news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Whigfield and D:Ream on their '90s classics uplifting people in lockdown

Pandemic appropriate songs have unsurprisingly made a resurgence in recent weeks , with REM 's The End Of The World As We Know It , Queen 's I Want To Break Free and Akon 's Locked Up all seeing a boost in sales as the UK turns to humour in strange times .
The uplifting classics such as You 'll Never Walk Alone and We 'll Meet Again are also enjoying a comeback too , thanks to Captain Tom and the Queen 's shout-out to Dame Vera Lynn in her speech on coronavirus lockdown .
But it seems songs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and optimism , are also providing the uplift that people need as enforced isolation nears the end of week six .
Footage from Dublin went viral earlier this month as residents ventured outside to perform Whigfield 's famous Saturday Night dance - socially distanced , of course .
And in Nottingham , D : Ream 's 1994 number one hit Things Can Only Get Better has become the anthem of the city 's Clap for our Carers applause each week , played out across the city every Thursday night .
The Lighthouse Family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wannabe , by the Spice Girls , all feature in the Official Charts ' Top 100 lockdown listening list too , while Spotify says Lou Bega 's Mambo No 5 ( like Saturday Night , another one with a dance routine ) is being added to lots of playlists .
Baby One More Time , by Britney Spears , and I Want It That Way , by the Backstreet Boys , have also seen Spotify streams increase .
Speaking to Sky News from her home outside Milan , Italy , Sannie Carlson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says she has seen many renditions of Saturday Night in the 27 years since its release , but none quite like the dancing in Dublin .
`` I 've seen a lot of these videos throughout the years , but I just think this is so funny because everybody was safely distanced , you know , and they had their little marks where they were supposed to stand , which I thought was hilarious , '' she says .
`` It made me really happy . ''
Carlson says she thinks the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its simplicity .
`` I think it 's so cheesy , '' she says .
`` It 's one of those songs that you either really hate it or you really love it , and it 's like nursery rhymes , it 's easy to sing along to .
`` It 's the classic , you can not not play it at a wedding , because it 's just one of those few moments where people can get together and be silly .
And I 'm all about silliness and not taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially right now , people need that… I do n't know , we just have to get through this and I think music is an amazing therapy for mental health . ''
The song also captured perfectly that teenage anticipation of a big night out , as demonstrated by Whigfield dancing in a towel and plaiting her hair in the video .
`` Well , that was the video , '' she laughs .
`` I mean , it was about a girl getting ready to go out on a Saturday Night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the song about ?
It 's not deep , you know ? ''
The '90s , Carlson says , was her `` perfect era '' for music .
`` I think the music was very melodic then , '' she says .
`` It was more simple and it was easier to create an artist .
I mean , nowadays ... Well , kids can make music from home and there 's so much music out there .
It 's not like you get into the charts and you stay there for , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's like , in and out . ''
In Italy , which was hit by coronavirus earlier than the UK , Carlson has been in lockdown for almost eight weeks , and with tighter restrictions .
But she 's philosophical about isolation , and says she takes positives from being connected virtually .
`` The funny thing is I released a new single a little while back and everyone said , you 're crazy because this is like the worst time , you ca n't do promotion .
But I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than before .
I mean , there 's so much more togetherness now , people are connecting more in a certain way .
It 's like the world has become a smaller place . ''
Like Carlson , D : Ream frontman Pete Cunnah has seen his biggest hit used in many different ways over the years , most notably as Tony Blair 's 1997 Labour election anthem .
He says seeing footage of the song being used in Nottingham made him emotional .
`` A friend of mine sent me the tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being blasted after the NHS clap , and I broke into tears , '' he says .
`` I 've experienced that song in so many different ways and I 'd never in a month of Sundays have anticipated it being used this way .
`` There 's been so much love out there towards the song and how it 's helping people .
You think , God , it 's really not my song anymore .
It 's become ... well , it belongs to all of us , I suppose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a writer ... it 's very heartening . ''
Back in the early 1990s , Cunnah had the title for the song , and had a clear idea of the kind of track he wanted to make .
`` When I had the title , Things Can Only Get Better , I was just looking for something that would literally put the hairs on the back of the neck and also make people punch the air for joy , '' he says .
`` I was able to put those kind of ingredients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's just been this kind of injection of joy that people go crazy for .
When we play it live , I know it 's the ace in my sleeve and I really enjoy it .
The energy is still in the record . ''
Cunnah is in lockdown in Donegal , in Ireland , currently working on a new D : Ream album with co-founder Alan Mackenzie .
After two albums in their 1990s heyday , the duo released In Memory Of… in 2011 after several years away .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be their fourth .
Cunnah admits he went through a period where being known for one hit became a burden , but `` you learn to get over yourself '' .
He laughs : `` I was like , 'there are other songs available , people ' .
But I ca n't leave a party now if people know it 's me , they make me get up and sing the song .
And actually , you get over yourself and you just get up and you have fun with people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's good fun . ''
Political events in the late 1980s and early 1990s , such as Margaret Thatcher 's resignation and the fall of the Berlin Wall , led to a feeling of change , which was reflected in the music being made .
`` Everybody 's Free ( Rozalla ) , if you think of that , or How Can I Love You More ?
By M People , '' says Cunnah .
`` There was a thing about that early sort of post-disco , early house scene that just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a moment in time there where it was very , very joyous .
`` I know it 's not everybody 's cup of tea , but you know , you need to be entertained as well as you need to be depressed .
That 's the light and shade , the contrast of music .
That 's what it does for people .
`` Paul Simon said every generation throws a new hero up the pop charts and he 's not kidding , because my kids , they love Stormzy ; I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the early '70s stuff .
I love the '80s .
Bowie , the Eurythmics , U2 , The Police .
That was my era .
`` Then I had a second crack at it when we were hanging out with , like , Leftfield and Underworld and M People .
I had a second crack at my childhood .
`` But as music moves on and as you get older , you do get set in your ways and you look back and see the world through rose-tinted glasses and , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the stuff your kids like .
`` Because you do n't want to be hanging out with your kids , liking the music they like… because they 'll be upset with you , let 's put it that way , that you 're sort of standing on their turf .
So , it 's just as it should be . ''
Nkosi Inniss , also known as DJ Coast 2 Coast , has been organising weekly `` safe raves '' for his neighbours in Ancoats , Manchester , an area where old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flats and there are lots of rooftops and balconies .
Playing 15 minute sets , he says tracks from the '90s are undoubtedly popular , from Oasis to N-Trance .
`` It was a time when so much of the music coming out was euphoric , about love and happiness and togetherness and that type of stuff , '' he says .
`` For example , Show Me Love ( Robin S ) , I play a remix of that one , and Whitney Houston , I 'm Every Woman , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes off .
`` N-Trance , Set You Free - I played it and everyone went crazy on the roofs .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' With technology now , everything 's accessible .
Not that music today all sounds similar - there 's a lot of different genres , lots of incredible music now .
But I think then , a lot of the things that people were making music on ... even the way they were making music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the music from a production side , it 's actually insane , which makes me appreciate that era even more . ''
Wonderwall , released by Oasis in 1995 , is always a crowd-pleaser , he says .
`` The lyric , 'Because maybe , you 're gon na be the one who saves me ' - at the minute , you might be saved by somebody , by the NHS .
I feel like it really means something .
And as a proud Mancunian , I love Oasis . ''
He sums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in isolation , people want music that gives them familiarity .
That 's what it 's about . ''
Watch Whigfield on Kay Burley at Breakfast live on Sky News on Monday morning

Pandemic appropriate songs have unsurprisingly made a resurgence in recent weeks, with REM's The End Of The World As We Know It, Queen's I Want To Break Free and Akon's Locked Up all seeing a boost in sales as the UK turns to humour in strange times.
The uplifting classics such as You'll Never Walk Alone and We'll Meet Again are also enjoying a comeback too, thanks to Captain Tom and the Queen's shout-out to Dame Vera Lynn in her speech on coronavirus lockdown.
But it seems songs from the 1990s, that decade of hope and optimism, are also providing the uplift that people need as enforced isolation nears the end of week six.
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
Footage from Dublin went viral earlier this month as residents ventured outside to perform Whigfield's famous Saturday Night dance - socially distanced, of course.
And in Nottingham, D:Ream's 1994 number one hit Things Can Only Get Better has become the anthem of the city's Clap for our Carers applause each week, played out across the city every Thursday night.
The Lighthouse Family's High, Aqua's Barbie Girl and Wannabe, by the Spice Girls, all feature in the Official Charts' Top 100 lockdown listening list too, while Spotify says Lou Bega's Mambo No 5 (like Saturday Night, another one with a dance routine) is being added to lots of playlists.
Baby One More Time, by Britney Spears, and I Want It That Way, by the Backstreet Boys, have also seen Spotify streams increase.
Speaking to Sky News from her home outside Milan, Italy, Sannie Carlson, the woman better known as Whigfield, says she has seen many renditions of Saturday Night in the 27 years since its release, but none quite like the dancing in Dublin.
"I've seen a lot of these videos throughout the years, but I just think this is so funny because everybody was safely distanced, you know, and they had their little marks where they were supposed to stand, which I thought was hilarious," she says. "It made me really happy."
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Carlson says she thinks the song has had a lasting legacy because of its simplicity.
Image: Sannie Carlson, aka Whigfield, pictured in lockdown, has just released a new track, Suga
"I think it's so cheesy," she says. "It's one of those songs that you either really hate it or you really love it, and it's like nursery rhymes, it's easy to sing along to.
"It's the classic, you cannot not play it at a wedding, because it's just one of those few moments where people can get together and be silly. And I'm all about silliness and not taking myself so seriously.
"I think, especially right now, people need that… I don't know, we just have to get through this and I think music is an amazing therapy for mental health."
The song also captured perfectly that teenage anticipation of a big night out, as demonstrated by Whigfield dancing in a towel and plaiting her hair in the video.
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"Well, that was the video," she laughs. "I mean, it was about a girl getting ready to go out on a Saturday Night. When people ask, what's the song about? It's not deep, you know?"
The '90s, Carlson says, was her "perfect era" for music.
"I think the music was very melodic then," she says. "It was more simple and it was easier to create an artist. I mean, nowadays... Well, kids can make music from home and there's so much music out there. It's not like you get into the charts and you stay there for, like, weeks and weeks; now it's like, in and out."
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In Italy, which was hit by coronavirus earlier than the UK, Carlson has been in lockdown for almost eight weeks, and with tighter restrictions.
But she's philosophical about isolation, and says she takes positives from being connected virtually.
"The funny thing is I released a new single a little while back and everyone said, you're crazy because this is like the worst time, you can't do promotion. But I think there are more people listening to radio now than before. I mean, there's so much more togetherness now, people are connecting more in a certain way. It's like the world has become a smaller place."
Like Carlson, D:Ream frontman Pete Cunnah has seen his biggest hit used in many different ways over the years, most notably as Tony Blair's 1997 Labour election anthem.
He says seeing footage of the song being used in Nottingham made him emotional.
Image: You can walk my path: Pete Cunnah of D:Ream, back in the day
"A friend of mine sent me the tweet of the Nottingham thing with the lyrics being blasted after the NHS clap, and I broke into tears," he says. "I've experienced that song in so many different ways and I'd never in a month of Sundays have anticipated it being used this way.
"There's been so much love out there towards the song and how it's helping people. You think, God, it's really not my song anymore. It's become... well, it belongs to all of us, I suppose.
"That's an amazing thing as a writer... it's very heartening."
Back in the early 1990s, Cunnah had the title for the song, and had a clear idea of the kind of track he wanted to make.
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"When I had the title, Things Can Only Get Better, I was just looking for something that would literally put the hairs on the back of the neck and also make people punch the air for joy," he says.
"I was able to put those kind of ingredients together somehow at the right time.
"It's just been this kind of injection of joy that people go crazy for. When we play it live, I know it's the ace in my sleeve and I really enjoy it. The energy is still in the record."
Cunnah is in lockdown in Donegal, in Ireland, currently working on a new D:Ream album with co-founder Alan Mackenzie.
Image: Cunnah, pictured more recently, is working on D:Ream's fourth album
After two albums in their 1990s heyday, the duo released In Memory Of… in 2011 after several years away. The new album, Hope For You, will be their fourth.
Cunnah admits he went through a period where being known for one hit became a burden, but "you learn to get over yourself".
He laughs: "I was like, 'there are other songs available, people'. But I can't leave a party now if people know it's me, they make me get up and sing the song. And actually, you get over yourself and you just get up and you have fun with people and there's nothing wrong with that. It's good fun."
Political events in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Margaret Thatcher's resignation and the fall of the Berlin Wall, led to a feeling of change, which was reflected in the music being made.
"Everybody's Free (Rozalla), if you think of that, or How Can I Love You More? By M People," says Cunnah.
"There was a thing about that early sort of post-disco, early house scene that just had that joyous feel to it… there was a moment in time there where it was very, very joyous.
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
"I know it's not everybody's cup of tea, but you know, you need to be entertained as well as you need to be depressed. That's the light and shade, the contrast of music. That's what it does for people.
"Paul Simon said every generation throws a new hero up the pop charts and he's not kidding, because my kids, they love Stormzy; I don't get Stormzy. I love all the early '70s stuff. I love the '80s. Bowie, the Eurythmics, U2, The Police. That was my era.
"Then I had a second crack at it when we were hanging out with, like, Leftfield and Underworld and M People. I had a second crack at my childhood.
"But as music moves on and as you get older, you do get set in your ways and you look back and see the world through rose-tinted glasses and, as it should be, you move away from the stuff your kids like.
"Because you don't want to be hanging out with your kids, liking the music they like… because they'll be upset with you, let's put it that way, that you're sort of standing on their turf. So, it's just as it should be."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Rooftop raving in Manchester
Nkosi Inniss, also known as DJ Coast 2 Coast, has been organising weekly "safe raves" for his neighbours in Ancoats, Manchester, an area where old warehouses and factories have been converted into flats and there are lots of rooftops and balconies.
Playing 15 minute sets, he says tracks from the '90s are undoubtedly popular, from Oasis to N-Trance.
"It was a time when so much of the music coming out was euphoric, about love and happiness and togetherness and that type of stuff," he says.
"For example, Show Me Love (Robin S), I play a remix of that one, and Whitney Houston, I'm Every Woman, which is one of my favourite songs - that goes off.
"N-Trance, Set You Free - I played it and everyone went crazy on the roofs.
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 Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"With technology now, everything's accessible. Not that music today all sounds similar - there's a lot of different genres, lots of incredible music now. But I think then, a lot of the things that people were making music on... even the way they were making music.
"When I look back at the music from a production side, it's actually insane, which makes me appreciate that era even more."
Wonderwall, released by Oasis in 1995, is always a crowd-pleaser, he says.
"The lyric, 'Because maybe, you're gonna be the one who saves me' - at the minute, you might be saved by somebody, by the NHS. I feel like it really means something. And as a proud Mancunian, I love Oasis."
He sums it up nicely.
"Because everyone's in isolation, people want music that gives them familiarity. That's what it's about."
Watch Whigfield on Kay Burley at Breakfast live on Sky News on Monday morning


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Ten more die in UK as COVID-19 cases top 1,100

Ten more people have died after being diagnosed with coronavirus , with 1,140 cases now confirmed in the UK .
It is the largest number of deaths announced on a single day since the start of the outbreak and brings the UK 's total number of fatalities to 21 .
In Ireland , a second patient with the virus died as the number of confirmed cases rose to 129 on Saturday .
The number of people testing positive for the infection in the UK was up by 342 from 798 at the same time on Friday .
Health officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far been tested .
The 10 new UK victims were all aged over 60 and were in `` the at-risk groups '' , said Professor Chris Whitty , chief medical officer for England .
They were being cared for by nine trusts including Buckinghamshire , Sandwell & West Birmingham , Wolverhampton , Leicester , Barts , London , north Middlesex and Chester .
Prof Whitty said : `` I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many .
`` The public should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable .
`` Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this .
If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature , please stay at home for seven days .
I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly .
`` I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news .
I ask that their privacy is respected at this time . ''
Azra Ghani , professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who heads up the unit modelling the UK outbreak , said the figures needed to be understood in the context of where testing was taking place .
He said testing has moved from those with travel histories to patients admitted to hospital .
`` In particular , in the last seven to 10 days , testing has focused on patients in critical care - i.e .
intensive care units and high-dependency units , '' he added .
`` As these patients have a range of underlying health conditions - and some may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to interpret these new numbers with this in mind . ''
The latest numbers were published as the government plans to ban mass gatherings of more than 500 people as its ramps up measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Emergency laws being brought in could also give police and immigration officers the power to detain people if they are suspected of being infected and the ability to direct schools to stay open , according to reports .
It comes as the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
• Donald Trump confirmed the European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday • Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds should be taken over for coronavirus patients , says Labour • A newborn is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have caught coronavirus • Sport , entertainment and political events are set to be affected by the government 's plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resisted calls to ban large-scale gatherings even though some major sporting events including the London Marathon and all Premier League matches have already been postponed .
But a Whitehall source said officials are `` concerned about the burden large events put on public services - including the health service and the police - from dealing with coronavirus '' .
Meanwhile , the UK 's approach to combating COVID-19 has been questioned by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
The UK 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease entirely but to help create a `` herd immunity in the UK '' while protecting the most vulnerable from it .
He told Sky News around 60 % of the UK population will need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have such immunity .
But WHO spokesman Margaret Harris said not enough is known about the science of the coronavirus , and that while `` theories '' can be talked about , the current situation demanded `` action '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Elsewhere , the Republic of Ireland is to close all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces like museums , while Scotland has already banned gatherings of more than 500 .
Irish deputy prime minister Simon Coveney criticised the UK government this week for allowing the Cheltenham Festival to go ahead despite the global coronavirus pandemic .

Ten more people have died after being diagnosed with coronavirus, with 1,140 cases now confirmed in the UK.
It is the largest number of deaths announced on a single day since the start of the outbreak and brings the UK's total number of fatalities to 21.
In Ireland, a second patient with the virus died as the number of confirmed cases rose to 129 on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The Scientific Advice
The number of people testing positive for the infection in the UK was up by 342 from 798 at the same time on Friday.
Health officials say 37,746 people in the UK have so far been tested.
The 10 new UK victims were all aged over 60 and were in "the at-risk groups", said Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England.
They were being cared for by nine trusts including Buckinghamshire, Sandwell & West Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leicester, Barts, London, north Middlesex and Chester.
Prof Whitty said: "I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many.
"The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
Advertisement
"Every single one of us has a role to play in achieving this. If you have a new continuous cough or high temperature, please stay at home for seven days. I also encourage everyone to be washing their hands for 20 seconds regularly.
"I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends who have received this difficult news. I ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
Azra Ghani, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at Imperial College London, who heads up the unit modelling the UK outbreak, said the figures needed to be understood in the context of where testing was taking place.
He said testing has moved from those with travel histories to patients admitted to hospital.
"In particular, in the last seven to 10 days, testing has focused on patients in critical care - i.e. intensive care units and high-dependency units," he added.
"As these patients have a range of underlying health conditions - and some may have been admitted for other reasons - we need to interpret these new numbers with this in mind."
The latest numbers were published as the government plans to ban mass gatherings of more than 500 people as its ramps up measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Emergency laws being brought in could also give police and immigration officers the power to detain people if they are suspected of being infected and the ability to direct schools to stay open, according to reports.
It comes as the World Health Organisation says Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic.
In other developments:
Donald Trump confirmed the European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday
is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country
as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country Travel company TUI cancelled holidays booked in Spain this weekend
Private hospital beds should be taken over for coronavirus patients, says Labour
should be taken over for coronavirus patients, says Labour A newborn is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have caught coronavirus
is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have caught coronavirus Sport, entertainment and political events are set to be affected by the government's plans to ban mass gatherings
Ministers had previously resisted calls to ban large-scale gatherings even though some major sporting events including the London Marathon and all Premier League matches have already been postponed.
But a Whitehall source said officials are "concerned about the burden large events put on public services - including the health service and the police - from dealing with coronavirus".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
Meanwhile, the UK's approach to combating COVID-19 has been questioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The UK's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the government was not looking to "suppress" the disease entirely but to help create a "herd immunity in the UK" while protecting the most vulnerable from it.
He told Sky News around 60% of the UK population will need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have such immunity.
But WHO spokesman Margaret Harris said not enough is known about the science of the coronavirus, and that while "theories" can be talked about, the current situation demanded "action".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland is to close all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces like museums, while Scotland has already banned gatherings of more than 500.
Irish deputy prime minister Simon Coveney criticised the UK government this week for allowing the Cheltenham Festival to go ahead despite the global coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: US to add UK and Ireland to European travel ban

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America 's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic , Donald Trump has confirmed .
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday , eastern standard time ( 0400 GMT ) .
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be `` funnelled '' through selected airports , said Vice President Mike Pence , who is running the administration 's response to COVID-19 .
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said : `` This is a decision for the US .
We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible .
`` We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus . ''
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the travel ban .
`` They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Ten more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , as the number of cases exceeded 1,100 .
Ireland 's health department announced 39 new cases on Saturday , bringing the total to 129 .
There has also been one more death , raising the number to two .
There have been 50 deaths in the US , Mr Trump said in a news conference at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ England after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total UK deaths to 21 • The PM will be told by Virgin Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid worth up to £7.5bn , Sky News learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump confirms European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday , as he tests negative for coronavirus after meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients Dr Anthony Fauci said there were 20,226 coronavirus cases in the US , and the peak of the outbreak had not been reached .
The immunologist added that it was `` all systems go '' after Mr Trump declared a national emergency on Friday - a move that frees up $ 50bn ( £41bn ) in aid .
`` This will get worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Jerome Adams said during the briefing .
Economists say the outbreak could tip the US economy into recession .
Visits to nursing homes are being suspended , Mr Pence said .
Some schools have closed , and sports and entertainment events been postponed .
Domestic travel is not expected to be restricted , a Department of Homeland Security official said .
An 82-year-old woman has become New York 's first coronavirus fatality , authorities there said .
She had been in hospital in Manhattan since 3 March .
Apple has said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in Greater China , for the next two weeks to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases .
President Trump said it would be good if other companies followed Apple 's lead .

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic, Donald Trump has confirmed.
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday, eastern standard time (0400 GMT).
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be "funnelled" through selected airports, said Vice President Mike Pence, who is running the administration's response to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain.
In response, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "This is a decision for the US. We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible.
"We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus."
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the travel ban.
"They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the virus," a Downing Street spokesman said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Ten more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, as the number of cases exceeded 1,100.
Ireland's health department announced 39 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total to 129. There has also been one more death, raising the number to two.
There have been 50 deaths in the US, Mr Trump said in a news conference at the White House.
In other developments:
Dr Anthony Fauci said there were 20,226 coronavirus cases in the US, and the peak of the outbreak had not been reached.
The immunologist added that it was "all systems go" after Mr Trump declared a national emergency on Friday - a move that frees up $50bn (£41bn) in aid.
"This will get worse before it gets better," Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during the briefing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
Economists say the outbreak could tip the US economy into recession.
Visits to nursing homes are being suspended, Mr Pence said.
Some schools have closed, and sports and entertainment events been postponed.
Domestic travel is not expected to be restricted, a Department of Homeland Security official said.
An 82-year-old woman has become New York's first coronavirus fatality, authorities there said. She had been in hospital in Manhattan since 3 March.
Apple has said it will close all its shops, except those in Greater China, for the next two weeks to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases.
President Trump said it would be good if other companies followed Apple's lead.


news--2020-03-14--Laura Ashley survival hopes rest on former HMV owner Hilco

The clothing and home furnishings retailer Laura Ashley is locked in talks with the former owner of HMV over a £15m funding lifeline that could salvage 2,700 jobs .
Sky News has learnt that Hilco Capital , which has owned a string of troubled British retailers , is in advanced negotiations about the emergency loan to Laura Ashley .
Unless the funding materialises within the next fortnight , the chain , which trades from more than 150 British stores , risks collapse by the end of the month .
Administrators are expected to be put on standby in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Hilco .
Laura Ashley , which has struggled financially for years , is listed on the London Stock Exchange but is controlled by MUI Group , a Malaysian conglomerate , and its owner , Khoo Kay Peng .
On Friday night , the company issued a statement about its finances following an approach from Sky News .
It said it was in discussions about the £15m loan with an unnamed third-party to fund its immediate working capital requirements .
`` If the group is unable to secure commitment for the requisite level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to satisfy its ongoing working capital requirements and turnaround plan , then the group will need to consider all appropriate options , '' it said .
Laura Ashley 's troubles come as the wider retail sector grapples with the unfolding impact of the coronavirus crisis , as well as long-standing challenges relating to business rates , rent costs and consumers ' shifting shopping habits .
In Friday 's statement , Laura Ashley said : `` Whilst the company has not yet seen a significant financial impact due to COVID-19 , the company believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence future trading as a result of reduced footfall and continues to monitor the situation closely . ''
The brand , which was founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in their London flat , became popular because of its floral print designs .
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana , Princess of Wales .
In February , it looked to have secured crucial support in the form of a £20m borrowing facility from Wells Fargo , the American Bank .
However , it now needs a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be directly provided by MUI Asia .
By turning to Hilco for the balance of £15m , Laura Ashley would be placing its future in one of the most prolific financiers of troubled British retailers .
In addition to its ownership of HMV , which was at least in part successful , Hilco owns Homebase , the DIY chain , which it bought for £1 in 2018 .
It has also backed businesses such as the long-defunct department store chain Allders .
Laura Ashley 's search for a fresh financial lifeline comes despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to March 7 were almost 28 % higher than in the same period last year .
The company , which was valued at more than £200m when it floated during the 1980s , is now valued by the stock market at just £10m .
Its shares have slumped by more than 60pc during the last 12 months .
Arrowpoint Advisory is working on the debt financing .
Hilco and Laura Ashley both declined to comment on Saturday .

The clothing and home furnishings retailer Laura Ashley is locked in talks with the former owner of HMV over a £15m funding lifeline that could salvage 2,700 jobs.
Sky News has learnt that Hilco Capital, which has owned a string of troubled British retailers, is in advanced negotiations about the emergency loan to Laura Ashley.
Unless the funding materialises within the next fortnight, the chain, which trades from more than 150 British stores, risks collapse by the end of the month.
Administrators are expected to be put on standby in the coming days pending the outcome of the talks with Hilco.
Laura Ashley, which has struggled financially for years, is listed on the London Stock Exchange but is controlled by MUI Group, a Malaysian conglomerate, and its owner, Khoo Kay Peng.
On Friday night, the company issued a statement about its finances following an approach from Sky News.
It said it was in discussions about the £15m loan with an unnamed third-party to fund its immediate working capital requirements.
"If the group is unable to secure commitment for the requisite level of funding by the end of March to satisfy its ongoing working capital requirements and turnaround plan, then the group will need to consider all appropriate options," it said.
Laura Ashley's troubles come as the wider retail sector grapples with the unfolding impact of the coronavirus crisis, as well as long-standing challenges relating to business rates, rent costs and consumers' shifting shopping habits.
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In Friday's statement, Laura Ashley said: "Whilst the company has not yet seen a significant financial impact due to COVID-19, the company believes that it has the potential to negatively influence future trading as a result of reduced footfall and continues to monitor the situation closely."
The brand, which was founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in their London flat, became popular because of its floral print designs.
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
In February, it looked to have secured crucial support in the form of a £20m borrowing facility from Wells Fargo, the American Bank.
However, it now needs a total of £25m more, 40pc of which would be directly provided by MUI Asia.
By turning to Hilco for the balance of £15m, Laura Ashley would be placing its future in one of the most prolific financiers of troubled British retailers.
In addition to its ownership of HMV, which was at least in part successful, Hilco owns Homebase, the DIY chain, which it bought for £1 in 2018.
It has also backed businesses such as the long-defunct department store chain Allders.
Laura Ashley's search for a fresh financial lifeline comes despite the fact that sales in the six weeks to March 7 were almost 28% higher than in the same period last year.
The company, which was valued at more than £200m when it floated during the 1980s, is now valued by the stock market at just £10m.
Its shares have slumped by more than 60pc during the last 12 months.
Arrowpoint Advisory is working on the debt financing.
Hilco and Laura Ashley both declined to comment on Saturday.


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Newborn believed to be youngest COVID-19 patient in the UK

A newborn is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have caught coronavirus .
North Middlesex University Hospital said two patients had tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , which has killed more than 5,000 people worldwide .
The Sun reported that the two are a baby and its mother .
• Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers • The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled • Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has declared the outbreak a national emergency • More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University • Italy recorded 250 cases in a day , bringing its total to almost 18,000 Eleven people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , and the number of confirmed infections has reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours .
The hospital added : `` One has been transferred to a specialist centre and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority , so in following guidance from Public Health England , we are regularly deep cleaning the areas where the patients are cared for and staff who were in close contact with these patients were advised to self-isolate . ''
The mother had been taken to hospital in London days before the baby 's birth with suspected pneumonia and doctors said her positive result was only known after the baby was born , The Sun reported .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Doctors are trying to establish whether the baby was infected during the birth or whether it caught the virus in the womb , the newspaper added .
The number of confirmed cases in the UK rose to 798 on Friday , with 11 deaths .
On Thursday , medical experts said pregnant women did not appear to be more susceptible to coronavirus than the general population and that there was no evidence the virus could be passed to the baby during pregnancy .
The guidelines from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said there had been no reported deaths among pregnant women from COVID-19 .
However , they did recommend that pregnant women going into labour with suspected or confirmed coronavirus should go to an obstetric unit for birth as a precaution .
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews

A newborn is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have caught coronavirus.
North Middlesex University Hospital said two patients had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, which has killed more than 5,000 people worldwide.
The Sun reported that the two are a baby and its mother.
Key Points
Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers
in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled
is among a number of sporting events cancelled Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days
will have to self-isolate for 14 days US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency
has declared the outbreak a More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University
Italy recorded 250 cases in a day, bringing its total to almost 18,000
Eleven people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and the number of confirmed infections has reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours.
The hospital added: "One has been transferred to a specialist centre and one is being treated in an isolation room.
"The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, so in following guidance from Public Health England, we are regularly deep cleaning the areas where the patients are cared for and staff who were in close contact with these patients were advised to self-isolate."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
The mother had been taken to hospital in London days before the baby's birth with suspected pneumonia and doctors said her positive result was only known after the baby was born, The Sun reported.
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Doctors are trying to establish whether the baby was infected during the birth or whether it caught the virus in the womb, the newspaper added.
The number of confirmed cases in the UK rose to 798 on Friday, with 11 deaths.
On Thursday, medical experts said pregnant women did not appear to be more susceptible to coronavirus than the general population and that there was no evidence the virus could be passed to the baby during pregnancy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
The guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said there had been no reported deaths among pregnant women from COVID-19.
However, they did recommend that pregnant women going into labour with suspected or confirmed coronavirus should go to an obstetric unit for birth as a precaution.
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Europe is now epicentre of COVID-19 pandemic, says WHO chief

The head of the World Health Organisation says Europe has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 5,000 people have died worldwide after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Speaking during a news conference , WHO boss Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the death toll a `` tragic milestone '' .
• Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers • The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled • Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency • More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University • Italy recorded 250 cases in a day , bringing its total to almost 18,000 There have been more than 3,000 virus-related fatalities in China , where the outbreak began late last year and was the previous epicentre , and also more than 1,200 deaths in Italy , which has been put on lockdown to try and curb the spread of the disease .
Italy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its most severely-hit region , Lombardy , the number of deaths has reportedly risen from 744 to 890 in a day .
There have also been more than 137,300 confirmed infections in 123 countries and territories , including over 80,000 in China and 15,000 in Italy .
The WHO , which earlier this week officially declared the outbreak a pandemic , said there was a major funding gap for potential coronavirus vaccines .
Dr Tedros said the UN agency was launching a solidarity response plan which will allow people and organisations to contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the cash will be used to buy masks , gloves and gowns for health workers , as well as testing kits and also invest in research and development .
His colleague Dr Mike Ryan said `` social distancing '' measures - such as people working from home , cancelling large gatherings and closing schools - only slightly slow down the virus so health systems can cope .
He added the measures were not a panacea and were not going to stop the pandemic in its own right .
It comes as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus - the country 's first fatality linked to the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Their death brings the total number of people with COVID-19 to have died across the UK to 11 .
On Friday , the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours .
• There have been 20 new COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland , taking the total to 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in four towns on lockdown - the first time in the country • Austria quarantines two popular tourist regions in Tyrol - the Paznauntal and St Anton am Arlberg - for 14 days • France 's President Emmanuel Macron vows nationwide elections will go ahead this weekend , despite 3,661 infections and 79 deaths • Norway reports its first death from coronavirus - an elderly person in Oslo • In Iran , Ali Akbar Velayati , an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , tests positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Justin Trudeau will go into self-isolation for 14 days after his wife tested positive for COVID-19 • The Greek Olympic committee is suspending the rest of its torch relay in the country .

The head of the World Health Organisation says Europe has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 5,000 people have died worldwide after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Speaking during a news conference, WHO boss Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the death toll a "tragic milestone".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Inside one of Italy's makeshift hospitals
Key Points
Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers
in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled
is among a number of sporting events cancelled Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days
will have to self-isolate for 14 days US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency
has declared the outbreak a More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University
Italy recorded 250 cases in a day, bringing its total to almost 18,000
There have been more than 3,000 virus-related fatalities in China, where the outbreak began late last year and was the previous epicentre, and also more than 1,200 deaths in Italy, which has been put on lockdown to try and curb the spread of the disease.
Italy is the worst-affected nation in Europe and in its most severely-hit region, Lombardy, the number of deaths has reportedly risen from 744 to 890 in a day.
There have also been more than 137,300 confirmed infections in 123 countries and territories, including over 80,000 in China and 15,000 in Italy.
The WHO, which earlier this week officially declared the outbreak a pandemic, said there was a major funding gap for potential coronavirus vaccines.
Dr Tedros said the UN agency was launching a solidarity response plan which will allow people and organisations to contribute money for the coronavirus fight.
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He said the cash will be used to buy masks, gloves and gowns for health workers, as well as testing kits and also invest in research and development.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Streets disinfected in northern Italy
His colleague Dr Mike Ryan said "social distancing" measures - such as people working from home, cancelling large gatherings and closing schools - only slightly slow down the virus so health systems can cope.
He added the measures were not a panacea and were not going to stop the pandemic in its own right.
It comes as a patient in Scotland has died after testing positive for coronavirus - the country's first fatality linked to the virus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Their death brings the total number of people with COVID-19 to have died across the UK to 11.
On Friday, the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours.
In other developments:


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to urge 'national effort' in COVID-19 fight after 10 more deaths

Boris Johnson will ask manufacturing firms to ramp up the production of ventilators amid concerns that critical care facilities will come under intense pressure as the coronavirus crisis intensifies .
The NHS could also buy up thousands of beds in private hospitals to boost capacity if COVID-19 spreads rapidly through the population .
The prime minister will urge companies to join a `` national effort '' to tackle the virus , which is confirmed to have infected 1,140 people in the UK , 21 of whom have died .
In an acknowledgement of the almost wartime measures being introduced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday Telegraph : `` Our generation has never been tested like this .
`` Our grandparents were , during the Second World War , when our cities were bombed during the Blitz .
`` Despite the pounding every night , the rationing , the loss of life , they pulled together in one gigantic national effort .
`` Today our generation is facing its own test , fighting a very real and new disease . ''
He added that everyone would have to make sacrifices to protect not only themselves , but `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Matt Hancock will be interviewed on the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme on Sky News from 8.30am this morning In a conference call on Monday , Mr Johnson will tell businesses that the government will buy up their stocks of ventilators once they have been produced .
Ventilators are an essential part of treating those who are admitted to hospital in the most severe cases of COVID-19 , when a sticky mucus fills patients ' lungs preventing them from breathing .
It follows government efforts to increase the supply of ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although the virus is impacting health services globally with more than 155,000 confirmed cases .
The chairman of Unipart , a company which manufactures precision parts and manages a significant part of the NHS warehousing and logistics chain , said he supported the government 's request .
Chairman John Neill said : `` This is a critical initiative - there are a lot of talented people already working at a great speed on this , it has my and other 's full-hearted support . ''
The NHS plans to update its guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase its capacity to manage demand over the course of the outbreak .
• The PM will be told by Virgin Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid worth up to £7.5bn , Sky News learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump confirms European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday , as he tests negative for coronavirus after meeting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients Negotiations are also taking place with private health firms about access to their hospital beds .
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said : `` The public are right to be proud of the NHS , but the scale of the challenge we face means we ca n't do this alone .
`` We will be providing further operational instructions to all hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every part of society and every industry to ask what they can do to help the effort . ''
Other measures to combat the spread of the virus are expected to include steps to shield the vulnerable - including the elderly and those with existing health problems - from the virus by telling them to stay in their houses or care homes .
There could also be a shift to household isolation rather than individual self-isolation .
School closures are also being considered as an option .
Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings formulating the UK 's response , suggested that schools would need to be closed for four months if that step was taken .
`` Schools will not be closed immediately but schools and parents should prepare because when they do they will close for at least 16 weeks , '' she warned .
Jeremy Corbyn has asked the PM to agree to provide emergency support for those affected by the coronavirus , demanding a financial package which would include higher statutory sick pay , as well as rent deferrals and so-called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Johnson , the Labour leader has called for financial protections `` for all , including insecure , low paid and self-employed workers , during self-isolation and illness '' .
He said that rent deferrals and mortgage holidays were necessary `` so that landlords can not evict tenants and mortgage companies can not take action against homeowners '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The 10 new UK victims who died since Friday were all aged over 60 and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest number of deaths announced on a single day since the start of the outbreak and brings the UK 's total number of fatalities to 21 , with 20 in England and one in Scotland .
The victims were being cared for by nine trusts including Buckinghamshire , Sandwell & West Birmingham , Wolverhampton , Leicester , Barts , London , north Middlesex and Chester .
There have been 1,140 positive tests for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday , up from 798 at the same time on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak was `` the worst public health crisis in a generation '' and said `` many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time '' .
He said measures which would cause `` severe disruption across our country for many months '' would be rolled out , but it was vital they were not introduced too early .
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6:30pm tonight , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews

Boris Johnson will ask manufacturing firms to ramp up the production of ventilators amid concerns that critical care facilities will come under intense pressure as the coronavirus crisis intensifies.
The NHS could also buy up thousands of beds in private hospitals to boost capacity if COVID-19 spreads rapidly through the population.
The prime minister will urge companies to join a "national effort" to tackle the virus, which is confirmed to have infected 1,140 people in the UK, 21 of whom have died.
In an acknowledgement of the almost wartime measures being introduced, Health Secretary Matt Hancock wrote in the Sunday Telegraph: "Our generation has never been tested like this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Number of coronavirus deaths in UK nearly doubles
"Our grandparents were, during the Second World War, when our cities were bombed during the Blitz.
"Despite the pounding every night, the rationing, the loss of life, they pulled together in one gigantic national effort.
"Today our generation is facing its own test, fighting a very real and new disease."
He added that everyone would have to make sacrifices to protect not only themselves, but "especially those most vulnerable to the disease".
Matt Hancock will be interviewed on the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme on Sky News from 8.30am this morning
Advertisement
In a conference call on Monday, Mr Johnson will tell businesses that the government will buy up their stocks of ventilators once they have been produced.
Ventilators are an essential part of treating those who are admitted to hospital in the most severe cases of COVID-19, when a sticky mucus fills patients' lungs preventing them from breathing.
It follows government efforts to increase the supply of ventilators to the NHS from around the world, although the virus is impacting health services globally with more than 155,000 confirmed cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
The chairman of Unipart, a company which manufactures precision parts and manages a significant part of the NHS warehousing and logistics chain, said he supported the government's request.
Chairman John Neill said: "This is a critical initiative - there are a lot of talented people already working at a great speed on this, it has my and other's full-hearted support."
The NHS plans to update its guidance next week, explaining how it will increase its capacity to manage demand over the course of the outbreak.
In other developments:
Negotiations are also taking place with private health firms about access to their hospital beds.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: "The public are right to be proud of the NHS, but the scale of the challenge we face means we can't do this alone.
"We will be providing further operational instructions to all hospitals to help them prepare. But we need every part of society and every industry to ask what they can do to help the effort."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
Other measures to combat the spread of the virus are expected to include steps to shield the vulnerable - including the elderly and those with existing health problems - from the virus by telling them to stay in their houses or care homes.
There could also be a shift to household isolation rather than individual self-isolation.
School closures are also being considered as an option.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster, who has attended the COBRA meetings formulating the UK's response, suggested that schools would need to be closed for four months if that step was taken.
"Schools will not be closed immediately but schools and parents should prepare because when they do they will close for at least 16 weeks," she warned.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM: 'Worst health crisis in a generation'
Jeremy Corbyn has asked the PM to agree to provide emergency support for those affected by the coronavirus, demanding a financial package which would include higher statutory sick pay, as well as rent deferrals and so-called "mortgage holidays".
In a letter to Mr Johnson, the Labour leader has called for financial protections "for all, including insecure, low paid and self-employed workers, during self-isolation and illness".
He said that rent deferrals and mortgage holidays were necessary "so that landlords cannot evict tenants and mortgage companies cannot take action against homeowners".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The 10 new UK victims who died since Friday were all aged over 60 and had underlying health conditions.
It was the largest number of deaths announced on a single day since the start of the outbreak and brings the UK's total number of fatalities to 21, with 20 in England and one in Scotland.
The victims were being cared for by nine trusts including Buckinghamshire, Sandwell & West Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leicester, Barts, London, north Middlesex and Chester.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Charities hit by drop in donations during virus outbreak
There have been 1,140 positive tests for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday, up from 798 at the same time on Friday.
The PM warned on Thursday that the coronavirus outbreak was "the worst public health crisis in a generation" and said "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time".
He said measures which would cause "severe disruption across our country for many months" would be rolled out, but it was vital they were not introduced too early.
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6:30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


news--2020-03-14--Virgin Atlantic boss urges Boris Johnson to sanction £7.5bn airline bailout

Britain 's airline industry needs emergency government support worth up to £7.5bn to avert a catastrophe that would wipe out tens of thousands of jobs , Boris Johnson will be told next week .
Sky News has learnt that Peter Norris , the chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways ' majority shareholder , Virgin Group , will write to the prime minister on Monday to warn that the sector needs immediate financial aid to survive .
The bailout request will come ahead of what could prove to be the bloodiest week in British aviation history , with British Airways , Virgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce mass groundings of aircraft and potentially huge redundancies as the COVID-19 crisis escalates .
Sources said that Mr Norris 's letter - which is also understood to be being signed by Shai Weiss , Virgin Atlantic 's chief executive - would ask the government to provide airlines with a credit facility to help them finance themselves through a potentially protracted period of negligible revenue .
That support , which the Virgin chairman estimates would be worth between £5bn and £7.5bn across the industry , would include cash advances and guarantees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that credit card companies do not continue to hoard revenue from airline bookings .
Under Mr Norris 's blueprint , this emergency financing would be repaid once trading returns to more normal levels .
One source close to the airline , which was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984 , said that Mr Norris would also ask the PM to extend the timetable for allowing airlines to keep planes grounded without losing their prized take-off and landing slots for the entire summer season .
The latter request is significant because it reflects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector may not begin to stage a recovery until the autumn .
Mr Norris 's letter comes just weeks after Flybe , Europe 's largest regional airline , collapsed into administration following lengthy talks with the government about a bailout .
Virgin Atlantic was also a shareholder in Flybe , but pulled the plug on injecting new money into the Exeter-based carrier when it became clear how widespread the impact of the coronavirus might become .
Mr Weiss has already agreed to take a pay cut for four months as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusts to a brutal new reality .
The trade body IATA has estimated that the airline industry globally could forfeit $ 113bn in revenue as a result of COVID-19 - a figure it may have to increase again .
This week , Alex Cruz , BA 's chief executive , told the flag-carrier 's 45,000 staff that it was being engulfed by `` a crisis of global proportions like no other we have known '' .
Mr Cruz warned of impending job cuts , although he declined to say in his message to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that the COVID-19 situation was `` more serious '' than the financial crisis of 2008 , the SARS epidemic and the terrorist attacks of September 11 , 2001 .
The UK aviation industry generates approximately £10bn of GDP and employs roughly 200,000 people .
It has been poleaxed by the outbreak of the coronavirus , and the restrictions placed on travellers by governments around the world .
President Donald Trump 's decision to extend to the UK and Ireland the ban on non-US citizens travelling there from Europe will be acutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines , including Germany 's Lufthansa , Norwegian and Air France-KLM , have suggested that they are likely to need financial support from their respective governments .
The White House is also likely to assemble an aid package worth tens of billions of dollars for US carriers .
Some , such as Delta Air Lines , which is a shareholder in Virgin Atlantic , have begun reporting negative bookings - where more customers are cancelling existing tickets than buying new ones .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy , Poland and Spain have decimated more than half of Ryanair 's business , while easyJet is expected to update the London Stock Exchange on the projected impact of the crisis on its finances early next week .
An executive at one of Europe 's largest airlines said he expected its entire fleet to be grounded by the end of next week .
The scale of the challenge for airlines is also reflected in the existential challenge confronting airports and providers of services to the industry .
Myriad hotels are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 % , with only companies with well-fortified balance sheets likely to survive .
Virgin Group and Virgin Atlantic declined to comment on Saturday night .

Britain's airline industry needs emergency government support worth up to £7.5bn to avert a catastrophe that would wipe out tens of thousands of jobs, Boris Johnson will be told next week.
Sky News has learnt that Peter Norris, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways' majority shareholder, Virgin Group, will write to the prime minister on Monday to warn that the sector needs immediate financial aid to survive.
The bailout request will come ahead of what could prove to be the bloodiest week in British aviation history, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Ryanair all expected to announce mass groundings of aircraft and potentially huge redundancies as the COVID-19 crisis escalates.
Sources said that Mr Norris's letter - which is also understood to be being signed by Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic's chief executive - would ask the government to provide airlines with a credit facility to help them finance themselves through a potentially protracted period of negligible revenue.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The Scientific Advice
That support, which the Virgin chairman estimates would be worth between £5bn and £7.5bn across the industry, would include cash advances and guarantees, as well as other measures to ensure that credit card companies do not continue to hoard revenue from airline bookings.
Under Mr Norris's blueprint, this emergency financing would be repaid once trading returns to more normal levels.
One source close to the airline, which was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, said that Mr Norris would also ask the PM to extend the timetable for allowing airlines to keep planes grounded without losing their prized take-off and landing slots for the entire summer season.
The latter request is significant because it reflects the growing belief among aviation bosses that the sector may not begin to stage a recovery until the autumn.
Mr Norris's letter comes just weeks after Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, collapsed into administration following lengthy talks with the government about a bailout.
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Image: Virgin Atlantic was a shareholder in Flybe collapsed into administration
Virgin Atlantic was also a shareholder in Flybe, but pulled the plug on injecting new money into the Exeter-based carrier when it became clear how widespread the impact of the coronavirus might become.
Mr Weiss has already agreed to take a pay cut for four months as part of efforts to cut costs as the industry adjusts to a brutal new reality.
The trade body IATA has estimated that the airline industry globally could forfeit $113bn in revenue as a result of COVID-19 - a figure it may have to increase again.
This week, Alex Cruz, BA's chief executive, told the flag-carrier's 45,000 staff that it was being engulfed by "a crisis of global proportions like no other we have known".
Mr Cruz warned of impending job cuts, although he declined to say in his message to employees how many would be affected.
He added that the COVID-19 situation was "more serious" than the financial crisis of 2008, the SARS epidemic and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The UK aviation industry generates approximately £10bn of GDP and employs roughly 200,000 people.
It has been poleaxed by the outbreak of the coronavirus, and the restrictions placed on travellers by governments around the world.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 US to add UK and Ireland to European travel ban
President Donald Trump's decision to extend to the UK and Ireland the ban on non-US citizens travelling there from Europe will be acutely painful to BA and Virgin.
Other airlines, including Germany's Lufthansa, Norwegian and Air France-KLM, have suggested that they are likely to need financial support from their respective governments.
The White House is also likely to assemble an aid package worth tens of billions of dollars for US carriers.
Some, such as Delta Air Lines, which is a shareholder in Virgin Atlantic, have begun reporting negative bookings - where more customers are cancelling existing tickets than buying new ones.
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Restrictions in Italy, Poland and Spain have decimated more than half of Ryanair's business, while easyJet is expected to update the London Stock Exchange on the projected impact of the crisis on its finances early next week.
An executive at one of Europe's largest airlines said he expected its entire fleet to be grounded by the end of next week.
The scale of the challenge for airlines is also reflected in the existential challenge confronting airports and providers of services to the industry.
Myriad hotels are now running at occupancy levels of less than 10%, with only companies with well-fortified balance sheets likely to survive.
Virgin Group and Virgin Atlantic declined to comment on Saturday night.


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus self-isolation: The latest advice for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms

As ministers prepare to ban mass gatherings as part of the delay stage of the UK 's response to coronavirus , people across the country will be self-isolating to help prevent the virus spreading .
We look at the latest advice to anyone forced keep themselves away from other people .
Self-isolation means cutting yourself off from the rest of the world .
For those who have to self-isolate , Public Health England 's advice is to stay at home , do n't go to work , school or other public places , and avoid public transport or taxis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days if they have either : '' Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital , '' the NHS website says .
`` You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you 're staying at home . ''
What 's the advice for the over-70s ?
There 's no special advice yet - but extended self-isolation is coming .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on 15 March that over-70s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months , `` in the coming weeks '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vulnerable '' would be asked to `` shield themselves by self-isolating '' .
He continued : `` We appreciate it is a very big ask of the elderly and vulnerable , and it 's for their own self protection .
`` The measures we 're looking at taking are very , very significant and they will disrupt the ordinary lives of almost everybody in the country . ''
The NHS is asking people staying at home to : • Try and keep two metres ( three steps ) away from other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term health conditions • Make sure any room you are in is well-ventilated .
• Ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver food and medicine - but avoid contact with them • Sleep alone if possible • Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds on a regular basis • Do n't have visitors and ask people to leave deliveries outside • Do n't leave the house , even just for a walk • Use separate facilities where possible .
If sharing , these should be cleaned before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items like towels , bedding , toothbrushes , cups and dishes • Try to keep away from your pets .
If you ca n't avoid it , wash your hands before and after contact How do I get better ?
• NHS advice is to get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids so that you pass urine regularly • Take paracetamol as advised , to reduce pain and fever • Keep in contact with friends and family by phone , video and online • Carry on your hobbies and interests where possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I need to self-isolate ?
There is no vaccine for coronavirus and no specific treatment .
Antibiotics are no use as they do not work against viruses .
Any treatment can only relieve symptoms while your body fights the illness .
All this means avoiding human contact if you have the infection is a vital part of trying to prevent its spread .
For more information and advice visit nhs.uk/coronavirus

As ministers prepare to ban mass gatherings as part of the delay stage of the UK's response to coronavirus, people across the country will be self-isolating to help prevent the virus spreading.
We look at the latest advice to anyone forced keep themselves away from other people.
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation means cutting yourself off from the rest of the world.
For those who have to self-isolate, Public Health England's advice is to stay at home, don't go to work, school or other public places, and avoid public transport or taxis.
When should I self-isolate?
People should stay at home for seven days if they have either:
A high temperature above 37.8C (100F)
A new continuous cough
"Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital," the NHS website says.
"You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home."
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What's the advice for the over-70s?
There's no special advice yet - but extended self-isolation is coming.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on 15 March that over-70s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months, "in the coming weeks".
He added that the "elderly and vulnerable" would be asked to "shield themselves by self-isolating".
He continued: "We appreciate it is a very big ask of the elderly and vulnerable, and it's for their own self protection.
"The measures we're looking at taking are very, very significant and they will disrupt the ordinary lives of almost everybody in the country."
How do I self-isolate?
The NHS is asking people staying at home to:
Try and keep two metres (three steps) away from other people - especially older people or those with long-term health conditions
Make sure any room you are in is well-ventilated.
Ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver food and medicine - but avoid contact with them
Sleep alone if possible
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds on a regular basis
Don't have visitors and ask people to leave deliveries outside
Don't leave the house, even just for a walk
Use separate facilities where possible. If sharing, these should be cleaned before use by others
Use separate household items like towels, bedding, toothbrushes, cups and dishes
Try to keep away from your pets. If you can't avoid it, wash your hands before and after contact
How do I get better?
NHS advice is to get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids so that you pass urine regularly
Take paracetamol as advised, to reduce pain and fever
Keep in contact with friends and family by phone, video and online
Carry on your hobbies and interests where possible and try to take regular exercise
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
Why do I need to self-isolate?
There is no vaccine for coronavirus and no specific treatment. Antibiotics are no use as they do not work against viruses.
Any treatment can only relieve symptoms while your body fights the illness.
All this means avoiding human contact if you have the infection is a vital part of trying to prevent its spread.
For more information and advice visit nhs.uk/coronavirus


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Take back private hospital beds for COVID-19 patients, Labour tells PM

Private hospital beds should be made available to treat people with coronavirus , Labour and the GMB union have demanded .
They say there are around 8,000 beds in at least 570 private sector hospitals in the UK .
The call comes as Labour and the GMB say the NHS is now expected to `` deal with a national health emergency despite being under strain from years of privatisation and cuts '' .
GMB general secretary Tim Roache said : `` The prime minister says this is 'the worst public health crisis for a generation ' - well he needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ca n't be right that we have plush private hospitals lying empty waiting for the wealthy to fall ill , while people are left in dying in hospitals for the want of a bed .
`` Do the right thing and let these unused beds be requisitioned by the NHS to save lives . ''
• The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled • Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days • US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been declared worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University • Italy recorded 250 cases in a day , bringing its total to almost 18,000 Supporting GMB 's call , shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` The government should leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting our NHS and making sure it is best equipped to protect life throughout the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` That 's why we support GMB 's calls to requisition private hospital beds and increase capacity to meet the rising demand .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst public health crisis for a generation .
It would be completely wrong for the government not to call on all the resources possible . ''
Meanwhile , a headteachers ' union has called on the government to immediately halt all Ofsted inspections .
The Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) is to raise the issue with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson amid a time of `` national emergency '' .
General secretary Geoff Barton said it was not a time for `` business as usual '' and , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific safeguarding concerns , the government should move to suspend all routine inspections .
In a speech at the end of the ASCL 's annual conference in Birmingham , he said : `` This is a time for the inspectorate to show that it understands the extraordinary pressures on schools and colleges and for the government to suspend all inspections during this crisis .
`` At this time of national emergency , schools and colleges are devoting all of their time and all of their energies and all of their resources to keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are preparing contingency plans in the event of closures .
`` This is not a time for business as usual .
It 's not a time for business as usual for Ofsted . ''
Mr Barton added : `` We acknowledge that Ofsted has taken a step in the right direction by accepting that the current situation may be a reason for an inspection to be deferred .
`` However , it has not gone far enough .
A case-by-case basis is not good enough . ''
Sky News will broadcast a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews

Private hospital beds should be made available to treat people with coronavirus, Labour and the GMB union have demanded.
They say there are around 8,000 beds in at least 570 private sector hospitals in the UK.
The call comes as Labour and the GMB say the NHS is now expected to "deal with a national health emergency despite being under strain from years of privatisation and cuts".
GMB general secretary Tim Roache said: "The prime minister says this is 'the worst public health crisis for a generation' - well he needs to start acting like it.
"It can't be right that we have plush private hospitals lying empty waiting for the wealthy to fall ill, while people are left in dying in hospitals for the want of a bed.
"Do the right thing and let these unused beds be requisitioned by the NHS to save lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The scientific advice
In other developments:
Low cost airline Jet2 cancels all flights to Spain
cancels all flights to Spain The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled
is among a number of sporting events cancelled Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days
will have to self-isolate for 14 days US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency
has declared the outbreak a More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University
Italy recorded 250 cases in a day, bringing its total to almost 18,000
Supporting GMB's call, shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "The government should leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting our NHS and making sure it is best equipped to protect life throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
"That's why we support GMB's calls to requisition private hospital beds and increase capacity to meet the rising demand.
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"As the prime minster said, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation. It would be completely wrong for the government not to call on all the resources possible."
Meanwhile, a headteachers' union has called on the government to immediately halt all Ofsted inspections.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is to raise the issue with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson amid a time of "national emergency".
General secretary Geoff Barton said it was not a time for "business as usual" and, with the exception of establishments where there are specific safeguarding concerns, the government should move to suspend all routine inspections.
In a speech at the end of the ASCL's annual conference in Birmingham, he said: "This is a time for the inspectorate to show that it understands the extraordinary pressures on schools and colleges and for the government to suspend all inspections during this crisis.
"At this time of national emergency, schools and colleges are devoting all of their time and all of their energies and all of their resources to keeping calm, to carrying on.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
"They are preparing contingency plans in the event of closures.
"This is not a time for business as usual. It's not a time for business as usual for Ofsted."
Mr Barton added: "We acknowledge that Ofsted has taken a step in the right direction by accepting that the current situation may be a reason for an inspection to be deferred.
"However, it has not gone far enough. A case-by-case basis is not good enough."
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews