news--2020-05-27--Larry Kramer: Playwright, author and AIDS activist dies aged 84

Playwright and author Larry Kramer , who was known for his AIDS activism from early on in the epidemic , has died aged 84 .
Kramer , who co-founded the Gay Men 's Health Crisis ( GMHC ) in the early 1980s and later the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power - or ACT UP movement - died in a New York hospital with pneumonia on Wednesday , his close friend and literary executor Will Schwalbe said .
His death was not said to be related to the coronavirus pandemic .
The award-winning writer was known for his 1985 play The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle with society to raise awareness of AIDS - the immunodeficiency disease from the HIV virus that Kramer had himself .
Described as an `` angry but compelling indictment of a society as well as a subculture for failing to respond adequately to the tragedy , '' by AP drama critic Michael Kuchwara , the revival of the play in 2011 earned it several Tony awards .
A TV movie adaptation in 2014 starring Mark Ruffalo , Matt Bomer , Jim Parsons and Julia Roberts , won an Emmy Award for best movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Academy Award for writing the screen adaptation of DH Lawrence 's novel , Women in Love , for which actress Glenda Jackson won her first Oscar .
The 84-year-old was perhaps best known for his lifetime of advocacy work as a fierce activist for LGBTQ rights and securing medical treatment for those with AIDS .
Journalist Randy Shilts described an article Kramer had written for gay newspapers in the 1980s as `` inarguably one of the most influential works of advocacy journalism of the decade '' and credited it with `` crystallizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gay community '' .
In the 1983 article , Kramer had written about the epidemic : `` Our continued existence as gay men upon the face of this earth is at stake ...
Unless we fight for our lives , we shall die . ''
Born in Bridgeport , Connecticut , in June 1935 , Laurence David Kramer went on to study at Yale University and served in the army .
He later worked at the William Morris Agency and for Columbia Pictures .
In 2001 , he had a liver transplant due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner , architect David Webster , in 2013 , with the couple making their vows while Kramer was recovering from a bowel obstruction surgery in an intensive care unit at hospital .
They had planned the wedding before he was forced to have surgery , but they did n't let the health emergency stop them .

Playwright and author Larry Kramer, who was known for his AIDS activism from early on in the epidemic, has died aged 84.
Kramer, who co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in the early 1980s and later the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power - or ACT UP movement - died in a New York hospital with pneumonia on Wednesday, his close friend and literary executor Will Schwalbe said.
His death was not said to be related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The award-winning writer was known for his 1985 play The Normal Heart, depicting a writer's battle with society to raise awareness of AIDS - the immunodeficiency disease from the HIV virus that Kramer had himself.
Image: Larry Kramer was known for his activism to raise awareness of the AIDS crisis
Image: A TV adaptation of Kramer's play The Normal Heart won an Emmy for best movie
Described as an "angry but compelling indictment of a society as well as a subculture for failing to respond adequately to the tragedy," by AP drama critic Michael Kuchwara, the revival of the play in 2011 earned it several Tony awards.
A TV movie adaptation in 2014 starring Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons and Julia Roberts, won an Emmy Award for best movie.
Kramer was also nominated for an Academy Award for writing the screen adaptation of DH Lawrence's novel, Women in Love, for which actress Glenda Jackson won her first Oscar.
The 84-year-old was perhaps best known for his lifetime of advocacy work as a fierce activist for LGBTQ rights and securing medical treatment for those with AIDS.
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Journalist Randy Shilts described an article Kramer had written for gay newspapers in the 1980s as "inarguably one of the most influential works of advocacy journalism of the decade" and credited it with "crystallizing the epidemic into a political movement for the gay community".
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In the 1983 article, Kramer had written about the epidemic: "Our continued existence as gay men upon the face of this earth is at stake...Unless we fight for our lives, we shall die."
Image: Larry Kramer (left) married his longtime partner David Webster (right) in 2013
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in June 1935, Laurence David Kramer went on to study at Yale University and served in the army.
He later worked at the William Morris Agency and for Columbia Pictures.
In 2001, he had a liver transplant due to hepatitis B.
Kramer married his long-time partner, architect David Webster, in 2013, with the couple making their vows while Kramer was recovering from a bowel obstruction surgery in an intensive care unit at hospital.
They had planned the wedding before he was forced to have surgery, but they didn't let the health emergency stop them.


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: EasyJet to cut up to 4,500 jobs over COVID-19 crisis

EasyJet is looking to cut up to 4,500 jobs and shrink its fleet , following the collapse in air travel due to coronavirus .
The move represents nearly a third - 30 % - of the Luton-based airline 's 15,000-strong workforce .
It joins other carriers , including British Airways and Ryanair , which have already announced major job losses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated the aviation industry globally .
Airlines have also been critical of the UK government 's plan to force visitors to quarantine on arrival from 8 June , warning of the further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren , said : `` We realise that these are very difficult times and we are having to consider very difficult decisions which will impact our people , but we want to protect as many jobs as we can for the long-term .
`` We remain focused on doing what is right for the company and its long-term health and success , following the swift action we have taken over the last three months to meet the challenges of the virus .
`` Although we will restart flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build slowly , only returning to 2019 levels in about three years ' time .
`` Against this backdrop , we are planning to reduce the size of our fleet and to optimise the network and our bases . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` As a result , we anticipate reducing staff numbers by up to 30 % across the business and we will continue to remove cost and non-critical expenditure at every level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultation over the coming days .
`` We want to ensure that we emerge from the pandemic an even more competitive business than before , so that easyJet can thrive in the future . ''
EasyJet also announced that by the end of next year it expects to have reduced its fleet size by around 51 aircraft to approximately 302 .
This will be achieved through measures such as delaying new aircraft arrivals .
The airline said that bookings for winter are `` well ahead of the equivalent point last year '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were cancelled due to the pandemic .
Responding to the cuts , Brian Strutton , general secretary of the pilots ' union BALPA said : `` EasyJet staff will be shocked at the scale of this announcement and only two days ago staff got a 'good news ' message from their boss with no mention of job losses , so this is a real kick in the teeth .
`` Those staff have taken pay cuts to keep the airline afloat and this is the treatment they get in return . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic cuts , he added : `` Indeed , easyJet 's own projections , though on the pessimistic side , point to recovery by 2023 , so this is a temporary problem that does n't need this ill-considered knee-jerk reaction . ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

EasyJet is looking to cut up to 4,500 jobs and shrink its fleet, following the collapse in air travel due to coronavirus.
The move represents nearly a third - 30% - of the Luton-based airline's 15,000-strong workforce.
It joins other carriers, including British Airways and Ryanair, which have already announced major job losses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated the aviation industry globally.
Airlines have also been critical of the UK government's plan to force visitors to quarantine on arrival from 8 June, warning of the further damage it would cause the struggling sector.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren, said: "We realise that these are very difficult times and we are having to consider very difficult decisions which will impact our people, but we want to protect as many jobs as we can for the long-term.
"We remain focused on doing what is right for the company and its long-term health and success, following the swift action we have taken over the last three months to meet the challenges of the virus.
"Although we will restart flying on 15 June, we expect demand to build slowly, only returning to 2019 levels in about three years' time.
"Against this backdrop, we are planning to reduce the size of our fleet and to optimise the network and our bases."
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He added: "As a result, we anticipate reducing staff numbers by up to 30% across the business and we will continue to remove cost and non-critical expenditure at every level.
"We will be launching an employee consultation over the coming days.
"We want to ensure that we emerge from the pandemic an even more competitive business than before, so that easyJet can thrive in the future."
EasyJet also announced that by the end of next year it expects to have reduced its fleet size by around 51 aircraft to approximately 302.
This will be achieved through measures such as delaying new aircraft arrivals.
The airline said that bookings for winter are "well ahead of the equivalent point last year", partly due to some customers rebooking flights which were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Responding to the cuts, Brian Strutton, general secretary of the pilots' union BALPA said: "EasyJet staff will be shocked at the scale of this announcement and only two days ago staff got a 'good news' message from their boss with no mention of job losses, so this is a real kick in the teeth.
"Those staff have taken pay cuts to keep the airline afloat and this is the treatment they get in return."
Casting doubt on the need for such dramatic cuts, he added: "Indeed, easyJet's own projections, though on the pessimistic side, point to recovery by 2023, so this is a temporary problem that doesn't need this ill-considered knee-jerk reaction."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: More than 40 million unemployment claims in the US since start of crisis

More than two million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as businesses continue to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic .
The 2.123 million claims means there have been more than 40 million applications for unemployment benefits since 21 March , when most world economies were - or were about to be - shut down .
It is the 10th consecutive week ( the week to 23 May ) that the number of applications topped two million and it comes as non-essential businesses begin to reopen after more than two months of being closed to limit the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent the number of job losses , as not all applications are approved , some people submit more than one application , and others might have found work since applying .
Joel Naroff , chief economist at Naroff Economics in Pennsylvania , said : `` I am concerned that we are seeing a second round of private sector layoffs that , coupled with a rising number of public sector cutbacks is driving up the number of people unemployed .
`` If that is the case , given the pace of reopening , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of extraordinary high unemployment .
And that means the recovery will be slower and will take a lot longer . ''
His comments come after plane maker Boeing announced 12,000 redundancies in the US , mainly due to a fall in the demand from airlines , themselves hit by fall in demand from passengers in a world of closed borders , travel restrictions and quarantines .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US Commerce Department said on Thursday that GDP contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter of the year , the worst performance since the recession of 2007-09 .
Economists expect the GDP could drop as much as 40 % in the second quarter .
More than 100,000 people in the US have died as a result of the coronavirus , among more than 356,000 worldwide .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

More than two million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as businesses continue to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2.123 million claims means there have been more than 40 million applications for unemployment benefits since 21 March, when most world economies were - or were about to be - shut down.
It is the 10th consecutive week (the week to 23 May) that the number of applications topped two million and it comes as non-essential businesses begin to reopen after more than two months of being closed to limit the spread of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:37 Coronavirus victim: 'Her last pay cheque was just $20'
The figures do not necessarily represent the number of job losses, as not all applications are approved, some people submit more than one application, and others might have found work since applying.
Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economics in Pennsylvania, said: "I am concerned that we are seeing a second round of private sector layoffs that, coupled with a rising number of public sector cutbacks is driving up the number of people unemployed.
"If that is the case, given the pace of reopening, we could be in for an extended period of extraordinary high unemployment. And that means the recovery will be slower and will take a lot longer."
His comments come after plane maker Boeing announced 12,000 redundancies in the US, mainly due to a fall in the demand from airlines, themselves hit by fall in demand from passengers in a world of closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines.
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The US Commerce Department said on Thursday that GDP contracted at a 5% annualised rate in the first quarter of the year, the worst performance since the recession of 2007-09.
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Economists expect the GDP could drop as much as 40% in the second quarter.
More than 100,000 people in the US have died as a result of the coronavirus, among more than 356,000 worldwide.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Saving his Rasputin has cost Tsar Boris the public trust

Dominic Cummings has long been the talk of the political club in Westminster , fascinated by this Rasputin-like figure and devastatingly effective campaigner at the centre of the Downing Street machine .
But this week the prime minister 's chief aide became not just the talk of the SW1 bubble but of the whole country .
An anonymous adviser turned into a national conversation , his actions during lockdown the subject of intense media scrutiny , political debate and public ridicule .
What has been clear since this saga first blew up on Friday night is the determination of Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectacle of Mr Cummings explaining himself at that hastily convened press conference in the Downing Street garden the proof that his prime minister would do the most extraordinary things to try to save Mr Cummings .
But if he hoped his aide would win over the public , he was very wrong .
After that statement , two in three Conservative voters thought Mr Cummings should resign , according to a poll in Wednesday 's Daily Mail .
Four out of five Tory voters believed he did break lockdown rules and two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make it less likely that people will follow lockdown rules .
It makes painful reading for a prime minister who has cast himself as the leader of the people 's government .
Now he looks out of step and out of touch with his public .
The prime minister 's stature - and that of his cabinet - has been diminished by the rather unedifying spectacle of making excuses for behaviour that the vast majority of the public believe to be inexcusable .
Meanwhile , Mr Cummings has been cast in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very tribe he purports to despise - the privileged elite that treats `` the people '' with contempt .
The political fall-out for Downing Street is plain to see .
The prime minister has burnt through a lot of political capital to save Mr Cummings .
MPs are fractious .
Those I speak to tell me of the hundreds of emails piling up in their inboxes from angry constituents .
Forty-four have called on him to resign .
Privately there are many more - and the silent mutiny runs through right from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cabinet table .
But Mr Johnson and his inner team have stood their ground and the appetite from MPs to try to force Mr Cummings out seems to be losing momentum .
`` The damage to the government is already done now whether he stays or goes , '' said one MP from the 2019 intake who took part in a zoom call with scores of colleagues and the deputy chief whip on Wednesday .
`` Colleagues were critical but the main message was that if there are more revelations or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , then he have to go . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Much will depend on the Durham police investigation into his conduct .
Should the police decided to reprimand him , he will most likely have to resign .
But the relationship between the PM , his adviser and his party has soured over this whatever Mr Cummings 's ultimate fate .
One minister told me Mr Cummings would be a `` running sore '' now in government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the minister , `` been exposed for what he is '' and made weaker by this unfortunate episode .
`` He 's got a massive target on him now , '' said another MP .
Then there is the policy fall-out .
Cabinet office minister Penny Mordaunt on Wednesday told her constituents in an email that the row has `` undermined key public health messages . ''
Simon Hoare , a senior Conservative MP who grilled the prime minister at the liaison committee , said he too was worried that Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health .
`` If the R rate climbs up and we have to resurrect lockdown , I am hearing that too many people for comfort will turn around and say 'no thank you , you can keep your lockdown .
We tried it , we feel played , we 're not going to do it . ''
And this is how , beyond the political fall-out , this episode has damaged the PM .
A spike in the R rate could now be laid at his door for confusing the public messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic crisis and possible public health crisis should we see a second peak in the virus .
The prime minister needed to nurture public faith in his government rather than throw it away at such a crucial time in the fight against coronavirus .
This people 's government has lost many of its followers over this sorry affair .
Mr Johnson is going to have to fight as hard as he did to save Mr Cummings 's job to win back public trust .
He may have kept his adviser .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , @ @ @ @

The PM will have to fight hard to restore his credibility as the leader of the people's government.
Dominic Cummings has long been the talk of the political club in Westminster, fascinated by this Rasputin-like figure and devastatingly effective campaigner at the centre of the Downing Street machine.
But this week the prime minister's chief aide became not just the talk of the SW1 bubble but of the whole country. An anonymous adviser turned into a national conversation, his actions during lockdown the subject of intense media scrutiny, political debate and public ridicule.
What has been clear since this saga first blew up on Friday night is the determination of Boris Johnson to save his man. The spectacle of Mr Cummings explaining himself at that hastily convened press conference in the Downing Street garden the proof that his prime minister would do the most extraordinary things to try to save Mr Cummings.
But if he hoped his aide would win over the public, he was very wrong. After that statement, two in three Conservative voters thought Mr Cummings should resign, according to a poll in Wednesday's Daily Mail. Four out of five Tory voters believed he did break lockdown rules and two in three of those polled said his conduct will make it less likely that people will follow lockdown rules.
It makes painful reading for a prime minister who has cast himself as the leader of the people's government. Now he looks out of step and out of touch with his public.
The prime minister's stature - and that of his cabinet - has been diminished by the rather unedifying spectacle of making excuses for behaviour that the vast majority of the public believe to be inexcusable.
Meanwhile, Mr Cummings has been cast in the public's mind as a member of the very tribe he purports to despise - the privileged elite that treats "the people" with contempt.
The political fall-out for Downing Street is plain to see. The prime minister has burnt through a lot of political capital to save Mr Cummings. MPs are fractious. Those I speak to tell me of the hundreds of emails piling up in their inboxes from angry constituents.
Forty-four have called on him to resign. Privately there are many more - and the silent mutiny runs through right from the backbenches to some who sit around the cabinet table.
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But Mr Johnson and his inner team have stood their ground and the appetite from MPs to try to force Mr Cummings out seems to be losing momentum.
"The damage to the government is already done now whether he stays or goes," said one MP from the 2019 intake who took part in a zoom call with scores of colleagues and the deputy chief whip on Wednesday.
"Colleagues were critical but the main message was that if there are more revelations or if something was wrong in his statement on Monday, then he have to go."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Much will depend on the Durham police investigation into his conduct. Should the police decided to reprimand him, he will most likely have to resign.
But the relationship between the PM, his adviser and his party has soured over this whatever Mr Cummings's ultimate fate. One minister told me Mr Cummings would be a "running sore" now in government. He has, in the words of the minister, "been exposed for what he is" and made weaker by this unfortunate episode. "He's got a massive target on him now," said another MP.
Then there is the policy fall-out. Cabinet office minister Penny Mordaunt on Wednesday told her constituents in an email that the row has "undermined key public health messages."
Simon Hoare, a senior Conservative MP who grilled the prime minister at the liaison committee, said he too was worried that Mr Cummings's behaviour could have serious implications for public health. "If the R rate climbs up and we have to resurrect lockdown, I am hearing that too many people for comfort will turn around and say 'no thank you, you can keep your lockdown. We tried it, we feel played, we're not going to do it."
And this is how, beyond the political fall-out, this episode has damaged the PM. A spike in the R rate could now be laid at his door for confusing the public messaging.
This government is already facing an economic crisis and possible public health crisis should we see a second peak in the virus. The prime minister needed to nurture public faith in his government rather than throw it away at such a crucial time in the fight against coronavirus.
This people's government has lost many of its followers over this sorry affair. Mr Johnson is going to have to fight as hard as he did to save Mr Cummings's job to win back public trust. He may have kept his adviser. But he has paid a very heavy price.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: Time to end 'Clap for Carers' says the woman who started it

The woman who began Clap for Carers , says that after 10 weeks , she is stopping now it 's `` carried us through the peak of the crisis '' .
Annemarie Plas , who is originally from the Netherlands told Sky News she 'd got the idea from a Dutch WhatsApp group that she was part of , and saw applause happening there .
`` I think that Clap for Carers was maybe used with other intentions than what I started it with .
`` My idea was to show appreciation and to connect the communities , whilst we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us , as it was really important to a nation , I felt that some people might have used it for other reasons than that . ''
Dr Hannah Barham-Brown , a GP registrar , said that at first , `` it made everything we were going through as healthcare professionals real in a way .
`` It was obviously a very scary time for everybody , particularly those of us working with patients .
So yeah , it felt really lovely , I live in a small village in Yorkshire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and clap it did feel like the local community was behind me '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But , she added : `` I think we 've kind of hit the point where we know that the community is behind us , we know that society is behind us and actually what we now need to be doing moving forwards is how we better support carers and NHS workers in practical terms .
`` So it 's lovely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clapping but actually what we really need now is to think about things like PPE , to think about things like ensuring that all care workers get a national living wage . ''
Critics say what began as a spontaneous gesture of solidarity with key workers has been politicised .
`` We 've seen millions of people out on the streets , including the prime minister and his partner , but I think people are starting to feel a bit uneasy , Matthew Bolton , executive director of charity Citizens UK , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clapped and you 've said 'thank you ' but what now ?
And that 's why the living wage could be a real , lasting demonstration of the fact that yes , we do now value care workers as we should . ''
The charity is campaigning for a £1.4bn boost for social care , to ensure workers are paid a `` real living wage '' of at least £9.30 an hour , or £10.75 in London .
They claim 500,000 frontline care workers currently earn below that .
Sky News spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be named for fear of losing her job .
`` Tabitha '' said she is paid so little that she could n't afford to eat after falling ill with COVID symptoms , and needed the help of a food bank .
`` The first day of the clap I took it positively but by third fourth and fifth time I was angry , angry because I was telling myself these people are maybe clapping because they do n't understand what 's going on behind the scenes '' , she said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We recognise the outstanding work being done by key workers up and down the UK in response to the current crisis .
`` We have provided £3.2bn to local authorities to address COVID-19 pressures , including adult social care .
`` Changes made on 1st April mean that millions of workers , including those with key worker status , are benefiting from increases to the national living wage and minimum wage rates for younger workers .
`` We remain committed to helping hard working individuals earn more whilst levelling up this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The woman who began Clap for Carers, says that after 10 weeks, she is stopping now it's "carried us through the peak of the crisis".
Annemarie Plas, who is originally from the Netherlands told Sky News she'd got the idea from a Dutch WhatsApp group that she was part of, and saw applause happening there.
"I think that Clap for Carers was maybe used with other intentions than what I started it with.
"My idea was to show appreciation and to connect the communities, whilst we did that, and that is something for us, as it was really important to a nation, I felt that some people might have used it for other reasons than that."
Image: Annemarie Plas is the founder of the #clapforourcarers movement
Dr Hannah Barham-Brown, a GP registrar, said that at first, "it made everything we were going through as healthcare professionals real in a way.
"It was obviously a very scary time for everybody, particularly those of us working with patients. So yeah, it felt really lovely, I live in a small village in Yorkshire and to see my neighbours and people come out and clap it did feel like the local community was behind me".
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But, she added: "I think we've kind of hit the point where we know that the community is behind us, we know that society is behind us and actually what we now need to be doing moving forwards is how we better support carers and NHS workers in practical terms.
"So it's lovely that people have been coming out and clapping but actually what we really need now is to think about things like PPE, to think about things like ensuring that all care workers get a national living wage."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:12 Double rainbow at clap for carers event
Critics say what began as a spontaneous gesture of solidarity with key workers has been politicised.
"We've seen millions of people out on the streets, including the prime minister and his partner, but I think people are starting to feel a bit uneasy, Matthew Bolton, executive director of charity Citizens UK, said.
"You know, we've clapped and you've said 'thank you' but what now? And that's why the living wage could be a real, lasting demonstration of the fact that yes, we do now value care workers as we should."
Image: Some critics say Clap for Carers has been politicised
The charity is campaigning for a £1.4bn boost for social care, to ensure workers are paid a "real living wage" of at least £9.30 an hour, or £10.75 in London.
They claim 500,000 frontline care workers currently earn below that.
Sky News spoke to one carer - who didn't want to be named for fear of losing her job. "Tabitha" said she is paid so little that she couldn't afford to eat after falling ill with COVID symptoms, and needed the help of a food bank.
"The first day of the clap I took it positively but by third fourth and fifth time I was angry, angry because I was telling myself these people are maybe clapping because they don't understand what's going on behind the scenes", she said.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said: "We recognise the outstanding work being done by key workers up and down the UK in response to the current crisis.
"We have provided £3.2bn to local authorities to address COVID-19 pressures, including adult social care.
"Changes made on 1st April mean that millions of workers, including those with key worker status, are benefiting from increases to the national living wage and minimum wage rates for younger workers.
"We remain committed to helping hard working individuals earn more whilst levelling up this country."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--German police investigate discovery of ape's hand and foot in forest

German police are investigating the grisly discovery of an ape 's severed hand and foot in a forest west of Munich .
The cleanly-detached body parts - complete with skin , hair , and nails - were found by a forester 's dog around a week ago near the Bavarian town of Grafrath .
One police tip suggested the finding was evidence that the government was carrying out coronavirus experiments on monkeys .
But after examination of the foot and hand , which appear to come from a chimpanzee , experts concluded that the body parts had been preserved with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific specimens .
`` This makes it possible that the parts are significantly older than initially thought , '' Michael Fischer , a police spokesman in nearby Fuerstenfeldbruck , told dpa news agency .
`` The good news is that nobody has to worry that an ape was slaughtered in Fuerstenfeldbruck last week . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Officers are still trying to figure out how a chimpanzee 's parts ended up in a German forest , but say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an administrative offence rather than a crime .
In German law , an administrative offence does not reach the punishable unlawful content of a criminal offence but typically results in a fine .
`` It could already be past the statute of limitations , '' Mr Fischer added .

German police are investigating the grisly discovery of an ape's severed hand and foot in a forest west of Munich.
The cleanly-detached body parts - complete with skin, hair, and nails - were found by a forester's dog around a week ago near the Bavarian town of Grafrath.
One police tip suggested the finding was evidence that the government was carrying out coronavirus experiments on monkeys.
But after examination of the foot and hand, which appear to come from a chimpanzee, experts concluded that the body parts had been preserved with formaldehyde or another chemical used to keep scientific specimens.
"This makes it possible that the parts are significantly older than initially thought," Michael Fischer, a police spokesman in nearby Fuerstenfeldbruck, told dpa news agency.
"The good news is that nobody has to worry that an ape was slaughtered in Fuerstenfeldbruck last week."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Officers are still trying to figure out how a chimpanzee's parts ended up in a German forest, but say it seems likely it is at most an administrative offence rather than a crime.
In German law, an administrative offence does not reach the punishable unlawful content of a criminal offence but typically results in a fine.
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"It could already be past the statute of limitations," Mr Fischer added.


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: SIG constructs stake sale to buyout firm

A public markets deal which has not been seen in London for more than a decade will re-emerge on Friday when SIG , a building materials group , unveils plans to sell a big stake to the buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice ( CD & R ) .
Sky News has learnt that SIG , which has brought in a new management team to spark a turnaround in its fortunes , is close to securing a major investment from CD & R worth tens of millions of pounds .
The construction materials company is also said to be planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a comprehensive attempt to shore up its balance sheet amid the coronavirus pandemic .
SIG 's largest investors are understood to have been briefed on the proposed transaction ahead of the company 's delayed full-year results announcement on Friday morning .
If the investment from CD & R is completed , it would be the first so-called PIPE ( private investment in public equity ) transaction in a London-listed company since 2009 , when Warburg Pincus acquired a substantial stake in Premier Foods , the Mr Kipling maker .
Such deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the system of pre-emption rights which prioritises existing investors in capital-raisings .
The coronavirus outbreak prompted expectations that PIPE deals would make a comeback in the London market , but the deluge of share sales to date have largely been in the form of placings and , more recently , rights issues .
CD & R 's investment in SIG would also turn on its head what many private equity executives argue is an anachronistic perception of their industry , by actively assisting a publicly traded company with the deleveraging of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could provide a valuable template for private equity firms to re-equitise companies which have been forced to borrow money to survive the pandemic .
The price at which SIG is expected to sell the new shares was unclear on Thursday night .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In total , it could seek to raise roughly as much as its own market capitalisation of £160m from CD & R and other investors , one analyst suggested .
The buyout firm is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in SIG , although it is not likely to be above the 29.9pc level at which a mandatory takeover offer would be triggered .
CD & R 's decision to back SIG - and a new management team led by Steve Francis - is likely to be interpreted as a significant vote of confidence in a company which has been rocked by a string of profit warnings .
While the construction sector has taken tentative steps towards resuming work following a partial lifting of lockdown measures , the prospects for the industry 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of forecasts about the severity of an impending UK recession .
Mr Francis , whose most prominent spell in business was at the helm of Patisserie Holdings following the discovery of an apparent fraud , was parachuted into SIG in February .
His appointment was made permanent in April .
CDR is said to have been impressed with his transformation plan for the company , which describes itself as the largest supplier of insulation products in Europe .
The US-based buyout firm is one of the world 's largest , and has invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies .
It recently took Huntsworth , the listed marketing services group , private , while in 2014 it took the discount retailer B & M Bargains in the other direction , floating it on the London stock market after a successful period as its controlling shareholder .
CD & R 's UK-based team includes Sir Terry Leahy , the former Tesco chief executive , and Vindi Banga , the former Unilever executive .
Banks including Bank of America Merrill Lynch , Canaccord Genuity , Jefferies , Lazard and Peel Hunt are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shares in SIG closed on Thursday at 28p , up 3.7 % on the day but 80 % lower than they were a year ago .

A public markets deal which has not been seen in London for more than a decade will re-emerge on Friday when SIG, a building materials group, unveils plans to sell a big stake to the buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).
Sky News has learnt that SIG, which has brought in a new management team to spark a turnaround in its fortunes, is close to securing a major investment from CD&R worth tens of millions of pounds.
The construction materials company is also said to be planning to raise money from existing shareholders as part of a comprehensive attempt to shore up its balance sheet amid the coronavirus pandemic.
SIG's largest investors are understood to have been briefed on the proposed transaction ahead of the company's delayed full-year results announcement on Friday morning.
If the investment from CD&R is completed, it would be the first so-called PIPE (private investment in public equity) transaction in a London-listed company since 2009, when Warburg Pincus acquired a substantial stake in Premier Foods, the Mr Kipling maker.
Such deals have been rare in the UK because of the system of pre-emption rights which prioritises existing investors in capital-raisings.
The coronavirus outbreak prompted expectations that PIPE deals would make a comeback in the London market, but the deluge of share sales to date have largely been in the form of placings and, more recently, rights issues.
CD&R's investment in SIG would also turn on its head what many private equity executives argue is an anachronistic perception of their industry, by actively assisting a publicly traded company with the deleveraging of its balance sheet.
City insiders believe that could provide a valuable template for private equity firms to re-equitise companies which have been forced to borrow money to survive the pandemic.
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The price at which SIG is expected to sell the new shares was unclear on Thursday night.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In total, it could seek to raise roughly as much as its own market capitalisation of £160m from CD&R and other investors, one analyst suggested.
The buyout firm is likely to take a substantial minority stake in SIG, although it is not likely to be above the 29.9pc level at which a mandatory takeover offer would be triggered.
CD&R's decision to back SIG - and a new management team led by Steve Francis - is likely to be interpreted as a significant vote of confidence in a company which has been rocked by a string of profit warnings.
While the construction sector has taken tentative steps towards resuming work following a partial lifting of lockdown measures, the prospects for the industry's recovery remain hazy amid a wide range of forecasts about the severity of an impending UK recession.
Mr Francis, whose most prominent spell in business was at the helm of Patisserie Holdings following the discovery of an apparent fraud, was parachuted into SIG in February.
His appointment was made permanent in April.
CDR is said to have been impressed with his transformation plan for the company, which describes itself as the largest supplier of insulation products in Europe.
The US-based buyout firm is one of the world's largest, and has invested hundreds of millions of pounds in British-based companies.
It recently took Huntsworth, the listed marketing services group, private, while in 2014 it took the discount retailer B&M Bargains in the other direction, floating it on the London stock market after a successful period as its controlling shareholder.
CD&R's UK-based team includes Sir Terry Leahy, the former Tesco chief executive, and Vindi Banga, the former Unilever executive.
Banks including Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Canaccord Genuity, Jefferies, Lazard and Peel Hunt are all understood to be involved in the equity-raising.
Shares in SIG closed on Thursday at 28p, up 3.7% on the day but 80% lower than they were a year ago.
SIG and CD&R declined to comment.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Major supermarkets enforce new rules to stop panic buys

Supermarkets are restricting purchases across a wide range of products as they step up their efforts to combat panic buying .
Tesco and Sainsbury 's are telling customers they can only buy three of any grocery item while they are also shutting fresh food counters .
Asda is taking similar action and Morrisons is limiting purchases across 1,250 lines .
Online supermarket Ocado had introduced a virtual queuing system but on Wednesday evening the website said it had decided to temporarily close until Saturday so that it could fulfil orders after a `` simply staggering amount of traffic '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest limits , which effectively ration purchases of a huge range of goods , significantly widen the scope of restrictions that had previously been implemented on a small number of items such as hand sanitiser .
Sainsbury 's chief executive Mike Coupe said : `` We have enough food coming into the system , but are limiting sales so that it stays on shelves for longer and can be bought by a larger numbers of customers . ''
A cap of two is being imposed on the most popular items , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-life milk .
Meat , fish and pizza counters and cafes are being closed from Thursday to free up lorry and warehouse capacity , as well as shelf-stacking time , for essential items to be replenished .
Sainsbury 's has also announced that its stores will only be open to customers over 70 and those with a disability for the first hour of trading on Thursday .
Plans are in place to beef up its `` click and collect '' offering , and these two groups will be given priority access when new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers have urged households to refrain from hoarding goods after worries about the virus prompted heavy demand for certain products .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Tesco , Britain 's biggest supermarket , has suspended all-night opening in big stores so that shelves stripped bare by worried shoppers can be re-stocked .
It said vulnerable and elderly customers would be given priority between 9am and 10am on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays .
The company 's statement added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and a good number of them will need to respond to personal or family challenges connected with dealing with COVID-19 .
`` So we would please ask that you understand the challenging environment in which we are all working .
If you do go in-store and want to say thank you , then I 'm sure they 'd appreciate it . ''
Waitrose has drafted in 1,200 staff from sister retailer John Lewis to cope with demand .
The supermarket emailed customers on Wednesday to say that it too was `` reluctantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most in-demand online items .
Morrisons reported that it had seen a `` considerable '' degree of stockpiling and its chief executive David Potts urged customers to `` just buy what you need '' .
Asda is restricting shoppers to three items on all food and closing its cafes and pizza counters , while temporarily reducing the opening hours of all its 24-hour stores for re-stocking .
Roger Burnley , the chain 's chief executive , has also urged customers not to shop before 9am on Friday so its biggest stores are available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Discount rival Aldi said on Monday that it was limiting customers to four items of any one product .
Business secretary Alok Sharma said supermarkets were taking `` sensible measures '' and that he was confident in the `` resilience '' of the sector .
He told Sky News he understood the `` rationale '' of people wanting to stock up but said most consumers would be `` extremely sensible '' .
Mr Sharma added : `` As shelves get restocked I 'm quite sure people will take the logical steps and actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they go to do their weekly or daily shop . ''
Supermarkets have seen a huge surge in demand for delivery services , with no slots available until next month in some areas .
Morrisons said on Monday that it planned to hire 3,500 more workers as it expands online delivery services to help it meet demand during the coronavirus crisis .
Supermarkets should get a boost from a business rates holiday announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak among a package of measures to deal with the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it paid £500m in business rates on its stores in the financial year to March 2019 .

Supermarkets are restricting purchases across a wide range of products as they step up their efforts to combat panic buying.
Tesco and Sainsbury's are telling customers they can only buy three of any grocery item while they are also shutting fresh food counters.
Asda is taking similar action and Morrisons is limiting purchases across 1,250 lines.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 'Food resilience is there'
Online supermarket Ocado had introduced a virtual queuing system but on Wednesday evening the website said it had decided to temporarily close until Saturday so that it could fulfil orders after a "simply staggering amount of traffic", with more demand than they could meet.
The latest limits, which effectively ration purchases of a huge range of goods, significantly widen the scope of restrictions that had previously been implemented on a small number of items such as hand sanitiser.
Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe said: "We have enough food coming into the system, but are limiting sales so that it stays on shelves for longer and can be bought by a larger numbers of customers."
A cap of two is being imposed on the most popular items, such as toilet roll, soap and long-life milk.
Meat, fish and pizza counters and cafes are being closed from Thursday to free up lorry and warehouse capacity, as well as shelf-stacking time, for essential items to be replenished.
Sainsbury's has also announced that its stores will only be open to customers over 70 and those with a disability for the first hour of trading on Thursday.
Advertisement
Plans are in place to beef up its "click and collect" offering, and these two groups will be given priority access when new slots become available.
Britain's food retailers have urged households to refrain from hoarding goods after worries about the virus prompted heavy demand for certain products.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Tesco, Britain's biggest supermarket, has suspended all-night opening in big stores so that shelves stripped bare by worried shoppers can be re-stocked.
It said vulnerable and elderly customers would be given priority between 9am and 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The company's statement added: "Tesco store colleagues can't work from home and a good number of them will need to respond to personal or family challenges connected with dealing with COVID-19.
"So we would please ask that you understand the challenging environment in which we are all working. If you do go in-store and want to say thank you, then I'm sure they'd appreciate it."
Waitrose has drafted in 1,200 staff from sister retailer John Lewis to cope with demand.
The supermarket emailed customers on Wednesday to say that it too was "reluctantly" introducing limits on some of its most in-demand online items.
Morrisons reported that it had seen a "considerable" degree of stockpiling and its chief executive David Potts urged customers to "just buy what you need".
Asda is restricting shoppers to three items on all food and closing its cafes and pizza counters, while temporarily reducing the opening hours of all its 24-hour stores for re-stocking.
Roger Burnley, the chain's chief executive, has also urged customers not to shop before 9am on Friday so its biggest stores are available to "the most vulnerable".
Discount rival Aldi said on Monday that it was limiting customers to four items of any one product.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Business secretary Alok Sharma said supermarkets were taking "sensible measures" and that he was confident in the "resilience" of the sector.
He told Sky News he understood the "rationale" of people wanting to stock up but said most consumers would be "extremely sensible".
Mr Sharma added: "As shelves get restocked I'm quite sure people will take the logical steps and actually shop as they would normally shop when they go to do their weekly or daily shop."
Supermarkets have seen a huge surge in demand for delivery services, with no slots available until next month in some areas.
Morrisons said on Monday that it planned to hire 3,500 more workers as it expands online delivery services to help it meet demand during the coronavirus crisis.
Image: Empty shelves have been a common sight at major supermarkets in recent days
Supermarkets should get a boost from a business rates holiday announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak among a package of measures to deal with the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Sainsbury's welcomed the measures. It said it paid £500m in business rates on its stores in the financial year to March 2019.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Care worker fears system could collapse over virus fears

Sky News political correspondent Joe Pike has spoken to the carer who looked after his husband in his final years about her concerns over coronavirus .
I had texted my friend Andrea .
She runs a small home care company in Edinburgh and had cared for my late husband Gordon in his final years .
`` I hope you and the team are keeping OK through all of this '' , I messaged .
`` Must be incredibly tough and scary .
Sending lots of love . ''
Andrea 's reply was long .
And it stopped me in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her staff became infected with COVID-19 , there might be consequences for those they look after .
`` The whole system is going to collapse if carers in the community ca n't do our jobs , '' she said .
`` If we ca n't look after our clients , they have nowhere to go .
They 'll be left to die .
And that 's the reality of it . ''
When I first met Andrea in our Edinburgh home six years ago , Gordon and I were both pretty wary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times a week , but the introduction of carers was a big change .
It takes time to adjust to a stranger in your home .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Gordon had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease ( MND ) , a degenerative and terminal neurological condition , at the age of 29 .
Once a gymnast who competed for Scotland , over the years his muscles gradually weakened and he lost the ability to walk .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , carers visited us six times a day , he used an electric wheelchair , and would drink through a straw .
Some with MND lose the ability to talk , eat , and eventually breathe .
Yet it was amazing how fast our attitudes towards carers changed .
Once suspicious , soon we embraced their support , which allowed Gordon to live life to the full .
After a few weeks I would n't blink if I came out of the shower in a towel and someone I 'd never met was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become our friends .
Andrea was a guest at our wedding - in a slinky silver dress - and was the third wheel on our honeymoon to Paris .
We spent hundreds of hours in each other 's company .
And when Gordon suddenly died , that stopped .
So when she texted with concerns about coronavirus , I asked if we could pay the team a visit .
It was an emotional day .
Dressed in protective gloves , we visited a couple of the company 's clients at home .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was living with motor neurone disease , the same condition that killed my husband .
MND means her speech is now slurred , and difficult to understand .
But one person who can translate for Barbara is her carer Laura who visits four times a day .
They were both in tears as Laura communicated Barbara 's fears of catching coronavirus .
`` Doctors would end up having to choose who would live and who would n't , '' Laura said .
`` And she knows she would be one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should n't be happening in this day and age . ''
Laura was quick to add some reassurance .
`` But it 's not going to .
Because we 're on the ball .
OK ? ''
This was all the proof needed that home carers do far more than feed , wash and take their clients to the bathroom .
More than 800,000 people across the UK rely on home visits .
Carers provide company and emotional support which is more important than ever .
For now , the social care system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if schools close or the virus spreads amongst carers , tough decisions will need to be made .
Barbara and Laura hope that when the system is under the most strain , they wo n't be forgotten .

Sky News political correspondent Joe Pike has spoken to the carer who looked after his husband in his final years about her concerns over coronavirus.
"Joe. I'm terrified."
I had texted my friend Andrea. She runs a small home care company in Edinburgh and had cared for my late husband Gordon in his final years.
"I hope you and the team are keeping OK through all of this", I messaged.
"Must be incredibly tough and scary. Sending lots of love."
Andrea's reply was long. And it stopped me in my tracks.
She was scared that if her staff became infected with COVID-19, there might be consequences for those they look after.
"The whole system is going to collapse if carers in the community can't do our jobs," she said.
"If we can't look after our clients, they have nowhere to go. They'll be left to die. And that's the reality of it."
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Image: Joe Pike (R) and his late husband Gordon, who died from motor neurone disease
When I first met Andrea in our Edinburgh home six years ago, Gordon and I were both pretty wary.
She would only be visiting a few times a week, but the introduction of carers was a big change. It takes time to adjust to a stranger in your home.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Gordon had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a degenerative and terminal neurological condition, at the age of 29.
Once a gymnast who competed for Scotland, over the years his muscles gradually weakened and he lost the ability to walk.
By the last months of Gordon's life, carers visited us six times a day, he used an electric wheelchair, and would drink through a straw.
Some with MND lose the ability to talk, eat, and eventually breathe.
Yet it was amazing how fast our attitudes towards carers changed.
Once suspicious, soon we embraced their support, which allowed Gordon to live life to the full.
After a few weeks I wouldn't blink if I came out of the shower in a towel and someone I'd never met was cleaning the hob.
Gordon's carers become our friends. Andrea was a guest at our wedding - in a slinky silver dress - and was the third wheel on our honeymoon to Paris.
Image: Andrea Ramsey cared for Joe Pike's husband, Gordon, who died from motor neurone disease
We spent hundreds of hours in each other's company. And when Gordon suddenly died, that stopped.
So when she texted with concerns about coronavirus, I asked if we could pay the team a visit. It was an emotional day.
Dressed in protective gloves, we visited a couple of the company's clients at home.
One woman, a former professor named Barbara, was living with motor neurone disease, the same condition that killed my husband.
MND means her speech is now slurred, and difficult to understand. But one person who can translate for Barbara is her carer Laura who visits four times a day.
They were both in tears as Laura communicated Barbara's fears of catching coronavirus.
"Doctors would end up having to choose who would live and who wouldn't," Laura said.
"And she knows she would be one of the ones that wouldn't. And that shouldn't be happening in this day and age."
Laura was quick to add some reassurance.
"But it's not going to. Because we're on the ball. OK?"
Image: Carer Laura Rose is worried for her patients
This was all the proof needed that home carers do far more than feed, wash and take their clients to the bathroom.
More than 800,000 people across the UK rely on home visits. Carers provide company and emotional support which is more important than ever.
For now, the social care system is keeping pressure off the NHS, but if schools close or the virus spreads amongst carers, tough decisions will need to be made.
Barbara and Laura hope that when the system is under the most strain, they won't be forgotten.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Scientists tackle the theories on how it started

Scientists have analysed the entirety of the novel coronavirus ' genomic sequence to assess claims that it may have been made in a laboratory or been otherwise engineered .
The coronavirus outbreak first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December and has caused an international pandemic , infecting more than 198,000 people and leading to over 7,900 deaths .
International blame around the COVID-19 pandemic has incited conspiracy theories about its origin .
Without evidence Zhao Lijian , a spokesperson for China 's foreign ministry , suggested on Twitter that the virus could have been brought to Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been insincerely provocative in response to American officials describing the outbreak as the Wuhan virus , stressing its beginnings in China , he received thousands of retweets .
Rumours linking the virus to the Wuhan Institute of Virology - based on geographic proximity , and without any endorsement from qualified epidemiologists - have also circulated .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Shortly after the epidemic began , Chinese scientists sequenced the genome of the virus and made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even the integrity of these scientists and medical professionals has been called into question by conspiracy theorists , prompting an international coalition of scientists to sign a joint letter of support for them and their work , published in medical journal The Lancet .
The value of the genomic sequence could prove vital for those developing a vaccine , but it also contains key details revealing how the virus evolved .
New analysis by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in the US , UK and Australia discovered that the virus has proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism to bind to human cells .
This mechanism is so sophisticated in its adaptions that the researchers say that it must have evolved and not been genetically engineered in their paper , titled `` COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic has a natural origin '' , published in the journal Nature Medicine .
Dr Josie Golding , the epidemics lead at the Wellcome Trust in the UK , described the paper as `` crucially important to bring an evidence-based view to the rumours that have been circulating about the origins of the virus causing COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is the product of natural evolution , ending any speculation about deliberate genetic engineering , '' Dr Golding added .
So how do they know ?
One of the most effective parts of the virus are its spike proteins , molecules on the outside of the virus which it uses to grab hold of and then penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells .
There are two key features in the novel coronavirus ' spike proteins which make its evolution a certainty .
The first is what 's called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describe as `` a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells '' , while the second is known as the cleavage site , `` a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells '' .
If researchers were actually going to design a virus to harm humans then it would be constructed from the backbone of a virus already known to cause illness , the researchers said .
However the coronavirus backbone is radically different to those which are already known to affect humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to viruses which are found in bats and pangolins .
`` These two features of the virus , the mutations in the RBD portion of the spike protein and its distinct backbone , rules out laboratory manipulation as a potential origin for [ the coronavirus ] , '' said Dr Kristian Andersen , corresponding author on the paper .
Another study of the genome by researchers at the Wuhan Institute for Virology reported that the virus was 96 % identical to a coronavirus found in bats , one of the many animals sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is suspected the virus jumped to humans .
However the new research was unable to determine whether the virus evolved into its current pathogenic state in a non-human host before jumping to a human , or if it evolved into that state after making the jump .

Scientists have analysed the entirety of the novel coronavirus' genomic sequence to assess claims that it may have been made in a laboratory or been otherwise engineered.
The coronavirus outbreak first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December and has caused an international pandemic, infecting more than 198,000 people and leading to over 7,900 deaths.
International blame around the COVID-19 pandemic has incited conspiracy theories about its origin.
Without evidence Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, suggested on Twitter that the virus could have been brought to Wuhan by the US army.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 China depicts heroic fight against coronavirus - this is the reality
While he may have been insincerely provocative in response to American officials describing the outbreak as the Wuhan virus, stressing its beginnings in China, he received thousands of retweets.
Rumours linking the virus to the Wuhan Institute of Virology - based on geographic proximity, and without any endorsement from qualified epidemiologists - have also circulated.
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Shortly after the epidemic began, Chinese scientists sequenced the genome of the virus and made the data publicly available for researchers worldwide.
Even the integrity of these scientists and medical professionals has been called into question by conspiracy theorists, prompting an international coalition of scientists to sign a joint letter of support for them and their work, published in medical journal The Lancet.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The value of the genomic sequence could prove vital for those developing a vaccine, but it also contains key details revealing how the virus evolved.
New analysis by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in the US, UK and Australia discovered that the virus has proved so infectious because it developed a near-perfect mechanism to bind to human cells.
This mechanism is so sophisticated in its adaptions that the researchers say that it must have evolved and not been genetically engineered in their paper, titled "COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic has a natural origin", published in the journal Nature Medicine.
Dr Josie Golding, the epidemics lead at the Wellcome Trust in the UK, described the paper as "crucially important to bring an evidence-based view to the rumours that have been circulating about the origins of the virus causing COVID-19".
"They conclude that the virus is the product of natural evolution, ending any speculation about deliberate genetic engineering," Dr Golding added.
So how do they know? One of the most effective parts of the virus are its spike proteins, molecules on the outside of the virus which it uses to grab hold of and then penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells.
There are two key features in the novel coronavirus' spike proteins which make its evolution a certainty.
The first is what's called the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which they describe as "a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells", while the second is known as the cleavage site, "a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells".
If researchers were actually going to design a virus to harm humans then it would be constructed from the backbone of a virus already known to cause illness, the researchers said.
However the coronavirus backbone is radically different to those which are already known to affect humans, and in fact are most similar to viruses which are found in bats and pangolins.
"These two features of the virus, the mutations in the RBD portion of the spike protein and its distinct backbone, rules out laboratory manipulation as a potential origin for [the coronavirus]," said Dr Kristian Andersen, corresponding author on the paper.
Image: The virus has been linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China
Another study of the genome by researchers at the Wuhan Institute for Virology reported that the virus was 96% identical to a coronavirus found in bats, one of the many animals sold at a Wuhan seafood market where it is suspected the virus jumped to humans.
However the new research was unable to determine whether the virus evolved into its current pathogenic state in a non-human host before jumping to a human, or if it evolved into that state after making the jump.


news--2020-03-18--US Election 2020: Biden extends his lead over sanders for Democratic nomination

Joe Biden has stretched his lead in the race to be the Democratic Party 's presidential candidate after taking the latest three primaries to be contested .
The former vice president beat his only remaining rival , Senator Bernie Sanders , in Florida , Illinois and Arizona .
A total of 441 convention delegates were up for grabs , with 1,991 needed in total to win the nomination .
Currently Biden has 1,147 pledges to Sanders ' 861 .
Ohio was also due to vote but called off the poll because of concerns over coronavirus .
It is now due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are currently at least 3,650 confirmed cases in the US and more than 100 deaths .
It is now present in all 50 states after West Virginia reported its first case of the infection on Tuesday .
In fact the spread of COVID-19 was the dominant theme of the night , with neither candidate addressing live election rallies after President Trump told people to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people .
Instead Mr Biden used a video stream on his YouTube page to appeal for Americans to put on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's moments like these we realise we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans , '' he said .
`` The coronavirus does n't care if you 're a Democrat or Republican .
... We 're all in this together . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He also addressed his opponent directly in what sounded like a tribute to a valiant but vanquished foe .
`` Senator Sanders and his supporters have brought a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these issues , '' he said .
`` Together they have shifted the fundamental conversation in this country .
So let me say especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders , I hear you .
I know what to stake .
I know what we have to do .
`` Our goal is as a campaign , and my goal as a candidate for president is to unify this party , and then to unify the nation . ''

Joe Biden has stretched his lead in the race to be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate after taking the latest three primaries to be contested.
The former vice president beat his only remaining rival, Senator Bernie Sanders, in Florida, Illinois and Arizona. A total of 441 convention delegates were up for grabs, with 1,991 needed in total to win the nomination.
Currently Biden has 1,147 pledges to Sanders' 861.
Ohio was also due to vote but called off the poll because of concerns over coronavirus. It is now due to hold its primary on 2 June.
There are currently at least 3,650 confirmed cases in the US and more than 100 deaths. It is now present in all 50 states after West Virginia reported its first case of the infection on Tuesday.
In fact the spread of COVID-19 was the dominant theme of the night, with neither candidate addressing live election rallies after President Trump told people to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
Instead Mr Biden used a video stream on his YouTube page to appeal for Americans to put on a united front, whatever their political persuasion.
"It's moments like these we realise we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans," he said. "The coronavirus doesn't care if you're a Democrat or Republican. ... We're all in this together."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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He also addressed his opponent directly in what sounded like a tribute to a valiant but vanquished foe.
"Senator Sanders and his supporters have brought a remarkable passion and tenacity to all of these issues," he said.
"Together they have shifted the fundamental conversation in this country. So let me say especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders, I hear you. I know what to stake. I know what we have to do.
"Our goal is as a campaign, and my goal as a candidate for president is to unify this party, and then to unify the nation."


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus 'very likely' to cause spike in divorce rates, says leading lawyer

The coronavirus outbreak is `` very likely '' to lead to a rise in divorce rates because couples are being kept in self-isolation together , a leading divorce lawyer has said .
Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia told peers at Westminster : `` The prediction amongst divorce lawyers is that following self-imposed confinement it is very likely that the divorce rate will rise .
`` Our peak times are after long exposure during the summer holidays and over Christmas .
`` One only has to imagine what it 's going to be like when families are sealed in a property for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advice from the government states if one person in a household has a persistent cough or fever , everyone living there should stay at home for 14 days .
Lady Shackleton , whose previous clients include Sir Paul McCartney , the Prince of Wales , Madonna and Liam Gallagher , made her comments in the House of Lords during the second reading of the Private International Law ( Implementation of Agreements ) Bill .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of provision relating to divorce .
`` When we leave the EU there will be an enormous vacuum and there has been no direction to the judges or the people who practice in this area as to what is going to happen , '' she said .
• The Chinese city of Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak - has reported just one new case of the virus for the second day in a row , as China reported only 13 new cases on Wednesday • Canada and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential travel between the two countries , according to a Canadian government official • Tunisia has announced a nationwide curfew , with citizens in lockdown from 6pm to 6am • At least 17 elderly people from a Madrid nursing home have died in the last five days , the Spanish city 's regional authorities have said • The youngest UK victim has been named as 45-year-old Craig Ruston , a father-of-two with motor neurone disease ( MND ) • UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to offer £330bn in government-backed loans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic According to a report in The Global Times , the Chinese city of Xi'an has seen a record number of divorce requests in recent weeks .
Health officials quoted in the report said this could be down to two factors .
As offices have been closed for a month , they are likely to have been hit with delayed requests .
Another reason is that couples have been quarantined in close quarters .
However one official told The Global Times the divorce procedure can take no more than around half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already decided to remarry .

The coronavirus outbreak is "very likely" to lead to a rise in divorce rates because couples are being kept in self-isolation together, a leading divorce lawyer has said.
Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia told peers at Westminster: "The prediction amongst divorce lawyers is that following self-imposed confinement it is very likely that the divorce rate will rise.
"Our peak times are after long exposure during the summer holidays and over Christmas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
"One only has to imagine what it's going to be like when families are sealed in a property for a long period of time."
Advice from the government states if one person in a household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there should stay at home for 14 days.
Lady Shackleton, whose previous clients include Sir Paul McCartney, the Prince of Wales, Madonna and Liam Gallagher, made her comments in the House of Lords during the second reading of the Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Bill.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Conservative peer said she was concerned about the lack of provision relating to divorce.
"When we leave the EU there will be an enormous vacuum and there has been no direction to the judges or the people who practice in this area as to what is going to happen," she said.
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In other developments:
The Chinese city of Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak - has reported just one new case of the virus for the second day in a row, as China reported only 13 new cases on Wednesday
Canada and the US are considering a mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries, according to a Canadian government official
Tunisia has announced a nationwide curfew, with citizens in lockdown from 6pm to 6am
At least 17 elderly people from a Madrid nursing home have died in the last five days, the Spanish city's regional authorities have said
The youngest UK victim has been named as 45-year-old Craig Ruston , a father-of-two with motor neurone disease (MND)
, a father-of-two with motor neurone disease (MND) UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to offer £330bn in government-backed loans to businesses struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
According to a report in The Global Times, the Chinese city of Xi'an has seen a record number of divorce requests in recent weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
Health officials quoted in the report said this could be down to two factors.
As offices have been closed for a month, they are likely to have been hit with delayed requests.
Another reason is that couples have been quarantined in close quarters.
However one official told The Global Times the divorce procedure can take no more than around half an hour in Xi'An - and many couples had already decided to remarry.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Help for renters amid pandemic to be unveiled 'very shortly'

The government will soon set out measures to help people who rent , as the coronavirus pandemic continues , a minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety .
`` The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well . ''
The number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a total of 71 people dying after testing positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The pledge to come to the aid of renters comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled `` unprecedented '' help for businesses and families .
The package includes government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners .
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants , and business rates holidays for companies .
`` We have never , in peacetime , faced an economic fight like this one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily coronavirus news conference .
`` I know that people are deeply worried .
I know that people 's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods . ''
Describing the coronavirus crisis as `` not a time for ideology and orthodoxy '' but `` a time to be bold , a time for courage '' , the chancellor told businesses and households : `` This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this . ''
The lack of action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John McDonnell when he said the chancellor 's measures `` still do not go far enough '' .
`` People are being laid off today and losing their incomes , '' he said .
`` We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns .
`` The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety , and still do not go far enough in protecting workers , renters and those who are losing their jobs , or in fully supporting businesses at the scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The issue is likely to feature at PMQs , when Boris Johnson will face MPs for the first time since the government unveiled its `` national fightback '' against COVID-19 .

The government will soon set out measures to help people who rent, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, a minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety.
"The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
The number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,950, with a total of 71 people dying after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The pledge to come to the aid of renters comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled "unprecedented" help for businesses and families.
The package includes government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners.
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants, and business rates holidays for companies.
"We have never, in peacetime, faced an economic fight like this one," Mr Sunak said at the government's daily coronavirus news conference.
"I know that people are deeply worried. I know that people's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM and chancellor vow to do 'whatever it takes'
Describing the coronavirus crisis as "not a time for ideology and orthodoxy" but "a time to be bold, a time for courage", the chancellor told businesses and households: "This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."
The lack of action to help renters was mentioned by Labour's John McDonnell when he said the chancellor's measures "still do not go far enough".
"People are being laid off today and losing their incomes," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
"We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns.
"The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety, and still do not go far enough in protecting workers, renters and those who are losing their jobs, or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The issue is likely to feature at PMQs, when Boris Johnson will face MPs for the first time since the government unveiled its "national fightback" against COVID-19.