news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: The urgency for the film industry to find a solution is rising

Not unlike the aviation industry , it 's difficult to envisage how social distancing will work in the cinema .
But as the UK Cinema Association plots its comeback , the film industry faces not just angst but conflict during the coronavirus lockdown .
Zygi Kamasa , chief executive of Lionsgate UK , has organised a streaming event to raise funds for two causes .
In a bid to bring back the notion of Saturday night at the movies , the film company is streaming its four most popular films - La La Land , Bend It Like Beckham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - weekly on YouTube to raise money for the Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund and an NHS charity .
`` We want to remind people of that irreplaceable experience of watching a film in the cinema together , '' Mr Kamasa says .
`` Normally you 're with 200 people , that experience of sharing those emotions with strangers ... you laugh together , you 're in shock together , in awe together . ''
But with cinemas closed since mid-March , the irony is n't lost on him , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indefinitely .
`` Streaming is amazing… it will speed up the development of that part of the industry , people will opt to stay in and watch at the touch of a button , '' Mr Kamasa admits .
There is certainly a captive audience at home .
A recent survey by streaming service Rakuten found 38 % of people in the UK are spending more than three hours a day watching video on demand alone .
`` I do n't think that [ cinema ] will ever go away but it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films go straight to streaming and you just rent it , '' says Mr Kamasa .
`` It would be a shame if cinemas suffer because of home entertainment , they should be able to sit side by side . ''
But can they exist side by side in their current forms ?
The pandemic has forced countless titles to be pushed back , including the latest James Bond film No Time To Die , with Tom Cruise 's return in Top Gun expected in December .
Releases slated for July include Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Wonder Woman 1984 and The Secret Garden , with Colin Firth and Julie Walters , are due in August .
The big film many cinema operators are pinning their hopes on bringing in some business is Christopher Nolan 's Tenet , a big budget time-travelling sci-fi starring Robert Pattinson , scheduled for July .
Nolan shot the film in Imax 35mm and 70mm .
Famed for his passion for cinema , no one would expect this one to be released on streaming platforms , but it 's a risky decision to stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson will outline how restrictions will be relaxed this weekend .
However , even once they are open again , whether cinemagoers actually feel confident enough to return could be the greatest challenge the industry faces in the medium to long-term .
`` It is hard , '' admits Mr Kamasa .
`` You have 200 people packed in tightly ... they wo n't be able to sell every seat . ''
With a turnover of £14.8bn in 2017 , the urgency for the industry to find a solution is rising .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clapp told Sky News : `` We are working with our members… and have shared safeguarding guidelines for UK cinemas with the government to offer them reassurance that cinemas can open safely for audiences and staff when the time is right . ''
Universal decided that rather than delay the cinematic release for Trolls World Tour , it would skip it , streaming the animation instead .
The decision paid off , with the film taking £80m in its first three weeks .
It has now made more money than the previous Trolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , and NBCUniversal chief executive Jeff Shell has suggested they will continue to release on streaming sites alongside cinemas from now on .
This came as something of a shock to Cineworld and Odeon , who retorted by declaring a global ban on Universal titles .
The current business model has been further destabilised by the Academy 's decision to abandon the requirement that films have a cinematic release to be eligible for an Oscar .
Because while Netflix had more nominations at this year 's Oscars than any of the big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warner Bros , Paramount and Sony , to achieve this , the platform was forced to have limited cinema releases as well on films such as The Irishman and Marriage Story .
This shift could also be accelerated as the pandemic keeps cinemas closed , but Mr Kamasa insists that while it was the right decision by the Academy for this year , in the future the Oscars should commit to cinema .
`` I still think long-term the Oscars and BAFTA film awards are for films that go in the cinema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the Emmys for TV films and here you have the BAFTA TV [ awards ] . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As for the black hole in releases caused by production having stopped for three to six months this year , that will eventually hit towards the end of 2021 , Mr Kamasa says .
`` Because releases are being spread back to next year the consumer may not feel that gap , but that 's based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If the lag in production takes another three to six months then that gap is only going to get bigger . ''
How will the narrative of future cinema be shaped by the current crisis ?
Much has been speculated about how the pandemic will influence the kinds of films being commissioned .
Mr Kamasa predicts that a demand for feel-good films will eventually overtake our curiosity with dark dystopia and current trend for films such as Contagion .

Not unlike the aviation industry, it's difficult to envisage how social distancing will work in the cinema.
But as the UK Cinema Association plots its comeback, the film industry faces not just angst but conflict during the coronavirus lockdown.
Zygi Kamasa, chief executive of Lionsgate UK, has organised a streaming event to raise funds for two causes.
Image: Lionsgate is streaming films including The Hunger Games and Eddie The Eagle (below) to raise funds for charity. Pics: Lionsgate
In a bid to bring back the notion of Saturday night at the movies, the film company is streaming its four most popular films - La La Land, Bend It Like Beckham, Eddie The Eagle and The Hunger Games - weekly on YouTube to raise money for the Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund and an NHS charity.
"We want to remind people of that irreplaceable experience of watching a film in the cinema together," Mr Kamasa says.
"Normally you're with 200 people, that experience of sharing those emotions with strangers... you laugh together, you're in shock together, in awe together."
But with cinemas closed since mid-March, the irony isn't lost on him, and he admits the pandemic could alter the industry indefinitely.
"Streaming is amazing… it will speed up the development of that part of the industry, people will opt to stay in and watch at the touch of a button," Mr Kamasa admits.
Image: Lionsgate's Zygi Kamasa (left, at the Eddie The Eagle European premiere) says cinema will change once the pandemic is over
There is certainly a captive audience at home. A recent survey by streaming service Rakuten found 38% of people in the UK are spending more than three hours a day watching video on demand alone.
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"I don't think that [cinema] will ever go away but it will change... It may be that more films go straight to streaming and you just rent it," says Mr Kamasa. "It would be a shame if cinemas suffer because of home entertainment, they should be able to sit side by side."
But can they exist side by side in their current forms?
The pandemic has forced countless titles to be pushed back, including the latest James Bond film No Time To Die, with Tom Cruise's return in Top Gun expected in December.
Releases slated for July include Disney's Mulan and The Spongebob Movie, while Wonder Woman 1984 and The Secret Garden, with Colin Firth and Julie Walters, are due in August.
The big film many cinema operators are pinning their hopes on bringing in some business is Christopher Nolan's Tenet, a big budget time-travelling sci-fi starring Robert Pattinson, scheduled for July.
Nolan shot the film in Imax 35mm and 70mm. Famed for his passion for cinema, no one would expect this one to be released on streaming platforms, but it's a risky decision to stick with a summer release.
Image: Robert Pattinson and John David Washington star in Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Pic: ©2020 Warner Bros Entertainment, Inc
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will outline how restrictions will be relaxed this weekend. However, even once they are open again, whether cinemagoers actually feel confident enough to return could be the greatest challenge the industry faces in the medium to long-term.
"It is hard," admits Mr Kamasa. "You have 200 people packed in tightly... they won't be able to sell every seat."
With a turnover of £14.8bn in 2017, the urgency for the industry to find a solution is rising.
The UK Cinema Association chief executive Phil Clapp told Sky News: "We are working with our members… and have shared safeguarding guidelines for UK cinemas with the government to offer them reassurance that cinemas can open safely for audiences and staff when the time is right."
Universal decided that rather than delay the cinematic release for Trolls World Tour, it would skip it, streaming the animation instead.
The decision paid off, with the film taking £80m in its first three weeks. It has now made more money than the previous Trolls film did in its entire US cinema run, and NBCUniversal chief executive Jeff Shell has suggested they will continue to release on streaming sites alongside cinemas from now on.
This came as something of a shock to Cineworld and Odeon, who retorted by declaring a global ban on Universal titles.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Lockdown Road: 'I feel stressed'
The current business model has been further destabilised by the Academy's decision to abandon the requirement that films have a cinematic release to be eligible for an Oscar.
Because while Netflix had more nominations at this year's Oscars than any of the big traditional film studios, such as Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony, to achieve this, the platform was forced to have limited cinema releases as well on films such as The Irishman and Marriage Story.
This shift could also be accelerated as the pandemic keeps cinemas closed, but Mr Kamasa insists that while it was the right decision by the Academy for this year, in the future the Oscars should commit to cinema.
"I still think long-term the Oscars and BAFTA film awards are for films that go in the cinema," he says. "You have the Emmys for TV films and here you have the BAFTA TV [awards]."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As for the black hole in releases caused by production having stopped for three to six months this year, that will eventually hit towards the end of 2021, Mr Kamasa says.
"Because releases are being spread back to next year the consumer may not feel that gap, but that's based on the fact we get back into production soon.
"If the lag in production takes another three to six months then that gap is only going to get bigger."
How will the narrative of future cinema be shaped by the current crisis? Much has been speculated about how the pandemic will influence the kinds of films being commissioned.
Mr Kamasa predicts that a demand for feel-good films will eventually overtake our curiosity with dark dystopia and current trend for films such as Contagion.


news--2020-05-08--Now 103, Dame Vera Lynn to sing We'll Meet Again as UK marks VE Day

Dame Vera Lynn has performed her most iconic hit We 'll Meet Again many times since she first sang it for the troops during World War Two and it became embedded as an anthem of hope in British life .
But later , although her audience will be smaller and the setting will be less remarkable , the sentiment will be the same as she once again sings the tune in lockdown from her home in East Sussex to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
With a celebratory `` glass of bubbles '' waiting for her at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News she will be thinking of `` our brave boys and their victory in Europe '' .
The song of the force 's sweetheart was recently brought to the fore when the Queen quoted the lyrics in her special televised address to the nation last month , in which she acknowledged the challenges Britons were facing during the coronavirus pandemic .
Dame Vera said in an interview by email that she `` did n't know that Her Majesty was going to use those words but I think they were perfectly chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially with the emphasis that we 'will ' meet again '' .
Dame Vera , who is 103 , is currently self-isolating with daughter Virginia and her son-in-law - and said that while she realises the coronavirus crisis is a `` very worrying time for so many , whether it be professionally or personally or both '' , that we as a nation need to remember that our country has overcome crises before , and we get through them together .
`` I think we have seen a great sense of community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and villages , '' she said .
`` It was very encouraging to see people volunteer in huge numbers to help the NHS , and how lovely to see all the stories on the news of people going that extra mile for their neighbours and even for strangers . ''
And it was that sense of community that saw people across Britain take to the streets on 8 May 1945 when Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany 's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war .
The singer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt , India and Myanmar , said she felt `` an enormous sense of relief '' when Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end .
During the conflict , as well as travelling across the world to sing , she had also been hosting a radio show which sent messages to British troops serving overseas .
`` After years of struggle and losing so many people to the war , it was wonderful to breathe again and to know that we would get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off to fight once again , '' she added .
`` There was a great sense of gratitude , and I hope people today who may be struggling in these difficult times can look to VE Day as a shining example that hope never dies and good times prevail . ''
Dame Vera , whose most famous songs include The White Cliffs Of Dover and There 'll Always Be An England , said she always knew the lyrics to We 'll Meet Again were `` special and spoke to a universal feeling '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song serves as a great reminder that bad times pass , and we will always be reunited .
`` It speaks to that sense of separation and loss we have all felt - whether it was during the war or losing a loved one or now , during these difficult times , '' she said .
Dame Vera , who found fame after her song became an anthem of resilience for loved ones separated by battle in the 1940s , finished her email with a message of inspiration for those battling tough times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up hope - times may be tough but they will get better , '' she wrote .
`` Try and find the joy that remains even during these challenging times , and do what you can to help each other '' As always , keep smiling through . ''

Dame Vera Lynn has performed her most iconic hit We'll Meet Again many times since she first sang it for the troops during World War Two and it became embedded as an anthem of hope in British life.
But later, although her audience will be smaller and the setting will be less remarkable, the sentiment will be the same as she once again sings the tune in lockdown from her home in East Sussex to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
With a celebratory "glass of bubbles" waiting for her at the end of the song, Dame Vera told Sky News she will be thinking of "our brave boys and their victory in Europe".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:24 Queen: 'We'll meet again'
The song of the force's sweetheart was recently brought to the fore when the Queen quoted the lyrics in her special televised address to the nation last month, in which she acknowledged the challenges Britons were facing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dame Vera said in an interview by email that she "didn't know that Her Majesty was going to use those words but I think they were perfectly chosen to give the entire nation hope, especially with the emphasis that we 'will' meet again".
Image: Dame Vera serves cups of tea to servicemen in 1942
Dame Vera, who is 103, is currently self-isolating with daughter Virginia and her son-in-law - and said that while she realises the coronavirus crisis is a "very worrying time for so many, whether it be professionally or personally or both", that we as a nation need to remember that our country has overcome crises before, and we get through them together.
"I think we have seen a great sense of community and friendship return to our cities, towns and villages," she said.
"It was very encouraging to see people volunteer in huge numbers to help the NHS, and how lovely to see all the stories on the news of people going that extra mile for their neighbours and even for strangers."
And it was that sense of community that saw people across Britain take to the streets on 8 May 1945 when Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war.
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The singer, who performed for the troops in countries including Egypt, India and Myanmar, said she felt "an enormous sense of relief" when Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end.
Image: Dame Vera sang for troops across the world, including in Myanmar
During the conflict, as well as travelling across the world to sing, she had also been hosting a radio show which sent messages to British troops serving overseas.
"After years of struggle and losing so many people to the war, it was wonderful to breathe again and to know that we would get to see our loved ones who had gone off to fight once again," she added.
"There was a great sense of gratitude, and I hope people today who may be struggling in these difficult times can look to VE Day as a shining example that hope never dies and good times prevail."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
Dame Vera, whose most famous songs include The White Cliffs Of Dover and There'll Always Be An England, said she always knew the lyrics to We'll Meet Again were "special and spoke to a universal feeling".
And that for her, the song serves as a great reminder that bad times pass, and we will always be reunited.
"It speaks to that sense of separation and loss we have all felt - whether it was during the war or losing a loved one or now, during these difficult times," she said.
Dame Vera, who found fame after her song became an anthem of resilience for loved ones separated by battle in the 1940s, finished her email with a message of inspiration for those battling tough times in 2020.
"Don't give up hope - times may be tough but they will get better," she wrote.
"Try and find the joy that remains even during these challenging times, and do what you can to help each other
"As always, keep smiling through."


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Wales to open garden centres and relax exercise rules from Monday

Wales will remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid `` a return of the virus '' - but restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the rules in place have `` helped us all to save lives '' from coronavirus , and that if they were to change , Wales would see hospital admissions soar .
He added that he believes that the R number ( the rate of infection ) of COVID-19 in Wales , was at 0.8 .
That means an infected person will , on average , infect less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that three changes will be made to restrictions from Monday .
• People will be allowed to go outside to exercise more than once a day - but that exercise must begin and end at home and must not include travel • Garden centres can open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines • Local authorities will begin planning how to safely re-open libraries and tips Mr Drakeford went on to say that vulnerable people must continue to shield and over-70s should continue to take extra care , adding that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe '' .
He said that he expects 800 more people to join the `` very sad and sombre list '' of deaths - but that if lockdown was fully lifted , the number of deaths could reach 7,200 .
The first minister told reporters that he believes any changes being made to the UK wide-restrictions , due to be announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , will be modest , and broadly similar to those made in Wales .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he believes the small changes he has announced , will make a difference to people , without raising the R rate .
Mr Drakeford becomes the second UK leader to seemingly announce the government 's intentions before Mr Johnson , but told Sky News that talking with Westminster has been working `` well '' , and that they `` are open and are engaged '' , but admitted he would prefer a more regular pattern of communication .
His commitment to the lockdown measures echoes that of the Scottish first minister Nicola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions would continue to be in place after Monday , and beyond .
Speaking on Friday at her daily news conference , Nicola Sturgeon gave more detail on the Scottish lockdown , saying that the `` only change that we 're considering in the immediate term is the guidance on outdoor exercise '' .
She added that on a call with the prime minister and other devolved leaders , that there was a `` helpful recognition '' that the four nations of the UK may choose to move at different speeds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen .
Boris Johnson triggered widespread speculation when he said he would be making an address on Sunday evening , adding that he revealed he wants to `` get going '' on plans to slightly reduce restrictions in England .
Analysis : Despite the talk of national unity - the nations have done lockdown differently Did you know that in Wales , the ban on visiting beauty spots is set down in law , as is the rule requiring you to stay two meters away from someone else .
This is n't the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that in Scotland you are advised to wear a face mask if going into a busy space , but this is n't true in England either .
Despite the talk of national unity , actually the four nations have done lockdown quite differently .
Ultimately the issue of Mark Drakeford setting out lockdown changes two days before Boris Johnson is not particularly material .
The issue of different nations doing things in different ways has n't caused too much trouble because getting into the schemes was the easy bit Coming out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep Britain at home is a different matter , not least when only the Treasury has to worry about the debt piling up to pay for it .
The governments in Cardiff , Edinburgh and Belfast do not have to worry so much about the Treasury in Whitehall as it reels from the dizzying about of debt it is racking up..
This , cabinet ministers believe , is likely to mean both they and the opposition will always oppose the curtailment of schemes costing billions and urge the delay to ending lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to get more difficult , and devolution is partly to blame .

Wales will remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid "a return of the virus" - but restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the rules in place have "helped us all to save lives" from coronavirus, and that if they were to change, Wales would see hospital admissions soar.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Mark Drakeford says that lockdown will remain for at least a further three weeks, with some minor adjustments.
He added that he believes that the R number (the rate of infection) of COVID-19 in Wales, was at 0.8.
That means an infected person will, on average, infect less than one other.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Welsh government extends lockdown
But he said that three changes will be made to restrictions from Monday.
They are:
People will be allowed to go outside to exercise more than once a day - but that exercise must begin and end at home and must not include travel
Garden centres can open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines
Local authorities will begin planning how to safely re-open libraries and tips
Mr Drakeford went on to say that vulnerable people must continue to shield and over-70s should continue to take extra care, adding that he is committed to "keeping our people safe".
He said that he expects 800 more people to join the "very sad and sombre list" of deaths - but that if lockdown was fully lifted, the number of deaths could reach 7,200.
The first minister told reporters that he believes any changes being made to the UK wide-restrictions, due to be announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, will be modest, and broadly similar to those made in Wales.
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However, he believes the small changes he has announced, will make a difference to people, without raising the R rate.
Mr Drakeford becomes the second UK leader to seemingly announce the government's intentions before Mr Johnson, but told Sky News that talking with Westminster has been working "well", and that they "are open and are engaged", but admitted he would prefer a more regular pattern of communication.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:00 Life in Lockdown: Wales
His commitment to the lockdown measures echoes that of the Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said on Thursday that the restrictions would continue to be in place after Monday, and beyond.
Speaking on Friday at her daily news conference, Nicola Sturgeon gave more detail on the Scottish lockdown, saying that the "only change that we're considering in the immediate term is the guidance on outdoor exercise".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Nicola Sturgeon says that Scotland will remain in lockdown at least until she sees evidence that the R number is falling.
She added that on a call with the prime minister and other devolved leaders, that there was a "helpful recognition" that the four nations of the UK may choose to move at different speeds, should the available data allow that to happen.
Boris Johnson triggered widespread speculation when he said he would be making an address on Sunday evening, adding that he revealed he wants to "get going" on plans to slightly reduce restrictions in England.
Analysis: Despite the talk of national unity - the nations have done lockdown differently
By Sam Coates, deputy political editor
Did you know that in Wales, the ban on visiting beauty spots is set down in law, as is the rule requiring you to stay two meters away from someone else. This isn't the case in England.
Equally did you know that in Scotland you are advised to wear a face mask if going into a busy space, but this isn't true in England either.
Despite the talk of national unity, actually the four nations have done lockdown quite differently.
Ultimately the issue of Mark Drakeford setting out lockdown changes two days before Boris Johnson is not particularly material. The issue of different nations doing things in different ways hasn't caused too much trouble because getting into the schemes was the easy bit
Coming out of lockdown, and the various schemes to keep Britain at home is a different matter, not least when only the Treasury has to worry about the debt piling up to pay for it.
The governments in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast do not have to worry so much about the Treasury in Whitehall as it reels from the dizzying about of debt it is racking up..
This, cabinet ministers believe, is likely to mean both they and the opposition will always oppose the curtailment of schemes costing billions and urge the delay to ending lockdown measures,.
The politics of coronavirus is about to get more difficult, and devolution is partly to blame.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Nine Chelsea Pensioners die with COVID-19 as hospital marks VE Day

Nine British veterans have died with coronavirus , the Royal Hospital Chelsea has announced .
The retirement home for members of the army , which cares for about 290 people , made the announcement ahead of VE Day .
Five of the coronavirus deaths happened in the hospital , while four died receiving treatment elsewhere .
One of the victims was 75-year-old Fred Boomer-Hawkins , who passed away on 1 April .
He spent 20 years with the Royal Green Jackets infantry regiment , and became a Chelsea Pensioner in 2017 .
In a tribute on Facebook , his son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post for all of you who knew my dad , a Chelsea Pensioner and a much loved father and grandfather and friend to many .
Describing his father 's last moments , he wrote : `` If the government showed footage of someone at the end with this virus it would scare people and they would heed the advice I am sure .
`` Please all stay home , keep your distance , wear a mask and wash your hands .
If not you might put someone you love through this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was much loved by many and will be sorely missed . ''
A total of 58 of its residents have recovered after either testing positive or showing symptoms of COVID-19 .
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw , governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea , said : `` Most of our pensioners have risked their lives serving our nation through war and conflict somewhere in the world , just as our NHS staff and care workers are providing vital and sometimes dangerous service to the nation here at home during this crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and care sectors at this time and we understand only too well the difficulties that they face . ''
General Bradshaw said the hospital now has the capacity to test all those who show symptoms of the disease as well as all those living and working in the same accommodation areas .
He said the hospital will be marking VE Day `` in a manner appropriate to the current situation '' .
He said the veterans will enjoy some `` internal , socially distant events '' but these will be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have suffered '' .

Nine British veterans have died with coronavirus, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has announced.
The retirement home for members of the army, which cares for about 290 people, made the announcement ahead of VE Day.
Five of the coronavirus deaths happened in the hospital, while four died receiving treatment elsewhere.
One of the victims was 75-year-old Fred Boomer-Hawkins, who passed away on 1 April.
He spent 20 years with the Royal Green Jackets infantry regiment, and became a Chelsea Pensioner in 2017.
In a tribute on Facebook, his son Terry said: "Today I leave a post for all of you who knew my dad, a Chelsea Pensioner and a much loved father and grandfather and friend to many.
Describing his father's last moments, he wrote: "If the government showed footage of someone at the end with this virus it would scare people and they would heed the advice I am sure.
"Please all stay home, keep your distance, wear a mask and wash your hands. If not you might put someone you love through this.
"My dad was a great man, he was much loved by many and will be sorely missed."
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A total of 58 of its residents have recovered after either testing positive or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 PM marks VE Day
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: "Most of our pensioners have risked their lives serving our nation through war and conflict somewhere in the world, just as our NHS staff and care workers are providing vital and sometimes dangerous service to the nation here at home during this crisis.
"We salute all those working in the health and care sectors at this time and we understand only too well the difficulties that they face."
General Bradshaw said the hospital now has the capacity to test all those who show symptoms of the disease as well as all those living and working in the same accommodation areas.
He said the hospital will be marking VE Day "in a manner appropriate to the current situation".
He said the veterans will enjoy some "internal, socially distant events" but these will be "against the backdrop of the recent losses we have suffered".


news--2020-05-07--VE Day: 8 May 1945 - the day our stiff upper lip gave way to emotional outbursts

On 8 May 1945 , the country erupted into unconfined celebration .
Every church pealed its bells , city centres and village greens became the scene of spontaneous parties - and a nation that held its upper lip stiff gave way to emotional outbursts , hugs and kisses among complete strangers abounded and all without shame .
That day , Nazi Germany had signed its Unconditional Surrender to the Allies , following the comprehensive defeat of Adolf Hitler 's ruthless ideological dictatorship over the whole continent .
At last , it brought to an end the killing .
Combat ceased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battlefields of land , sea and air .
Families could soon be reunited .
Prisoners of war were free to dream of home fires again .
The Nazi plan to systematically murder Jews , homosexuals , gypsies and any other unwanted people in their vile `` Final Solution '' was halted .
People that had hidden away for years , or lived the daily dangers of resistance against the Gauleiters , Gestapo and Waffen SS of the German occupation , could now come out into the light , dance , sing and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blackout blinds that had shuttered in the population 's windows , like the ones we had piled up in my parent 's house for years , could be taken down as the fear of bombing through the night was over .
Rationing endured , but its end was now conceivable and the economy could restart with the mass demobilisation of servicemen and women into new professions and new opportunities .
The mood of optimism was everywhere .
Joy and hope were rampant and even the memory of the dead was set aside while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encountered .
In his VE Day broadcast , he said : `` We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing ; but let 's not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead . ''
King George VI , the father of the Queen , included this thought in his broadcast to what was then called the British Empire .
`` Let us think what it was that has upheld us through nearly six years of suffering and peril .
The knowledge that in defending ourselves we were defending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Ironically , the country marks the 75th anniversary in isolation , while we are in the midst of another worldwide challenge .
Living with this pandemic brings new fear as an unseen enemy stalks among our friends and relatives .
There is no clear end in sight and people long to know when the lockdown will end .
Perhaps the end of coronavirus feels as hoped for now as the end of war was in 1945 .
And perhaps to give perspective to the relief of VE Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now lasted just short of two months ; the enemy this time is an invisible pestilence that has attacked many , killing over 30,000 in the UK , and its long-term impact on our lives is still not certain .
The Second World War in Europe demanded nearly six years of fighting to crush Nazi tyranny ; it cost over 400,000 dead from this nation alone but , worldwide , a figure of over 60 million were killed or systematically murdered .
Wherever you are , find time to consider the generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK and Europe are still free peoples .
Then , return to the present hope of relief from our current peril .

On 8 May 1945, the country erupted into unconfined celebration.
Every church pealed its bells, city centres and village greens became the scene of spontaneous parties - and a nation that held its upper lip stiff gave way to emotional outbursts, hugs and kisses among complete strangers abounded and all without shame.
This was visceral national delight.
Image: German Chief of the Operations Staff Alfred Jodl (centre) signs the unconditional surrender document
That day, Nazi Germany had signed its Unconditional Surrender to the Allies, following the comprehensive defeat of Adolf Hitler's ruthless ideological dictatorship over the whole continent.
At last, it brought to an end the killing.
Combat ceased on all the European World War Two battlefields of land, sea and air.
Families could soon be reunited.
Prisoners of war were free to dream of home fires again.
Image: Boris Johnson visited Westminster Abbey to begin VE Day commemorations
The Nazi plan to systematically murder Jews, homosexuals, gypsies and any other unwanted people in their vile "Final Solution" was halted.
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People that had hidden away for years, or lived the daily dangers of resistance against the Gauleiters, Gestapo and Waffen SS of the German occupation, could now come out into the light, dance, sing and be free.
In the UK, the blackout blinds that had shuttered in the population's windows, like the ones we had piled up in my parent's house for years, could be taken down as the fear of bombing through the night was over.
Image: A victory street party to celebrate VE Day in Brockley, south London
Rationing endured, but its end was now conceivable and the economy could restart with the mass demobilisation of servicemen and women into new professions and new opportunities.
The mood of optimism was everywhere. Joy and hope were rampant and even the memory of the dead was set aside while the fruit of their sacrifice was fully encountered.
Image: Princess Elizabeth joins her family and Winston Churchill during VE Day celebrations
The prime minister, Winston Churchill, encouraged the celebration.
In his VE Day broadcast, he said: "We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let's not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead."
King George VI, the father of the Queen, included this thought in his broadcast to what was then called the British Empire.
"Let us think what it was that has upheld us through nearly six years of suffering and peril. The knowledge that in defending ourselves we were defending the liberties of the whole world," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
Ironically, the country marks the 75th anniversary in isolation, while we are in the midst of another worldwide challenge.
Living with this pandemic brings new fear as an unseen enemy stalks among our friends and relatives.
There is no clear end in sight and people long to know when the lockdown will end.
Perhaps the end of coronavirus feels as hoped for now as the end of war was in 1945.
And perhaps to give perspective to the relief of VE Day, here is a quick comparison.
Lockdown has now lasted just short of two months; the enemy this time is an invisible pestilence that has attacked many, killing over 30,000 in the UK, and its long-term impact on our lives is still not certain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 PM marks VE Day
The Second World War in Europe demanded nearly six years of fighting to crush Nazi tyranny; it cost over 400,000 dead from this nation alone but, worldwide, a figure of over 60 million were killed or systematically murdered.
Wherever you are, find time to consider the generation that celebrated VE Day 75 years ago.
The UK and Europe are still free peoples.
Then, return to the present hope of relief from our current peril.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Send virus alerts within 24 hours or risk second wave, scientist warns

People at risk of COVID-19 infection need to be alerted within 24 hours or contact tracing will be useless , a scientist advising the government has warned .
Professor Christophe Fraser , a University of Oxford epidemiologist who is advising the NHS on its contact-tracing app , said the fact that coronavirus spread before people experienced symptoms made speed essential in tracing contacts .
He told Sky News : `` A 72-hour delay really means that you 're having very little impact on the epidemic .
A 48-hour delay is pretty bad .
`` You really need to be getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Asked how to achieve the necessary speed , which refers to time after the onset of symptoms , Prof Fraser said that it could either be done by `` incredibly quick testing '' or by asking people to report their own symptoms .
Sky News understands that results from tests going to the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Laboratory are currently returned in 24 to 36 hours .
The NHS contact-tracing app , which is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight , operates on a self-reporting model , asking users who believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiz about their symptoms .
If they appear to have COVID-19 , the app will suggest that anyone who has been in close contact with them practises strict social distancing while the person who has been infected gets a test .
Senior Whitehall officials have argued that in order to allow people to self-declare , the NHS app needs to use a centralised model , or it will be impossible to secure effectively .
Prof Fraser said this was `` right '' - adding that the debate around privacy had become `` very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I support privacy , but we 're trying to do something complicated , which is to get the best possible privacy , but also maximise the chance of not having a second wave of the epidemic .
If warnings were sent out in less than 24 hours , Prof Fraser said , then his team 's models showed that it could `` make the difference between an epidemic starting to resurge towards the second wave or not '' - although the exact impact depended on what other measures were in place .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he added , by putting in its place a `` smart lockdown '' that only targeted at-risk individuals .
Asked if he believed it was possible to make testing quick enough to use that for contact tracing , Prof Fraser said : `` That 's not for me to believe or not .
It 's just to understand that if you make this choice , then it has this implication - that 's for others to answer that question . ''
Other public health experts , however , disagreed with the assumptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They 're departing from standard procedure for an epidemic , which is that you tackle a local outbreak locally , '' said Allyson Pollock , Director of the Institute of Health and Society at Newcastle University .
`` I 'm really puzzled by the approach . ''
Google and Apple are building a contact-tracing system using a decentralised model , which Professor Fraser said could have benefits if it encouraged more people to download the app .
`` There are advantages to the Google/Apple system , '' he said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to get the highest possible uptake .
`` It 's important that people feel confident and feel that the privacy concerns are being taken seriously and that the system collects as little information as it needs to function . ''
Asked whether alerts from a system that was based on self-reporting would be taken less seriously or enable fraudulent claims , Prof Fraser said his team was considering that with behavioural scientists .
An important factor in encouraging compliance , he said , would be the accuracy of the app 's risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at risk using a variety of measures taken from the phone 's Bluetooth signal .
These include assessing how `` meaningful '' a meeting was , based on the length and frequency of contacts - something Prof Fraser said it would be easier to determine with the data from a centralised app .
However , he acknowledged it would be possible for users of a decentralised app to donate data to improve the system .
Advocates of decentralisation argue this would be a good way to preserve privacy and help contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Michael Veale , a lecturer at University College London who is working on a decentralised contact tracing system called DP3T , said : `` It 's good to hear the epidemiologists recognise that decentralised systems also provide the data needed to improve the risk scoring .
`` Data donation as we have designed it does n't even risk privacy of the users , we just feel that contact-tracing apps should just do what they say on the tin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Oxford Big Data Institute has been advising a number of countries across the world on contact tracing apps , including Norway , Singapore , Switzerland , Germany , Australia and New Zealand .
The group models the impact of various interventions on a million `` person '' virtual city designed to reflect the conditions of life in the UK .

People at risk of COVID-19 infection need to be alerted within 24 hours or contact tracing will be useless, a scientist advising the government has warned.
Professor Christophe Fraser, a University of Oxford epidemiologist who is advising the NHS on its contact-tracing app, said the fact that coronavirus spread before people experienced symptoms made speed essential in tracing contacts.
He told Sky News: "A 72-hour delay really means that you're having very little impact on the epidemic. A 48-hour delay is pretty bad.
"You really need to be getting the information across in 24 hours."
Asked how to achieve the necessary speed, which refers to time after the onset of symptoms, Prof Fraser said that it could either be done by "incredibly quick testing" or by asking people to report their own symptoms.
Sky News understands that results from tests going to the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Laboratory are currently returned in 24 to 36 hours.
The NHS contact-tracing app, which is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight, operates on a self-reporting model, asking users who believe they have coronavirus to complete a short quiz about their symptoms.
If they appear to have COVID-19, the app will suggest that anyone who has been in close contact with them practises strict social distancing while the person who has been infected gets a test.
Senior Whitehall officials have argued that in order to allow people to self-declare, the NHS app needs to use a centralised model, or it will be impossible to secure effectively.
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Prof Fraser said this was "right" - adding that the debate around privacy had become "very binary".
He said: "I support privacy, but we're trying to do something complicated, which is to get the best possible privacy, but also maximise the chance of not having a second wave of the epidemic.
If warnings were sent out in less than 24 hours, Prof Fraser said, then his team's models showed that it could "make the difference between an epidemic starting to resurge towards the second wave or not" - although the exact impact depended on what other measures were in place.
It could also help lift the national lockdown, he added, by putting in its place a "smart lockdown" that only targeted at-risk individuals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Contact tracing app piloted on Isle of Wight
Asked if he believed it was possible to make testing quick enough to use that for contact tracing, Prof Fraser said: "That's not for me to believe or not. It's just to understand that if you make this choice, then it has this implication - that's for others to answer that question."
Other public health experts, however, disagreed with the assumptions made about testing and contact tracing.
"They're departing from standard procedure for an epidemic, which is that you tackle a local outbreak locally," said Allyson Pollock, Director of the Institute of Health and Society at Newcastle University.
"I'm really puzzled by the approach."
Google and Apple are building a contact-tracing system using a decentralised model, which Professor Fraser said could have benefits if it encouraged more people to download the app.
"There are advantages to the Google/Apple system," he said. "They operate the operating system and it's important to get the highest possible uptake.
"It's important that people feel confident and feel that the privacy concerns are being taken seriously and that the system collects as little information as it needs to function."
Asked whether alerts from a system that was based on self-reporting would be taken less seriously or enable fraudulent claims, Prof Fraser said his team was considering that with behavioural scientists.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 How does contact tracing app work?
An important factor in encouraging compliance, he said, would be the accuracy of the app's risk scoring algorithm, which decides whether people are at risk using a variety of measures taken from the phone's Bluetooth signal.
These include assessing how "meaningful" a meeting was, based on the length and frequency of contacts - something Prof Fraser said it would be easier to determine with the data from a centralised app.
However, he acknowledged it would be possible for users of a decentralised app to donate data to improve the system.
Advocates of decentralisation argue this would be a good way to preserve privacy and help contact tracing become more accurate.
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Michael Veale, a lecturer at University College London who is working on a decentralised contact tracing system called DP3T, said: "It's good to hear the epidemiologists recognise that decentralised systems also provide the data needed to improve the risk scoring.
"Data donation as we have designed it doesn't even risk privacy of the users, we just feel that contact-tracing apps should just do what they say on the tin, and ask for consent before doing more."
The Oxford Big Data Institute has been advising a number of countries across the world on contact tracing apps, including Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
The group models the impact of various interventions on a million "person" virtual city designed to reflect the conditions of life in the UK.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Public told to stay indoors as UK basks in VE Day bank holiday sunshine

People have been told to resist the sunny weather and stay indoors this bank holiday weekend as a cabinet minister insisted there had been no `` green light to abandon the lockdown '' .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News the coronavirus social distancing message remained the same until the prime minister makes an address to the nation on Sunday evening , and even then warned people not to expect `` big changes '' .
There would only be `` very small tentative steps '' , conditional on the scientific evidence , he said as he sought to downplay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the COVID-19 lockdown ahead of the VE Day bank holiday .
There have also been concerns about `` mixed messages '' , after newspaper reports suggested sunbathing and picnics could be allowed as early as Monday .
It came as much of the UK will be basked in glorious sunshine , with temperatures expected to reach up to 26C ( 78.8F ) on Friday .
Mr Dowden said : `` The public have not been given a green light to abandon the lockdown .
`` We are passed that first peak but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't allow a second peak that overwhelms the NHS because that would destroy all the hard work we have put in so far .
`` It will only be very small tentative steps from Sunday , conditional on the scientific evidence . ''
Speaking to Sky News , he said : `` Of course I want the economy to be opened as quickly as possible but that has to be consistent with public health .
`` This weekend ... the message remains the same .
People need to stay at home in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` On Sunday , what the prime minister will do is set out the roadmap for the months ahead .
We have passed the peak of the infection so we can now start to look to the future .
`` But I have to say these will be very very limited steps and very conditional steps .
`` If the is any evidence the reinfection rate is starting to rise back out of control we will be pull back on those lockdown measures .
`` Do n't expect big changes from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will set out that roadmap so people can see where we are going but we will only go through each phase of that roadmap if we are permitted to do so by the evidence . ''
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020 , with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place .
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans ' procession , street parties , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second World War life in London 's St James ' Park , and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill 's famous victory speech .
The Queen will make a TV address from Windsor , her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak , following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with a nod to the words of Vera Lynn 's classic wartime anthem : `` We will meet again . ''
The prime minister has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance at the grave of the Unknown Warrior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the prime minister said the UK 's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War .

People have been told to resist the sunny weather and stay indoors this bank holiday weekend as a cabinet minister insisted there had been no "green light to abandon the lockdown".
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News the coronavirus social distancing message remained the same until the prime minister makes an address to the nation on Sunday evening, and even then warned people not to expect "big changes".
Image: The culture secretary says there will only be 'very small tentative steps' to ease the lockdown
There would only be "very small tentative steps", conditional on the scientific evidence, he said as he sought to downplay expectations raised by Boris Johnson over changes to the COVID-19 lockdown ahead of the VE Day bank holiday.
There have also been concerns about "mixed messages", after newspaper reports suggested sunbathing and picnics could be allowed as early as Monday.
It came as much of the UK will be basked in glorious sunshine, with temperatures expected to reach up to 26C (78.8F) on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Javid: 'We've got to find a way forward'
Mr Dowden said: "The public have not been given a green light to abandon the lockdown.
"We are passed that first peak but we have to ensure that we don't allow a second peak that overwhelms the NHS because that would destroy all the hard work we have put in so far.
"It will only be very small tentative steps from Sunday, conditional on the scientific evidence."
Speaking to Sky News, he said: "Of course I want the economy to be opened as quickly as possible but that has to be consistent with public health.
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"This weekend... the message remains the same. People need to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
"On Sunday, what the prime minister will do is set out the roadmap for the months ahead. We have passed the peak of the infection so we can now start to look to the future.
"But I have to say these will be very very limited steps and very conditional steps.
"If the is any evidence the reinfection rate is starting to rise back out of control we will be pull back on those lockdown measures.
"Don't expect big changes from the prime minister on Sunday.
"We will set out that roadmap so people can see where we are going but we will only go through each phase of that roadmap if we are permitted to do so by the evidence."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 PM pays tribute to veterans to mark VE Day
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020, with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place.
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans' procession, street parties, the creation of Victory Park featuring examples of Second World War life in London's St James' Park, and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill's famous victory speech.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
The Queen will make a TV address from Windsor, her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak, following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with a nod to the words of Vera Lynn's classic wartime anthem: "We will meet again."
The prime minister has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.
In a letter paying tribute to veterans, the prime minister said the UK's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: No 'dramatic overnight change' planned for UK's lockdown, minister warns

There will not be any `` dramatic overnight change '' of the UK 's lockdown rules , a cabinet minister has warned .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , Environment Secretary George Eustice said the UK is `` not out of the woods '' and there are `` still major challenges '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
With the prime minister due to update the country on Sunday , Mr Eustice said ministers needed to be `` very very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have '' .
He added : `` We will be living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come and it 's therefore important to avoid that second peak that could overwhelm our NHS . ''
He said Boris Johnson would `` set out effectively a roadmap of how we can evolve the current restrictions '' .
Earlier , First Minister Mark Drakeford said Wales would remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid `` a return of the virus . ''
But restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday , with people being allowed to exercise outside more than once a day and garden centres reopening .
In Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only change being considered `` in the immediate term '' was about allowing longer than one hour of outdoor exercise a day .
Mr Eustice has also announced that charities will be given £16m to help provide food for those who are struggling because of COVID-19 .
At least 5,000 frontline groups in England will benefit , and it will cover rural areas as well as cities .
The environment secretary said that more than one million food parcels had been delivered to so far to the clinically vulnerable .
He said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition all of those in the shielded cohort have been added to a list giving them priority access to supermarket delivery slots .
`` So far around 400,000 people have been offered priority delivery slots by supermarkets and around one million orders have been placed . ''
Volunteers using the NHS Good Samaritan app had carried out 79,000 shopping runs , he added .
Mr Eustice said that permitting wider attendance at funerals is something the UK government is `` looking at closely '' , adding : `` We are very conscious that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People want the opportunity to pay their last respects .
Obviously we have to be very conscious of large social gatherings , but it is something we are giving consideration to . ''
Asked about fast food outlets , the environment secretary said he thought it was `` quite possible for these venues to reopen and reopen safely - we never mandated that they should close '' .
He added that some of them could perhaps learn lessons from how supermarkets have been operating during the pandemic .

There will not be any "dramatic overnight change" of the UK's lockdown rules, a cabinet minister has warned.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Environment Secretary George Eustice said the UK is "not out of the woods" and there are "still major challenges" during the coronavirus pandemic.
With the prime minister due to update the country on Sunday, Mr Eustice said ministers needed to be "very very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have".
Image: People on the beach in Brighton on Friday
He added: "We will be living with this virus for some time to come and it's therefore important to avoid that second peak that could overwhelm our NHS."
He said Boris Johnson would "set out effectively a roadmap of how we can evolve the current restrictions".
Earlier, First Minister Mark Drakeford said Wales would remain in lockdown for another three weeks to avoid "a return of the virus."
But restrictions will be eased slightly from Monday, with people being allowed to exercise outside more than once a day and garden centres reopening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Welsh govt makes three small tweaks to lockdown
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the only change being considered "in the immediate term" was about allowing longer than one hour of outdoor exercise a day.
Mr Eustice has also announced that charities will be given £16m to help provide food for those who are struggling because of COVID-19.
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At least 5,000 frontline groups in England will benefit, and it will cover rural areas as well as cities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 'UK nations may well move at different speeds'
The environment secretary said that more than one million food parcels had been delivered to so far to the clinically vulnerable.
He said in the Downing Street briefing: "In addition all of those in the shielded cohort have been added to a list giving them priority access to supermarket delivery slots.
"So far around 400,000 people have been offered priority delivery slots by supermarkets and around one million orders have been placed."
Volunteers using the NHS Good Samaritan app had carried out 79,000 shopping runs, he added.
Mr Eustice said that permitting wider attendance at funerals is something the UK government is "looking at closely", adding: "We are very conscious that this is an incredibly sensitive matter.
"People want the opportunity to pay their last respects. Obviously we have to be very conscious of large social gatherings, but it is something we are giving consideration to."
Asked about fast food outlets, the environment secretary said he thought it was "quite possible for these venues to reopen and reopen safely - we never mandated that they should close".
He added that some of them could perhaps learn lessons from how supermarkets have been operating during the pandemic.


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: Lockdown widening the education gap between privileged and deprived pupils, experts say

Lockdown is causing a widening education gap between privileged and deprived children , according to education experts .
One student is so frustrated he wrote to Sky News to complain that the government is not doing enough to `` mitigate for the months of lost learning '' .
Aaron Billingsley , 15 , from Sutton Coldfield , said : `` A lot of people my age , including myself , feel the government is n't doing enough regarding 2021 exams as we feel we are having to teach ourselves multiple subjects , around 10 altogether , without any face-to-face interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of his school friends have no internet access , Aaron added that if they return to school in September many `` will not have done any learning at home for six months '' , and he called for the government to introduce measures to help .
Aaron 's concerns are shared by teachers .
A study of teachers shows that under lockdown hundreds of thousands of children from disadvantaged families are experiencing less than an hour of home schooling a day , while wealthier children are more likely to study for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey company , Teacher Tap , found that 43 % of secondary school teachers in deprived areas said their pupils studied for less than an hour a day under lockdown .
That compares to just 4 % of private school teachers , and 14 % in state schools in more affluent areas .
This gap is even more pronounced in primary schools where 55 % of those teaching in the most disadvantaged schools said their children were doing less than an hour a day versus 26 % in state primaries with the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted in March but a review in April found the gap widening as the lockdown continues .
Secondary teachers believe the main reason for children falling behind during this time is where they already have a long-standing poor attitude to school and a general lack of self-discipline .
However , lack of parental supervision was the second highest consideration and half of teachers also sighted lack of access to technology as a factor .
The Office for National Statistics found in 2018 that 700,000 pupils do not have access to devices such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Halfon , chair of the education select committee told Sky News : `` I think this coronavirus exposes a deep digital divide in our country - the digital haves and the digital have nots .
`` We are still ignoring all these children who do n't have access or the right supervision .
`` We must have summer schools .
We must offer these left-behind pupils a chance to catch up .
`` We need a nationwide alliance of charities and tutoring organisations , a volunteer army , similar to what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired teachers , Ofsted inspectors who are n't deployed at the moment and graduates helping these young people catch up .
`` The government should introduce a special catch up premium . ''
Sky News spoke to a number of students in different educational settings .
While many in the state sector believed they were falling behind , some year 10s in fee paying schools said they were keeping up with their studies .
Independently educated Samual Ganderson , 15 , says he has a full timetable of online streamed lessons at St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about the impact of lockdown on his studies .
He said : `` There are six lessons in a day .
Normally lessons are supposed to end at 4pm , I manage to drag it out until 5.30 .
It 's fine because I normally get homework .
`` The teacher 's camera is on and so it makes you feel like you are properly in school , although it 's different it gets you into that mindset . ''
Aaron Billingsley , who goes to Fairfax Academy in Sutton Coldfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interaction with his teachers .
`` Every teenager has different abilities , skill sets and motivation levels , '' he told Sky News .
`` When we return to school , whenever that be , we will be at different stages of our course and we are due to have mock exams starting at the start of year 11 , so this September .
`` It 's almost impossible to expect every year 10 student to do mock exams and GCSE exams next year without any system in place to mitigate the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lily Cole , 15 , said she felt `` unprepared '' for her mock GCSEs next term , and had also no digital face-to-face contact with her teacher .
She said : `` The government should encourage schools to put us on Zoom calls more and utilise all these things that we could be using .
`` At the moment , we 're just messaging the teachers and hoping for a response .
Then there 's people without the internet - the school could just send them work , just for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of Fairfax Academy , said : `` I am enormously proud of our students and staff for the commitment they have shown during this period .
`` We have maintained five lessons a day for all years and kept in touch with children through online surveys , phone calls and video .
`` I am sure that with this level of support all our children will be well placed to resume normal schooling and education . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send 200,000 laptops to help the most disadvantaged children during lockdown .
The Department of Education did not say how many have been received , but said deliveries began in May and will continue into June .
It is prioritising the delivery of devices to children with a social worker and care leavers .
This will be followed by devices for disadvantaged Year 10 children who do not have access to a device through other means .
A Department for Education spokeswoman said : `` We will do everything possible to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls behind as a result of coronavirus .
`` We have provided over £100 million to boost remote education , including providing devices to those children who need it most , and technical support for schools to access and effectively use Google and Microsoft 's education platforms . ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Lockdown is causing a widening education gap between privileged and deprived children, according to education experts.
One student is so frustrated he wrote to Sky News to complain that the government is not doing enough to "mitigate for the months of lost learning".
Aaron Billingsley, 15, from Sutton Coldfield, said: "A lot of people my age, including myself, feel the government isn't doing enough regarding 2021 exams as we feel we are having to teach ourselves multiple subjects, around 10 altogether, without any face-to-face interaction or Zoom video calling."
Noting that some of his school friends have no internet access, Aaron added that if they return to school in September many "will not have done any learning at home for six months", and he called for the government to introduce measures to help.
Aaron's concerns are shared by teachers. A study of teachers shows that under lockdown hundreds of thousands of children from disadvantaged families are experiencing less than an hour of home schooling a day, while wealthier children are more likely to study for several hours a day.
Research by survey company, Teacher Tap, found that 43% of secondary school teachers in deprived areas said their pupils studied for less than an hour a day under lockdown.
That compares to just 4% of private school teachers, and 14% in state schools in more affluent areas.
This gap is even more pronounced in primary schools where 55% of those teaching in the most disadvantaged schools said their children were doing less than an hour a day versus 26% in state primaries with the most affluent intakes.
The initial study was conducted in March but a review in April found the gap widening as the lockdown continues.
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Secondary teachers believe the main reason for children falling behind during this time is where they already have a long-standing poor attitude to school and a general lack of self-discipline.
However, lack of parental supervision was the second highest consideration and half of teachers also sighted lack of access to technology as a factor.
The Office for National Statistics found in 2018 that 700,000 pupils do not have access to devices such as laptops or tablets for online learning.
Robert Halfon, chair of the education select committee told Sky News: "I think this coronavirus exposes a deep digital divide in our country - the digital haves and the digital have nots.
"We are still ignoring all these children who don't have access or the right supervision.
"We must have summer schools. We must offer these left-behind pupils a chance to catch up.
"We need a nationwide alliance of charities and tutoring organisations, a volunteer army, similar to what happens in the National Health Service, of retired teachers, Ofsted inspectors who aren't deployed at the moment and graduates helping these young people catch up.
"The government should introduce a special catch up premium."
Image: Lily Cole, 15, said she has had no face-to-face digital contact with her teachers ahead of her mock GCSEs next term
Sky News spoke to a number of students in different educational settings. While many in the state sector believed they were falling behind, some year 10s in fee paying schools said they were keeping up with their studies.
Independently educated Samual Ganderson, 15, says he has a full timetable of online streamed lessons at St Edwards Senior School and he is not worried about the impact of lockdown on his studies.
He said: "There are six lessons in a day. Normally lessons are supposed to end at 4pm, I manage to drag it out until 5.30. It's fine because I normally get homework.
"The teacher's camera is on and so it makes you feel like you are properly in school, although it's different it gets you into that mindset."
Aaron Billingsley, who goes to Fairfax Academy in Sutton Coldfield, said he has had no online face-to-face interaction with his teachers.
"Every teenager has different abilities, skill sets and motivation levels," he told Sky News.
"When we return to school, whenever that be, we will be at different stages of our course and we are due to have mock exams starting at the start of year 11, so this September.
"It's almost impossible to expect every year 10 student to do mock exams and GCSE exams next year without any system in place to mitigate the months of lost learning."
Fellow pupil, Lily Cole, 15, said she felt "unprepared" for her mock GCSEs next term, and had also no digital face-to-face contact with her teacher.
She said: "The government should encourage schools to put us on Zoom calls more and utilise all these things that we could be using.
"At the moment, we're just messaging the teachers and hoping for a response. Then there's people without the internet - the school could just send them work, just for a bit of help."
Debbie Bunn, head of Fairfax Academy, said: "I am enormously proud of our students and staff for the commitment they have shown during this period.
"We have maintained five lessons a day for all years and kept in touch with children through online surveys, phone calls and video.
"I am sure that with this level of support all our children will be well placed to resume normal schooling and education."
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The government promised to send 200,000 laptops to help the most disadvantaged children during lockdown.
The Department of Education did not say how many have been received, but said deliveries began in May and will continue into June.
It is prioritising the delivery of devices to children with a social worker and care leavers.
This will be followed by devices for disadvantaged Year 10 children who do not have access to a device through other means.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "We will do everything possible to make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus.
"We have provided over £100 million to boost remote education, including providing devices to those children who need it most, and technical support for schools to access and effectively use Google and Microsoft's education platforms."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Nissan puts focus on UK plant but sparks anger with Spain closure

Nissan 's decision to centre European production at its UK plant in Sunderland and close its Barcelona factory has sparked angry protests by workers in Spain .
Employees of the Japanese carmaker set fire to tyres outside the Catalonia site , which is to close - threatening the loss of 3,000 jobs .
The company is also to shut its factory in Indonesia .
The announcement came as Nissan said it had sunk into the red for the first time since the financial crash , following four years of tumbling profits .
The firm plans to become smaller and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide , after the coronavirus pandemic sent demand plunging .
A Nissan spokesman said : `` Europe will remain an important part of Nissan 's global business .
`` We have more than three decades of history in Europe , where Nissan created the crossover segment and took the lead in the roll-out of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure .
`` As the new Nissan mid-term plan explains , the company will be focusing on core models and technologies , which in Europe is our range of crossovers and electrified technologies .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for the European business .
`` The new Juke was recently launched , and the plant is now preparing for the arrival of the new Qashqai . ''
The move to overhaul the global business came as Nissan posted an annual operating loss of 40.5bn yen ( £307m ) for the year to 31 March , its worst performance since 2008/09 .
Over that period , it sold 4.8 million vehicles , the second decline in a row and a fall of 13 % from last year .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The survival plan follows a new strategy announced by Nissan and its partners Renault and Mitsubishi Motors to work more closely on developing and producing cars to reduce costs and keep the businesses viable .
Even before the spread of the coronavirus , Nissan 's slumping profits had forced it to rein in an aggressive expansion plan pursued by ousted leader Carlos Ghosn .
The COVID-19 pandemic has only ramped up the pressure to downsize .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Nissan's decision to centre European production at its UK plant in Sunderland and close its Barcelona factory has sparked angry protests by workers in Spain.
Employees of the Japanese carmaker set fire to tyres outside the Catalonia site, which is to close - threatening the loss of 3,000 jobs.
The company is also to shut its factory in Indonesia.
Image: Nissan says Sunderland remains an important part of its plans for the European business
The announcement came as Nissan said it had sunk into the red for the first time since the financial crash, following four years of tumbling profits.
The firm plans to become smaller and more cost-efficient, building 20% fewer vehicles worldwide, after the coronavirus pandemic sent demand plunging.
A Nissan spokesman said: "Europe will remain an important part of Nissan's global business.
"We have more than three decades of history in Europe, where Nissan created the crossover segment and took the lead in the roll-out of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
"As the new Nissan mid-term plan explains, the company will be focusing on core models and technologies, which in Europe is our range of crossovers and electrified technologies.
"Sunderland remains an important part of our plans for the European business.
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"The new Juke was recently launched, and the plant is now preparing for the arrival of the new Qashqai."
The move to overhaul the global business came as Nissan posted an annual operating loss of 40.5bn yen (£307m) for the year to 31 March, its worst performance since 2008/09.
Over that period, it sold 4.8 million vehicles, the second decline in a row and a fall of 13% from last year.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The survival plan follows a new strategy announced by Nissan and its partners Renault and Mitsubishi Motors to work more closely on developing and producing cars to reduce costs and keep the businesses viable.
Even before the spread of the coronavirus, Nissan's slumping profits had forced it to rein in an aggressive expansion plan pursued by ousted leader Carlos Ghosn.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only ramped up the pressure to downsize.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Head splashes out on swimwear brand Zoggs

The private equity firm run by Luke Johnson , the serial entrepreneur , has sold the swimwear brand Zoggs to one of the world 's largest sports apparel empires .
Sky News understands that Mr Johnson 's Risk Capital Partners has struck a deal with Head , which is best-known for its winter sports equipment and tennis racquets .
The deal , which is understood to have been agreed in the last few days , comes as the coronavirus outbreak hurts sales of premium sports goods .
Head is owned by Johan Eliasch , a prominent businessman whose other roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentoring initiative for start-ups which was established by the Duke of York .
The terms of its purchase of Zoggs , which was bought by Mr Johnson 's firm in 2015 , were unclear on Thursday .
Zoggs sells millions of pairs of goggles annually , competing with brands including Speedo .
Established in Australia , its products are found in many UK leisure centres .
The sale of Zoggs comes as Mr Johnson , who was hit by the collapse of Patisserie Valerie 's parent company after an apparent fraud last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 on his largely consumer-focused business portfolio .
Risk Capital Partners is also an investor in businesses including Gail 's , the chain of bakeries , and a number of other hospitality companies .
Mr Johnson and Mr Eliasch both declined to comment .

The private equity firm run by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur, has sold the swimwear brand Zoggs to one of the world's largest sports apparel empires.
Sky News understands that Mr Johnson's Risk Capital Partners has struck a deal with Head, which is best-known for its winter sports equipment and tennis racquets.
The deal, which is understood to have been agreed in the last few days, comes as the coronavirus outbreak hurts sales of premium sports goods.
Head is owned by Johan Eliasch, a prominent businessman whose other roles include the chairmanship of Pitch, the mentoring initiative for start-ups which was established by the Duke of York.
The terms of its purchase of Zoggs, which was bought by Mr Johnson's firm in 2015, were unclear on Thursday.
Zoggs sells millions of pairs of goggles annually, competing with brands including Speedo.
Established in Australia, its products are found in many UK leisure centres.
The sale of Zoggs comes as Mr Johnson, who was hit by the collapse of Patisserie Valerie's parent company after an apparent fraud last year, tries to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on his largely consumer-focused business portfolio.
Risk Capital Partners is also an investor in businesses including Gail's, the chain of bakeries, and a number of other hospitality companies.
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Mr Johnson and Mr Eliasch both declined to comment.


news--2020-05-27--Coronavirus: Striking portraits capture 'honesty, rawness and reality of NHS' during the pandemic

Portraits of NHS heroes have gone on display in a virtual exhibition celebrating their incredible efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Organised by Oxford-based artist Tom Croft after he started painting his own portraits of healthworkers during the coronavirus outbreak , the display features NHS workers from across the UK .
In partnership with The Net Gallery , the exhibition was installed and scanned at Fitzrovia Chapel in London and is now available for a virtual tour online .
Croft and 14 other members of Contemporary British Portrait Painters ( CBPP ) have contributed to the exhibition , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His own portrait of Harriet Durkin , an A & E nurse at Manchester Royal Infirmary who had just returned to work after recovering from COVID-19 herself , is among the paintings on show .
`` Portraits For NHS Heroes felt like a way of saying thank you and giving key workers something to possibly look forward to in these exceptionally challenging times , '' says Croft .
`` It was also a way of documenting their personal stories and celebrating them through portraiture . ''
Here are some of the portraits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Housman and Funmi Tayo , colleagues in the maternity unit at the James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk - by Thomas Leveritt Dr Matt May , A & E consultant at St Thomas ' Hospital , London - by Patrick Morales-Lee Jo Habben , head of clinical governance and patient safety at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - by Jane French Izzy Speight , a staff nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford - by Danny Howes Karl Ellis , who works for the NHS in Oxford - by Tim Benson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South of England - by Clive Bryant Senior sister Sharon Stone , who works at the Williton Hospital community and stroke rehabilitation unit in Somerset - by Peter Monkman You can visit the Portraits For NHS Heroes virtual exhibition here .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Portraits of NHS heroes have gone on display in a virtual exhibition celebrating their incredible efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organised by Oxford-based artist Tom Croft after he started painting his own portraits of healthworkers during the coronavirus outbreak, the display features NHS workers from across the UK.
Image: The exhibition has been set up at Fitzrovia Chapel in London, and viewers online can see the portraits as if they were there in person
In partnership with The Net Gallery, the exhibition was installed and scanned at Fitzrovia Chapel in London and is now available for a virtual tour online.
Croft and 14 other members of Contemporary British Portrait Painters (CBPP) have contributed to the exhibition, which is also raising funds for NHS Charities Together. His own portrait of Harriet Durkin, an A&E nurse at Manchester Royal Infirmary who had just returned to work after recovering from COVID-19 herself, is among the paintings on show.
"Portraits For NHS Heroes felt like a way of saying thank you and giving key workers something to possibly look forward to in these exceptionally challenging times," says Croft. "It was also a way of documenting their personal stories and celebrating them through portraiture."
Here are some of the portraits and the stories behind them.
Northern Ireland ambulance service worker Mark - by Angela Bell
Image: "The professionalism, compassion and devotion that NHS staff demonstrate on a 'normal' working day is exemplary, but during the pandemic they have raised the bar even further still," says Angela.
Emily Housman and Funmi Tayo, colleagues in the maternity unit at the James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk - by Thomas Leveritt
Image: "Obviously the issue is well to the fore now, but I think what's wanted isn't so much applause as it is decent pay, decent staffing levels, and above all, a decent party in government to reverse the slow dissolution of the NHS," says Thomas.
Dr Matt May, A&E consultant at St Thomas' Hospital, London - by Patrick Morales-Lee
Image: "I was really keen to be part of this project as my mum was a nurse for the NHS for most of her life," says Patrick.
Jo Habben, head of clinical governance and patient safety at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - by Jane French
Image: "The portraits project has captured the honesty, rawness and reality of the NHS during the pandemic. Ordinary people doing their jobs - suddenly thrust into the spotlight," says Jo.
Izzy Speight, a staff nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - by Danny Howes
Image: "Izzy shared a number of photos with me and took the one I based the painting on straight after a long shift. The emotion and sense of being physically and emotionally drained really spoke to me and I wanted to capture this," says Danny.
Steph Hedge, a staff nurse at St James's University Hospital, Leeds - by Peter Davis
Image: "I am a newly qualified nurse and love my job, but the past few months have been really tough. The #portraitsfornhsheroes project is such a lovely thing and it's so kind of all the artists that have got involved," says Steph.
Paramedic Darren Neeld - by James Bland
Image: "It's been a humbling experience being part of the NHS through the pandemic, the support from the public has been amazing. The #portraitsfornhsheroes is a great example of some of the support we have received," says Darren.
Intensive care nurse Nina - by Steven Higginson
Image: "I asked Nina to send me a photo in natural light, outdoors with strong shadows. My aim was to paint a bright, colourful and optimistic painting full of energy - something Nina could enjoy having," says Steven.
Karl Ellis, who works for the NHS in Oxford - by Tim Benson
Image: "It was a pleasure and honour to paint Karl for #portraitsfornhsheroes. I felt it was extremely important to recognise the crucial, often dangerous work NHS workers are undertaking on our behalf," says Tim.
Scarlett Brannigan - by James Crowther
Image: "It was really great to be included in #portraitsforhhsheroes and brought some creative excitement in a pretty bleak time. It's a wonderful record of the work we have been doing at this time," says Scarlett.
Dr Alex Ward, a GP in the South of England - by Clive Bryant
Image: "He was nominated for a portrait by his brother and, because it was a surprise, I had limited photo reference to work from. I chose the reference I did because I liked how the sunlight burst on to the side of his face," says Clive.
Tasha Rainsley - by Ian Goldsmith
Image: "Thank you so much Tasha and everyone that makes up the NHS family. The doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, ambulance crew, midwives, radiographers, anaesthetists, physiotherapists... and everyone not mentioned but no less important," says Ian.
Senior sister Sharon Stone, who works at the Williton Hospital community and stroke rehabilitation unit in Somerset - by Peter Monkman
Image: "I wanted to create a pose and expression that best communicates a reflective determination and hope for the future. Sharon was thrilled by the portrait, which had extra resonance as she received it on National Nurses Day," says Peter.
Midwife Seonaid - by Michael James Monaghan
Image: "This is a portrait of Seonaid, who is working as a midwife right now while also being pregnant. It's so strange and humbling to think of folk who are THAT selfless in their day-to-day lives. Inspiring in the true sense of the word," says Michael.
You can visit the Portraits For NHS Heroes virtual exhibition here.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk