes, the ideas are going to flow in a big way.
"I think a lot of people - everyone from film script writers to novelists and music composers and so on - will probably find that during the initial lockdown period, when everyone is a bit uptight and anxious, it's difficult to create during that time, but you're absorbing so much that will come out at a later date."
Bellamy says that for him, life in enforced isolation has taught him to let go a little bit.
"I think I've probably had unnecessary tendencies to work in the past. I wouldn't say workaholic but I'd say I've always had a natural inclination towards making work for myself.
"Muse has always done a lot of touring, a lot of album making, and if I look into that, a lot of that was me… I was quite a driver of everything, and when that's not available I've sort of been forced to realise that actually I can't work.
"I think slowing down the pace of life has been something that I found surprisingly enjoyable. In the past, I've always been a bit more keen to be on the move, travel, get things happening, make stuff happen. Whereas during this time, I've learned to appreciate what it is to just take time to cook a dinner or whatever it is, or learn how to grow… I don't know, a carrot. Stuff like that.
"I guess I've realised that we don't actually need that much to enjoy life. You don't need to be rushing around in traffic jams, flying all over the place, you know, chasing this, that and the other. I think that could be something, I'm hoping will be a newfound appreciation for what it is to sort of chill out a bit."
Unsurprisingly music is something that helps Bellamy through difficult times.
"There's certain songs or pieces of music that really sort of resonate that there's other people out there who have the same feelings. For me, music is the best way you can sort of feel someone else's emotions and feel connected - to someone who's not around you."
Instagram Instagram , 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 Instagram 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 Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Another project Bellamy has been working on in recent weeks is The Jaded Hearts Group, his "supergroup" with the likes of Graham Coxon (Blur), Miles Kane (The Last Shadow Puppets), Nic Cester (Jet), Sean Payne (The Zutons) and guitarist Jamie Davis.
What started off as a Beatles covers band (one which managed to get actual Beatle Paul McCartney on stage with them within just a few gigs), they have now moved on to different sources of inspiration and plan to release an album later this year.
So the question I have to ask is: like all good covers bands, are they available for weddings?
"Absolutely," Bellamy laughs. "We are 100% available for weddings. Give us a call, we'll be there."
Matt Bellamy's new solo track Tomorrow's World is out now


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Mental health services face 'tsunami' of people needing help

Mental health services face a `` tsunami '' of cases following the COVID-19 lockdown , a leading psychiatric body has warned .
A survey by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has revealed a 43 % increase in urgent and emergency mental health cases since the end of March .
But nearly half of the 1,300 clinicians surveyed had also seen routine appointments cancelled .
Professor Wendy Burn , president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists , said : `` We are already seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on mental health with more people in crisis , but we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need help now but are n't getting it .
`` Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems . ''
During lockdown , Gaynor Spence , 43 , from Liverpool , has had suicidal thoughts .
`` It 's a feeling of being alone , completely alone , '' she told Sky News .
`` It feels like nobody cares . ''
Ms Spence has had depression in the past but isolation triggered a new , and horrific , mental health crisis .
`` You feel like nobody will understand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't tell anybody .
`` That grows into feelings of 'no one 's going to miss you ' , that no one would even know if you were gone , that there 's no point in even being here .
`` And you think ( suicide ) would just stop the pain of feeling so down and so alone . ''
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Ms Spence found help at a local suicide prevention charity , The Martin Gallier Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News they had seen calls to their helpline go up 300 % since lockdown began .
She said : `` Mental health services were already in a complete crisis before COVID happened .
Services are so stretched and waiting lists are so high .
`` So I 'm very concerned about what happens during coronavirus , and following coronavirus , when that demand is only going to go up and up and up for a significant period of time . ''
There is particular concern about the impact of post-lockdown economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin Barr , professor of applied public health research at the University of Liverpool , said : `` In the 2008 financial crisis we showed that that led to about 1,000 more suicides in England than would have been expected , and it was particularly in those areas that were worst-hit by increased unemployment .
`` But those things are not inevitable , and the mental health effects tend to be less severe in those countries which have invested more in supporting people when they are out of work . ''
Prof Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mental health services can mitigate against the impact of unemployment on mental health .
And Ms Spence 's story shows there is hope for people who are able to access mental health services when they need them most .
She said : `` I know at the time you just want to sit there and you do n't want to tell anybody how you are feeling .
`` But there is help .
Do n't think you are alone , just reach out .
`` And do n't feel ashamed even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org in the UK .
In the US , call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 ( 800 ) 273-TALK .

Mental health services face a "tsunami" of cases following the COVID-19 lockdown, a leading psychiatric body has warned.
A survey by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has revealed a 43% increase in urgent and emergency mental health cases since the end of March.
But nearly half of the 1,300 clinicians surveyed had also seen routine appointments cancelled.
Professor Wendy Burn, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "We are already seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on mental health with more people in crisis, but we are just as worried about the people who need help now but aren't getting it.
"Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems."
Image: Gaynor Spence has struggled with mental health during lockdown
During lockdown, Gaynor Spence, 43, from Liverpool, has had suicidal thoughts.
"It's a feeling of being alone, completely alone," she told Sky News. "It feels like nobody cares."
Ms Spence has had depression in the past but isolation triggered a new, and horrific, mental health crisis.
"You feel like nobody will understand, and it grows worse because you don't tell anybody.
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"That grows into feelings of 'no one's going to miss you', that no one would even know if you were gone, that there's no point in even being here.
"And you think (suicide) would just stop the pain of feeling so down and so alone."
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Ms Spence found help at a local suicide prevention charity, The Martin Gallier Project.
Its founder, Jess Gallier, told Sky News they had seen calls to their helpline go up 300% since lockdown began.
She said: "Mental health services were already in a complete crisis before COVID happened. Services are so stretched and waiting lists are so high.
"So I'm very concerned about what happens during coronavirus, and following coronavirus, when that demand is only going to go up and up and up for a significant period of time."
Image: Jess Gallier, founder of The Martin Gallier Project
There is particular concern about the impact of post-lockdown economic hardship on people's mental health.
Benjamin Barr, professor of applied public health research at the University of Liverpool, said: "In the 2008 financial crisis we showed that that led to about 1,000 more suicides in England than would have been expected, and it was particularly in those areas that were worst-hit by increased unemployment.
"But those things are not inevitable, and the mental health effects tend to be less severe in those countries which have invested more in supporting people when they are out of work."
Prof Barr said a combination of investment in welfare and mental health services can mitigate against the impact of unemployment on mental health.
And Ms Spence's story shows there is hope for people who are able to access mental health services when they need them most.
She said: "I know at the time you just want to sit there and you don't want to tell anybody how you are feeling.
"But there is help. Don't think you are alone, just reach out.
"And don't feel ashamed even if you are reaching out to a stranger."
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.


news--2020-05-16--Jacinda Ardern turned away from cafe because it was at coronavirus capacity

New Zealand 's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was turned away from a cafe in Wellington which had reached its capacity to seat people due to social distancing measures .
Restaurants normally prioritise celebrities for seats in the hope it will encourage more customers to come inside .
But in New Zealand , which has kept a tight handle on COVID-19 , even the head of government ca n't get around the rules .
`` Omg Jacinda Ardern just tried to come into Olive and was rejected cause it 's full , '' a Twitter user called Joey claimed on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gayford , confirmed the story , responding : `` I have to take responsibility for this , I did n't get organised and book anywhere . ''
Fortunately the brunch was not lost , as Mr Gayford noted : `` Was very nice of them to chase us down st when a spot freed up .
A+ service . ''
New Zealand eased its lockdown restrictions on Thursday , although gatherings remain limited and social distancing guidelines remain in place under what are being called level two restrictions .
During the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details the specific measures that are being taken to protect people and prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
It is known as the `` Alert System '' and ranges from levels one to four , with four being the most restrictive .
Level two allows for businesses to reopen safely , travel between regions and socialise with friends and family in groups of up to 10 .
The country has reported only one new case of the virus since Tuesday , and more than 1,400 of the nearly 1,500 people who contracted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died .
Most New Zealand schools are set to reopen on 18 May but bars will not reopen until 21 May , a decision that was prompted in part by the experience in South Korea , which has seen a spike in coronavirus cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul .
Barbers and hairdressers have also reopened as part of the easing of restrictions .
However , releasing the budget on Thursday afternoon , Ms Ardern said the nation faced its most challenging economic conditions since the Great Depression .
`` New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter , '' she said .
`` But every winter eventually is followed by spring , and if we make the right choices we can get New Zealanders back to work and our economy moving quickly again . ''

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was turned away from a cafe in Wellington which had reached its capacity to seat people due to social distancing measures.
Restaurants normally prioritise celebrities for seats in the hope it will encourage more customers to come inside.
But in New Zealand, which has kept a tight handle on COVID-19, even the head of government can't get around the rules.
"Omg Jacinda Ardern just tried to come into Olive and was rejected cause it's full," a Twitter user called Joey claimed on Saturday.
Ms Ardern's partner, Clarke Gayford, confirmed the story, responding: "I have to take responsibility for this, I didn't get organised and book anywhere."
Fortunately the brunch was not lost, as Mr Gayford noted: "Was very nice of them to chase us down st when a spot freed up. A+ service."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
New Zealand eased its lockdown restrictions on Thursday, although gatherings remain limited and social distancing guidelines remain in place under what are being called level two restrictions.
During the pandemic, New Zealand created a numerical system which details the specific measures that are being taken to protect people and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It is known as the "Alert System" and ranges from levels one to four, with four being the most restrictive.
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Level two allows for businesses to reopen safely, travel between regions and socialise with friends and family in groups of up to 10.
The country has reported only one new case of the virus since Tuesday, and more than 1,400 of the nearly 1,500 people who contracted the virus there have recovered, while 21 have died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 New Zealand celebrates lockdown end
Most New Zealand schools are set to reopen on 18 May but bars will not reopen until 21 May, a decision that was prompted in part by the experience in South Korea, which has seen a spike in coronavirus cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul.
Barbers and hairdressers have also reopened as part of the easing of restrictions.
However, releasing the budget on Thursday afternoon, Ms Ardern said the nation faced its most challenging economic conditions since the Great Depression.
"New Zealand is about to enter a very tough winter," she said.
"But every winter eventually is followed by spring, and if we make the right choices we can get New Zealanders back to work and our economy moving quickly again."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Italy is traumatised and normality is still only a distant dream

Europe watched Italy 's human catastrophe unfold and was warned about what was to come .
For Italians it was too late to prepare - they had to learn the horrors of this pandemic as they lived them .
When Italy 's government announced the first lockdown in Europe , few could have predicted how long it would last .
Three weeks became nearly eight .
The deadline was extended time and time again .
Even as Italy moves to `` phase 2 '' from Monday , the country is lifting measures more slowly and more cautiously than most others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trauma this country has endured in little over two months .
Even in the early days of lockdown , you could feel the country was in a state of high anxiety .
As Italians saw the health emergency escalate , they also had to process the shock of being the first country in Europe ordered to stay home .
One conversation remains etched in my memory more than many others .
On day two of lockdown I met Aurelio Fragapanni waiting outside a pharmacy to collect his sister 's medication .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many Italians .
But one simple question - `` how are you ? ''
- and he began to cry .
As a senior citizen he was in the virus 's high risk category so I asked if he was scared .
`` I get emotional , but not for me , '' he replied .
`` People are n't prepared . ''
Few could have been prepared for what the next two months would hold .
There was no frame of reference to predict the events of this pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sick .
The first to call in the army to transport the dead .
The first to launch a criminal investigation into care home deaths .
What we were seeing and hearing was shocking .
In exactly 10 weeks Italy lost more than 28,000 of its citizens to COVID-19 .
That does n't include most of those who have died in residential homes .
More than 180 doctors and nurses have died from coronavirus - another two have taken their own lives .
The head of infectious diseases at Spedali Civili Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trauma of working with the fear of dying .
More than 300 of his colleagues have tested positive for the virus .
`` We were asking each other who will be the next and that , of course , is psychologically demanding .
Also because , apart from being colleagues , we are friends .
`` We are also isolated , each of us at home , because we fear also to maybe transfer the contagion to our beloved ones .
`` So if you put all that together , the workload , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fairly psychologically demanding . ''
In the early weeks of Italy 's outbreak there was a sense of hope and optimism .
Italians gathered in their windows and balconies to sing together and say `` Andrà tutto bene '' - everything will be alright .
But as the number of dying continued to escalate , hope faded .
The lockdown was tightened further .
Even exercise was restricted to the close vicinity of where you lived .
The number of police checkpoints seemed to increase .
We saw fewer and fewer people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was dealing with their own personal struggle .
`` For a single old man staying at home alone it 's difficult , '' said a pensioner sitting alone in one of Rome 's squares .
`` I have no relations .
It 's sad .
But you know , better than being infected . ''
Stefano Capelli 's taxi earnings had dropped to €30 ( £26 ) a day .
I asked how long he could last financially .
`` Maybe one month .
Maybe , '' he replied .
If his predictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of money around three weeks ago .
The lockdown , border closures , and travel restrictions have hurt Italy 's economy .
Despite pressure to lift measures sooner in the south of the country , where the infection is lower but poverty is far higher , the government appears to be taking no risks .
Italians realise that normality as they knew it will not resume anytime soon .
This is all the more apparent when you see the detailed conditions being set by the government for lifting measures .
The price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's ongoing debate about whether to make them mandatory outside .
It is already compulsory to wear them on public transport , in shops , and in work places .
Italy has seen how the virus spreads at frightening speed and the slow painful fight needed to bring it under control .
The characteristic warmth of Italians has been replaced by an obsession with personal space .
Even the physical act of wearing a mask seems to have silenced people 's spirits .
This would have seemed inconceivable a couple of months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine life as before .
The national trauma of the first outbreak perhaps still too raw .

Europe watched Italy's human catastrophe unfold and was warned about what was to come.
For Italians it was too late to prepare - they had to learn the horrors of this pandemic as they lived them.
When Italy's government announced the first lockdown in Europe, few could have predicted how long it would last.
Three weeks became nearly eight. The deadline was extended time and time again.
Even as Italy moves to "phase 2" from Monday, the country is lifting measures more slowly and more cautiously than most others.
Perhaps little wonder when you see the trauma this country has endured in little over two months.
Even in the early days of lockdown, you could feel the country was in a state of high anxiety. As Italians saw the health emergency escalate, they also had to process the shock of being the first country in Europe ordered to stay home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Italy's medical community in state of trauma
One conversation remains etched in my memory more than many others.
On day two of lockdown I met Aurelio Fragapanni waiting outside a pharmacy to collect his sister's medication. He displayed the charisma and warmth shown by so many Italians.
But one simple question - "how are you?" - and he began to cry.
As a senior citizen he was in the virus's high risk category so I asked if he was scared. "I get emotional, but not for me," he replied. "People aren't prepared."
Image: For a long time, Italy has been under lockdown, with city squares left empty
Aurelio was right.
Few could have been prepared for what the next two months would hold.
There was no frame of reference to predict the events of this pandemic.
Italy became a country of unwelcome firsts.
The first to show its hospitals overrun with the sick.
The first to call in the army to transport the dead.
The first to launch a criminal investigation into care home deaths.
What we were seeing and hearing was shocking.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Coronavirus: Lockdown lessons from Italy
In exactly 10 weeks Italy lost more than 28,000 of its citizens to COVID-19. That doesn't include most of those who have died in residential homes.
More than 180 doctors and nurses have died from coronavirus - another two have taken their own lives.
The head of infectious diseases at Spedali Civili Hospital in Brescia, Lombardy, described the trauma of working with the fear of dying. More than 300 of his colleagues have tested positive for the virus.
"We were asking each other who will be the next and that, of course, is psychologically demanding. Also because, apart from being colleagues, we are friends.
"We are also isolated, each of us at home, because we fear also to maybe transfer the contagion to our beloved ones.
"So if you put all that together, the workload, the fatigue, the tiredness, that is fairly psychologically demanding."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:31 Special report: Inside a Naples ICU
In the early weeks of Italy's outbreak there was a sense of hope and optimism.
Italians gathered in their windows and balconies to sing together and say "Andrà tutto bene" - everything will be alright.
But as the number of dying continued to escalate, hope faded.
The singing stopped, shutters stayed closed.
Image: Italians realise life will not be normal again for a long time
The lockdown was tightened further. Even exercise was restricted to the close vicinity of where you lived. The number of police checkpoints seemed to increase. We saw fewer and fewer people outside.
Almost everyone we spoke to was dealing with their own personal struggle.
"For a single old man staying at home alone it's difficult," said a pensioner sitting alone in one of Rome's squares. "I have no relations. It's sad. But you know, better than being infected."
Even essential workers, considered lucky, were barely coping.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 Italian PM to loosen lockdown restrictions
Stefano Capelli's taxi earnings had dropped to €30 (£26) a day. I asked how long he could last financially. "Maybe one month. Maybe," he replied.
If his predictions were correct, he will have run out of money around three weeks ago.
The lockdown, border closures, and travel restrictions have hurt Italy's economy. Despite pressure to lift measures sooner in the south of the country, where the infection is lower but poverty is far higher, the government appears to be taking no risks.
Italians realise that normality as they knew it will not resume anytime soon. This is all the more apparent when you see the detailed conditions being set by the government for lifting measures.
The price of facemasks has been fixed too but there's ongoing debate about whether to make them mandatory outside. It is already compulsory to wear them on public transport, in shops, and in work places.
Italy has seen how the virus spreads at frightening speed and the slow painful fight needed to bring it under control.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Mafia in Italy exploiting coronavirus vacuum
The characteristic warmth of Italians has been replaced by an obsession with personal space. Even the physical act of wearing a mask seems to have silenced people's spirits.
This would have seemed inconceivable a couple of months ago.
But it's hard to imagine life as before.
The national trauma of the first outbreak perhaps still too raw.


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Italy set to throw open its borders in time for summer tourist season

Italy will reopen restaurants and coffee bars next week and allow travel in and out of the country next month as it continues to ease its coronavirus lockdown .
A decree signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday means that the foreign travel ban will be lifted on 3 June - and people can also start moving freely across the country 's regions on the same day .
Mr Conte said that anybody entering Italy from an EU country from then onwards would not have to undergo a quarantine period .
However he warned that while the Lombardy region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national government could intervene if the pandemic reemerged .
The measure will come into place just as the summer tourism season gets under way - and Italy hopes it will revive its decimated tourist industry .
Italy was the first European country to impose strict measures in early March after it became the first nation outside Asia to have a major outbreak of COVID-19 .
More than 31,600 people have died since the crisis emerged on 21 February , and at one stage Italy had the highest number of deaths in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , after the US and Britain , which have 87,568 and 34,078 deaths respectively .
Italy began lifting restrictions on 4 May , when it allowed factories and parks to reopen after the number of cases of infections and deaths began to fall .
A further easing of the lockdown is due to take place on Monday , with hairdressers , coffee bars and restaurants allowed to reopen - but only if social distancing measures can be guaranteed .
The government has also imposed a requirement to take reservations and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
It recommends the use of disposable or electronic menus that can be read on personal devices .
But restaurant owners have protested against the rules , saying they are unclear and lamenting that the entire sector - including suppliers and food producers - is suffering .
Several people demonstrated outside Milan 's main train station on Saturday , with one sign reading : `` I wo n't open today to close tomorrow . ''
As of Monday , people will be allowed to move freely inside the region where they live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel is a major milestone in the country 's road to recovery , with the government hoping to salvage the forthcoming holiday season , when Italians traditionally escape the cities for their annual summer breaks .
The lifting of the travel ban will come a day after Italy 's Republic Day holiday , in an effort to prevent mass movement of Italians over the long weekend .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The decree also says health authorities will closely monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept in check .
One manager of a clothing shop in central Rome , Alberto Volpe , said : `` The challenge is huge , so big it is hard to quantify , and most of all there is uncertainty .
`` The sense of uncertainty is dominating everything . ''

Italy will reopen restaurants and coffee bars next week and allow travel in and out of the country next month as it continues to ease its coronavirus lockdown.
A decree signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday means that the foreign travel ban will be lifted on 3 June - and people can also start moving freely across the country's regions on the same day.
Mr Conte said that anybody entering Italy from an EU country from then onwards would not have to undergo a quarantine period.
However he warned that while the Lombardy region could assess itself whether to reopen, the national government could intervene if the pandemic reemerged.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:05 Italians rejoice as lockdown is eased
The measure will come into place just as the summer tourism season gets under way - and Italy hopes it will revive its decimated tourist industry.
Italy was the first European country to impose strict measures in early March after it became the first nation outside Asia to have a major outbreak of COVID-19.
More than 31,600 people have died since the crisis emerged on 21 February, and at one stage Italy had the highest number of deaths in Europe.
It now has the third-highest in the world, after the US and Britain, which have 87,568 and 34,078 deaths respectively.
Italy began lifting restrictions on 4 May, when it allowed factories and parks to reopen after the number of cases of infections and deaths began to fall.
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A further easing of the lockdown is due to take place on Monday, with hairdressers, coffee bars and restaurants allowed to reopen - but only if social distancing measures can be guaranteed.
The government has also imposed a requirement to take reservations and keep records of patrons for at least two weeks. It recommends the use of disposable or electronic menus that can be read on personal devices.
Image: Restaurants in Italy are preparing to reopen with strict social distancing measures in place. File pic
But restaurant owners have protested against the rules, saying they are unclear and lamenting that the entire sector - including suppliers and food producers - is suffering.
Several people demonstrated outside Milan's main train station on Saturday, with one sign reading: "I won't open today to close tomorrow."
As of Monday, people will be allowed to move freely inside the region where they live.
Image: Restaurant owners stage a protest at Milan's main train station
The 3 June reopening to foreign travel is a major milestone in the country's road to recovery, with the government hoping to salvage the forthcoming holiday season, when Italians traditionally escape the cities for their annual summer breaks.
The lifting of the travel ban will come a day after Italy's Republic Day holiday, in an effort to prevent mass movement of Italians over the long weekend.
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The decree also says health authorities will closely monitor the situation to make sure infections are kept in check.
One manager of a clothing shop in central Rome, Alberto Volpe, said: "The challenge is huge, so big it is hard to quantify, and most of all there is uncertainty.
"The sense of uncertainty is dominating everything."


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Corbyn's brother among arrests as lockdown protesters denounce 'fake' virus

The brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was one of several protesters arrested during a protest against the coronavirus lockdown .
About 50 people defied social distancing to gather together at Speakers ' Corner in Hyde Park , west London , on Saturday holding placards with slogans like `` anti-vax deserves a voice '' and `` freedom over fear '' , with others denouncing social distancing measures as `` tyranny '' .
Dozens of police officers , including some on horseback , patrolled the protest , issuing 10 on-the-spot fines and making 19 arrests .
Piers Corbyn , brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffs during the protest after calling the coronavirus pandemic a `` pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order '' , PA news agency reported .
David Sampson , 50 , who said he works in finance , told PA that he had attended the protest because he `` never thought I 'd see in my generation the suppressing of civil rights '' over a `` fake virus '' .
He said : `` This is nothing compared to what 's coming . ''
Some of those present continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic has been caused by the deployment of 5G masts .
The nonsensical disinformation that has been spreading online in recent months has resulted in a number of arson attacks on newly-built masts , prompting NHS England 's medical director to dismiss the theories as `` rubbish '' .
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor , who is heading the Met 's response to the COVID-19 pandemic , said : `` With the easing of restrictions we fully expected open spaces to be busy this weekend . ''
He added : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hyde Park came together to protest the regulations in clear breach of the guidance putting themselves and others at risk of infection .
`` Officers once again , took a measured approach and tried to engage the group to disperse .
`` They clearly had no intention of doing so , and so it did result in 19 people being arrested , and a further 10 being issued with a fixed penalty notice . ''
A separate protest in Southampton saw about a dozen protesters gather on Southampton Common , holding placards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` say no to tyranny '' and `` Fight 4 Freedom '' .
In Belfast , a crowd of around 20 people gathered in Ormeau Park to denounce Northern Ireland 's lockdown measures .
The gathering broke up without incident after an hour .
There were also small protests at Glasgow Green and Queens Park in Glasgow , and Holyrood Park in Edinburgh .
A 41-year-old man was charged with breach of the peace at the Glasgow Green gathering .
A Police Scotland spokesman said : `` Enforcement action was taken as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people at Queens Park in Glasgow , while at the Glasgow Green gathering , a 41- year old man was arrested and charged with a breach of the peace .
He will appear at court at a later date . ''
Social media has also been used to organise the type of protests seen in Hyde Park on Saturday .
Fliers advertising `` mass gatherings '' held by the so-called UK Freedom Movement were circulating on Facebook and other sites ahead of the weekend - the first since the government eased lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now being allowed to spend as much time as they like outside , and to travel by car to get to a favourite open space , people are being asked to `` think carefully '' about visiting parks and beaches .
Anyone who does venture outside must still maintain a two-metre distance from people outside their household .

The brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was one of several protesters arrested during a protest against the coronavirus lockdown.
About 50 people defied social distancing to gather together at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, west London, on Saturday holding placards with slogans like "anti-vax deserves a voice" and "freedom over fear", with others denouncing social distancing measures as "tyranny".
Image: There were about 50 protesters who descended on Hyde Park
Dozens of police officers, including some on horseback, patrolled the protest, issuing 10 on-the-spot fines and making 19 arrests.
Piers Corbyn, brother of Jeremy, was led away in handcuffs during the protest after calling the coronavirus pandemic a "pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order", PA news agency reported.
Image: Piers Corbyn reportedly called the pandemic a 'pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order'
David Sampson, 50, who said he works in finance, told PA that he had attended the protest because he "never thought I'd see in my generation the suppressing of civil rights" over a "fake virus".
He said: "This is nothing compared to what's coming."
Image: Police arrested several people at the gathering in Hyde Park
Some of those present continued to promote the scientifically impossible conspiracy theory that the pandemic has been caused by the deployment of 5G masts.
The nonsensical disinformation that has been spreading online in recent months has resulted in a number of arson attacks on newly-built masts, prompting NHS England's medical director to dismiss the theories as "rubbish".
Image: The crowds were angry about the lockdown
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who is heading the Met's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said: "With the easing of restrictions we fully expected open spaces to be busy this weekend."
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He added: "It was disappointing that a relatively small group in Hyde Park came together to protest the regulations in clear breach of the guidance putting themselves and others at risk of infection.
"Officers once again, took a measured approach and tried to engage the group to disperse.
"They clearly had no intention of doing so, and so it did result in 19 people being arrested, and a further 10 being issued with a fixed penalty notice."
Image: A few protesters on Southampton Common
A separate protest in Southampton saw about a dozen protesters gather on Southampton Common, holding placards saying "stop the lies", "say no to tyranny" and "Fight 4 Freedom".
In Belfast, a crowd of around 20 people gathered in Ormeau Park to denounce Northern Ireland's lockdown measures.
The gathering broke up without incident after an hour.
Image: Members of the public gathered in Glasgow Green
There were also small protests at Glasgow Green and Queens Park in Glasgow, and Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.
A 41-year-old man was charged with breach of the peace at the Glasgow Green gathering.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Enforcement action was taken as a last resort and three warnings were issued to people at Queens Park in Glasgow, while at the Glasgow Green gathering, a 41- year old man was arrested and charged with a breach of the peace. He will appear at court at a later date."
Image: Protesters held up placards during the protest in Hyde Park
Social media has also been used to organise the type of protests seen in Hyde Park on Saturday.
Fliers advertising "mass gatherings" held by the so-called UK Freedom Movement were circulating on Facebook and other sites ahead of the weekend - the first since the government eased lockdown measures in England.
Despite the public now being allowed to spend as much time as they like outside, and to travel by car to get to a favourite open space, people are being asked to "think carefully" about visiting parks and beaches.
Anyone who does venture outside must still maintain a two-metre distance from people outside their household.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Unions and government told to 'stop squabbling' over reopening schools

The government and teaching unions must `` stop squabbling '' and agree a plan to get children back to school in `` a safe , phased return '' , the children 's commissioner for England has said .
Anne Longfield also called for `` rigorous '' coronavirus testing of teachers , children and families to ease safety fears among parents .
`` I am disappointed that the debate about when some primary school kids can return has descended into a squabble between government and the teaching unions , '' she said .
`` All sides need to show a greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children . ''
She added : `` We can not afford to wait for a vaccine , which may never arrive , before children are back in school . ''
Ms Longfield urged the sector to aspire for all children to return to school in some form before the summer , and to use school buildings for summer schools and family support over the holidays .
Her comments came after teachers ' unions called for more answers from the government about the safety of reopening primary schools in England from 1 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisers on Friday .
The teachers ' union NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during the crunch talks on COVID-19 was `` flimsy at best '' .
It added the meeting `` raised more questions than answers '' - and claimed Number 10 provided no information `` to change the widely held view that the evidence base for opening schools from 1 June is weak '' .
Meanwhile , mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader of Gateshead Council , Martin Gannon , said the easing of the lockdown rules was `` frankly madness '' .
During an interview with Sky News , Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis Trust , who said it was `` common sense '' for pupils to return to school , especially for children from lower-income families who see it as a place of `` security and safety '' .
He said : `` I think that 's an absolute disgrace and an insult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or households .
`` I will only allow schools to let children , teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it 's safe to do so .
This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics , it 's got everything to do with the safety of children . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added his views were based on `` common sense '' rather than `` scientific models '' and he `` was n't looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom line is I 've heard scientists give different opinions , '' he said .
`` These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there . ''
Hartlepool Council has also said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise .
`` Given that coronavirus cases continue to rise locally , Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with schools and have agreed they will not reopen on Monday 1 June , '' said a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place appropriate measures to help keep children and staff safe when a phased reopening is possible . ''
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans , saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are `` much lower '' .
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union ( NEU ) , Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is `` conflicting '' and he praised the union for urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night .
The government plans to send children in reception , Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown .
But NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach claimed no confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen .
He said : `` The NASUWT remains clear that no school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is safe to do so .
`` No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely .
Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce .
`` We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19 . ''
Leeds City Council leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government Association 's Children & Young People Board , backed the comments made by Dr Roach , telling Sky News : `` An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers .
[ There were ] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they 've got lead them to make the decision .
`` What they 're saying through the LGA is 'show us the scientific evidence ' .
Explain why they 've chosen reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
What 's the rationale behind it ? ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue has been handled , parents also do n't have the `` confidence '' that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely .
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was `` vital '' for their educational development .
He added : `` Many schools are already taking steps to welcome back their pupils .
I am grateful for their support .
`` I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools , nurseries and other providers all the guidance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June .
`` That 's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks , including the trade unions , and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts .
`` `

The government and teaching unions must "stop squabbling" and agree a plan to get children back to school in "a safe, phased return", the children's commissioner for England has said.
Anne Longfield also called for "rigorous" coronavirus testing of teachers, children and families to ease safety fears among parents.
"I am disappointed that the debate about when some primary school kids can return has descended into a squabble between government and the teaching unions," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 'Children desperately need to be back in school'
"All sides need to show a greater will to work together in the interests of children."
She added: "We cannot afford to wait for a vaccine, which may never arrive, before children are back in school."
Ms Longfield urged the sector to aspire for all children to return to school in some form before the summer, and to use school buildings for summer schools and family support over the holidays.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Jim McMahon says parents and teachers have
Her comments came after teachers' unions called for more answers from the government about the safety of reopening primary schools in England from 1 June, after a meeting with chief scientific advisers on Friday.
The teachers' union NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during the crunch talks on COVID-19 was "flimsy at best".
It added the meeting "raised more questions than answers" - and claimed Number 10 provided no information "to change the widely held view that the evidence base for opening schools from 1 June is weak".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Liverpool mayor: 'Schools will stay closed'
Meanwhile, mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was "safe to do so", and Labour leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon, said the easing of the lockdown rules was "frankly madness".
During an interview with Sky News, Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, who said it was "common sense" for pupils to return to school, especially for children from lower-income families who see it as a place of "security and safety".
He said: "I think that's an absolute disgrace and an insult to children whether they live in disadvantaged communities or households.
"I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it's safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it's got everything to do with the safety of children."
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He added his views were based on "common sense" rather than "scientific models" and he "wasn't looking for a confrontation".
"The bottom line is I've heard scientists give different opinions," he said. "These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there."
Hartlepool Council has also said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise.
"Given that coronavirus cases continue to rise locally, Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with schools and have agreed they will not reopen on Monday 1 June," said a statement.
"We continue to work with schools to put in place appropriate measures to help keep children and staff safe when a phased reopening is possible."
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans, saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are "much lower".
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is "conflicting" and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school.
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night.
The government plans to send children in reception, Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown.
But NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach claimed no confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen.
He said: "The NASUWT remains clear that no school should reopen until it can demonstrate that it is safe to do so.
"No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely. Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce.
"We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19."
Image: Students wearing protective face masks in a secondary school in Brussels, Belgium
Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake, who chairs the Local Government Association's Children & Young People Board, backed the comments made by Dr Roach, telling Sky News: "An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers. [There were] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they've got lead them to make the decision.
"What they're saying through the LGA is 'show us the scientific evidence'. Explain why they've chosen reception, Year 1 and Year 6. What's the rationale behind it?"
She warned that, due to how the issue has been handled, parents also don't have the "confidence" that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'No scientific evidence schools can reopen'
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was "vital" for their educational development.
He added: "Many schools are already taking steps to welcome back their pupils. I am grateful for their support.
"I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools, nurseries and other providers all the guidance and support they will need to welcome more children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June.
"That's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks, including the trade unions, and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts."`


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Germany to become first major football league in Europe to swing back into action

Life is returning to some kind of normal in Dortmund .
In the state of North-Rhine Westphalia , lockdown was eased further on Friday allowing cafes , restaurants and bars with outside seating to reopen .
In the main market square , groups of friends gather outside the traditional German beer halls , drinking and eating .
Inside shops and on public transport people wear compulsory masks but outside many pull them down around their necks .
But perhaps the most radical move yet in the lockdown lifting is the return of professional football .
This weekend the Bundesliga became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing back into action , having last played on 11 March .
In Dortmund the whole city seemingly follows the football team , the walls and windows of the bars and pubs adorned with the yellow and black the side wears .
On Saturday , the famous Westfalenstadion - renamed Signal Iduna Park - hosted one of the biggest games in German football between Borussia Dortmund and bitter local rivals Schalke , based in Gelsenkirchen , just 18 miles away .
The Revierderby has been played 179 times before but never like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven days , staying in hotels away from their families and tested regularly for COVID-19 , existing in a bio-bubble in order to ensure football can return with the minimum possible risk to its participants .
As with matches across Germany , no fans have been permitted inside the stadium and the streets surrounding it have been cordoned off by police .
In other states across the country , teams have been warned that if fans gather outside the stadium , the match will be immediately abandoned .
In German they call them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon they will be a norm across Europe .
For a team as fiercely supported as Dortmund , the idea of having no fans inside the 80,000-seater stadium is utterly alien .
`` It 's strange and unfamiliar , it makes your heart bleed , '' their sporting director Michael Zorc said .
Germany has the highest average attendance figures for football in Europe .
Usually all the Bundesliga stadiums would be close to full .
But for at least the next few weeks they will be the focus of attention around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guinea pig , as other countries , including England , take the first tentative steps to lockdown easing .
On Monday , Premier League clubs are expected to vote on whether to return to non-contact training and executives will be watching and assessing the success , or otherwise , of the Bundesliga experiment .
`` We got calls and emails from big clubs in Spain and England , and I know they really hope that we manage this situation so that other leagues can restart as well , '' Schalke sporting director Jochen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important it is to restart and finish the season as well .
We all agree this situation will not change that much by August , September , October , so if we are not able to play now , why will we be given the green light to play in September , October , November . ''
The Deutsche Fussbal Liga 's chief executive , Christian Seifert , says this weekend 's fixtures are about `` earning the right '' to do it again .
There have already been hiccups , with Ausburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolfsburg after reportedly breaking quarantine rules by leaving the designated team hotel to buy toothpaste and skin cream .
One of the major hurdles the Premier League has to clear in order to return is satisfying players that it is the right time to return the professional game .
The Championship season also hangs in the balance .
Middlesbrough player Adam Clayton has personal experience of the devastating effects of coronavirus .
His father , Steve , spent 51 days in the intensive care unit at North Manchester General Hospital but has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking forward to being reunited with his dad .
`` We 're not usually the hugging type but I just know we 'll have a big hug when he gets home and it 's ok to do so . ''
Clayton , who used to play for Leeds and Huddersfield , said he was conflicted on football 's possible return .
`` It 's just got to be safe .
I 've seen the damage it can do first-hand to families and a family member in particular ...
I 'd be hesitant about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
`` But on the flip side , I 'm a football player , I want to play the game and finish the season . ''

Life is returning to some kind of normal in Dortmund. In the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, lockdown was eased further on Friday allowing cafes, restaurants and bars with outside seating to reopen.
In the main market square, groups of friends gather outside the traditional German beer halls, drinking and eating. Inside shops and on public transport people wear compulsory masks but outside many pull them down around their necks.
But perhaps the most radical move yet in the lockdown lifting is the return of professional football.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 'Not real football' if fans can't watch live
This weekend the Bundesliga became the first major European football league to swing back into action, having last played on 11 March.
In Dortmund the whole city seemingly follows the football team, the walls and windows of the bars and pubs adorned with the yellow and black the side wears.
Image: There will be no fans inside the 80,000-seater Signal Iduna Park stadium
On Saturday, the famous Westfalenstadion - renamed Signal Iduna Park - hosted one of the biggest games in German football between Borussia Dortmund and bitter local rivals Schalke, based in Gelsenkirchen, just 18 miles away.
The Revierderby has been played 179 times before but never like this.
The teams have been isolated for seven days, staying in hotels away from their families and tested regularly for COVID-19, existing in a bio-bubble in order to ensure football can return with the minimum possible risk to its participants.
As with matches across Germany, no fans have been permitted inside the stadium and the streets surrounding it have been cordoned off by police.
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Image: The lockdown in North-Rhine Westphalia has been eased
In other states across the country, teams have been warned that if fans gather outside the stadium, the match will be immediately abandoned.
In German they call them geisterspielen - or ghost games - and soon they will be a norm across Europe.
For a team as fiercely supported as Dortmund, the idea of having no fans inside the 80,000-seater stadium is utterly alien.
"It's strange and unfamiliar, it makes your heart bleed," their sporting director Michael Zorc said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 Football clubs making their extra time count
Germany has the highest average attendance figures for football in Europe. Usually all the Bundesliga stadiums would be close to full.
But for at least the next few weeks they will be the focus of attention around the world, acting as a kind of guinea pig, as other countries, including England, take the first tentative steps to lockdown easing.
On Monday, Premier League clubs are expected to vote on whether to return to non-contact training and executives will be watching and assessing the success, or otherwise, of the Bundesliga experiment.
"We got calls and emails from big clubs in Spain and England, and I know they really hope that we manage this situation so that other leagues can restart as well," Schalke sporting director Jochen Schneider said.
"We know how important it is to restart and finish the season as well. We all agree this situation will not change that much by August, September, October, so if we are not able to play now, why will we be given the green light to play in September, October, November."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Neville not convinced over football's return
The Deutsche Fussbal Liga's chief executive, Christian Seifert, says this weekend's fixtures are about "earning the right" to do it again.
There have already been hiccups, with Ausburg coach Heiko Herrlich missing the game against Wolfsburg after reportedly breaking quarantine rules by leaving the designated team hotel to buy toothpaste and skin cream.
One of the major hurdles the Premier League has to clear in order to return is satisfying players that it is the right time to return the professional game. The Championship season also hangs in the balance.
Image: Middlesborough player Adam Clayton is conflicted on football's possible return
Middlesbrough player Adam Clayton has personal experience of the devastating effects of coronavirus. His father, Steve, spent 51 days in the intensive care unit at North Manchester General Hospital but has now been released.
Clayton said he was looking forward to being reunited with his dad. "We're not usually the hugging type but I just know we'll have a big hug when he gets home and it's ok to do so."
Clayton, who used to play for Leeds and Huddersfield, said he was conflicted on football's possible return.
"It's just got to be safe. I've seen the damage it can do first-hand to families and a family member in particular... I'd be hesitant about wanting to put someone else in that situation.
"But on the flip side, I'm a football player, I want to play the game and finish the season."


news--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Life in Barrow-in-Furness the town with the highest infection rate in the country

Known first for its steel , then later for submarine building and wind power , Barrow-in-Furness now has a notoriety for something it ca n't be so proud of - the highest rates of coronavirus infections in the country .
Surrounded on three sides by the sea , Barrow is Cumbria 's second largest town after Carlisle .
But despite its relatively remote location it has three times the England and Wales average for the number of coronavirus diagnoses .
A total of 553 people have been positively diagnosed in Barrow , at a rate of 823.7 cases per 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 244 cases per 100,000 .
Local health experts say rigorous testing could explain the anomaly , with almost three times as many tests carried out in Barrow than in other parts of the North West .
Other theories include high levels of deprivation - half of the 57,000 population live in terraced housing - an elderly population , a high ratio of people with underlying health issues , and the presence of a single large employer driving the local economy .
Almost 10,000 people work at the BAE Systems shipyard , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BAE said it `` strongly rejects the suggestion that we have adversely contributed to the COVID-19 infection rate in the Barrow area '' .
It added : `` Contrary to any assertion otherwise , we have followed public health guidance and required employees who were displaying symptoms , or had come into contact with someone who was displaying symptoms , to self-isolate at home while introducing preventative measures to protect the safety of our employees . ''
The town centre today is virtually deserted .
Only a couple of shops are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and about appear to be following social distancing guidelines .
One shop that is open is a `` social supermarket '' , set up by drug and alcohol rehabilitation service , The Well Communities .
The senior development manager for the service is Ged Pickersgill .
He says he has confidence in the local authorities , and believes they are being proactive , not reactive , in their handling of the COVID-19 crisis .
`` In effect I see it as Barrow Borough Council are steering the ship , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of different agencies that are working really closely together to make sure there is minimum overlap in the vital services being provided . ''
Laurence Pearson is a quantity surveyor who only moved to Barrow a few months ago .
He says his experience is one of a community working together to prevent the spread of the virus .
`` From what I 've seen people are keeping to the rules of staying two metres apart .
I certainly feel safe here , '' he says .
But , he says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of infection here have made him consider just how effective the local authorities have been .
Others are less convinced that lockdown guidelines are being taken seriously .
Janine McAllister has lived in Barrow for more than 20 years and works on the front line in a local supermarket .
Today she 's making a rare visit into town with her grandson Joseph .
`` People did stick to it for a while , but not for long , '' she says .
`` There are people going to the beach for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not taking it seriously .
I think they think they 're immune to it , or that it 's not going to happen to them . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But she says she still feels relatively safe in the town , except when she 's at work when a sense of vulnerability can take hold .
Although their opinions vary on how both the community and the authorities have responded to the current crisis , they all agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown restrictions should happen slowly .
And that a national `` one size fits all '' approach to ending the lockdown is not the way forward .

Known first for its steel, then later for submarine building and wind power, Barrow-in-Furness now has a notoriety for something it can't be so proud of - the highest rates of coronavirus infections in the country.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Barrow is Cumbria's second largest town after Carlisle.
But despite its relatively remote location it has three times the England and Wales average for the number of coronavirus diagnoses.
Image: The streets of the town on Saturday, which are usually bustling, remain largely deserted with shops closed
A total of 553 people have been positively diagnosed in Barrow, at a rate of 823.7 cases per 100,000 people.
The average in England is 244 cases per 100,000.
Local health experts say rigorous testing could explain the anomaly, with almost three times as many tests carried out in Barrow than in other parts of the North West.
Other theories include high levels of deprivation - half of the 57,000 population live in terraced housing - an elderly population, a high ratio of people with underlying health issues, and the presence of a single large employer driving the local economy.
Almost 10,000 people work at the BAE Systems shipyard, which is building Britain's next generation of submarines.
BAE said it "strongly rejects the suggestion that we have adversely contributed to the COVID-19 infection rate in the Barrow area".
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It added: "Contrary to any assertion otherwise, we have followed public health guidance and required employees who were displaying symptoms, or had come into contact with someone who was displaying symptoms, to self-isolate at home while introducing preventative measures to protect the safety of our employees."
Image: 553 people have been positively diagnosed for COVID-19 in Barrow
The town centre today is virtually deserted. Only a couple of shops are open, and the few people that are out and about appear to be following social distancing guidelines.
One shop that is open is a "social supermarket", set up by drug and alcohol rehabilitation service, The Well Communities.
Image: Ged Pickersgill is the senior development manager at The Well Communities
The senior development manager for the service is Ged Pickersgill. He says he has confidence in the local authorities, and believes they are being proactive, not reactive, in their handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
"In effect I see it as Barrow Borough Council are steering the ship," he says.
"And there are lots and lots of different agencies that are working really closely together to make sure there is minimum overlap in the vital services being provided."
Laurence Pearson is a quantity surveyor who only moved to Barrow a few months ago.
He says his experience is one of a community working together to prevent the spread of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 UK COVID-19 deaths rise by 468
"From what I've seen people are keeping to the rules of staying two metres apart. I certainly feel safe here," he says.
But, he says, reports in the media about the high levels of infection here have made him consider just how effective the local authorities have been.
Others are less convinced that lockdown guidelines are being taken seriously.
Janine McAllister has lived in Barrow for more than 20 years and works on the front line in a local supermarket. Today she's making a rare visit into town with her grandson Joseph.
Image: Janine McAllister, a front line worker, is pictured with her grandson Joseph
"People did stick to it for a while, but not for long," she says.
"There are people going to the beach for barbecues and drinks, they're just not taking it seriously. I think they think they're immune to it, or that it's not going to happen to them."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But she says she still feels relatively safe in the town, except when she's at work when a sense of vulnerability can take hold.
Although their opinions vary on how both the community and the authorities have responded to the current crisis, they all agree on one thing; that the relaxation of lockdown restrictions should happen slowly.
And that a national "one size fits all" approach to ending the lockdown is not the way forward.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Inside the Northern Ireland care home where staff believe they are beating COVID-19

Forty-five percent of all coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland have been in care homes - far higher than the 25 % in England and Wales .
But the number fell last week for the first time and one facility in County Armagh has beaten the odds to record an 86 % recovery rate .
Sky News was given exclusive access to Rosemount Care Home in Portadown where staff believe they are beating the virus .
Twenty-nine of their residents tested positive for COVID-19 but 25 of them have made a full recovery .
Bobby Sinnamon , 84 , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night in case he did n't wake up the next morning .
He said : `` I did n't care whether I lived or died .
As a matter of fact , I expected to die and I thought it would be a good thing .
I prayed to God that he 'd take me .
`` I do n't want him to take me now .
I 'm ready to live a little longer . ''
In Northern Ireland , where the reproduction or ' R ' number is 0.8 , nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in care homes .
The support of an acute team from the local hospital and testing have been critical , according to home manager Patricia Purvis .
She said : `` We found a lot of our residents were just off their food for a few days , generally not feeling well .
`` In the early stages , we were asking for these people to be swabbed for early detection .
I think that has helped a lot . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , the government statistics are devastating - of 599 deaths , 269 have been in care homes .
Rosemount staff have been motivated by their rate of recovery but they are modest about the courage we witnessed first-hand .
Julie Ann McClure , deputy home manager , said : `` I never looked at it like that , that I was putting myself at risk .
`` I was coming in to do a job that I had trained to do , that I wanted to do .
It 's all I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a senior care assistant , contracted the virus herself but she 's back working with vulnerable residents .
She said : `` You love them that much you just want to see them come out the other side .
You do n't really think about yourself .
`` You just go in and get on with it .
These people are my family ... and I will do whatever I can to support them .
I love them like my own . ''

Forty-five percent of all coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland have been in care homes - far higher than the 25% in England and Wales.
But the number fell last week for the first time and one facility in County Armagh has beaten the odds to record an 86% recovery rate.
Sky News was given exclusive access to Rosemount Care Home in Portadown where staff believe they are beating the virus.
Image: Staff at the care home believe they are beating COVID-19
Image: Twenty-nine of the residents tested positive for COVID-19 but 25 of them have recovered
Twenty-nine of their residents tested positive for COVID-19 but 25 of them have made a full recovery.
Bobby Sinnamon, 84, said he was frightened to go to bed at night in case he didn't wake up the next morning.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 'I'm ready to live a bit longer'
He said: "I didn't care whether I lived or died. As a matter of fact, I expected to die and I thought it would be a good thing. I prayed to God that he'd take me.
"I don't want him to take me now. I'm ready to live a little longer."
In Northern Ireland, where the reproduction or 'R' number is 0.8, nearly half of the COVID-19 deaths have occurred in care homes.
The support of an acute team from the local hospital and testing have been critical, according to home manager Patricia Purvis.
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She said: "We found a lot of our residents were just off their food for a few days, generally not feeling well.
"In the early stages, we were asking for these people to be swabbed for early detection. I think that has helped a lot."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In Northern Ireland, the government statistics are devastating - of 599 deaths, 269 have been in care homes.
Rosemount staff have been motivated by their rate of recovery but they are modest about the courage we witnessed first-hand.
Julie Ann McClure, deputy home manager, said: "I never looked at it like that, that I was putting myself at risk.
"I was coming in to do a job that I had trained to do, that I wanted to do. It's all I've ever done."
Caitlyn Gates, a senior care assistant, contracted the virus herself but she's back working with vulnerable residents.
She said: "You love them that much you just want to see them come out the other side. You don't really think about yourself.
"You just go in and get on with it. These people are my family... and I will do whatever I can to support them. I love them like my own."